About CTS-NL

Who we are

The Computer Technology Society Newfoundland Labrador, better known as CTS-NL or simply CTS, is a community for anyone who works in or is curious about software, technology, and computing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Every Thursday, we get together for Project Night. It is an informal evening for making progress on a project, talking through a problem, or catching up with people who share your interests.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, culture, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, or nationality. The group is not specifically aimed at youth, but young people interested in computer technology are welcome too.

CTS-NL is for people rather than businesses, though we are happy to work with and support local companies. Members help one another develop technical skills, manage projects, and learn the things that come up along the way. You do not need a particular job title or level of experience to take part.

History

CTS-NL began after a 2014 CodeNL talk prompted a conversation about the lack of a developer community in the province. A few alumni of Memorial University's Computer Science Society decided to start one. During its first year, the group met at different coffee shops and bars every two or three weeks.

We settled on Jumping Bean Coffee on Elizabeth Avenue and started a weekly Project Night there in early 2016. Meetings continued for years, paused during COVID, and resumed in 2022. We have used a few other venues since then, including Element Bar & Lounge before it closed and the QEII Library during winters when Jumping Bean closed early. Jumping Bean remains our usual home.

Get involved

Most conversations happen on Discord. Join whenever you like, introduce yourself if you feel like it, and drop by a Thursday meetup when it suits you. It is also perfectly fine to read along until you are comfortable joining in.