DrupalCon North America 2026: Evolving for the Community
DrupalCon has always been a conference by the community, for the community—and as we look ahead to DrupalCon North America 2026 in Chicago, we’re making thoughtful changes to ensure it continues to reflect those values.
After a successful DrupalCon Atlanta, we’ve taken time to reflect, gather feedback, and make updates that prioritize access, sustainability, and community connection. Each of the changes outlined below is rooted in one or more of these values—whether it's improving affordability, building lasting relationships, or creating a more efficient and inclusive event experience. With guidance from the DrupalCon North America Steering Committee, we’re excited to share a refreshed ticket structure, updated volunteer policies, a reimagined Expo Hall, and a renewed focus on summits, trainings, and collaboration.
What’s New for 2026
Ticket Pricing: More Affordable, More Accessible
We’ve simplified and lowered the cost of general admission tickets to make DrupalCon more accessible—without sacrificing the quality of experience our community expects. These changes were driven by feedback from past DrupalCon attendees, the North American Steering Committee, and the community at large, all of whom expressed a strong desire for more affordable access to the event.
| Ticket Tier | Atlanta 2025 | Chicago 2026 | Savings |
| Early Bird | $890 | $575 | $315 |
| Regular | $990 | $700 | $290 |
| Late/Onsite | $1,190 | $850 | $340 |
Early Bird registration opens September 15, 2025 and is open for 16 weeks!
Secure your ticket early to lock in the best rate.
Camp & Local Association Ticket Perks
For every 5 tickets purchased from a Drupal camp or local association, that community will receive 1 complimentary ticket to share with a deserving community member, with a max of 10 complimentary tickets per local camp or association. It's our way of reinvesting in local leadership and participation.
Updated Volunteer Ticket Policy
This change reflects our focus on access and sustainability. In our DrupalCon Atlanta recap blog, we highlighted how streamlined operations improved the event experience for attendees and volunteers alike. Building on that momentum, we recognized the need for clearer guidelines to ensure volunteer opportunities are distributed fairly and effectively.
We’ve updated the volunteer ticket structure to make it more equitable and scalable:
- Volunteer under 20 hours → 25% discount
- Volunteer 20+ hours → Complimentary ticket
These tickets are non-transferable and may not be combined with other discounts.
Previously, volunteer ticket codes were sometimes misused or distributed without proper oversight. These updated guidelines help preserve full complimentary tickets for those who contribute a significant amount of time and effort, while also creating new opportunities for others to attend at a reduced rate.
Additionally, we’ve streamlined the on-site registration process with self-check-in, reducing the need for a large number of on-site volunteers and allowing us to focus support where it’s most impactful.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer.
Summits & Trainings: Real Talk, Real Skills
Summits are one of DrupalCon’s most valuable opportunities for industry-specific collaboration and knowledge sharing. Designed to connect attendees working in the same verticals, these events offer focused access to speakers with real-world experience, engaging roundtable discussions with peers in similar roles, and meaningful conversations about shared challenges. Attendees walk away with practical takeaways and lasting connections, while participating sponsors have a chance to introduce themselves to leaders in the space in an organic, relevant way.
Taking place Monday, 23 March 2026.
Industry & Community Summits
Join peers in:
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Government
- Nonprofit
- Community
Each summit features two half-day sessions that do not conflict with the main conference program, creating space for meaningful discussion and idea sharing.
| Summit Type | Atlanta 2025 | Chicago 2026 |
| Industry Summit | $250 | $300 |
| Community Summit | Free | Free for RippleMaker members, $50 for non-member (Click HERE to become a Ripple Maker) |
Lunch is not included with the Community Summit, but a lunch ticket add-on will be available for purchase during registration.
Trainings
DrupalCon Trainings remain at $500 and offer deep-dive, expert-led learning opportunities on a wide range of Drupal skills.
More Community Updates
You’ll notice more networking spaces, and informal meeting zones—especially in the Expo Hall and hallways. We’re doubling down on meaningful, unstructured connections.
These changes are only possible through thoughtful cost management and the continued support of our sponsors. Their partnership helps us keep ticket prices accessible while delivering the high-quality experience the community expects. We’re grateful to those who invest in DrupalCon and help us create an event that welcomes and supports everyone.
Traveling from Outside the U.S.?
The Drupal Association is happy to issue official invitation letters for those requiring a visa.
Request your visa letter here.
Letters are generated automatically—just complete the form and check your email (including spam folders).
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Program at a Glance Released | 6 June 2025 |
| Call for Speakers Opens | 21 July 2025 |
| Early Bird Registration Opens | 15 September 2025 |
| Call for Speakers Closes | 26 September 2025 |
| Grants & Scholarships Applications Open | 1 October 2025 |
| Grants & Scholarships Applications Close | 31 October 2025 |
| Session Notifications to Speakers | 12 November 2025 |
| Grant & Scholarship Recipients Announced | 12 November 2025 |
| Regular Registration Opens | 5 January 2026 |
| Conference Schedule Available | 13 January 2026 |
| Late Registration Opens | 23 February 2026 |
| DrupalCon Chicago | 23-26 March 2026 |
Stay at the Heart of the Action
Hilton Chicago is DrupalCon’s official headquarters hotel—and it's where the magic happens.
From morning coffee chats to late-night strategy sessions in the lobby, this is where the community connects. Staying on-site helps you maximize your time, make spontaneous connections, and be part of the full experience.
Book your room at the Hilton Chicago.
Sponsorship Updates
We’re reimagining our sponsorship offerings to better connect you with the Drupal community—bringing fresh opportunities and updated packages designed for greater visibility, value, and impact.
Want to be the first to know when they go live? Email partnerships@association.drupal.org and we’ll make sure you're on the list.
Let’s Build What’s Next—Together
DrupalCon is more than just a conference—it’s the beating heart of our community. These changes help us keep that heart strong, inclusive, and accessible.
We can’t wait to see you in Chicago, 23-26 March 2026.