Official conference news 2026-04-13T08:52:48Z https://2026.djangocon.us DjangoCon US Team hello@djangocon.us 2026-03-19T10:55:00Z https://2026.djangocon.us/news/proposal-selection/ <p>The DjangoCon US schedule is always highly anticipated. But how does it all come together?</p> <p>The journey from an open Call for Proposals (CFP) to the final lineup of talks and keynote sessions is a thoughtful and collaborative process designed to foster fairness and showcase the best of the Django community.</p> <h2 id="2026-program-timeline" tabindex="-1">2026 Program Timeline</h2> <p><em>*Subject to change depending on the number of submissions and other factors.</em></p> <ul> <li><strong>CFP Deadline Extension</strong>: March 23</li> <li><strong>Reviewer Deadline</strong>: April 10</li> <li><strong>Panel Finalization</strong>: April 28</li> <li><strong>Speaker Notifications</strong>: May 15</li> <li><strong>Schedule Announcement</strong>: June 15</li> <li><strong>Start of Keynote Announcements</strong>: July 7</li> </ul> <h2 id="call-for-proposals-opens" tabindex="-1">Call for Proposals Opens</h2> <p>The community proposes talks and tutorials by filling in the <a href="https://pretalx.com/djangocon-us-2026/cfp">CFP</a>. We use <a href="https://pretalx.com/p/about/">Pretalx</a>, a platform designed for conferences that support <strong>anonymous review</strong> and <strong>structured scoring</strong>. Thus, each submission is evaluated based on content, not the speaker's name or background.</p> <h2 id="anonymization-%26-code-of-conduct-compliance" tabindex="-1">Anonymization &amp; Code of Conduct Compliance</h2> <p>Once the CFP closes, the program team carefully reviews every submission to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Anonymize</strong> any unique identifying details.</li> <li><strong>Ensure Code of Conduct compliance</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>This step is crucial for fair and unbiased reviewing. The person responsible for anonymization does not participate in the anonymous review process.</p> <h2 id="community-reviews-talks" tabindex="-1">Community Reviews Talks</h2> <p>Once proposals are anonymized, we open the review process to a team of volunteer reviewers from the community. They follow guidelines that promote consistency, fairness, and awareness of potential bias.</p> <h2 id="reviewer-guidelines-emphasize%3A" tabindex="-1">Reviewer Guidelines Emphasize:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Focusing on content</strong>, not style, grammar, or speaker identity</li> <li><strong>Leaving a comment for all &quot;No&quot; ratings</strong> (and encouraged for &quot;Maybe&quot;)</li> <li><strong>Flagging known proposals</strong> using a BIAS: prefix and skipping scoring</li> <li><strong>Identifying any remaining personal info</strong></li> <li><strong>Disclosing conflicts of interest</strong></li> </ul> <p>Reviewers have until <strong>April 10</strong> to provide feedback on as many proposals as possible.</p> <h2 id="committee-deliberation-%26-selection" tabindex="-1">Committee Deliberation &amp; Selection</h2> <p>Once the reviews are in, the committee will lift the anonymization and meet to create the final schedule. At this stage, we look at:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Review scores and written feedback</strong></li> <li><strong>Topic coverage</strong> (e.g., avoiding repetition like six HTMX talks)</li> <li><strong>Speaker diversity</strong> (especially elevating underrepresented voices and first-time speakers)</li> <li><strong>Company representation</strong> (ensuring one organization doesn't dominate)</li> <li><strong>Prior speaking history and organizer involvement</strong></li> </ul> <p>Some talks are accepted or declined based on strong consensus. The most difficult decisions often revolve around the final handful of slots, which we may reserve in case of scheduling conflicts or withdrawals.</p> <p>The speakers will receive notifications about the decision on or before <strong>May 15</strong>. Speakers need to reply to acceptance emails to confirm their talks.</p> <p>At this point, we evaluate the suggested panelists and hosts who will participate in the last conference day and the discussion topic.</p> <h2 id="keynote-speaker-selection" tabindex="-1">Keynote Speaker Selection</h2> <p>Keynote speakers follow a separate, invitation-based process that begins well before the CFP closes. As outlined by previous DjangoCon US Chair Drew Winstel in <a href="https://winstel.dev/2024/10/20/what-makes-a-good-dcus-keynote/">his blog post</a>, we look for individuals who bring:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Emotional resonance</strong> and the ability to connect and engage with the audience</li> <li><strong>A compelling, unique perspective—reflective</strong>, funny, challenging, or inspiring</li> <li><strong>Stage presence</strong>, though extensive speaking experience isn't required</li> <li><strong>Representation of the community</strong>, especially those who've contributed significantly or brought underrepresented viewpoints to the forefront</li> </ul> <p>Keynote announcements typically occur after the talk schedule is shared.