Attending conferences is essential for refueling and recharging your business —  and DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Taking place 24-27 March, this event is a must for agency and business owners looking to gain fresh insights, connect with industry peers, and explore potential partnerships. 
DrupalCon gathers nearly 1,500 participants from the global Drupal community — people who use Drupal or build digital experiences with it. Whether you already have a Drupal-powered website or are searching for a robust enterprise-level open-source CMS, DrupalCon Atlanta will offer valuable perspectives. You’ll hear from Drupal leaders about the latest advancements and how they can enhance your online impact.
But DrupalCon isn’t just about technology — it’s also about strategy, leadership, and growth. Beyond Drupal-focused sessions, you’ll find insights on topics like building strong teams and navigating business challenges. Let’s dive into some key sessions — both Drupal and beyond — that might be of specific interest to you as an agency or business owner.
Top sessions for agency and business owners at DrupalCon Atlanta 2025
“What the WordPress Conflict Means for Open Source Businesses” — by George DeMet
Open-source software is a smart choice for businesses because it’s free to use, highly customizable, and backed by a vibrant community that drives continuous innovation. It offers freedom, flexibility, and the ability to tailor solutions to specific needs — without being locked into a single software vendor.
A recent dispute between WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine sparked important discussions in all open-source communities. WordPress and Drupal are both well-known open-source CMSs, so it’s no surprise that the Drupal community has been following the debate closely. Beyond the immediate conflict, this debate raised deeper questions about the social and philosophical responsibilities of open-source software.
What does this mean for agencies and businesses that rely on open-source platforms and tools? Join this DrupalCon 2025 session by George DeMet (gdemet) to explore this topic. Through the lens of social contract theory, George will examine the obligations of maintainers, contributors, and companies.
This session will explore how communities like Drupal have addressed challenges like this, the lessons learned, and practical strategies for fostering a sustainable and cooperative future — one where both businesses and developers can thrive in open source.
“AI with Drupal - Using LLM technology is easy, but how do you actually build useful applications?” — by Christoph Breidert
AI tools like ChatGPT are easy to use, and integrating them with Drupal websites has long since become a streamlined practice. But what about taking AI further — building custom applications that would fit your specific business goals?
These apps can be built based on Large Language Models (LLMs). Welcome to the session by Christoph Breidert (breidert) to discover how LLMs work, the public models available, how to use them effectively, what potential challenges you may encounter, and when customization is needed.
This DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 session will be focused on two robust techniques that improve the accuracy and relevance of AI apps:

In-context learning. This allows AI models like GPT to adapt to the current context it’s given during a conversation with no need for any formal retraining.
RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation). This combines the power of retrieving relevant information from external sources with the AI’s ability to generate content.

