The CascadiaJS conference was organized by Carter M Rabasa in 2012 with the goal of bringing together developers from the Pacific Northwest for a two-day event featuring talks and fun activities. The conference was community-driven, staffed by volunteers, and had a strong focus on content, internet connectivity, and coffee. To create an engaging experience, speakers were carefully selected through an open call, and various perks such as catered lunch, customized hoodies, parties, and a private screening of the movie 007 Skyfall were offered to attendees. The conference was live streamed and all talks were recorded and posted online for those who couldn't attend. Carter M Rabasa shares lessons learned from organizing the event, including the importance of believing in the success of the conference, getting key elements right, and creating an experience that fosters connections among attendees.