Make the Most of Your Trip to DjangoCon US 2025

Make the Most of Your Trip to DjangoCon US 2025 in Chicago!

This will be my third DjangoCon US trip and 7th DjangoCon since 2022 so I’ve put together some tips to help you get the most out of the week.

From planning ahead and joining the Slack to making the most of the hallway track and exploring the city there are so many ways to make your trip memorable...

Check the schedule early, connect with speakers online and start conversations in Slack before you even arrive. Once you are in Chicago make time for the Sunday night social and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people at the hotel or in the hallway track.

Some of the best connections and insights happen outside the scheduled talks.

And of course take a little time to explore Chicago. Whether you fancy some deep dish pizza the riverwalk or catching live music in the evening there is plenty to enjoy beyond the venue. The Chicago Bears are playing a home NFL match on Monday night too.

(photo credit: Bartek Pawlik)

🧭 Pre Conference Prep

• 📆 Study the schedule early: Look through the talks and workshops. Identify the ones you don't want to miss.
  
• 🗣 Connect with speakers: Follow them on social media before the event. Drop a comment on their posts or tweet that you are looking forward to their session.
  
• 💬 Join the Slack: Start chatting early, ask questions, make plans with others and get involved in the hype well before you land in Chicago. (You should get an invite to the channel with your ticket)
  

(photo credit: Bartek Pawlik)

📍 Conference Logistics

• 👋 Network at the hotel: If you arrive early, throw on a Django or Python t-shirt and head to the hotel lobby or bar. You are likely to bump into fellow attendees organically and great conversations often start this way. (assuming you are staying at the conference venue)
  
• 🍻 Go to the Sunday social: A relaxed pre conference meetup is perfect for introductions and settling in. If you haven’t been before, put this in your diary. Keep an eye out for the announcement with details.
  
• 📅 Plan your evenings: Chicago is a big city so share your evening plans in Slack so others can meet up. Some of the best times at a conference happen in the bars and restaurants around the venue...
  

🎤 At the Conference

• 📝 Take notes: Whether it's a notebook notes app or tweeting key takeaways (I know that nobody uses twitter/X any more but the word still works)
  Don’t panic, if you miss anything you’ll be able to catch up when the videos go online later on.
• 💬 The hallway track!: Some of the best conversations happen between sessions. Don't feel bad about skipping a talk to carry on a great conversation. Take time to speak to all the sponsors too.
• 📸 Share your highlights: Post photos, quotes or your reflections on socials. It’s a great way to connect with people in person and online. Try to do this as you go or at the end of the day. I love reading people’s reviews in the weeks afterwards too. Use the conference hashtags.
• ⚡Attend the lightning talks: My favourite part of each day. An hour of short, sharp talks about anything and everything. Often these are tech focused and are a great way for someone to give public speaking a go. Even better... give one yourself!
• 🍽️ Meal times: These are a great, informal way to meet people. Try not to be the first person in the queue... there will be plenty of food to go around! I like to go about midway through the serving times, this way I can see who's on what table and pick who I sit with.
  

(photo credit: Bartek Pawlik)

🚧 Step away

• 🧡 Self Care Sprint: Kojo Idrissa always talks about this in the opening remarks. You need to look after yourself during the conference. It’s really tough to do everything. Take time to recover, relax and recharge if you need it.
• 🌳 Get outside: Take a walk, visit a park, do something for you to relax during the week. Fresh air and exercise will help you concentrate and remember - you can catch up online later on. Last year Will Vincent and I found time for a round of golf too!
• 🌆 Explore the city: Chicago has lots to see and do. Make the most of your time somewhere new! If you are a sports fan, the Chicago Bears are playing a home NFL game on Monday night. But if Baseball is your thing the White Sox are playing on Wednesday and Thursday night.

Final Thoughts

Pace yourself, being at a conference can be intense. It's okay to skip a talk or a whole session, grab quiet time or have an early night so you're fresh for the next day. But on the other hand, it’s only 3 days and you can sleep later! Do what’s best for you!

Above all else, be intentional. Whether it's building new skills, connections or exploring Chicago keep your focus on what you want to get out of the trip. If you are stuck for something to do, hang out in the hallway and come take a picture with me!

(photo credit: Kayti Mitchell)

That’s it for my tips on making the most of DjangoCon US 2025. I’m really looking forward to another week of great talks, friendly faces and plenty of hallway track conversations!

If you see me around the venue, in the hotel, at the Foxley Talent stand or grabbing a coffee please do come and say Hi!

Safe travels and see you in Chicago!

JON