> Markdown version of [/@steve-chen](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/@steve-chen). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Steve Chen
Founder of Code & Coffee building sustainable, social-by-default developer communities.

## About

Steve Chen runs Code & Coffee, a volunteer-led developer community with 80,000 members across 30 cities. He builds spaces that prioritize real connection over passive audiences, sustaining over 300 annual events on a budget under $6,000.

As a former bootcamp grad who navigated his career through local meetups, Steve knows what makes groups actually work. He teaches organizers how to design events that are social by default, focusing on belonging and trust rather than endless talks and massive marketing budgets.


## Upcoming Sessions

### World Congress 2026 North America · September 23, 2026
San José, CA
- [In-Person by Default: Principles & Practices for Building Developer Meetups](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/events/world-congress-2026-north-america/sessions/1747-in-person-by-default)





## Links

- [X](https://x.com/SteveChenDC)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevechendc/)