The first time I’ve been to FOSDEM was when I was an undergrad student at the University of Namur. I had joined the city’s Linux Users Group, and it didn’t take long until I was talked into going to my first ever Free and Open Source software conference (this may also have been my first conference ever, by the way). At that time the NamurLUG was recording the two main tracks and posting the videos online for everyone to see. Indeed, with such a packed programme and so many parallel tracks, chances are that even if you could make it to Brussels, you would most probably miss a lot of interesting talks. My first FOSDEM was a wonderful experience that greatly contributed to my enthusiasm for Free and Open Source software, and I’ve been attending almost all FOSDEMs since then, and saw it getting better and better every year. I was therefore delighted to read last weekend on the FOSDEM mailing list that the dates of the 2013 edition have been announced: 2-3 February. I’m already looking forward to it.
Over the years, NamurLUG had greatly improved the quality of video recordings: we started by using cheap, consumer-grade cameras to professional material that we got through the Communauté Française de Belgique’s lending service, covered more rooms (hello, lightning talks), and eventually even live streamed the videos for those unable to attend. I have moved to the UK and am not a member of NamurLUG anymore, and the LUG does no longer record FOSDEM talks: the DebConf video team has taken over the task though, and they’re doing a fantastic job too!
If you’re not familiar with FOSDEM, it is the Free and Open Source software Developers’ European Meeting. It takes place every year in Brussels, and it is completely free to attend. Many, many open source hackers and projects will be there to talk about their shared passion. It is a great opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and meet in person the people you interact with online. FOSDEM is spread over a whole weekend, including the famous beer event of Friday night at the Delirium café in Brussels, a few steps away from the main square. You wouldn’t go to Belgium without sampling a few beers, would you?
Finally, the call for speakers (and devroom organisers) has been released. If you want to talk at FOSDEM, now is the right time to put an application together! And to be kept updated with FOSDEM-related announcements, including more calls for participation, don’t forget to register to the mailing list.
