EuroPython Blog

EuroPython wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for all the volunteers who put in countless hours to organize it. Whether it’s contracting the venue, ordering catering for a week-long conference, selecting and confirming talks & workshops, hundreds of hours of loving work have been put into making each edition the best one yet.

Today, we’d like to share an interview with Martin Borus, a member of the EuroPython 2025 Operations team and a returning conference contributor.

Thank you for making EuroPython such a welcoming conference, Martin!

EP: What first inspired you to volunteer for EuroPython?

When visiting EuroPython - which was my first big Python conference - I got to know some volunteers. From the next year on I got gradually into helping. It seemed like a good idea to help.

EP: How did contributing to EuroPython impact your relationships within the community?

It was an entry point into the Python community. I met a lot of people I would not have met otherwise. Which led to a lot of interesting conversions and specific help for my journey into Python.

EP: Was there a moment when you felt your contribution really made a difference?

One of these moments comes from the Beginners’ Orientation sessions. I still remember the problems I had being alone on my first EuroPython that motivated me to give others a better start. I got feedback that this helped others to enjoy their first conference more.

EP: What's one thing you took away from contributing to EuroPython that you still use today?

The experiences gained in working with a team coming from all over Europe.

EP: If you could add one thing to make the volunteer experience even better, what would it be?

If there was a single thing, we’d have implemented it already, because each year the volunteers try to improve based on the experiences of the previous years.

EP: What tips do you have for people attending the conference?

For anybody coming to EuroPython, volunteer or attendee, I can highly recommend having a note on your phone about what topics you’re interested in. Collect questions in the weeks before the conference, so you can pull them out in conversations. I call this my “EuroPython wish list” and usually get large parts of it covered during the week.

EP: What would you say to someone considering volunteering at EuroPython but feeling hesitant?

Even if it’s at the cost of missing some of the talks, as a volunteer you are where the action is and you have a chance to get more experiences out of the conference.

EP: Thank you for your contribution, Martin!

Behind every flawless talk, engaging workshop, and perfectly timed coffee break at EuroPython is a crew of unsung heroes—our volunteers! 🌟 Not just organizers, but dream enablers: printer ninjas, registration magicians, social butterflies, and even salsa instructors (yeah, that happened!) 

We’re the quiet force turning chaos into community, one sprint at a time. 💻✨ 

Curious who really makes the magic happen? Today we’d like to introduce George Zisopoulos, member of the Operations team at EuroPython 2025. 

EP: What first inspired you to volunteer for EuroPython? And which edition of the conference was it?

I was inspired because I gave a presentation in 2020, and after that I wanted to experience the conference from the other side, as part of the volunteers. It was amazing to see how much work all these people had done for us as attendees, and I wanted to be a part of that.

So I applied and became an online volunteer in 2022 in Dublin, and the following year I joined EuroPython 2023 as an on-site volunteer. Once you start, you can’t stop doing it.

EP: Have you learned new skills while contributing to EuroPython? If so, which ones?

It’s less about learning new skills and more about discovering the ones you already have. With guidance and a supportive team, you feel confident using them and even pushing a bit past your comfort zone.

EP: What's your favorite memory from volunteering at the conference?

My favorite part is walking into the conference and unexpectedly running into someone you met at previous years’ editions. It’s like a little déjà vu. They hug you like you just saw them yesterday, even if it’s been a whole year.

EP: Did you make any lasting friendships or professional connections through volunteering?

Yes, I’ve made a few lasting friendships. We stay in touch all year, even though we live in different cities or countries. We visit each other, and often end up meeting in other countries while traveling.

EP: Any unexpected or funny experiences during the conference which you’d like to share?

I love coffee, so during the conference I’m usually wandering around with a cup in hand. Two years ago, thanks to some playful hits from friends, I ended up destroying three t-shirts with coffee during the conference! Now every year they wonder… How many shirts will I sacrifice this time?

EP: Would you volunteer again, and why?

I would say what I used to say last year: Summer without EuroPython just doesn’t really feel like a summer 😉 See you all there!

EP: Thank you for your contribution, George!

What does it take to run Europe’s largest Python conference? 🐍 Not budgets or venues—it’s people.

EuroPython isn’t powered by code alone, but by a vibrant network of volunteers who shape every session and welcome every attendee. From ensuring talks run seamlessly to curating world-class content these are the unsung heroes building community, one contribution at a time.

We’re shining a spotlight on the people behind the magic. Read our full conversation with Jodie Burchell, co-lead of the EuroPython 2025 Programme Team and discover what drives those who give their time to grow our community.

EP: What first inspired you to volunteer for EuroPython?

I first attended EuroPython in 2023, and was asked by my friends Cheuk and Lais to help run the Humble Data workshop. I had so much fun, and really liked all the people I met, so I decided to help out with comms and other things in 2024, and ended up working on the Programme Team and helping run the Beginners’ Day in 2025.

EP: What was your primary role as a volunteer, and what did a typical day look like for you?

