About Us
the nor(DEV): behind the nor(DEV): con
We are more than just a conference. We are a community that goes beyond the event and is dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and connection in the East Anglian tech scene all year round.
Our Story A Passion for Tech & Community in Norfolk
It all started with a simple idea. After experiencing the vibrant developer meetups in London, our founder, Paul Grenyer, saw a need for a similar hub in Norwich. There was a clear appetite for tech in the city, but the community was fragmented. The mission became clear: "to bring good quality technical content to Norfolk" and create the networking opportunities needed for a thriving local ecosystem.
From that first Sync Conf in 2013 to today, that mission has grown but the core remains the same. We are a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to building up the tech community in Norfolk and beyond. We're here to help graduates find internships, juniors land their first roles, and seniors find their next challenge, all within one supportive space.
Our Values in Action
We don't just talk about our values; we live them. Here's how we put our community-first promise into practice.
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Inclusivity & Accessibility
- We work hard to create a welcoming space for everyone. In 2024 alone, we provided over 50 free student tickets and 15 scholarship tickets to ensure that cost is never a barrier to learning and connection.
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Radical Transparency
- We are a not-for-profit company. We publish a detailed financial breakdown of our costs and income after each conference. Any surplus is reinvested directly into the community & events throughout the year.
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Community Impact
- The caring spirit of our community is incredible. At our 2024 conference, we raised £1,252 for The Feed, a local foundation tackling poverty and homelessness in Norwich.
The Organising Team
Norfolk Developers is powered by passion and a desire to see the community thrive. We're a small team of volunteers who dedicate time to nurturing the community that has helped in their own growth.
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Alex Barfield
Lead Organiser
As a freelance software developer, Alex found connection & support in the community when originally joining Norfolk Developers in 2014. Determined to maintain this community passion he was keen to step up and continue in Paul's stead. Since 2019, Alex has been passionate about creating a platform for developers to share knowledge, learn new skills, and connect with their peers.
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn -
Mary-Anne Barfield
Co-Organiser
Mary-Anne is the heart of the nor(DEV):con conference. She ensures the conference is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. Manages our Conference volunteers and she also works to build strong relationships with our sponsors and partners, who are essential to making the event a success.
Connect with Mary-Anne on LinkedIn
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Join a community that thrives throughout the year!
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Code of Conduct
Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment is our highest priority. We expect all participants to adhere to our Code of Conduct.
Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attenders. Behave professionally. Remember that any discriminatory (as in sexist, racist, etc.) or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate. Attendees violating these rules will be asked to leave the conference without a refund at the sole discretion of the conference organisers.
Read the Full CoC