EuroPython Blog

Every year, thousands of Python enthusiasts gather at EuroPython to share knowledge, forge connections, and celebrate our vibrant community. But behind the seamless workshops, engaging talks, and memorable networking sessions stands an incredible team of volunteers who transform this vision into reality.

Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Jake Balas, one of the dedicated individuals who makes EuroPython possible. In addition to being a member of the Operations Team, Jake led onsite volunteers at EuroPython 2025. Once you enter the conference, the first people you see are those in yellow t-shirts. They’re our on-site volunteers. Those are the folks who assist attendees, chair sessions, and hand out badges.

Coordinating this group is no small feat—in 2025 it included over 50 individuals working across 7 days of the conference, switching among 10 different roles few times a day. 

Join us as Jake shares his experiences, insights, and the rewarding challenges of volunteering at one of Europe's largest Python conferences.

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

Volunteering was my first experience with EuroPython. I would feel a bit strange just enjoying the awesomeness without some adrenaline.

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

I was predominantly managing on-site volunteers. In the days before the conference, the focus was mostly on building a rock-solid on-site team — lots of emails and meetings. During the conference itself, the days were a bit of a blur; many things were happening, usually all at the same time 🙂 Coordination was the name of the game, and luckily the team was pretty much self-managing, so I could focus on corner cases.

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

The very first day, when attendees started to arrive and things just worked. 

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

Yes, definitely. Not only with other volunteers, but also with some sponsors and attendees. I highly value this aspect of organising a conference. 

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

Worth every second.

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

In my opinion, volunteering enriches the enjoyment of the whole event even further. There are many different roles to suit different personalities and abilities — one of them could suit you very well. Also, volunteering is about the team; you will not be left alone in any case.

EP: Thank you for your work, Jake!

Behind every inspiring talk, networking session, and workshop at EuroPython lies countless hours of dedication from our amazing volunteers. From organizing logistics and securing speakers to welcoming attendees, these passionate community members make our conference possible year after year. Without their selfless commitment and hard work, EuroPython simply wouldn't exist.

Here’s our recent conversation with Naa Ashiorkor Nortey, who led the EuroPython 2025 Speaker Mentorship Team, contributed to the Programme Team and mentored at the Humble Data workshop.

We appreciate your work on the conference, Naa!

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

My first experience volunteering at EuroPython was in 2023. I volunteered at the registration desk and as a session chair, and I’m still here volunteering.

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

I can’t think of a specific task, but I would say that some attendees might not realise the number of hours volunteers put in for EuroPython. Usually, a form might be filled out with the number of hours a volunteer can dedicate in a week, but in reality the number of hours invested might be way more than that. There are volunteers in different time zones with different personal lives, so imagine making all that work.

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

Generally, showing up at the venue after months of planning, it just hit me how much difference my contribution makes. Specifically at EuroPython 2025, where I had the opportunity to lead the Speaker Mentorship Team. I interviewed one of the mentees during the conference. She mentioned that it was her first time speaking and highlighted how the speaker mentorship programme and her mentor greatly impacted her. At that moment, I felt my contribution really made a difference.

EP: What surprised you most about the volunteer experience?

The dedication and commitment of some of the volunteers were so inspiring. 

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

Fun learning experience. 

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

Don’t be afraid to volunteer, even if it involves leading one of the teams or contributing to a team you have no experience with. You can learn the skills needed in the team while volunteering. Everyone is supportive and ready to help. Communicate as much as you can and enjoy the experience.

EP: Thank you for the interview, Naa!

EuroPython depends entirely on the dedication of volunteers who invest tremendous effort into bringing it to life. From managing sponsor relationships and designing the event schedule to handling registration systems and organizing social events, countless hours of passionate work go into ensuring each year surpasses the last.

Discover our recent conversation with Rodrigo Girão Serrão, who served on the EuroPython 2025 Programme Team.

We're grateful for your work on the conference programme, Rodrigo!

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

When I attended my first EuroPython in person I was not officially a volunteer but ended up helping a bit. Over the years, my involvement with EuroPython as a volunteer and organiser has been increasing exponentially!

EP: Are there any new skills you learned while volunteering at EuroPython? If so, which ones?

Volunteering definitely pushed me to develop many skills. As an example, hosting the sprints developed my social skills since I had to welcome all the participants and ensure they had everything they needed. It also improved my management skills, from supporting the project sprint organisers to coordinating with venue staff.