For maximum usefulness and interactivity, the session will feature an exciting demo and a lively brainstorming process on various AI use cases. The session description assures that attendees of all experience levels can follow along.
“The Neurodivergency SuperPower - How Diverse Teams Function Better” — by Matthew Saunders
Embracing diversity — including neurodiversity — is key to building successful teams. This approach has benefits you might not have thought of. Find out how neurodivergent team members can enhance collaboration and spark innovation in the session by Matthew Saunders (matthewS).
Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences, bring fresh perspectives and unique problem-solving abilities that can strengthen your team. From heightened attention to detail to creative thinking, these individuals contribute valuable skills that drive productivity and foster a more inclusive, empathetic team culture. 
Matthew will share personal insights and research to help you understand how to support and empower neurodiverse team members. You’ll learn practical strategies for creating neuro-inclusive work environments that enable every team member to thrive and contribute their best. Embracing cognitive diversity not only improves team dynamics but also leads to better outcomes and long-term success.
“Using Your Superpowers to Lead in a Male-Dominated Industry” — by Shanice Ortiz, Theresa Jacobs, Elia Milán, and Adam Erickson
Despite progress, women leaders still face challenges in male-dominated industries. Here comes a great chance to gain insights and inspiration to challenge traditional gender norms and embrace the strengths that make you a great leader. You can do it by attending this DrupalCon Atlanta session. 
Shanice Ortiz (shaortiz728), Theresa Jacobs (tgjacobs), Elia Milán (elia.milan), and Adam Erickson (americkson) will speak about their journeys to leadership and explore challenges and opportunities in this realm. They will discuss their experiences navigating gender expectations, overcoming imposter syndrome, and breaking stereotypes.
Through personal stories, they will share insights on developing an authentic leadership style and fostering high-performing, inclusive teams. You’ll leave with renewed confidence in your ability to lead with purpose and empower your team. This DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 session isn’t just for women in leadership — it could also be valuable for men who want to better understand these barriers and contribute to a more inclusive, collaborative, and thriving workplace.
“Scaling quality mental health support in low income settings with two UN agencies” — by Elaman Imashov
Here’s a success story showcasing how Drupal powers a truly impactful social initiative. EQUIP (Ensuring Quality in Psychological Support), a World Health Organization & UNICEF project, is addressing a critical issue through a digital platform built as a Drupal-based Progressive Web App (PWA).
Mental health support is essential worldwide, yet many communities lack access to proper training and assessments. The mission of EQUIP is to deliver them in low and middle-income settings with low connectivity. By March 2024, this digital platform had been used in 794 training programs in 36 countries, delivering 10,000+ competency assessments.
Elaman Imashov (elaman) will take you through the journey of EQUIP’s development. This session will be a full case study. It will cover key aspects such as the project’s background, the reasons for choosing a Drupal PWA, the technical stack, the process of feature prioritization, the project’s impact via a wide range of delivery organizations, and much more.
This could inspire you to launch a meaningful social project supported by the power of Drupal or take your existing nonprofit website to the next level.
“IXP-Fellowship: Using Contribution Credits to encourage organizations to hire new Drupal talent” — by Michael Anello, Carlos Ospina, and Ana Laura Coto Tristan
If you're a Drupal development agency, you might want to know about a fantastic opportunity to hire the next generation of enthusiastic Drupal talent. By bringing fresh developers onto your team, you not only contribute to Drupal’s growth but also earn valuable drupal.org credits. Credits represent a solid reputation and recognition for your organization. This can lead to increased trust from clients, improved collaborations, and more growth opportunities.
If you want to know more about it, join the session by Michael Anello (ultimike), Carlos Ospina (Camoa), and Ana Laura Coto Tristan. They will uncover a Drupal community initiative called IXP-Fellowship. It encourages organizations to hire and mentor new talent by using Drupal’s contribution credit system. This helps aspiring Drupal developers land their first paid roles, bridging the gap between learning and real-world experience.
The speakers will walk you through the program’s goals, and the progress made so far, and tell you more details about how your Drupal agency or organization can benefit from getting involved.
Driesnote by Dries Buytaert
The Driesnote at DrupalCon Atlanta is more than just a keynote — it’s a roadmap for the future of Drupal. Dries Buytaert, Drupal’s founder, will unveil the latest insights on Drupal’s evolution, major releases, and groundbreaking innovations.
What else are the best Drupal minds crafting right now to make your digital experiences even better? What’s next for Drupal in an AI-driven world? When to expect the new version of Drupal? Driesnote is often the place for news that the wide audience has never heard before. 
It’s a great chance to stay ahead of the curve. Discover how these developments can shape your services, influence client expectations, and strengthen your competitive edge. Walk away with fresh perspectives and a clearer vision of how Drupal can help your business thrive.
Summits for various industries (and a special discount for nonprofits)
DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 offers a wonderful opportunity for agency and business owners to dive deeper into specific industries through its summits. These specialized sessions are tailored for sectors such as Healthcare, Higher Education, Government, Nonprofit, and Community, providing targeted insights, networking, and collaboration. They provide actionable insights, helping you better understand how Drupal can support and elevate your industry-specific goals.
While summits are available for an additional $250, the Community Summit is free to all attendees, making it a great option for those who want to connect with the Drupal community and share insights.
For those in nonprofit organizations and local governments, there’s a special perk. In addition to a huge discount for the main conference ticket, they have the option to attend the Nonprofit Summit for free — a $250 value. See more details about all ticket prices and eligibility guidelines and never miss a chance to get tickets for yourself and your team.
Final thoughts
Reading about these sessions can never match the experience of being at this extraordinary event in person. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of DrupalCon Atlanta 2025, where the brightest and most passionate Drupal enthusiasts share their expertise and ignite inspiration. Scale up your strategies, expand your horizons, and build lasting connections. We can’t wait to see you there on 24-27 March!

Join us THURSDAY, February 20 at 1pm ET / 10am PT, for our regularly scheduled call to chat about all things Drupal and nonprofits. (Convert to your local time zone.)
We don't have anything specific on the agenda this month, so we'll have plenty of time to discuss anything that's on our minds at the intersection of Drupal and nonprofits.  Got something specific you want to talk about? Feel free to share ahead of time in our collaborative Google doc: https://nten.org/drupal/notes!
All nonprofit Drupal devs and users, regardless of experience level, are always welcome on this call.
This free call is sponsored by NTEN.org and open to everyone. 


