Muhamed Isabegovic, this year's organizer of the Euruko conference, shares insights into the event's rich history and cultural significance within the Ruby community. He discusses the creative process behind choosing a goat mascot, symbolizing resilience and community ties. Listeners will learn about the hurdles of organizing the conference, including funding challenges and the establishment of a new company. Muhamed also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and local talent, revealing plans for a conference theme centered on goats and the Ruby on Rails community.
Muhamed Isabegovic emphasizes the importance of understanding the identity and legacy of the Euruko conference within the Ruby community.
The supportive nature of the Ruby community is showcased through collaboration and networking, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and growth.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Uroko
Uroko is recognized as the longest-running Ruby conference in Europe, having evolved significantly since its inception. Originally started by German Rubyists, it has changed hands multiple times, with each new organizer bringing fresh ideas to its format, which has ranged from two to three days in duration. As the current organizer, Mohammad Isabegovitch highlights the importance of understanding what Uroko represents and its place within the Ruby community. His experience taking over the organization underscored the need for clarity about the conference's identity and the challenges faced in maintaining its legacy.
Building the Conference Experience
Mohammad's journey to organize Uroko began with a passion to create an impactful community event in Bosnia, rooted in a historical connection to a symbolic goat from Tuzla. He discussed how he improvised a pitch, capturing the essence of the goat's story, which resonated with attendees and emphasized the significance of building community. The conference has evolved into a nonprofit event aimed at fostering inclusivity, featuring a diverse program with keynote speakers from around the world. The vision extended to establishing a practical and engaging atmosphere, and he opened negotiations for a modern venue, ensuring a professional and enjoyable experience for attendees.
Community and Collaboration
The preparation for Uroko showcased the supportive nature of the Ruby community, with Mohammad emphasizing how established figures in the tech space were responsive and willing to contribute. He expressed gratitude for the volunteers who joined him in organizing the event, illustrating the power of networking and outreach. The conference not only focuses on technical aspects but also on creating a welcoming environment for over 500 registrants, with aims to exceed 700 participants. This collaborative spirit and shared passion for Ruby stand as testaments to the community's commitment to nurturing connections and encouraging growth within the field.
EuRuKo (European Ruby Konferenz) is the largest and longest running annual Ruby conference in Europe, since 2003, that brings you all the good news about Ruby and its friends. Every year it takes place in a different European city, the location being chosen by participants. Today's guest is Muhamed Isabegovic, who has taken over organizing Euruko this year.