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In a world where most collaboration is online, there’s something powerful about building side by side in the same room. At Shipaton, we love shipping fast and often — but sometimes the best way is to step offline.
IRL Events That Spark Momentum
Over the past few months, we've hosted a series of in-person gatherings — from Lisbon to NYC to London — bringing together indie hackers, founders, and builders. The idea is simple: show up, share what you're working on, and get to work. No pitches, no fluff, just momentum.
Each event is designed to be lightweight and energizing. It usually looks like:
- A cozy room with Wi-Fi and coffee.
- Builders demoing what they’ve been hacking on.
- Feedback, encouragement, and honest conversations.
- A chance to actually ship something during the event.
- Hanging out after, because building community matters too.
These gatherings create a unique energy — a space where ideas flow easily, motivation grows, and the pressure to ship becomes a shared goal. Being together helps spark quick feedback and real conversations that push projects forward.
Why It Works
In-person momentum is different. You show up, you commit, you focus. You meet people solving the same problems you are. You get unstuck, you get inspired, and most importantly — you ship.
The constraints of a 4-hour session push you to stop polishing and start shipping. Add a few new friends and a post-event group chat, and suddenly you're not building alone anymore.
Switching to microfrontends transformed our development process, allowing teams to work more independently while still delivering a seamless user experience.
Cody Koelpin— CEO Acme Company
What We’ve Learned
Running small IRL events has taught us that simple formats work best. You don’t need a big stage or fancy agenda — just people who want to build and some structure to keep momentum. These sessions prove that real progress happens when builders show up, share, and support each other.
Why Small, In-Person Events Work
There’s something powerful about being in a room with other focused builders. It creates momentum, accountability, and the space to work without distractions. The format is intentionally lightweight — no pitches, no pressure, just time to build.
Real-time feedback also makes a big difference. Conversations that might take days online happen in minutes. And when you're all on the same page, progress feels faster and more collaborative.
What Builders Take Away
We’ve seen that even small wins during these sessions can reignite motivation. Shipping something — anything — within a few hours builds confidence and reminds people that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. Here are a few patterns we’ve noticed:
1. Energy Fuels Progress
Being around others who are building keeps you focused and committed.
2. Live Feedback Hits Different
Honest, in-person conversations help move ideas forward fast.
3. Small Events Work
A dozen motivated people in one room can create serious results.
4. Shipping Builds Confidence
Tangible progress leads to renewed momentum, even after the event ends.
And when it’s over, most people don’t just leave with something shipped — they leave with new collaborators, fresh ideas, and a reminder that they’re not doing this alone.
A few quick tips to help you get started and keep things rolling.
- We provide resources and support to help your event succeed.
- Focus on creating a welcoming and easy-going environment.
- Your input helps us make future events better.
Join Us Next Time
We’re always spinning up new IRL Shipathons in cities around the world. If you’re interested in co-hosting, joining one, or just connecting with other fast-moving builders, head over to shipaton.com/irl-events.