Join the call: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81817469653


Meeting ID: 818 1746 9653
Passcode: 551681


One tap mobile:
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Dial by your location:
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kpV1o65N



Follow along on Google Docs: https://nten.org/drupal/notes

View notes of previous months' calls.

Almost a year ago in February 2024, I introduced the Drupal Community to changes being made to the Drupal Certified Partner Program (see: Turning Takers into Makers: The enhanced Drupal Certified Partner Program).
The goal of the enhanced Drupal Certified Partner program was to define the culture of contribution necessary at the agency level to make Drupal thrive at the ecosystem level. We then set out to recognize and reward agencies who incorporate this culture into their operations.
In this blog, I will provide an update on progress made and further changes that will be made to the Drupal Certified Partner Program. These changes are necessary if we are to preserve independence and strong governance and avoid the fate of Wordpress, where the Maker/Taker problem is tearing the project apart.
The Update
We have made great progress in creating a model of sustainable support for Drupal, while maintaining it as one of the world's largest, independent open source projects. In the last year,  the number of Drupal Certified Partners has increased to 101, an increase of 26 companies.

In joining the program, agencies are placed in a Tier based on their previous 12-month contributions. It is heartening to see that we have a strong mix of contribution tiers. The breakdown is what you might expect: the upper tiers, demanding greater contribution, have fewer companies (29).  New Partners, who are beginning their contribution journey, make up ¾ of Drupal Certified Partners. It was exciting to see several companies join in 2024 and then move up a tier in the same year!

The program has some geographic diversity, but this is an area where we hope to grow.  I think the Asian, Australian, and Middle East markets have potential for solid growth.

Most importantly, the impact of the program on contributions has been tremendous. Total contributions to the Drupal Project in 2024 totaled 203,738 and Drupal Certified Partners sponsored 87% of these contributions (158,387 issue credits). The growth in total contributions was due to the Drupal Starshot Initiative, but it is fair (and obvious) to say that without Drupal Certified Partners, Starshot would not have been successful.

But, there were 1,440 organizations active on Drupal.org in 2024 and yet, only 101 Drupal Certified Partners (7%).  In fact, 96% of all contributions came from 219 companies (15%). This is not sustainable, if Drupal is to remain innovative and independent.
The Message
Agencies that rely upon selling Drupal to their customers need to be Makers, not Takers. In becoming a Drupal Certified Partner, such agencies are making an important investment in the sustainability of their company.  They are:

Investing in the software that they sell to their customers, keeping it innovative into the future, and 
Investing in their staff, connecting them to Drupal at a deeper level that improves job satisfaction, expertise, and retention, and
Demonstrating to their customers and potential customers that they are an independently verified, high quality Drupal agency, one that understands open source and can competently deliver; and
Investing in their business model by embracing open source and being an integral part of its success.

To read more about building a business model around open source, I would refer you to an excellent blogpost by Owen Lansbury, Chair of the Drupal Association and founder of Top Tier Drupal Certified Partner PreviousNext: Becoming a Drupal Certified Partner: How commitment to open source drives value and success at PreviousNext. Owen shares his model in the spirit of open source and with the knowledge that a strong Drupal ecosystem benefits all companies.
Over the past 18 months, the Drupal Association has been asking companies to make the decision to be a Maker and we have been heartened to see many making that commitment.
The progress we have made in 2024 is good and we are pushing for even more growth in 2025.
Invigorating Drupal, increasing marketplace awareness of Drupal, and maintaining its independence are not guaranteed outcomes for the Drupal Project.  We have witnessed poor outcomes in other open source projects over the last several years.
Open source is only as sustainable as the level of commitment to it from the community.  There are proprietary products that view Drupal’s capabilities as an obstacle to market dominance and only the strength of the project and community can stave that off. This is one of the reasons why the launch of Drupal CMS is so important- it innovates the product and rallies the community. It offers opportunities for Drupal Agencies to expand the market and earn business.  It can introduce Drupal to more marketers and site builders.
All this is good, but to be sustainable, we need to do more.
The Drupal Association believes that we need:


A larger network of Drupal Certified Partners. The Drupal Association’s Board of Directors set a goal of 106 DCPs by the middle of 2026.  We will meet that this quarter.
We realize now that number is not sufficient to keep Drupal independent and thriving.  A global project with the breadth and depth of Drupal needs a larger network of Makers of all sizes and business models in all markets.
The number of Drupal Certified Partners needs to be three times as high.




