About PyCon 2018

* 9-17 May 2018 * Cleveland, OH The PyCon 2018 conference, which will take place in Cleveland, is the **largest annual gathering** for the community using and developing the open-source <a href="http://python.org">Python</a> programming language. It is produced and underwritten by the <a href="http://www.python.org/psf/">Python Software Foundation</a>, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting Python. Through PyCon, the PSF advances its mission of growing the international community of Python programmers. Because PyCon is backed by the non-profit PSF, we keep registration costs much lower than comparable technology conferences so that PyCon remains accessible to the widest group possible. The PSF also pays for the ongoing development of the software that runs PyCon and makes it available under a liberal open source license. The PSF has paid staff to manage PyCon. Two employees work on planning and two employees work on the financial aspects of PyCon. PyCon is a <a href="/2018/about/diversity/">diverse conference</a> dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience to everyone. Help us do this by following our <a href="/2018/about/code-of-conduct/">code of conduct</a>. # PyCon is five events in a row <ul> <li> Tutorial Days Wednesday, May 9 & Thursday, May 10, 2018. Learn something new and relevant in intensive 3-hour sessions. The evenings are free for socializing and Open Spaces. </li> <li> Conference Days Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13, 2018. See what's going on in the Python world, meet your fellow Pythonistas, share your knowledge and experience, make contacts, brainstorm projects, discuss prospects. The sky is the limit! <ul> <li> Scheduled talks Each day begins with a plenary keynote, followed by a full 5-track schedule that fills the venue ballrooms with talks and panels on a wide variety of topics, satisfying a wide range of interests and approaches to programming. </li> <li> Open Spaces PyCon features an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconference" title="unconference">unconference</a> in parallel of the scheduled talks, with dedicated rooms that attendees can schedule for informal presentations or discussions. These rooms are open spaces that let attendees customize their experience at PyCon to match specific interests. The rooms are available for all three conference days. </li> <li> Lightning talks At the end of each day we dedicate time to a quick series of 5-minute talks on almost any topic. The fast-paced volleys of lightning talks are fired in the main ballroom in front of a large audience, making them a very effective way to reach out to the community. </li> <li> Expo Hall On Friday and Saturday, the vast Expo Hall will be filled with booths where you can meet companies who use Python, support Python, and who hire Pythonistas. Many non-profits and community organizations will also have booths, and want to say hello! Some sponsors will be recruiting, so come prepared with business cards and resumes if you are on the job market. </li> <li> Poster Session On Sunday, the Expo Hall is re-configured as our poster session space, where academics, hobbyists, and community members will answer questions and illustrate their work using large graphic posters. Presenters will describe and discuss their discoveries, creations, and projects with the PyCon attendees. </li> <li> And don't forget the hallway track — the opportunity to meet friends new and old in the spacious public areas of the conference venue! </li> </ul> </li> <li> Development Sprints Monday, May 14 – Thursday, May 17, 2018. <ul> <li>Help advance your favorite open source project, whether a library, community site, or even the Python language itself! We provide the space and the infrastructure — network, power, tables, chairs — you provide the enthusiasm and the brainpower. All experience levels welcome. The sprints are free! </li>  </ul> </li> <li> Summits: In addition, there are two summits scheduled during the tutorials which will bring developers of the various implementations together to discuss technology and strategies: the Python Language Summit and the Python in Education Summit. </li> <li> Job Fair: Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Open to the public. </li> </ul> # Contacts - Ewa Jodlowska, Director of Operations - Ernest W. Durbin III, Conference Chair - Betsy Waliszewski, Event Planner