A new event series focusing on front-end web development is debuting in DC

Front-end developers in D.C. have a new chance to meet other professionals in the community and learn about new approaches.

Fore_Front will hold its first event on Friday, April 27, at iStrategyLabs. The event features a panel focused on making web accessibility a priority across organizations, and building websites that are inclusive for everyone. According to organizer and ISL Web Developer Julie Bacon, developers from Threespot, DCFemTech, Nava, Acquia and ISL will talk about topics like best practices, the role of design and development and cultural transformations and impacts on accessibility.

https://twitter.com/istrategylabs/status/986306263394013184

The morning event will be the first of a series of quarterly events. ISL frequently hosts events, and team members were talking about future ideas at a recent offsite meeting.

“Our devs wanted to create an opportunity to bring in the rockstar talent we have in D.C. to speak, network with other professionals, and, of course, eat a few bagels,” Bacon said via email. “We aim to create an inclusive environment, with all levels welcome, but curate the talks to focus on advanced Front-End topics.”

In all, a team of eight developers, designers and marketers helped to organize the Forefront.

“Everyone was very excited about the idea of a recurring speaker series to talk the latest and greatest in our craft,” Bacon said.  Once we had a name and mission, it was time for the fun part – the website. We created a web experience that we’re pretty proud of (pro-tip: refresh the page a few times).”

Going forward, the organizers will look to keep topics community driven, gathering talk proposals as well as feedback about what attendees would like to see.