Completing my own Ruby community triathlon

I just returned from a wonderful weekend in Vienna, where the initial edition of RubyConf Austria took place. I got back physically exhausted and a bit sleep-deprived, but also quite rich. Rich in experiences, friendships, inspiration and curiosity. Also literally Ruby-rich, snagging the treasure chest with partner-in-crime-of-twelve-years in the Treasure Hunt.

Ruby community conferences embody the soul of their makers. The tireless folk who do their best to bring us all together against all odds. The dreamers who never settle. The inviting hosts who make you feel at home anywhere. The ones dangerously skipping permissions and the ones keeping the kitchen tidy. The ones that are always around. All making it look like running this stuff is just easy.

Likewise, it is the soul of the folks coming. Speakers passionate about the ideas they spread. Curious listeners hooked on taking them further. But also strangers who don't feel like ones. Having an early-morning run or late-night exploration around the city. Nerding out on stained-glass or train schedules around the world. Respecting local food traditions. Or not. Boring anyone around with properties of technical fabrics and making their own outdoor gear. Entertaining with subtleties of each other's languages, pronunciation and customs. Bringing the same guest book over and over again. Keeping Ruby weird!

Vienna's RubyConf soul was exceptionally beautiful. Likewise, the initial RubyCon in Rimini had this unbeatable vibe and theme. Last but not least — it felt amazing to observe the renaissance of wroclove.rb after putting personal effort into it over so many years. They all had something very special and unique. Feeling grateful for the chance to be in all these places among friends in a difficult time and excited for the future of the Ruby community.

Since I already have your attention, I'd love to invite you all to Wrocław, 23–25 April 2027. We're celebrating 15 years of wroclove.rb. A tiny conference that grew out of a meetup, where we dared to make things differently and stayed for the long run. Hope to see you there!