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

In a recent EuroPython someone came up to me after my tutorial and said something like “I doubted your tutorial was going to be good, but in the end it was good”. Why on Earth would that person doubt me in the first place and then come to me and admit it? 🤣

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

Yes to both! Many of these relationships grew over time through repeated interactions across multiple EuroPython editions and also other conferences. Volunteering created a sense of continuity and made it much easier to connect with the same people year after year.

EP: If you were to invite someone else, what do you think are the top 3 reasons to join the EuroPython organizing team?

Nothing beats the smiles and thank you’s you get when the conference is over. Plus, it is an amazing feeling to be part of something bigger than yourself.

EP: Would you volunteer again, and why?

Hell yeah! See above :)

EP: Thanks, Rodrigo!

EuroPython thrives thanks to dedicated volunteers who invest hundreds of hours into each conference. From speaker coordination and fundraising to workshop preparation, their commitment ensures every year surpasses the last.

Below is our latest interview with Doreen Peace Nangira Wanyama. Doreen wore many hats at EuroPython 2025, including being the lead organizer of the Django Girls workshop during the Beginners’ Day, helping in the Financial Aid Team, as well as volunteering on-site.

Thank you for contributing to the conference, Doreen!

EP: What first inspired you to volunteer for EuroPython? 

What inspired me was the diversity and inclusivity aspect in the EuroPython community. I had been following the EuroPython community since 2024 and what stood out for me was how inclusive it was. This was open not only to people from the EU but worldwide. I saw people from Africa getting the stage to speak and even the opportunity grants were there for everyone. I told myself wow! I should be part of this community. All I can say I will still choose EuroPython over and over.

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

I had the opportunity to play two main roles. I was the Django Girls organizer and also part of the Financial Aid organizing team. In the Django Girls, I was in charge of putting out the call for coaches and Django Girls mentees. I ensured proper logistics were in place for all attendees and also worked with the communications team to ensure enough social media posts were made about the event. I also worked with coaches to set up the PCs for mentees for the workshop i.e. Django installation.In the Financial Aid Team, I worked with fellow team mates by putting out the call for finaid grants, reviewing applications and sending out acknowledgement emails. We prepared visa letters to accepted grant recipients to help with their visa application. We issued the conference tickets to both accepted online and onsite attendees. After the conference we did reimbursements for each grant recipient and followed up with emails to ensure everyone had been reimbursed.

EP: Did you make any lasting friendships or professional connections through contributing to the conference?

Yes. Contributing to this conference earned me new friends and professional connections. I got to meet and talk to people I would have hardly met out there. First of all, when I attended the conference I thought I would be the only database administrator there, well the EuroPython had a surprise for me. I met a fellow DBA from Germany and we would not stop talking about the importance of Python in our field. I got the opportunity of meeting the DSF president Thibaud Colas for the first time, someone who is down to earth and one who loves giving back to the community.I also got to meet Daria Linhart, a loving soul. Someone who is always ready to help. I remember getting stuck in Czech when I was looking for my accommodation. Daria used her Czech language skills to speak with my host and voila!

EP: How has volunteering at EuroPython impacted your own career or learning journey?

Volunteering at EuroPython made me realize that people can make you go far. Doing it all alone is possible but doing it as a team makes a big difference. Working with different people during this conference and attending talks made me realize the different areas I need to improve on.  

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

My favourite memory is the daily social events after the conference. Wow! EuroPython made me explore the Czech Republic to the fullest. From the speakers' dinner on the first day to the Django birthday cake we cut, I really had great moments. I also can’t forget the variety of food we were offered. I enjoyed the whole cuisine and can’t wait to experience this again in the next EuroPython.

EP: If you were to invite someone else, what do you think are the top 3 reasons to join the EuroPython organizing team?

A. Freedom of expression — EuroPython is a free and open space. Everyone is allowed to express their views without bias.

B. Learning opportunities — Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned conference organizer, there is always something to learn here. You will learn new ways of doing things.

C. Loving and welcoming community — Want a place that feels like home, EuroPython community is the place.

EP: Thank you, Doreen!

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, selecting and confirming talks & workshops or coordinating with speakers, hundreds of hours of loving work have been put into making each edition the best one yet.

Read our latest interview with Jakub Červinka, a member of the EuroPython 2025 Operations Team and organizer of PyConCZ 2026.

Thank you for your service to EuroPython, Jakub!

EP: What first inspired you to volunteer for EuroPython?

The community has always been the biggest draw for me. Having volunteered at our local Python conference previously, I already knew how rewarding it is to be part of the organizing team. When the opportunity to join EuroPython came up, I jumped at it without a second thought. I really like connecting with organizers, speakers, and attendees from across the continent.

