About Handmade Cities
Sponsor-free tech events
We reject sponsorship deals because we must be allowed to criticize anyone’s software. Accepting “free” bags of money destroys our ability to change the industry.
An obligation to software quality
The industry’s incentives are about imposing control and fleecing customers. We’ve abandoned the user’s quality of experience, agency over their software, and privacy.
Self-host wherever possible
Anything essential to our conferences is processed in-house. E.g. When you register for an event we personally handle the process to generate your ticket—removing spying middlemen like Ticketmaster.
Healthy expansion
As a polyglot, our founder intends to expand even outside the United States. Since we wish to retain independence, however, we’re only growing through increased audience support.
Founder
Abner Coimbre
Abner is the founder of Handmade Cities and sole organizer for our conferences.
His professional story began when he left Puerto Rico for a yearlong internship at NASA. Abner was mentored on how they make software and after winning NASA’s Intern of the Year, he published an essay on their programming philosophy (featured in the news.)
Abner started the Handmade Network, an online community learning to make quality software. He went on to work for Jonathan Blow multiple years and then Cyan Worlds to help ship the Myst remake.
His concern of declining standards—both ethical and technical—pushed Abner to run tech conferences full-time, with ironclad conviction that we need independent organizers more than ever.
Event Coordinator
Morgan Rammell
Morgan’s done corporate event planning for several years but is now interested in the indie space. She oversees the logistics of running and facilitating Handmade conferences, working with the venue to solve any issues that arise in real-time.
Born and raised in Washington state you’ll find Morgan snowboarding, hiking, camping, and even rock-climbing!
Technical Producer
Phil Homan
Phil Homan, who goes by PH Test, is a Seattle developer with a knack for multidisciplinary work: live-performance visuals, experimental programs, games, and video production—often with tools he made himself!
Phil joined Handmade Cities to help Abner with matters related to streaming, recording, and A/V support at the conferences.
Content Editor
Devon (Tek256)
Devon, who goes by Tek256, is a talented freelance game developer. A Washington native, his interests go beyond video games which include editing video and audio as well as playing professional DJ at local events and parties.
Devon joined the staff to assist with editing content: trailers, podcasts, talks, and more.
