Why You Should Speak at DrupalCon Rotterdam 2026

Are you a Drupal enthusiast who’s ever thought, “I’m not expert enough to speak at DrupalCon”? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can affect even the most experienced developers, designers, and site builders. But here’s the truth: real-world experience matters far more than textbook expertise. Your lessons learned, project insights, and practical workflows are exactly what the community wants to hear.

Speaking at DrupalCon isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It’s a chance to grow personally and professionally. You’ll gain visibility in the Drupal community, advance your career through skill development and recognition, and connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.

Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. If you’ve tackled real Drupal challenges, you already have a story worth sharing.
 

Photo by PdJohnson

                               Photo by PdJohnson

What Makes a Great DrupalCon Talk Proposal

When reviewers look at submissions, they’re seeking talks that are educational, clear, and actionable, not sales pitches. Here’s what makes a proposal stand out:

  • Clear takeaway: What will attendees actually learn?
  • Specific audience: Who benefits most from your talk?
  • Drupal relevance: Make it explicit why this matters to the community.

Tips for a strong proposal:

  • Avoid vague titles like “Drupal Tips & Tricks”
  • Focus on outcomes rather than just features
  • Be specific about your context, challenges, and solutions

Top Ideas for DrupalCon Rotterdam 2026 Talks

Need inspiration? Here are some trending topics that resonate with the community and demonstrate thought leadership:

  • AI and Drupal: How AI tools can enhance content creation and user experiences
  • Decoupled & composable architectures: Building flexible, modern sites
  • Accessibility & inclusive design: Making Drupal sites usable for everyone
  • Performance at scale: Lessons from high-traffic projects
  • Real client success stories: Challenges, solutions, and wins
  • Content workflows & editorial UX: Improving efficiency and satisfaction

Your unique experience in these areas could spark the next great DrupalCon session.

Photo by PdJohnson

                               Photo by PdJohnson

From Submission to Stage: How to Get Selected

Wondering how your proposal moves from idea to spotlight? Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

  1. Choose the right track and format: DrupalCon has multiple tracks: technical, design, strategy, and more. Pick the one your talk aligns with.
  2. Craft a compelling description: Clearly state the problem, your approach, and what attendees will take away.
  3. Match difficulty level to audience: Beginners, intermediate, or advanced. Be honest to set expectations.
  4. Focus on practical value: Share actionable insights, not theory alone.

Remember, clarity and relevance are key. The more concrete your examples and lessons, the stronger your submission.

Call for Papers: Key Dates & How to Submit

Don’t miss your chance to speak at DrupalCon Rotterdam 2026!

Deadline: 13 April 2026

Tracks: 

  • Community Health
  • Digital Sovereignty & Open Web
  • Drupal CMS
  • Development AI and Agentic Architecture
  • Agency, Business & Marketing
  • Success Stories and Innovation
  • User Experience, Accessibility, and Design

Formats: Sessions (45 or 20 minutes), workshops (45 or 2x45 minutes), panels (45 minutes)


How to submit:

  1. Visit the DrupalCon CFP page
  2. Choose your track and format
  3. Write your title and description with clear takeaways
  4. Submit before the deadline!

Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned presenter, DrupalCon is the perfect platform to share your story, contribute to the community, and grow your career. Your insights matter, so step up to the mic and make your mark!

SUBMIT YOUR SESSION