Inside FOSDEM 2025: Exploring the Best Open Source Software Conference
FOSDEM brings together thousands of developers from around the world for two days of free, volunteer-run open source talks and workshops in Brussels. Whether you’re a seasoned contributor or new to the community, you’ll discover innovative projects and build lasting connections.
Train Journey to Brussels
The trip to this annual open source software conference begins long before you set foot in Belgium. I boarded the Eurostar in London, settled into my seat, and felt that unmistakable buzz of excitement colleagues often describe as “conference fever.” Unlike corporate-driven events, FOSDEM is powered entirely by volunteers who manage rooms, livestreams, and onsite logistics. This dedication shines through in every well-oiled presentation and discussion space. Onboard announcements remind us that we’re in for two days of intense learning, sharing, and—with any luck—a cold Belgian beer to wash it all down.
Arrival and First Night in Brussels
Stepping off the train in Brussels, I followed the tram line toward my hotel, eager to recharge before the official start. It’s a FOSDEM tradition to gather at a cozy local spot for dinner and drinks the first evening. We made a beeline for a tiny ramen joint with barely 15 seats—truly “the best ramen place probably in the whole world.”
“The best ramen place probably in the whole world,” declared a fellow attendee, as we squeezed around a shared table under warm pendant lights.
Laughter and code-talk flowed as freely as the Belgian brews. These unofficial meetups set the tone: FOSDEM is as much about community as it is about code. By the time we called it a night, I had swapped contact info with newcomers and long-time contributors alike, all eager to dive into the conference.
Breakfast and Preparation for FOSDEM
Day one officially kicks off early. After a hearty hotel buffet—complete with fresh fruit, pastries, and strong coffee—I faced the classic conference dilemma: what to prioritize first? A minor crisis struck when I realized I forgot my hair gel, but a quick trip to a nearby pharmacy saved me. Brussels unfolded in the spring sunshine, a pleasant change from past visits under heavier clouds. With my essentials in hand, I hopped on the tram toward the university campus, mentally mapping out dev rooms on Go, Rust, and emerging open source offerings.
Exploring Developer Rooms and Workshops
FOSDEM folds dozens of developer rooms into a single campus, each dedicated to a specific technology, language, or theme. Wander into the Go room, and you’ll find experts demoing concurrency tricks and modules. The Rust dev room buzzes with safety guarantees and performance benchmarks. Beyond the marquee languages, smaller workshops on accessibility tools and natural language processing steal the spotlight. I spent an hour tinkering with a live demo of an open source screen-reader extension, marveling at unexpected community support. This deep dive into lesser-known projects often sparks collaborations you can’t plan for—an open source conference superpower.
Reflections on Day 1 of FOSDEM
Navigating packed hallways and finding seats for popular talks required strategic planning. Room capacity is limited—if you have a must-see session, arrive at least 30 minutes early. I witnessed attendees streaming into overflow areas, watching talks on laptops from makeshift benches. A surprising highlight was discovering Apache Superset, a business intelligence open source tool that rivals many enterprise platforms. Its active community and frequent releases suggest it’s poised for wider adoption. I even scored a Jenkins T-shirt for the new course I’m designing—proof that FOSDEM swag is both practical and memorable.
Key Takeaways from FOSDEM 2025
As the conference wraps up, here are three insights to make your next FOSDEM visit more rewarding:
- Arrive Early: Popular dev rooms fill fast. Plan your schedule and stake out your seat an hour before key sessions.
- Expect the Unexpected: Block out time for unplanned talks. You’ll often find groundbreaking tools and concepts outside your usual interests.
- Network Everywhere: Casual chats over beer or coffee can lead to your next contribution or job opportunity. The community thrives on spontaneous interaction.
Conclusion
Attend FOSDEM to immerse yourself in cutting-edge open source software, forge genuine connections, and return home energized with new ideas.
- Be proactive: schedule sessions, venture into unfamiliar dev rooms, and network early to unlock the full FOSDEM experience.
What are your most memorable conference moments, and how did they shape your work? Share your stories in the comments!