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

One year I took on the role of “designated driver”, essentially the person who handles the last-minute, ad-hoc tasks that arise during the conference. It ranged from running out to buy a cart full of hygiene products for the bathrooms, to hauling cases of bottled water when we were about to run dry, to picking up emergency prints on one of the hottest days of the year. These are the kinds of small but critical jobs that keep everything running smoothly, and I enjoy making sure they get done.

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

In the best possible way. Over the years, I’ve built lasting friendships, met people I had only known from online talks and tutorials, and had the chance to become a familiar face in the community myself. Every EuroPython and every local conference strengthens those connections and leaves you with renewed energy and inspiration to keep contributing.

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

The importance of recognition and appreciation. A simple “thank you” or “great job” from an attendee can mean a lot to volunteers. We’re doing important work, but it’s not our paid job. That experience has made me much more intentional about expressing gratitude to everyone who helps, whether they’re fellow volunteers, staff, or people in service roles.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer help, there’s always something that needs doing, and everyone can contribute in their own way. Keep an eye out for small improvements you could suggest, introduce yourself to people, and most importantly, enjoy the experience. Volunteering is as much about building relationships and having fun as it is about getting tasks done.

EP: Thank you, Jakub!

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, selecting and confirming talks & workshops or coordinating with speakers, hundreds of hours of loving work have been put into making each edition the best one yet.

Read our latest interview with Marina Moro López, a member of the EuroPython 2025 Programme Team and a former EuroPython speaker.

Thank you for contributing to the conference programme, Marina!

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

I volunteered at EuroPython 2025 because I was a speaker at the 2024 edition and fell in love with the event, so I wanted to do my bit to help keep it amazing.

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

I was involved in reviewing talks and putting together the schedule, as well as contacting keynote speakers and organizing the open spaces. A typical day was filled with Excel spreadsheets and emails :) 

EP: Could you share your favorite memory from contributing to EuroPython?

Honestly, the day the program team got together at the event. We shared an intimate moment exclusively for ourselves after all the hard work we had done, seeing how it was paying off.

EP: Is there anything that surprised you about the volunteer experience?

It may seem that organizing such a large event can be chaotic at times with so many people involved, so I was surprised to see that this wasn’t the case at all and that, in the end, we were all one big team.

EP: How has contributing to EuroPython impacted your own career or learning journey?

Without a doubt, an event like EuroPython gives you top communication and organizational skills. Also, in my particular case, and maybe this is a little silly, I am super proud to say that I did my first PR ever!

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

Even if you don't have a tech background (like me), if you want to help, that's reason enough to participate. You don’t need anything else.

EP: If you were to invite someone else, what do you think are the top 3 reasons to join the EuroPython organizing team?

Seeing how an event like this is created from the inside is incredible, plus the team is lovely, and you'll learn a lot because you’ll be surrounded by top people from the community.

EP: Thank you for your work, Marina!

EuroPython wouldn't exist without the dedicated volunteers who invest countless hours behind the scenes.

From coordinating speaker logistics and managing registration systems to designing the conference program, handling sponsorship relations, ensuring great quality of talk recordings, moderating sessions, organizing social events, and capturing key moments in photos—hundreds of hours of passionate work go into making each edition exceptional.

Read our interview with Moisés Guimarães, photographer and member of the Operations Team at EuroPython 2025. We may also be tempted to add “Chief Fun Officer” to the list of his roles.

Thank you for making every EuroPython so vibrant, and making us all look good in your photos!

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

Yes, I did attend before volunteering. My first EuroPython was in Edinburgh 2018 and only in Basel 2019 I started helping on site.

EP: Why do you volunteer?

I only got this far (away from home) because of Python conferences. Python Brasil 2016 opened my mind to a whole universe I was missing. PyCon CZ 2017 connected me with my first job in Europe, and EuroPython helps me to keep giving back, contributing to an environment that I love and cherish.

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

I don’t have a favorite memory in this case, there are so many good ones that it would be a disservice to them. Ask me in person, and I will tell you lots of stories!

EP: How has volunteering at EuroPython impacted your own career or learning journey?

Volunteering at EuroPython has a huge impact on my ability to network, I don’t think I would have as many friends, acquaintances, and professional connections coming from Python conferences if I was flying solo.

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

That you are not going to have time to enjoy the conference. To me, it actually amplifies the value I get from the conference.

EP: Is there one thing you took away from the experience that you still use today?

The network, especially related to event organizing for smaller conferences, which we keep doing all year round.

EP: What keeps you coming back to volunteer year after year?

The other volunteers and organizers.

EP: Thank you for your work, Moisés!