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!