If you haven't yet seen the statement from the Ruby Central Board, the organization has been preparing for some significant changes. RubyConf, our flagship annual event, is also moving and adapting with these transitions.

This year, we ambitiously envisioned several exciting new programs designed to reimagine RubyConf and bring new energy, new voices, and new opportunities to the conference. We took a step back, reevaluated each of these programs, and took fresh creative approaches to bringing a clearer vision for what RubyConf can and should be. 

Here’s what some of the new programming will look like going forward.

Steering Committees and Town Hall Sessions

This year, we want to try something at RubyConf that we think the community will find valuable: working sessions with the Ruby Central board to help shape what comes next. These Town Hall Sessions will focus on the early stages of building out the governance and structure of steering committees across the organization. If you're thinking about getting involved in this massive project, being in-person at RubyConf and working directly with the board is a great place to start.

More details will be shared in a future update.

Ruby Runway — From Competition to Showcase

Ruby Runway was envisioned as a pitch competition celebrating the startups in our community. As we developed it, we realized a showcase or demo format is a better fit for what RubyConf does well: creating genuine connection, support, and visibility for builders doing interesting things with Ruby.

Ruby Runway will become a fast-pitch startup showcase where founders take the stage, share their work, and connect with a room full of brilliant Rubyists. We think this format is more fun, more personal, and more in the spirit of what Ruby has always been about: developer happiness and community.

We'll be sharing more about the participating startups soon, so you can seek them out and connect while you're at RubyConf.

Ruby in the Real World Showcase — Folded Into the Main Program

This concept is still alive, just finding a new home. Rather than running as a separate event, we will weave the Ruby in the Real World Showcase into the regular conference program.

The purpose remains the same: a curated showcase of Ruby-powered technology in real-world businesses, welcoming both companies that build with Ruby and those that build for Ruby developers. The timing and communications around this new program didn't land the way we hoped this year, and we own that. But the idea is sound, and we're committed to giving it the space it deserves.

If you're interested in being represented with a table booth, we'd love to talk. Reach out to Tom Chambers to learn more.

On the Career Fair and Fundraising Gala

Two programs we had planned for this year will not be moving forward as originally intended.

The Career Fair as a standalone event is on pause. Hiring across most of the tech industry has slowed down considerably, and the feedback we received from our outreach was consistent. That said, RubyConf has always been a hub to meet talented and inspirational Ruby developers. If you or your organization is hiring for any position, RubyConf is a place to be! Reach out to Tom Chambers to discuss options.

The Fundraising Gala has been canceled. Ultimately, we made the call to step back and reimagine what fundraising looks like for Ruby Central going forward, built on grassroots support and grounded in community.

Both of these events represented something we care deeply about: bringing people together in a meaningful way while investing in the future of this community. That intention isn't going anywhere, and we're committed to finding the right ways to bring both back when the time is right.

A Note of Gratitude and an Ask

RubyConf exists because of you. Every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer is what makes this event worth fighting for, and we are fighting for it. We still plan on putting on one hell of an experience! The Program Committee has been pouring their full hearts and creativity into making this a genuinely fantastic event, and the full program and schedule will be going live in the coming days.

If you believe in what Ruby Central is building, there are ways to help: attend RubyConf, spread the word, sponsor if your organization is able, and stay engaged. If you haven't grabbed your ticket yet, early bird pricing ends April 30th (or until sold out), so now is a great time to lock in your spot. 

The Ruby community has been beyond gracious, patient, and supportive. Thank you!

We can't wait to see you at RubyConf!

Ally Vogel
Operations Manager