The fact that #FOSDEM is free to attend is also crazy. It makes the overall vibe different from other conferences. Sure you have to pay for travel and accommodation but if you have the money spare it's absolutely worth it especially if you want to meet specific people.
I've been four times, although only twice paid for by my employer at the time (one of the self-funded ones I travelled on my motorbike: 120 miles in the UK then about the same on Europe mainland to Brussels. Loved the experience)
There's nothing like #FOSDEM. Maybe if you're in a particular community that doesn't have a devroom so doesn't attract so many people it's not the same but finding people you know face to face and making new contacts is so valuable. But there's something for every open source developer.
Talk highlight? I've got to go with @edent's on the UK COVID tracing app. Even if you're not UK based it was a lesson in how government works and dealing with the abuse on Twitter. Superbly presented too.
Since the timeline is full of #FOSDEM thanks at the moment I'll add mine to the list — thanks for making me feel welcome and not asking me questions that were too difficult!
Super tired me and still fresh MNT Reform Next laptop had a great time at #fosdem2025 💜
Had a really good #fosdem this year, it'll go down as one of the greats.
Goodbye #Fosdem 2025 it was fun, can't wait for next year's edition
#fosdem2025 was sooo amazing, loved seeing so much free software everywhere! I still can't fathom that it's over, see you in 365 days!
My first FOSDEM was wild. I heard from so many people doing fascinating work in depth and breadth that left me in awe. So inspired & grateful for the experience.
Thank you to all the speakers for the hard work of presenting your work.
Thank you to everyone I met for the first time, first time in meatspace, and first time in a long time.
Thank you to everyone who came to my talk. Your presence meant a lot.
Thank you to the organizers for creating this welcoming space.
💕
Inspired by this #fosdem session, I started reading the ECMAScript 2024 Language Spec. I really should have done this long ago. Thank you @ryzokuken for the nudge.
https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4276-nobody-asks-how-is-javascript-/
