Zoom Was Never Enough

Midweek thought for you:
How many Zoom calls have you had this week?

The number is probably higher than we'd like to admit.

Virtual workspaces have become the norm. Zoom is our meeting room. Google Drive our whiteboard. And Slack channels have become our social spaces. It’s 2026, and business has carried on as usual.

But for many of us, something still feels missing.

Honestly, something has BEEN missing.

The pandemic stripped away a lot of the moments we used to take for granted. And even now, years later, many of us can still feel it.

What are we missing most?

The hallway conversations.The coffee chats between meetings.The unexpected introduction from a colleague that turns into collaboration, shared ideas, or even friendships.

That feeling; the craving for community and connection is part of why XO Ruby exists.

In tech, we sometimes forget that developers are people, too. People who spend long hours solving problems, shipping code, and working through tickets, often without many opportunities to step away from their screens and connect with others doing the same work.

XO Ruby was created with developers in mind.

Our goal is simple: bring developers back together through thoughtful, accessible in-person gatherings.

Our solution: build a series of smaller events across different regions, gathering in centralized cities where communities can easily come together, strengthen local connections, and make space for real human interaction again.

Because the value of traditional conferences has never just been the stage.

It’s the people in the room.

Community doesn’t just happen.

People build it. 

Brick by brick, with purpose and intention.

If you’ve been feeling that same desire for stronger developer communities and more meaningful connection, welcome. That’s exactly what we’re building with XO Ruby.

We’d love your help continuing to keep the fire going. Any contribution big or small helps us bring the tour to life.

Here are a few ways YOU can support: 

• Become a Tour Sponsor (multiple tier options)
• Host a City
• Bring your Team
• Recommend a Venue that could Host a Future XO Ruby Stop
• Feed Bellies. Donate TACOS. 
• Fill up Our Gas Tank on the Road
• Spread the Word (share our story with your network on socials or email)

Maybe even bring an XO Ruby event to your city. If that sounds interesting, schedule a call with us.