Greater support from large companies, even those for which Drupal is only a part of their business. Many large (and some really huge) global companies have not committed to the contributions necessary to be a Drupal Certified Partner.
One of the changes we made to the Certified Partner program was to make code contributions central and the primary reason for placement in the program tiers. The financial sponsorship amount does not move a company up or down the ranking. But financial sponsorship amount does go to support Drupal.org, the Drupal Servers, the Drupal Project and several initiatives to grow the community. Financial sponsorship is tied to employee size as a rough proxy of agency's revenues.
We are finding that the Drupal teams within some of these large organizations cannot convince upper management to authorize contributions and/or make the financial contribution, even though it is a nominal amount compared to the organization's overall revenue.
How do we get integrators and other large organizations that make millions of dollars in revenue from Drupal to be Makers in open source and not Takers? These organizations use several open source products and thus it is not a problem that Drupal faces alone.
The Drupal Association is continually trying to make the case and I welcome additional ideas from the community as to how to solve this.


Companies to increase contributions commensurate with their size. The primary goal of the Drupal Certified Partner program is to drive contributions to the project that supports innovation and growth to improve Drupal’s relevance in the marketplace.
Knowing that Drupal has a very diverse ecosystem, we established a program that companies of all sizes can participate in. Given that about 42% of DCPs have less than 20 employees, I think we’ve been pretty successful.  There are plenty of examples of small and mid-size companies contributing far more than one would expect.  For an extreme example, check out Redfin Solutions and their under 10 person team contributing at the Diamond Tier level!
But, this has led to the situation where large companies meet minimum requirements for certification but do not contribute commensurate with the size of their Drupal team. This holds back innovation. So we need to find a way to incentivize companies who can, to move up in the Tier structure and contribute more back to Drupal.
The Drupal Association will begin to implement further improvements to the Drupal Certified Partner program to provide extra recognition and benefits for Partners in the upper Tiers.


Drive Drupal business to Drupal Certified Partners. Dries Buytaert, in his influential Balancing Makers and Takers to scale and sustain Open Source, cites economics 101 and the free rider problem in making the case that we must level the playing field between Makers and Takers by driving business to Makers.
For Drupal to innovate, for it to sustain, for it to remain independent, those companies that give back must be rewarded.  This is in the interest of Drupal's end users who invest significant funds into their projects and want to know that Drupal will thrive.  Much cheaper than paying license fees in perpetuity is ensuring that the company who is building and maintaining your website is sustaining the software.  In 2024, we started an initiative to make end users aware of the importance of working with Drupal Certified Partners through a model RFP.
We need to go further.  The Drupal Association will continue to ensure that Drupal is free to anyone, anywhere in the world to download and use as they wish.  We will also aggressively drive business to Drupal Certified Partners.


The Hope
There are SO MANY positive things happening in the Drupal Project and the Drupal Community.  With strong governance and the promise of Drupal CMS, the future of Drupal is ours to create.
My plan, one year from now, in February 2026, is to provide an update to the community that highlights the success of the community’s Drupal Certified Partners in keeping Drupal innovative, inspiring and independent.
If your company will join us, you can make writing that blogpost much easier. 

