Drupal Association blog: A Year Like No Other Exploring Milestones from DrupalCon 2024

As we look ahead to what will come in 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey our Drupal community has undertaken over the past year. Traditionally, we’ve gathered at two major annual events—DrupalCon North America and DrupalCon Europe. However, the past year was a year of expansion and innovation, marked by three dynamic DrupalCons in Portland, Barcelona, and Singapore, each contributing uniquely to our project’s evolution.

Embracing Innovation in Portland

In May 2024, DrupalCon Portland brought together a diverse group of developers, designers, and strategists. The conference featured a comprehensive schedule, including sessions on community health, development and coding, and user experience. A highlight was the Driesnote, where Dries Buytaert, our founder, provided insights into the future of Drupal. The event also emphasized contribution, with dedicated spaces for general contribution and Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions, fostering collaboration and community engagement.

Celebrating Community in Barcelona

September 2024 saw us gather in Barcelona for an event that exemplified Drupal’s global reach and collaborative spirit. The conference featured over 100 sessions and four inspiring keynotes, covering a wide array of topics from technical deep dives to business strategies. The Women in Drupal Award was a highlight, recognizing significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community.

The Driesnote provided deep insights into the future of Drupal, including updates on the Drupal Starshot Initiative, which aims to make Drupal more accessible and user-friendly, particularly for non-developers.

Expanding Horizons in Singapore

December 2024 marked Drupal’s return to Asia with DrupalCon Singapore, the first in the region in six years. The event was a vibrant mix of learning, networking, and innovation, featuring the inaugural DrupalCon Splash Awards in Asia, which recognized the best Drupal sites in the region. Exclusive training opportunities were offered, catering to new users as well as backend and frontend developers.

The conference schedule was packed with sessions that highlighted Drupal’s versatility and its application across various industries. The Driesnote provided attendees with updates on the progress of the Starshot Initiative and the upcoming release of Drupal 11, targeted for August 2024, with a fallback of December 2024.

Looking Ahead to Atlanta

With such a successful year behind us, we’re now setting our sights on DrupalCon Atlanta 2025. Scheduled for 24-27 March, 2025, this event promises to build upon the momentum of 2024, offering even more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and innovation. As we prepare for this upcoming conference, it’s worth reflecting on the insights gained from the past year’s events and how they can inform our contributions moving forward.

Why Engaging with the Community Matters?

Attending DrupalCons offers more than just access to sessions and keynotes; it’s about becoming part of a global community dedicated to open-source excellence. The networking opportunities, collaborative sessions, and the chance to contribute to Drupal’s future are invaluable experiences that can significantly enhance your professional journey.

For those who couldn’t attend the 2024 conferences, the session recordings provide a treasure trove of information and insights. Engaging with these materials can help you stay abreast of the latest developments and prepare you for active participation in future events.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting back on the past year, it’s evident that our Drupal community made significant strides in innovation, inclusivity, and global collaboration. The introduction of the Starshot Initiative and the forthcoming Drupal 11 signal a new era for Drupal, one that emphasizes accessibility and user-friendliness.

As we look forward to DrupalCon Atlanta 2025, let’s carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made, continuing to build a robust and inclusive community. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to Drupal, there’s a place for you in this journey.

Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and shared success in the Drupal ecosystem.