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15 Things To Do Before, During, and After KotlinConf’26
So, you’re coming to KotlinConf’26? Maybe it’s your first time in Munich, or even your first time at KotlinConf. You have your tickets, you’ve learned the schedule by heart, but it might still feel a little overwhelming. Let me show you how you can have the best possible experience by guiding you through all the things you can do.
Believe me, KotlinConf is so much more than a conference!
1. Explore Munich (before things get busy)
If you’re arriving before the conference, try to set aside some time to explore the city. Munich has great food, interesting neighborhoods, and plenty of places to slow down before the schedule gets busy.
Not sure what to see? Keep an eye out for my social media posts, I’ll definitely have some tips for you! ;-)
2. Skip the line. Register early
Standing in line on the first morning, half-awake and carrying a backpack, is not how you want to start KotlinConf.
Come to the venue the day before the conference kicks off on May 20 between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. You’ll avoid large queues, save time, and keep your energy for what really matters. And believe me, you’ll need it.
When you’re already checked in, you can walk in on Day 1, grab a coffee, find your seat, and focus on the talks instead of logistics. It’s a much better way to begin.
3. Start with a workshop
If you want to get even more out of KotlinConf, start with a full day of hands-on workshops on May 20.
- Build Shared UI With Compose Multiplatform.
- Go Deeper Into Kotlin Multiplatform Architecture.
- Master Coroutines and Asynchronous Programming.
- Build High-Performance Backends With Spring Boot.
- Create AI Agents in Kotlin.
- Refactor Toward Functional Kotlin.
Workshops are practical, focused, and led by Kotlin experts. You’ll leave with skills you can apply right away.
Seats are limited, so make sure to save yours before they’re gone!
4. Don’t miss the Keynote!
Join us for the opening Keynote to see the big picture. This is where we set the stage, introduce the year’s most ambitious ideas, and bring the entire community together. There is a specific energy to experiencing these reveals live – don’t settle for the recap.
5. Take a selfie with me
If you spot me somewhere around the venue, don’t hesitate, come over and say “hello”.
A quick selfie, a short chat, a shared laugh in between sessions, whatever, I’m down!
I’m always happy to meet you, hear where you’re from, what you’re working on, and how KotlinConf is going for you. And who knows, you might even end up in one of my posts. Let’s create some memories!
6. Join the Coding Challenge
Engage in our Coding Challenge. It’s a good way to test yourself, learn something new, and see how you approach problems under a bit of pressure. It gets even more interesting when you are watching others code! And if you win? Well then, you’ve earned the right to brag a little.
7. Wander around the expo
Don’t be shy, after you’ve met everything Kotlin, go out and meet some of our partners!
This is where companies, communities, and partners set up booths to connect with all of you!
See how Kotlin is used in practice, and talk directly with engineers. Ask some questions and discover new tools, libraries, and platforms. Of course, do some networking and meet other developers. And also, get some swag for yourself and colleagues back home, it’s always nice to have some souvenirs!
8. Go to the party
On the evening of May 21, put on your fancy clothes (maybe even your dancing shoes) and come to the party.
This is where you can reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while, continue conversations that started earlier on in the day, and meet new people along the way. Come for the music, stay for the conversations, and leave with a few more names in your contacts list!
9. Wake up early for Day 2
After a night of partying, I know waking up isn’t always the easiest. But you have another full day of learning ahead, starting from the Day 2 Keynote at 9:00 am, where Lena Reinhard will take the stage to set the tone for the day. Set your alarm, grab a coffee (no worries if you don’t have time for one: The team and plenty of coffee will be waiting for you at the venue), and head down to the conference. You’ll be glad you did.
10. Learn something new (and eat well)
The main reason you’re here is to learn – new tools, ideas, or ways of thinking.
Take notes, ask questions, and give yourself time to reflect. And don’t forget to eat. Good food keeps you focused and energized, and don’t worry, KotlinConf has plenty of delicious eats on offer!
11. See the future!
Make a wish, write a prediction, and place it in a time capsule. We’re going to open it and reveal what’s inside in 2031, so you’ll have to be patient and wait a bit to see if you were right!
12. Take part in the games
After all the learning and networking, it’s always good to relax. Use what you’ve just learned and play a game built with Compose Multiplatform for web, with a chance to win a prize. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss this!
13. Attend the Golden Kodee Awards
The Golden Kodee Awards celebrate individuals and communities who make a real impact by sharing knowledge, organizing events, and inspiring others. This year is special, because 2026 marks the very first time these awards are being presented.
It’s a chance to recognize outstanding contributors and thank them for everything they do. And let’s be honest, gold looks great on me, don’t you agree?
14. Don’t forget to take a photo with me!
Did I already mention that?
15. Leave feedback and vote
Vote for all the sessions you attended. Leave your comments in the app about the talks. Reach out to us – don’t be shy, your feedback means a lot. We want to provide the best possible experience. The next KotlinConf might be even better than this one!
+ 16. Mark your calendars
Before you head home and dive back into your inbox, take a moment to mark the dates for next year’s KotlinConf. It’s a small step, but it makes sure you won’t miss it once work gets busy.
I already miss you all, so let’s make sure we meet again next year.