DrupalCon is an exciting and invaluable event for anyone involved in the Drupal community, whether you’re a developer, website owner, or digital professional. If you’re heading to DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 for the first time, you’re in for a treat! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your experience, along with some top tips for how to prepare.
Get to Know the Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Welcome to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the official venue for DrupalCon Atlanta 2025! Located downtown, our hotel offers easy access to the conference and local attractions. With over 180,000 square feet of versatile event space, including a stunning atrium, we’re ready to host your sessions, networking events, and meetups.
Enjoy modern accommodations, a fitness center, and on-site dining, plus nearby landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park. Whether you’re here for DrupalCon or to explore Atlanta, the Hyatt Regency is the perfect place to connect, collaborate, and relax.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Find Your Local Drupal Community Did you know that there are smaller Drupal communities that get together, meet, help each other, and share experiences around the world? Communities are typically broken down by geographic area. There will be a designated area in the ballroom for local Drupal community members to meet up. There will also be ambassadors from each community who will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Plan Your Sessions in Advance DrupalCon offers a packed schedule of keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and sprints. As a first-time attendee, it can be overwhelming to choose between the many sessions on offer. Be sure to review the full schedule ahead of time and map out your must-see sessions. Don’t forget about the community networking events — they’re a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and share knowledge.
Take Advantage of the Expo Hall The Expo Hall is where you’ll find all the key players in the Drupal ecosystem. Whether you’re interested in learning about the latest modules, tools, or services for your website, or you're looking to network with other professionals, this is the place to be. Make sure to visit the exhibitor booths and grab some swag!
Don’t Miss the After-Hours Events DrupalCon isn’t just about sessions—it’s also about networking and having fun. After a long day of learning, be sure to check out the after-hours events. You’ll get to know your fellow attendees in a more relaxed setting. From Drupal meetups to informal happy hours, there’s always something happening in Atlanta.
Be Prepared to Learn and Grow At DrupalCon, you’ll have access to experts, thought leaders, and professionals from across the globe. Take this opportunity to learn from the best, ask questions, and dive deep into all things Drupal. Whether you’re attending a session, workshop, or sprint, you’ll leave the conference with a wealth of new knowledge.
6 Top Tips for First-Time Attendees: How to Prepare 
1. Plan Your Logistics Make sure to book your travel and accommodation well in advance. Atlanta is a popular destination, and staying near the convention center will make your experience more enjoyable. Use the official DrupalCon app to stay up-to-date on session schedules, map out your day, and connect with other attendees.
2. Find the New Member + Local Drupal Community Meeting Space DrupalCon is actually a gathering of lots of local Drupal communities. Find your local Drupal community in the New Member + Local Drupal Community Meeting Space. Use the area to meet new friends and enjoy DrupalCon activities together! Ambassadors from that local community will also be hand to answer questions.
3.  Explore the Keynote Sessions One of the highlights of DrupalCon is the keynote sessions, where industry leaders share their insights on the future of Drupal and digital innovation. These sessions are a great way to kick off your DrupalCon experience and get a sense of the community’s direction.
4. Don’t Miss the Birds of a Feather (BoF) Sessions Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions are informal gatherings where you can discuss specific topics with other attendees who share your interests. Whether it’s a conversation about Drupal 10 or how to build better websites for non-profits, BoFs are a fantastic way to dive deep into niche topics.
5. Take Advantage of the Social Events Networking doesn’t end when the sessions do. Atlanta is known for its vibrant social scene, and DrupalCon will offer a variety of social events and meetups to help you connect with fellow Drupal professionals. Whether you’re at a local restaurant or a special after-hours event, be sure to engage with the community.
6. Focus on Skill Development DrupalCon Atlanta is a great place to learn new skills, whether you’re interested in backend development, front-end design, or site building. Take a mix of technical and strategy sessions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or dive into new areas of Drupal that you haven’t explored before.
How to Maximize Your Experience at DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 as a First-Time Attendee
Attending DrupalCon for the first time can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With thousands of attendees, dozens of sessions, and plenty of opportunities to network, it’s essential to plan ahead. Here’s how you can make the most out of DrupalCon Atlanta 2025.
Understanding the DrupalCon Schedule DrupalCon is packed with valuable content, but it can be hard to decide what to attend when there are multiple sessions happening at the same time. As a first-timer, try to balance between sessions that teach practical skills and those that offer a broader vision for Drupal’s future. The schedule will be available in advance, so take time to prioritize based on your interests.
Attend the Mentoring Sessions As a first-time attendee, you might feel overwhelmed by all the information, but don’t worry – there’s support available. DrupalCon offers mentoring sessions where you can get advice and insights from Drupal experts. These sessions are perfect for newcomers who have questions about modules, themes, or website development.
Network with Fellow Attendees DrupalCon is an excellent opportunity to meet others in the community. Use the event to introduce yourself, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. The easiest way to do that is find your local Drupal community in the New Member + Local Drupal Community Meeting Space. The best times to meetup are:


Monday evening: Right before the welcome reception and walk over together


Tuesday morning: Before the first sessions and keynote to plan for the day


Tuesday afternoon: Right before lunch to sit and eat together


Tuesday + Wednesday evening: Right before each social activity to travel together


Also, don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with speakers and exhibitors—DrupalCon is a community-driven event.
Participate in a Sprint If you're a developer, participating in a sprint is one of the most rewarding experiences at DrupalCon. Sprints allow you to contribute directly to the Drupal project, collaborate with others, and hone your coding skills. Whether you’re new to Drupal or an experienced contributor, sprints are a fantastic way to give back to the community.
Take Care of Yourself Attending a conference can be intense, so don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated, and find moments to relax. The sessions can be mentally taxing, so finding some downtime will help you recharge and stay focused throughout the week.