I was one of two co-team leads of the Programme Team in 2025. This team tends to touch a lot of the conference, although the tasks vary from week-to-week. We actually started work all the way back in December, and worked up until the end of the conference! My team’s role included running the CfP, selecting talks, and assembling the schedule, finding keynote speakers, organising special events, coordinating the open spaces, and finding last minute speakers when people cannot make it. It involved a lot of logistics, following up with other teams at EuroPython, and communicating with speakers.

I think one of my favourite things I organised at the conference was the international snack exchange. Seeing people sharing snacks from their home countries was so much fun, and really made us feel like a big international family.

EP: What's your favorite memory from volunteering at EuroPython?

I actually can’t pick just one!

One of my favourites was seeing the programme team in person after so many months of working together, and sharing some international snacks together to celebrate. 

Watching the excerpt of “Python: the Documentary” that CultRepo created for us, and seeing the reaction of the audience to the film and the panel was very moving. 

And of course, running Humble Data at the Beginner’s Day during the sprints. As someone with a non-traditional path into tech myself, I am really passionate about helping beginners and making them feel welcome, and having beginners starting to learn Python, and then speaking with core developers of well-established projects was really special.

EP: Did you make any lasting friendships or professional connections through volunteering?

Many! The Python community is incredible, and I am lucky to have found some of my closest friends through the EuroPython, Humble Data and wider Python community. I look forward to EuroPython every year (in whatever capacity I attend) so I can see all of these amazing, special friends.

EP: What's one misconception about conference volunteering you'd like to clear up?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions that people have about community conferences like EuroPython is that they’re run by professionals. While the EuroPython Society does have one (very talented) paid employee, most of the work you see at these conferences is done by members of the community, just like you and me. So if you feel inspired to contribute to EuroPython or another Python conference, reach out and find out how you can help! Although it can be a lot of work, it’s also very meaningful to know you’ve shaped an event that means a lot to the Python community.

EP: Thank you for your work, Jodie!

EuroPython runs on people power—real people giving their time to make it happen. No flashy titles, just real work: setting up rooms, guiding speakers, helping attendees find their way, or making sure everyone feels welcome. Some help run sessions, others support accessibility needs or troubleshoot the Wi-Fi. 

It’s all about showing up, pitching in, and sharing a passion for Python. This is what a community looks like.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niklas Mertsch, member of the Operations team at EuroPython 2025. Check out what he has to say about the volunteering experience.

EP: What's one thing about the programming community that made you want to give back by volunteering?

For me, it is not about “giving back” but about “participating”. I started volunteering out of curiosity, and continued because of the people and interactions. It started with a conversation, and it led to many more.

EP: Did you learn any new skills while volunteering at EuroPython? If so, which ones?

I can't name a “new” skill, but working with an intrinsically motivated, international and intercultural team definitely improved my social and communication skills.

EP: Did you have any unexpected or funny experiences during the EuroPython?

Tons of them, you never know what happens before or during the event. One time I just tried to print a WiFi QR code, then spent the next hours talking to someone I now call a good friend. And some months later that friend nudged me to answer these questions. You never know what you get and where it will lead you, but you know it will be good.

EP: Thank you for your work, Niklas!

Discover the motivations behind volunteering, the challenges and rewards of organizing such a significant conference, and the impact it has on both attendees and contributors. Hear personal stories and learn how individuals like our interviewee help shape the future of Python through their commitment and collaboration.

In our latest interview Kshitijaa Jaglan, a member of the Sponsorship Team at EuroPython 2025, shares thoughts on enabling sponsors, finding a new community, and more.

EP: Had you attended EuroPython before volunteering, or was volunteering your first experience with it?

I attended EuroPython remotely during COVID, but this was my first time at the conference in person, and my first time volunteering!

EP: What's one task you handled that attendees might not realize happens behind the scenes at EuroPython?

I worked in the sponsorship team, and it’s not as attendee-facing as some other teams. A big part is building and maintaining relationships. For the new sponsors, we’re the face of the conference, and everything we do reflects on it. For the returning ones who chose to trust us again, it is our responsibility to maintain that level of credibility and ensure a fruitful experience for everyone involved!

EP: How did volunteering for EuroPython impact your relationships within the community?

Before volunteering, I barely knew anyone beyond a few names on LinkedIn and Twitter. When I showed up on crutches on day one, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the warmth was immediate. I still remember meeting Anežka on day one and her energy felt like we'd known each other forever. Now, ramping up for EuroPython 2026 and seeing everyone's faces on gMeet brings back all the joy. I came in knowing no one, now this community feels like home.

EP: What's one thing you took away from the experience that you still use today?

How genuinely people in this community root for each other. You see it in small moments, like Raquel cheering me on from her A/V setup while I was on stage. That kind of support sticks with you and reminds you to show up the same way for others.

EP: If you could add one thing to make the volunteer experience even better, what would it be?

I wish the conference lasted for a few more days!

EP: Do you have any tips for first-time EuroPython volunteers?

EuroPython is a welcoming community - you’ll bond over shared experiences before you know it! Just stay open, and your environment will do the rest.

EP: If you could describe the volunteer experience in three words, what would they be?

Wholesome beautiful chaos.

EP: Thank you for your contribution to the conference, Kshitijaa!