Humans of EuroPython: George Zisopoulos

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!