At the heart of the Drupal community lies our commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and positive environment. As part of this mission, the Drupal Community Working Group (CWG) Conflict Resolution Team is excited to announce quarterly open office hours.
Our open office hours are designed to create a safe and welcoming space where members of the Drupal community can connect with us. Whether you have questions about conflict resolution, need guidance on community challenges, or simply want to better understand how we support our community, this is your opportunity to engage with the team.
What to Expect
During these sessions, you’ll have the chance to:


Ask questions about the CWG and its role in maintaining a healthy community.


Seek advice or share concerns related to conflict resolution or community dynamics.


Learn about tools and resources to help foster positive interactions in your own Drupal spaces.


This is a casual, open forum, so feel free to drop in and participate as much or as little as you’d like.
Details for the Next Session
📅 Date: February 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM GMT
📍 Location: ZOOM - https://drupalassoc.zoom.us/j/81673498809
We’re here to listen, provide support, and help strengthen the bonds that make the Drupal community so unique. Whether you’re a long-time contributor or new to Drupal, we welcome everyone to join us.
Why Open Office Hours?
The open office hours are part of our ongoing effort to ensure that every community member feels heard and supported. By offering this space, we hope to encourage open dialogue and provide resources that contribute to a healthier, more resilient Drupal community.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to continue building the kind of community we can all be proud to be a part of. 💙

Drupal CMS 1.0 was released on January 15. People at 65+ parties celebrated around the globe in Milan (Italy), Zaragoza (Spain), Delhi (India), Lutsk (Ukraine), Bogota (Columbia), Boston (USA), Budapest (Hungary) just to name a few locations. More than 700 people celebrated on the online Zoom party. But what's next?
Join us at DrupalCon Atlanta for two keynotes, more than 20 sessions, contribution opportunities, a dedicated training and even a game show providing deeper insights into Drupal CMS! And this is just a slice of the whole conference!
Two Drupal CMS keynotes and an overview session

The Driesnote on Tuesday provides a premier look at the latest developments and future plans of Drupal CMS, including updates on Experience Builder.
Wednesday afternoon the Drupal CMS Spotlights keynote (page to come) will feature key leaders providing in-depth looks at their respective areas from AI site building through user experience, documentation and of course Experience Builder.
Drupal CMS Product Lead Pamela Barone and UX Lead Cristina Chumillas will present Drupal CMS now and beyond to review the roadmap we went on so far and what is ahead.



Experience Builder sessions
A huge part of Drupal CMS will be Experience Builder (XB). Coming later this year, there is a lot to cover.

In Experience Builder is coming. Are you ready? lead of XB, Lauri Timmanee will show how building Drupal sites will soon become faster and easier than ever before. 
Experience Builder will come with a design system of components to use. In Behind the Build: How We're Creating Drupal’s New Default Design System Elliott Mower and Jason Thompson are presenting their early work on this. 
Want to integrate your modules or custom features? One of the developers behind XB, Bálint Kléri will show you how in No need to over-React! Navigating Experience Builder as a developer.
Kristen Pol is the lead of the demo design system for XB. In Launch your design system into hyperdrive with Starshot’s Experience Builder, she will share her hands-on experience and provide practical tips.
The UI of Experience Builder itself is under scrutiny in Shaping the Future of Drupal: How Design Thinking + Collaboration is driving Experience Builder with Jillian Chueka and Renee Lund, who are leading designing the XB UI. 
Last but not least in The Future of Drupal Theming: AI, Experience Builder, and Beyond Mike Herchel (Drupal Olivero theme's lead) will cover recent developments even beyond Experience Builder. 


Drupal CMS AI sessions

AI is the new UI - how we are building AI into Drupal CMS is the place to be to learn from James Abrahams himself on how Drupal CMS built the site building AI features and what comes next.
Marcus Johansson will provide practical tips on no-code feature building with AI in Meet the AI Automators that power everything in Drupal CMS - CKEditor, AI Agents, no code required!
Want to create your own AI agents? No problem, Vincenzo Gambino is here to help with Working with the AI Agents in Drupal CMS - Create your own agents and AI powered migration. 


