A Brief History of FOSDEM

• Founded in 2001 by Raphaël Bauduin as OSDEM.
• First event held at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) with ~200 attendees.
• Grew to become one of the largest open-source events globally.
• Core values : Free to attend, volunteer-run, and vendor-neutral.

The FOSDEM 2025 Program

• 50+ devrooms , each dedicated to specific topics or communities:
• Embedded systems, Python, decentralized internet, documentation, and more.
• Highlighted keynotes :
• Talks from prominent figures in the open-source community.
• Topics addressing the future of open-source collaboration and technology.
• FOSDEM Junior track :
• Workshops and talks designed for younger attendees.
• All content in English, which could be a challenge for some kids.
• Lightning talks :
• 15-minute presentations showcasing a variety of projects and ideas.

Side-Events: Bytenight and More

• Bytenight :
• Casual evening gathering for networking and unwinding.
• Offers a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere to share ideas and connect.
• Unofficial FOSS-Nerds-Only Party at HSBXL :
• Known informally as "Bytenight at HSBXL."
• A private gathering for open-source enthusiasts and contributors.
• Hosted at the Hackerspace Brussels (HSBXL) , providing an intimate, nerd-centric atmosphere.
• Includes engaging conversations, demonstrations of projects, and a chance to meet like-minded individuals in a more exclusive setting.
• Other informal meetups and social events scattered across Brussels.

Enter OFFDEM: An Open-Source Evolution

• What is OFFDEM?
• Stands for "Off FOSDEM."
• Created as an alternative for those unhappy with FOSDEM's corporate tone .
• Prioritizes informal, experimental, and non-commercial discussions .
• Key features :
• Decentralized gathering with workshops, art installations, and unconference-style sessions.
• Reflects the diversity and adaptability of the open-source community.
• Complementary to FOSDEM :
• Not a competition but an extension of the open-source ethos.

Why FOSDEM Matters

• Celebration of open-source values :
• Collaboration, transparency, and freedom.
• Opportunities :
• Exchange ideas, launch projects, and strengthen communities.
• Inclusivity :
• A space for everyone, from seasoned contributors to newcomers.

Wrapping Up

• Key takeaways :
• FOSDEM showcases the best of community-driven initiatives.
• Side-events like Bytenight and OFFDEM highlight the evolving open-source spirit.
• Join the conversation :
• Share your experiences, must-visit devrooms, or favorite talks.

Webpages

• FOSDEM
• OFFDEM
• Byenight
• FOSDEM companion