Learning and Development Days at hedgehog lab are an excellent opportunity for employees to focus on professional growth, with time off work dedicated to advancing our technical skills. For me, making the most of the four days granted for learning and development this year was incredibly important. As a Python Developer, I recognise the need for constant skill improvement and staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in the software development space. That’s why I chose to attend EuroPython 2024 – an intentional decision to connect with Python developers at various levels of expertise, learn from experts about trending Python topics, and explore opportunities to contribute to open-source Python projects.
What is EuroPython 2024?
EuroPython 2024 marked the 23rd edition of this renowned event, recognised as the world’s oldest and longest-running volunteer-led Python programming conference. This year, it was a seven-day hybrid event held both remotely and physically at The Prague Congress Centre and The Rajska Building (RB) at the Žižkov Campus, VŠE (Prague University of Economics and Business). The event included 20 hands-on tutorials & workshops, 120 talks and other interactive sessions.
Why EuroPython 2024?
Community is at the heart of software engineering and Python programming, and EuroPython exemplifies this through its diverse gathering of stakeholders passionate about Python. The event fosters community through workshops, tutorials, exhibitions, social events, sprints, side events, and lightning talks.
For me, attending EuroPython 2024 was about immersing myself in the Python ecosystem in Europe, a crucial step since relocating here in 2020. Understanding the European developer culture and the community’s approach to learning and development was my primary motivation. I wanted to experience their Python developer community firsthand, meet peers and colleagues – some of whom I had only interacted with online or collaborated with remotely – and establish meaningful in-person connections.
Additionally, the wealth of knowledge presented at the conference was a significant draw. I was eager to engage in discussions on a wide range of Python-related topics, with a particular focus on Python Libraries & Tooling, DevOps and Infrastructure (Cloud & Hardware), Python Internals & Ecosystem, and PyData: Deep Learning, NLP, and Computer Vision tracks.
Most importantly, EuroPython 2024 provided a platform for underrepresented individuals within the tech sector to openly discuss the challenges they face and how to address them. This inclusive environment was another compelling reason for my attendance.
My journey
As soon as I discovered EuroPython I knew I had to attend but travelling abroad is never easy. That’s why I would like to extend special thanks to the EuroPython Team for providing community funding to support underrepresented groups in attending the full conference. The team opened a call for financial aid, encouraging first-time attendees and minorities within the Python community to apply. In response, I applied for funding to cover my attendance, including a full waiver of the conference ticket, which typically costs around €450, and reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses up to €400.
Upon receiving confirmation of my travel grant – which was instrumental in enabling my participation – I immediately arranged to take time off work using my allocated learning and development days.
My experience
Some inspirational sessions
During my time at the conference, I attended several sessions that were both insightful and inspiring. Here are a few that particularly resonated with me:
- Rapid Prototyping & Proof of Concepts: Django is All We Need with Radoslav Georgiev, CEO of HackSoft
- This session focused on how to approach rapid prototyping with the right mindset. It emphasised being quick with Django models and highlighted that, at least in the early stages, Django Admin might be all the UI we need. The session also explored using HTMX where it makes the most sense.
- Containerize Your Python Apps Like It’s 2024 with Jan Smitka, Co-founder and lead developer at Lynt Services
- This session provided a modern approach to building better containers for Python applications, using the latest Docker features to optimise for faster builds and improved security. It went beyond outdated examples to demonstrate how to achieve more efficient and secure deployments.
- NLP Application in Cases of Violence Against Women with Deborah Foroni
- A compelling session that addressed the challenge of analysing unstructured data on domestic violence—a pervasive issue that requires urgent policy solutions. The presentation demonstrated how Python can be used to retrieve, structure, and classify victims’ testimonies, leveraging specific APIs and libraries to extract speech from YouTube videos, convert it to text, and perform in-depth text analysis.
- Start Strong! with Honza Král, Founder/CTO at Sidecar
- This session was about streamlining the process of starting new Python projects by avoiding common setup issues and debates that can be time-consuming. It covered essential tools and techniques, including linting, testing, continuous integration, and dependency management, helping to launch projects efficiently and confidently. The session made the setup process engaging by focusing on what truly matters for a successful start.
- Live Coding Music with PyREPL in Python 3.13 with Łukasz Langa, CPython Developer in Residence
- An interactive session that explored the new REPL in Python 3.13 by demonstrating how to create music in real time. The speaker showcased how to interact with hardware synthesisers, drum machines, and generated visualisations—all while writing Python code. This was an exciting showcase of PyREPL and other new features in Python 3.13.
Side Events
The conference also hosted several side events aimed at networking and providing a space for attendees to connect in a social setting while still engaging in meaningful discussions.
- PyLadies Lunch
- Hosted by Kraken Tech, this lunch was open to all female Python enthusiasts and their supporters. It was a spectacular gathering of remarkable women who are actively working to bridge the gender gap within the tech sector. The event fostered a sense of community and empowerment, and we enjoyed meaningful conversations and networking opportunities.
- EuroPython Social Event
- The conference featured an evening social event where attendees could relax, share drinks, and enjoy a variety of local delicacies while playing games or listening to live music under the sunset. It was a great opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow developers in a more informal setting.
- #IamRemarkable Workshop
- This workshop was a personal favourite side event for me. It focused on creating a safe space for women in tech to address issues related to self-doubt and imposter syndrome—challenges that have historically hindered the growth and development of women in the industry. The workshop aimed to help women celebrate their achievements and improve their self-promotion skills.
Exhibition Spaces
The exhibition spaces at the conference were another fantastic opportunity for networking and learning more about the tools and software used in modern software development and programming. I visited several booths run by the conference sponsors and other organisations, which allowed me to explore the latest products and services relevant to Python developers. Some of the booths I visited included:
- Apify: A cloud platform for web scraping, browser automation, and data for AI.
- Codspeed: A tool for measuring and optimising software performance consistently to avoid production issues, improve user experience, and save on infrastructure costs.
- PyLadies: I learned about the upcoming PyLadies Conference (PyLadiesCon), a transformative event designed to promote diversity, learning, and empowerment within the Python community, scheduled for December 6-8, 2024.
- Other tech companies, including Numberly, Picnic, and Kiwi, also had booths that provided insights into their services and products.
Lessons Learned and Next Steps
I am deeply inspired by the incredible individuals, organisations, tools, and projects I connected with and learned about at EuroPython 2024. As a frequent attendee of tech events, I truly appreciate the importance of creating an environment where participants feel welcome and comfortable enough to engage fully in event activities. EuroPython 2024 excelled in this regard, making my first experience at the conference both memorable and impactful. This will certainly not be my last time attending! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet in person with members of communities I am a part of, such as the Black Python Developers community. A big shout-out to all the fantastic organisers of EuroPython, with whom I was also fortunate to connect.
Moving forward, I am eager to dive deeper into the new knowledge I gained at the conference to continue my learning journey. I plan to get hands-on experience with some of the tools and products I was introduced to, applying what I’ve learned in practical ways. I am also grateful for the incredible new network I developed by participating in this event. I hope to nurture these professional relationships and grow together, paving the way for future collaborations.
I am already looking forward to EuroPython 2025!
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