Sessions on even more building blocks of Drupal CMS

As one of the premier adopters of recipes, in Recipes: It's About Time! Martin-Anderson Clutz gives an overview of the benefits of recipes, including practical tips from his extensive experience. Also Jim Birch is presenting the Drupal Recipes Initiative Update. 
Joe Shindelar will present Documentation Initiatives for Starshot and Drupal.org, highlighting the new approaches Drupal CMS is taking to create documentation.
Package Manager is behind both the Project Browser and Automatic Updates features in Drupal CMS. Ted Bowman presents Creating Composer aware modules with Drupal core's new Package Manager module to help more developers integrate with this crucial feature.
Concerned for the security of automatically updating and easily installing packages? Supply Chain Security in Drupal and Composer is exactly about that with Christopher Gervais, Tim Lehnen and Neil Drumm.
Privacy Track Lead Jurgen Haas presents Drupal CMS: Golden standard for privacy and data protection covering the incredible journey he went through with other experts in this area to bring simple to use yet widely applicable features to Drupal CMS.
The wonderful new admin navigation UI that is used by Drupal CMS by default is the focus of Drupal Next-Gen Navigation: Enhanced Admin UI and better UX by Cristina Chumillas and Pablo López.
The Dashboard is a key piece of Drupal CMS where users get an overview of what is going on on their site. In From Community Initiative to a Drupal CMS Track: the Dashboard Module Matthew Tift and Christian López Espínola will explain how it came to be and what are the future plans.
Presented by tech leads of Drupal CMS Adam Hoenich and Tim Plunkett, the foundational technologies under Drupal CMS are in focus in Distributions are dead, long live distributions: a Drupal CMS story. They will cover how the installer is built and how one can manage reusable recipes in a project.


Drupal CMS research insights
What Do Marketers Really Want? Unpacking the User Research for Drupal CMS with Bruna Siqueira-Davis and Suzanne Dergacheva will cover the research they did with volunteers on CMS users across platforms and industries. The findings provide insights into the priorities, frustrations, and opportunities that inform how marketers select and use CMS platforms, and specifically what we should prioritize when designing Drupal CMS for marketers. 

Drupal CMS at summits and trainings
DrupalEasy is running a Drupal CMS Preview training to provide a hands-on introduction to some of its key features, including installation, Project Browser, recipes, AI integration, and Experience Builder. The agenda includes demos, practical exercises, and a developer Q&A, helping attendees gain confidence in launching future Drupal CMS sites.
Emma Horrell from the Drupal CMS UX team will also present at the Non-Profit Summit. 

Drupal CMS Game Show!
Drupal CMS: The Exciting Parts lead by Steve Persch is promising to be a fun "part panel discussion, part game show". If you've been to any of Steve's sessions before, you know this will be good.

Drupal CMS contribution
Last but definitely not least, teams, tracks and initiatives coming together in Drupal CMS will represent at the contribution events at DrupalCon Atlanta. Meet throughout the week at Birds of a Feather discussions about ongoing work and join in at the General Contribution area especially, but not only on the last day. See you there! Not too late to get your ticket!

The “drop is always moving,” and Drupal continues to evolve thanks to the folks who contribute from all over the world. But sometimes, behind all the coding, innovation, and collaborating, people start to lose motivation. In fact, it’s not uncommon for contributors to the Drupal project to experience burnout.
The Drupal Community Working Group is here to help. Part of our charter is to "help to prevent conflict and burnout" burnout, and this article is all about recognizing the signs and finding support.
Burnout can happen when work and life get out of balance. It can appear for lots of reasons. You might feel tired all the time or just plain bored with the same old tasks. Doubts creep in, and you start feeling impostor syndrome. You might feel the symptoms in your body and mind.
Some people in the Drupal community contribute as part of their job; the World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
If you’re experiencing burnout, know that you’re not alone. A 2022 study looked at over 32,600 tech workers from 33 countries and found that 62% of the people surveyed reported feeling “physically and emotionally drained.”
Understanding Burnout
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed out. It’s like hitting a wall, emotionally, mentally, and physically, all because of too much stress. In the Drupal community, burnout can manifest in many different ways. Here are some signs:

Decreased Motivation: Some people experience a loss of interest or passion for their work in the Drupal community. Tasks that were once exciting may now feel like a burden.
Increased Irritability: Burnout can lead to heightened levels of frustration and irritability, both in online interactions and real-life interactions within the Drupal community.
Isolation: Burnout often leads to withdrawal from social interactions, both online and offline. You, or someone you know, may become less active in Drupal issue queues, Slack channels, or community events.
Physical Symptoms: Chronic stress and burnout can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and digestive issues.

