Rochester AI Craft: A Python User Group

Rochester's Python Users Group is now Rochester AI Craft!

For over a decade, RocPy has been Rochester's local Python user group, bringing together developers, learners, employers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for building things with code.

Our mission has always been about community: creating a welcoming space to connect, learn, experiment, and work and play alongside fellow developers. All skill levels are welcome, whether you're just getting started or have been writing code for years.

But the way we build software is changing.

With the rise of AI coding assistants, the craft of software development is evolving. The conversation is shifting from how to write code in a particular language to how to design, build, and understand systems in a world where AI can help write the code.

We think that's an exciting shift, and one worth exploring together.

That's why RocPy is becoming Rochester AI Craft. We're expanding our focus to explore what it means to be a developer in the age of AI: the tools, techniques, opportunities, challenges, and, most importantly, the craft of building great software.

And don't worry, we still love Python! Python remains one of the most important languages in AI, machine learning, data science, and beyond. It will continue to be a big part of what we learn, share, and build together.

Whether you're a Python veteran, an AI enthusiast, a curious beginner, or simply someone who loves making things with technology, there's a place for you here.

What to Expect

We get together regularly to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore the evolving world of software development. Our gatherings generally follow a few formats:

• Monthly presentations: Typically 45–60 minute talks covering Python, AI-assisted development, software engineering, and other topics of interest to our community.
• Lightning talks: Have something interesting to share? We welcome short, informal 5–10 minute talks about projects, tools, discoveries, or lessons learned.
• Workshops: We love hands-on learning! If there's enough interest in a topic, we're happy to help organize workshops where we can experiment and build together.
• Past presentations: Curious what we've been up to? Check out recordings of previous meetings on our YouTube channel.

Our Community Values

Above all, we're here to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative developer community.

In that spirit, we follow the Python Software Foundation Code of Conduct and further express our values in our own community code of conduct.

Come learn, experiment, build, and help shape what's next.