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CityJS Medellín 2024 was an amazing conference that drew together both local and international developers in Medellín for an immersive experience focused on JavaScript, innovation, and collaboration. Held on October 25-26, the conference underscored Colombia’s growing influence in the tech world and showcased the talent of Colombian developers alongside renowned global experts. As the first CityJS event in Medellín, it provided a space for learning, networking, and exploring the future of JavaScript and related technologies.

NodeSource was thrilled to support CityJS Medellín 2024 as a Gold Sponsor, with five dedicated members from our team actively involved in organizing this incredible event.

## Highlights from CityJS Medellín

CityJS Medellín was packed with insightful talks and workshops, each offering unique perspectives on current and future developments in JavaScript. Attendees could explore diverse topics, from foundational JavaScript practices to cutting-edge innovations in AI, web development, and performance optimization.

Keynote Talks

The conference featured prominent speakers whose talks set the tone for a globally aware developer community. Robin Ginn, Executive Director of the OpenJS Foundation, opened with a talk on the pivotal role of JavaScript in today’s tech landscape. She discussed how JavaScript and open-source projects are shaping the future of AI, cloud computing, and the metaverse, encouraging attendees to take part in open-source initiatives that are driving these advancements.

Miguel Ángel Durán García (@midudev), a well-known developer and content creator, followed with an inspiring presentation on the latest advancements in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. He delved into upcoming features that will redefine web applications, including new capabilities for JavaScript, which allow for richer and more interactive user experiences.

Wes Todd, a member of the Express.js Technical Committee, gave a much-anticipated talk titled "Express Forward," addressing the misconception that Express is “dead.” He shared updates on the Express.js project, its ongoing evolution, and the efforts to revitalize its role in modern web applications. Todd’s talk underscored the resilience of Express.js as a backbone of many Node.js applications.

Hands-On Workshops

CityJS Medellín offered several workshops for hands-on learning, where attendees could deepen their skills with practical, instructor-led sessions, Rafael Gonzaga from NodeSource introduced attendees to Node.js performance analysis using N|Solid. His session provided developers with tools and techniques to analyze and improve application performance, a crucial skill in creating scalable and efficient Node.js applications.

Other workshops focused on specific technologies, such as Giovanni Laquidara’s session on developing smart TV applications using React Native. Laquidara demonstrated how JavaScript can bridge web development with the world of smart TV applications. Adrian Estrada from NodeSource, followed with an introduction to building LLM-based applications, helping developers understand how to implement Large Language Models in JavaScript.

Cutting-Edge Talks on AI and Geospatial Web Development

AI was a hot topic at CityJS Medellín. Lizzie Siegle from Cloudflare delivered a beginner-friendly yet powerful talk on prompt engineering, showing attendees how to interact effectively with Large Language Models (LLMs). Marco Ippolito presented a deep dive into JavaScript Abstract Syntax Trees, sharing tools and techniques for conducting advanced code searches in large files, which can streamline code analysis in complex projects. His insights into ASTs underscored the need for efficient code search tools in projects of any scale.

Courtney Yatteau from Esri introduced attendees to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and demonstrated how JavaScript developers can integrate geospatial data into their projects. Her talk covered essential GIS concepts and practical examples, showing how spatial data can transform applications across sectors like urban planning and environmental monitoring.

Women’s Participation

CityJS had a great presence of women in the conference, promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion in tech events. Congratulations 👏

Innovations in Web and AI Technologies

CityJS Medellín was also a showcase of the latest ideas around AI and JavaScript integration in the browser. Miguel Useche presented a compelling look at running Large Language Models directly in the browser using WebAssembly and WebGPU. He explored the potential of web-based LLMs to bring sophisticated AI capabilities into users’ hands without relying on server-based processing.

Anuar Harb introduced attendees to creating stunning 3D models with AI, using tools like Three.js and Spline. His talk showed how JavaScript can power immersive web experiences, with 3D models generated by AI adding a new layer of interactivity to websites.

Local Talent and Community Impact

A unique aspect of CityJS Medellín was its strong focus on amplifying Colombian voices and celebrating local talent. Speakers like Juan David Nicholls, who covered event-driven architectures using Temporal and React, and Cristian Daniel Marquez Barrios, who discussed the possibilities of JavaScript in quantum computing, exemplified the cutting-edge work being done by developers in Colombia. Their insights showcased Medellín’s potential to influence global tech conversations.

Another standout local speaker, Andres Villegas, presented on distributed async/await patterns with the Resonate JavaScript SDK, offering a fresh perspective on scaling applications across distributed environments. His talk contributed to the growing knowledge base in distributed computing and serverless technologies.

Reflections on CityJS Medellín 2024

CityJS Medellín 2024 was a landmark event for Colombia’s tech community. With a diverse program that spanned hands-on workshops, forward-looking talks, and interactive sessions, the conference created an environment that encouraged collaboration, learning, and inspiration.

For attendees, CityJS Medellín provided not only valuable technical insights but also connections with industry leaders and like-minded developers, building relationships that will undoubtedly fuel future projects and ideas. The success of CityJS Medellín reaffirms Colombia’s role as a key player in the JavaScript ecosystem and sets a high bar for future tech events in the region.

JSConf Latam 2025!

CityJS Medellín 2024 concluded with an exciting announcement that electrified the audience: for the first time, Medellín will host JSConf Latam, marking a historic milestone as the conference makes its debut in Latin America. This highly anticipated event will rotate between Latin American countries each year, starting with Medellín ❤️

JSConf Latam’s arrival cements Colombia’s role as a leading force in the global JavaScript community and signifies a broader commitment to nurturing talent and innovation across the region. This landmark event will not only spotlight local and international experts but also amplify Latin America’s contributions to the global tech landscape, inspiring developers throughout the region to participate and innovate.

The conference will be held in November 2025. To assist or submit a CFP, keep an eye at jsconf.lat