Finding Support
Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step. Getting through it might require support. Fortunately, the Drupal community offers a variety of resources and support networks to help contributors navigate burnout:

Talk to the community: Drop a line in a Drupal Slack channel where you feel safe sharing (#community-health is a good one). Sometimes, just sharing with people who get it can make a big difference.
Find, or become, a mentor: Look into the Drupal mentoring programs. Finding a mentor can help keep you on track. Becoming a mentor can give your work a different kind of purpose.
Take care of yourself: Consider how you are taking care of your well-being. Are you getting enough sleep? Might you benefit from trying mindfulness or meditation (like a Body Scan)? Are you moving your body with exercise? Are you taking breaks? These are questions only you can answer honestly.
Set limits: Learn to say “no” when you’re already swamped, hand off some tasks, or ask for more time when you need it.
Talk to a professional: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling to cope with burnout. Therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide invaluable assistance in managing stress and improving your well-being.

Conclusion
Sometimes Drupal contributors experience burnout, but it’s not the end of the road. Finding help might require outside help. Sometimes it’s just time to step away from the community indefinitely, and that’s okay, too. Remember, your well-being is paramount, and taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both you and the Drupal ecosystem as a whole.

Atlanta is home to a vibrant community of tech professionals, developers, and digital strategists, and in 2025, the city will host one of the most important events for the open-source community: DrupalCon Atlanta! Whether you’re a seasoned Drupal developer or new to the world of open-source web development, DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. 
We’ve collated some key reasons why you, as a local Atlanta Drupal user, should make plans to attend.
Access to Global Drupal Experts Without Leaving Home
DrupalCon is the premier event for the Drupal community, attracting some of the most influential thought leaders, developers, and contributors from around the globe. As a local Atlanta attendee, you’ll have direct access to these experts—right in your own backyard! Whether it’s through keynotes, panels, or networking opportunities, you’ll be able to learn from the best in the field, gain new perspectives, and apply their insights to your own work.
Networking Opportunities with Local and Global Professionals
DrupalCon isn’t just about learning; it’s also about building connections. As a local attendee, you’ll be able to meet other Atlanta-based developers, designers, project managers, and organizations who use Drupal in their projects. But it’s also a chance to connect with Drupal professionals from across the country and around the world. This mix of local and international attendees opens the door to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships you may not have access to otherwise.
Boost Your Career with Professional Development
DrupalCon offers an excellent opportunity to level up your career. With hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and in-depth tutorials, you’ll gain new skills, enhance your knowledge, and stay up to date with the latest Drupal updates. Whether you're looking to refine your Drupal development skills, expand your expertise in site architecture, or dive deeper into specific modules, DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to invest in your professional growth and stand out in a competitive job market.
Be Part of Atlanta’s Growing Tech Community
Atlanta is rapidly becoming a hub for tech innovation, and Drupal is a big part of that. By attending DrupalCon, you'll contribute to and strengthen the city's growing reputation in the tech industry. You'll also get the chance to meet local developers and organizations already making an impact with Drupal, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
As a local, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your knowledge and experience to the broader Drupal ecosystem while gaining insights from the global Drupal community.
Experience DrupalCon in Your Own City
Hosting DrupalCon in Atlanta means you’ll experience this incredible event in a city known for its hospitality, vibrant culture, and thriving tech scene. When the conference is over for the day, you can explore everything Atlanta has to offer, from world-class dining to historic landmarks and cultural attractions. You won’t have to travel far to be part of the action—just head over to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and you’re in the heart of it all. This is a great opportunity to easily access some of the best attractions the city has to offer. Stroll over to the Centennial Olympic Park, explore the inspiring National Center for Civil and Human Rights, or dive into history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Take a ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel for incredible views of the city or visit the Georgia Aquarium, the only aquarium in the world where you can see a whale shark. 
Attend Local Meetups, Panels, and Networking Events
DrupalCon isn’t just about sessions—it’s also about the local community. The event will feature plenty of opportunities to meet up with local Drupal users, participate in hands-on workshops, and collaborate on solving real-world problems. By attending, you'll deepen your connections with the local Drupal community and help make Atlanta a key player in the Drupal ecosystem. Plus, these local events often feature discussions on how Drupal is being used to solve problems specific to the Atlanta area, making it easier to find solutions for your own projects.
Show Support for Open-Source and Local Businesses
Drupal is an open-source platform, and supporting events like DrupalCon means you’re supporting the open-source movement and the local tech businesses and freelancers who rely on it. By attending DrupalCon, you're not just learning and networking, but also contributing to the broader ecosystem that makes Drupal such a powerful and accessible tool for developers, designers, and organizations everywhere.
Don’t Miss Out—Register Today!
DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 is the perfect chance for local users to immerse themselves in the world of Drupal, connect with professionals, and boost their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone at this exciting event. 
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Atlanta’s most important open-source conference of the year!