IMC Sydney C++ meetup

#LI-DNI

Engineering Deep Dives

IMC++ Meet up: Don't fear the Alligators

Allocators have a reputation problem.

They’re often treated as synonymous with heap allocation and quietly avoided as a result. APIs often get shaped around not using them or working around them entirely. In practice, that can make systems harder to reason about, not easier.

At this evening’s talk, Don't Fear the Alligators, takes a closer look at these misunderstood beasts and their place in the modern C++ ecosystem. Rather than framing allocators as something to embrace or avoid, we'll focus on how to actually think about them; what problems they're solving, when they genuinely help, and where some common advice doesn't quite hold up.

Expect practical examples, a bit of exploration, and a perspective shaped by real-world library and application design. Along the way, we’ll demystify allocators and take a closer look at the trade-offs they introduce in memory and API design.

What we'll cover

• What allocators are (and what they definitely aren't)
• Getting more out of existing libraries without fighting them
• How allocators quietly shape API and system design
• Practical insights from high-performance systems in the wild

The evening

Thursday 25 June, 6:00pm to 8:30pm IMC Sydney Office

• 6:00pm — Arrive, grab a drink and some pizza
• 6:30pm — Don't Fear the Alligators
• 7:15pm — Q&A
• 7:30pm — A brief word from IMC
• 7:35pm — Drinks and conversation

Who this is for

Whether you’re a couple of years into C++ or more than a decade in, if you’re passionate about system-level thinking and performance, you’re welcome. Expect a technical crowd, open and engaging discussions, and great company plus pizza, drinks, complimentary tech goodies, and a lucky draw on the night.

Register

Attendance is limited. Register your interest now, and we will confirm your place by 19 June (Friday). Attendance is limited. Reserve your spot now.

About Us

IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.