</p> <p>DjangoCon US is more than a conference. It's a reflection of the community that makes Django special. Every part of our program, from anonymous reviews to committee deliberations and keynote invitations, is rooted in care and intentionality. We aim to surface new voices, avoid bias, and curate a meaningful and engaging conference experience.</p> 2026-03-12T11:00:00Z https://2026.djangocon.us/news/cfp-deadline-extended/ <p>We've received many great proposals already but want to give folks a little extra time to submit their talks. The <a href="https://pretalx.com/djangocon-us-2026/cfp">call for proposals</a> deadline has been extended to March 23, 2026 at <a href="https://time.is/1100AM_23_March_2026_in_Chicago?DjangoCon_US_CFP_Closes">11AM CDT</a>**.</p> <p>We welcome proposals no matter your background or experience level with Django. Your proposal can be from a wide range of topics; non-Django and community topics are welcome. You can look at our <a href="https://2025.djangocon.us/news/announcing-lineup/">talk lineup</a> from last year for reference. You are also welcome to submit more than one proposal. (Though we'll likely only select one per speaker.)</p> <p>Also, if you know someone you think would be a good speaker at this conference, this is the time to reach out and tell them you'd love to see them submit a talk!</p> <p>We are excited to see more awesome proposals and can't wait to see you in Chicago!</p> 2026-02-20T12:00:00Z https://2026.djangocon.us/news/call-for-proposals/ <p>We are excited that DjangoCon US 2026 is now open for talk submissions: <a href="https://pretalx.com/djangocon-us-2026/cfp">call for proposals</a>! The deadline for submissions is <s>March 16th</s> March 23, 2026 at <a href="https://time.is/1100AM_23_March_2026_in_Chicago?DjangoCon_US_CFP_Closes">11AM CDT</a>**.</p> <p>We invite you to submit your proposal no matter your background or experience level with Django. Proposals can be from a wide range of topics; non-Django and community topics are welcome. You can look at our <a href="https://2025.djangocon.us/news/announcing-lineup/">talk lineup</a> from last year for reference.</p> <p>We fancy first-timers! If you haven't spoken at a conference or given a tutorial before, this is your invitation to do so. Don't let the idea that you're not famous or an expert stop you from submitting. It certainly won't stop us from selecting your talk or tutorial and it won't stop the audience from enjoying it! If you still need help deciding on a topic take a look at our own Drew Winstel's <a href="https://winstel.dev/2026/01/05/talk-ideas-for-dcus-26/">blog post</a> for some ideas.</p> <p>Plus there are perks! Presenters get free admission to DjangoCon US! <a href="https://2026.djangocon.us/opportunity-grants/">Grants</a> to assist with your travel and lodging expenses are available as well. The form for <a href="https://forms.gle/xYSsdAGR5RbvtH9q7">Opportunity Grants</a> is now live, and <strong>the application deadline is March 16th, 2026</strong>.</p> <p>For more information on talk and tutorial formats, please check out our <a href="/speaking/">speaker information page</a>.</p> <p>We want everyone attending DjangoCon US to feel safe, welcome, and included. To that end, we have a <a href="/conduct/">Code of Conduct</a> for all speakers and attendees.</p> <p>If you have questions, feel free to <a href="mailto:hello@djangocon.us">contact us</a>.</p> <p>We are excited to see your proposals and can't wait to see you in Chicago!</p> 2026-02-12T18:00:00Z https://2026.djangocon.us/news/announcing-date-change/ <h1 id="djangocon-us-is-changing-dates!" tabindex="-1">DjangoCon US is changing dates!</h1> <p>Due to a very large conference happening in Chicago the week of September 14 that is causing hotel prices to skyrocket (over $400 per night for nearby hotels), DjangoCon US is moving to the week of August 24.</p> <p>This will help keep costs more affordable for our guests, and maybe Lake Michigan will be warm enough for people who would like to take a morning swim!</p> <h2 id="schedule" tabindex="-1">Schedule</h2> <ul> <li>Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, August 26: Talks</li> <li>Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28: Sprints</li> </ul> <p>We apologize for the inconvenience for anyone who has already made travel plans.</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!</p> <p><small>Image credit: Bartek Pawlik</small></p>