Attending my first DrupalCon was a revelation. I found a space where inspiration, community, and innovation come together.
That first DrupalCon experience was in 2022. Walking into the Oregon Convention Center, filled with brilliant minds passionate about open source, was energizing and humbling. I remember being struck by how welcoming the community was—collaboration seemed to be in the air, not just the code.
When I returned in 2024 for DrupalCon Portland, I was more confident, connected, and intentional. I had the chance to dive deeper into sessions on decoupled architectures, accessibility, and the evolving role of front-end development in a composable web. I walked away with more than technical takeaways—I gained perspective on leadership, community sustainability, and the bigger picture of digital equity, primarily through our work with public sector clients.
One of the most valuable aspects of DrupalCon is the hallway track—those spontaneous conversations that spark ideas or help you feel less alone in a tricky implementation. Whether it was comparing notes on design systems, discussing the future of Drupal, or just talking shop over coffee, these moments made me feel more rooted in the Drupal ecosystem.
These are times of significant change, and we all feel it differently—across the tech industry, in open source, and in our personal and professional lives. This year feels like a critical fork in the road for Drupal and the communities and causes we serve. That makes these conferences feel vital—they allow us to reflect, reconnect, and decide where we want to go.
As I look toward DrupalCon Vienna, I’ve submitted my first session—an exciting step that reflects a shift in how I see my role in the community. I’ve moved from being a participant to someone who wants to shape the conversation actively. These conferences have helped me see that our contributions—whether in code, documentation, mentoring, or speaking—keep Drupal moving forward.
I wish I could be in Atlanta next week. From everything I’ve seen, it will be memorable, but that makes me even more excited about what’s ahead. For those not attending, follow The Drop Times for the latest news and updates.
DrupalCon isn’t just a conference. It’s been a turning point for me—a space of connection, reflection, and growth. And I’m already looking forward to the next one.
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