Hi everyone, I think that for an ArchConf to have a greater reach and not just be a mention in these emails, it should be held virtually — or at least, if there is going to be an in-person meeting for those who can attend, there should be a recording or preferably a livestream for those who cannot travel. I also think it’s important to share this with more users, since as you can see, only three people have participated in the discussion so far. Even if something simple and small is organized as mentioned, an ArchConf with so few participants would not be as engaging as the conferences from other distros mentioned in the initial thread. I believe we should show our interest through other community channels, while keeping in mind that this initiative started here in these mailing lists. Best regards to all, and I hope we can make a new ArchConf happen. Kevin
Hello, Whats the point of a conference if it is not in person? Conferences are just excuses for socialisation and drinking beer, lets be real here. Take one look at FOSDEM and tell me people aren't there as an excuse to drink lots of beer and yap the entire time. Take care, -- Polarian Jabber/XMPP: polarian@icebound.dev
Le 12 août 2025 04:32:24 GMT+02:00, Polarian <polarian@polarian.dev> a écrit :
Hello,
Whats the point of a conference if it is not in person? Conferences are just excuses for socialisation and drinking beer, lets be real here. Take one look at FOSDEM and tell me people aren't there as an excuse to drink lots of beer and yap the entire time.
Take care,
Online conferences are a thing. As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1]. While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now. [1] <https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3tfdJ8q1zXRFu6QPELCaIwU3BIzauUJi&si=Gd7A5jVnMBFtk_B0> Regards, Robin Candau / Antiz
Hello,
As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1].
But wasn't that because of COVID? I am sure if it was an option back in 2020 people would always pick in person, right?
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
Which is true. But you can always piggy back other conferences? Doesn't have to be something big, you could hire a venue for the day after FOSDEM, so that people who have travelled to FOSDEM only need an extra night's stay to be able to attend. And I am sure if the staff team put out a request for sponsorship someone would sponsor arch, its not exactly a small distribution after all. By venue, it could literally be a function room within a pub or brewery, in some cases the booking of such space is cheap because it is subisidised by the expectation of people spending lots of money on food and drink. Considering the size of Arch though I would assume if an irl conference was announced, it could potentially be hundreds of people, which means bigger venue requirements, and a lot more money to hire said venue. Another option is charging for attending, but this then has legal burden of handling money and afaik Arch doesn't even handle their own donations, SPI [1] handles the burden for Arch Linux if I understand correctly. Anyways my point is, it is not impossible. If there is enough support for it, I am sure Arch could find sponsorships to pay for a venue, and if done around a bigger conference which many people within Arch attend (such as FOSDEM), it cuts down on the costs of travel for attendees too. Personally I don't really care all that much, my reply was meant to be humourous although a very true observation about the nature of conferences. However, the thing I will ask, if you are going to go to the effort of running a conference, surely you would want to go all the way and have it in person? Take care, -- Polarian Jabber/XMPP: polarian@icebound.dev [1] https://www.spi-inc.org/
On 8/12/25 6:38 AM, Polarian wrote:
Hello,
As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1].
But wasn't that because of COVID?
COVID was for sure one of the reason, but the constraints implied by organizing an IRL was another.
I am sure if it was an option back in 2020 people would always pick in person, right?
I wouldn't be so sure about it. Obviously IRL events are cool and all, but it takes a lot of time, efforts & money. Also, a lot of people that participated to ArchConf 2020 (including presenters) wouldn't necessarily have been able to participate if it was an "in person" events at the other side of the world for them.
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
Which is true. But you can always piggy back other conferences?
Doesn't have to be something big, you could hire a venue for the day after FOSDEM, so that people who have travelled to FOSDEM only need an extra night's stay to be able to attend. And I am sure if the staff team put out a request for sponsorship someone would sponsor arch, its not exactly a small distribution after all.
By venue, it could literally be a function room within a pub or brewery, in some cases the booking of such space is cheap because it is subisidised by the expectation of people spending lots of money on food and drink.
Easier said than done. I've been participating to the organisation of multiple events already and I can assure you that finding such a place that would be okay hosting an event and reserving a space for 30+ peoples (or even hundreds as you say below) is no easy and stressful task.
Considering the size of Arch though I would assume if an irl conference was announced, it could potentially be hundreds of people, which means bigger venue requirements, and a lot more money to hire said venue.
Exactly, and this requires a team that is willing to put in the work for it. By experience, this is a very stressful and demanding task.>
Another option is charging for attending, but this then has legal burden of handling money and afaik Arch doesn't even handle their own donations, SPI [1] handles the burden for Arch Linux if I understand correctly.
SPI doesn't handles all the burden. It would still be up to us to verify feasibility, legal burdens, related organisation before and during the event, sync with SPI on the subject, etc...
Anyways my point is, it is not impossible. If there is enough support for it, I am sure Arch could find sponsorships to pay for a venue, and if done around a bigger conference which many people within Arch attend (such as FOSDEM), it cuts down on the costs of travel for attendees too.
Personally I don't really care all that much, my reply was meant to be humourous although a very true observation about the nature of conferences.
However, the thing I will ask, if you are going to go to the effort of running a conference, surely you would want to go all the way and have it in person?
