EuroPython 2024 – Insights from PyCon Estonia’s Head Organiser, Grete Kungla

PyCon Estonia's head organiser, Grete Kungla, recently participated in EuroPython in Prague. With an engaging programme, EuroPython showcased the strength and passion of the Python community and gave our head organiser valuable insights and inspiration. Grete is excited to share the lessons and experiences she gained, which will undoubtedly enrich the upcoming PyCon Estonia. Take a look at her detailed journey and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.

As Europe’s largest Python conference, EuroPython was a hive of activities with a sponsor exhibition, many speaker sessions, open space discussions, puzzle areas for solving development problems, and much more. The first day was about getting oriented and meeting new people. Arriving a bit late, I missed the first keynote by Carol Willing , but luckily, the talk was recorded, so I could catch up with it later on YouTube. My table was situated near the exhibit hall, where community organisations like PyLadies , OPNTEC GmbH , and Django Software Foundation had already set up. I spent the initial hours introducing visitors to PyCon Estonia. I ended the day by attending Anna Pristoupilova 's keynote and a series of captivating lightning talks. The evening was spent exploring the beautiful city of Prague.

Day two began early, giving me the chance to experience the full conference dynamics. The organisers had an interesting idea to have a rotating cast of moderators, which is their way to spread the activities made by volunteers. The event had a strong community atmosphere, further elevated by a pre-conference Discord server for participant networking. Tereza Iofciu 's keynote on inclusive leadership was a standout session of the morning.

During a break, one of the main organisers invited me to join a PyLadies event, which was a self-defence workshop focusing on professional scenarios and verbal responses. The stories shared by the women were both impactful and enlightening, offering deep insights into their experiences.

The rest of the day was dedicated to promoting PyCon Estonia. By the second day, attendees were more engaged and eager to learn, leading to many meaningful conversations. The evening featured a keynote by Armin Ronacher and lightning talks from PyCon organisers worldwide. Luckily, I had the opportunity to take the stage and share some fun facts about Estonia while promoting our upcoming event, which was well received.

The official conference afterparty, held in a charming ex-monastery, featured local beer, snacks, board games, and a jamming corner. It was an excellent setting for informal networking and discussions.

The third day focused on connecting with other PyCon organisers. After Mai Giménez Fayos ’s keynote on healthy management and healthy code, an open-space discussion for PyCon organisers took place. Nearly 30 attendees discussed common challenges and shared innovative ideas. I was surprised to learn that only three were non-technical primary job holders, emphasising the volunteer-driven nature of these events.

There was a special lunch provided for the organisers after that, which gave a chance for further networking opportunities. Amongst others, I got a chance to chat with representatives from the Python Software Foundation , EuroPython Society , and Django Software Foundation to understand more about the opportunities and challenges on a wider spectrum of the Python community. Later, I participated in a video interview with organisers from PyCon Balkan, PyCon South Africa, and PyCon Africa , conducted by Cheuk Ting Ho . As the day wrapped up, I had to pack up for my return to Estonia. Though I missed Łukasz Langa ’s keynote, the recorded sessions ensured I didn’t miss out.

Key takeaways for organising a successful conference include:

• Strategically placing microphones to facilitate audience questions without needing volunteer assistance.
• Encouraging non-technical talks by introducing lightning talks as “topics you are passionate about”.
• Using audience applause to signal the end of talks gracefully, maintaining a positive and timely flow.
• Directions and signs were everywhere - it's just a good reminder that the more, the merrier.
• Hosting a separate recruitment fair for sponsors to maximise their engagement with attendees.
• This gives an opportunity for the community to have discussions and networking options with Open Spaces.

EuroPython 2024 was an enriching experience filled with learning, networking, and sharing. It underscored the power of community and the value of passionate volunteerism in creating impactful events. As PyCon Estonia’s head organiser, I am excited to bring these insights back to enhance our own conference in September 2024.

PS! Don't forget to join us in September! The ticket and speaker information are up at pycon.ee.