PyCon US: Successful Return to In-Person in 2022

We held our first in-person event since 2019 in Salt Lake City last month and it was well-attended, celebratory, and safe. We had 1,753 in-person attendees and 669 online attendees. Of the in-person attendees, 1,153 were attending their first PyCon US ever – we hope they’ll all be back! In-person attendees were masked and we took care to add extra space to the expo hall, the dining areas, the session rooms and the job fair. For many community members, this was their first in-person conference or community event of any type in almost 3 years. There were a LOT of hugs and some very enthusiastic -- elbow bumps. 

You can take a look at PyCon 2022 by the numbers here. 

 

Having joined the PSF as Executive Director just a few weeks before the event, this was a great opportunity to meet the community, including long-time volunteers, current and former board members, and hard-working local Python organizers from all over the world. It was also my first opportunity to meet the amazing PSF staff in person. Did you know that the PSF facilitates PyCon US with just 8 staff members? Their dedication to providing a space that is welcoming and fun, while also being safe and respectful, knows no bounds. The community is always first at PyCon US. 

 

We had lots of great talks and convened summits focused on Maintainers, Typing, Education, Packaging and the development of the Python Language. We also hosted Mentored Sprints for Diverse Beginners, the PyLadies Auction, four Lightning Talk Sessions, and two days of Sprints. We hit a few snags with a new AV team this year, but now most of the videos are up on our YouTube channel. 

 

This year’s event was a little more cautious, but it was really nice to see people. We’re actively looking for ways to better engage our online attendees next year and would welcome your ideas. Thanks to our many, many volunteers, especially three-time PyCon US Chair Emily Morehouse! Thank you also to our wonderful sponsors, many of whom not only help us put on PyCon US but also support the Python Programming Language throughout the year!!

 

Mark your calendar for PyCon US 2023 from April 19th to April 27th, 2023 both in Salt Lake City or online. If you are interested in talking about sponsorship opportunities for 2023, please drop us a line. And we are always looking for more volunteers, so if you’d like to be part of a future event as a volunteer, just let us know.

Welcome Chloe Gerhardson to the PSF staff!

With great anticipation and excitement we are happy to announce that Chloe Gerhardson (she/her) has joined the Python Software Foundation (PSF) as of Monday May 23, 2022. Chloe joins the team as Infrastructure Engineer, led by PSF Director of Infrastructure Ee Durbin.

Chloe Gerhardson - PSF Infrastructure Engineer

As a recent graduate of Springfield Technical Community College’s associates program in Computer Programming, Chloe will be growing into a role that supports the wide gamut of software technologies that facilitate the technical aspects of our community.

In time Chloe will share in all responsibilities of the Infrastructure Team and help the PSF move its infrastructure commitment to the community from a reactive and maintenance stance towards progress on new and expanded services to fulfill our mission.

In her own words…

I am thrilled and grateful to be brought along in the journey of growing and maintaining the PSF’s infrastructure, and I look forward to working with the PSF’s incredible staff members, as well as our wonderful community members at large.

Although excitement abounds for the learning, growing, and doing that this role requires Chloe also stays busy as a committed, registered, and active Registered Yoga Teacher in her community, skateboarder, dog lover, traveler, and aficionado of live music.

Please join us in welcoming Chloe!