It's a free event, sponsored by and held at LeanDog. If you aren't familiar with the idea of a Code Retreat, as promoted by my friend Patrick Wilson Welsh, take a look at his description here.
Briefly, it's an event where agile software developers get together and pair program several solutions to a practice program, with the goal of honing our craft and furthering learning and discussion (Think software kata.) The event hits 5 of the 7 agile skill pillars proposed by the Agile Developer Skills Project:
* Collaboration
* Supportive Culture
* Confidence
* Technical Excellence
* Self-Improvement
I attended the previous LeanDog CodeRetreat and it was great! Lots of talented developers, great practice and learning, tech talks and a party-like atmosphere.
LeanDog's location is amazing. Their website describes says:
Our office is floating in downtown Cleveland right next to the U.S.S. Cod (a WWII Submarine), the Burke Lakefront Airport, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We are located on a converted steamship, the Keasarge, that was formerly known as Hornblower’s Barge and Grill. The restaurant setting remains and offers open spaces that are perfect for practicing Agile. Our location gives a great view of the skyline of the city we support.
We'll be coding in Java again, but if you want to learn or practice pairing and you don't know Java, don't let that stop you. That was my situation last time and it was still a great experience!