Of course it's not impossible, but it's all easier said than done (specifically in the way you put it). It's not as easy as making a few phone calls and "automagically" get a covered venue by generous sponsors and donators. And even with a sponsored venue, organizing the event itself takes a huge amount of time and resources (speaking as someone that has been part of the Arch Summit organisation team for the past two years). Now, if we have the necessary resources to do so (not only on the monetary side of things), that'd be great for sure! But saying that we surely want to go that route is a bit of an assumption, as I'm personally doubting that we have such resources right now. All and all, we haven't held an ArchConf for the past 5 years nor any Arch specific public events for the past 6 years, and it's way harder to organize than you seem to think. It just feels a bit "presumptuous" from an eventual attendee to state that it's only worth if it's an IRL event... I'd personally be glad if we can make it at all (Whether it's online or IRL) :)
Take care,
-- Regards, Robin Candau / Antiz
Good Morning Everyone; Having ArchConf in-person is great and I really want my first one to be in-person so we can meet new people from this great community, so if in-person, we need to think about location and other factors that could limit participants from coming. Also, the organization committee problem, you would need people with enough spare time to organize everything and manage finance....etc, so it would need a lot of effort but it would be a great event. So, online would be an option on the table. Best Regards. Fayiz Aldheisat
Hey folks, I am new here and to mailing lists. Please forgive any etiquettes I am breaking but point them out.
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
I organised the Home Assistant Community Day in Cologne (Germany) in May. We were 50 people and had a fun day. If not for the spontaneous cancellation from the first venue, it was pretty chill to organize. But it was more like a meetup. Say hello, I talked for 40ish minutes about Home Assistant, and then hung out with some drinks. I have connections in the venue space (in Cologne) and could get spaces to do it for free, a small amount, or in exchange for selling the drinks, etc. A lot of possibilities. Sponsoring via drinks with local breweries is also possible. Depends. So, if you are interested, I could help with finding a location here. Cologne has good connections in Germany via train and airport, if you are interested. All the best, Am 12. August 2025 05:09:09 MESZ schrieb Robin Candau <antiz@archlinux.org>:
Le 12 août 2025 04:32:24 GMT+02:00, Polarian <polarian@polarian.dev> a écrit :
Hello,
Whats the point of a conference if it is not in person? Conferences are just excuses for socialisation and drinking beer, lets be real here. Take one look at FOSDEM and tell me people aren't there as an excuse to drink lots of beer and yap the entire time.
Take care,
Online conferences are a thing. As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1].
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
[1] <https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3tfdJ8q1zXRFu6QPELCaIwU3BIzauUJi&si=Gd7A5jVnMBFtk_B0>
Regards, Robin Candau / Antiz
Hello again, Considering the division of opinions I see and certain limits and advantages that many point out, one possibility would be a hybrid event. Let me explain: an ArchConf where those who can attend in person do so, and those who don't want to or can't at least have the opportunity to attend online. Perhaps it would be depressing for some that those who attend in person celebrate more, have drinks, and have direct interaction. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be a party all the time. Small talks can be held when necessary. If something in person is possible, fine, but we shouldn't leave others without the opportunity to at least see what was discussed or done, as a recording would be a very crude way of sharing what was done, and if someone had wanted to share something from home, they wouldn't have been able to. Greetings to all. El mar, 12 ago 2025 a la(s) 5:46 a.m., Andrej Friesen ( andre.friesen@gmail.com) escribió:
Hey folks,
I am new here and to mailing lists. Please forgive any etiquettes I am breaking but point them out.
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
I organised the Home Assistant Community Day in Cologne (Germany) in May. We were 50 people and had a fun day. If not for the spontaneous cancellation from the first venue, it was pretty chill to organize. But it was more like a meetup. Say hello, I talked for 40ish minutes about Home Assistant, and then hung out with some drinks.
I have connections in the venue space (in Cologne) and could get spaces to do it for free, a small amount, or in exchange for selling the drinks, etc. A lot of possibilities. Sponsoring via drinks with local breweries is also possible. Depends.
So, if you are interested, I could help with finding a location here. Cologne has good connections in Germany via train and airport, if you are interested.
All the best,
Am 12. August 2025 05:09:09 MESZ schrieb Robin Candau <antiz@archlinux.org
:
Le 12 août 2025 04:32:24 GMT+02:00, Polarian <polarian@polarian.dev> a écrit :
Hello,
Whats the point of a conference if it is not in person? Conferences are just excuses for socialisation and drinking beer, lets be real here. Take one look at FOSDEM and tell me people aren't there as an excuse to drink lots of beer and yap the entire time.
Take care,
Online conferences are a thing. As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1].
While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
[1] < https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3tfdJ8q1zXRFu6QPELCaIwU3BIzauUJi&si=Gd7A...
Regards, Robin Candau / Antiz
On 8/12/25 5:33 PM, KevinCrrl wrote:
Hello again,
Considering the division of opinions I see and certain limits and advantages that many point out, one possibility would be a hybrid event. Let me explain: an ArchConf where those who can attend in person do so, and those who don't want to or can't at least have the opportunity to attend online.
Perhaps it would be depressing for some that those who attend in person celebrate more, have drinks, and have direct interaction. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be a party all the time. Small talks can be held when necessary. If something in person is possible, fine, but we shouldn't leave others without the opportunity to at least see what was discussed or done, as a recording would be a very crude way of sharing what was done, and if someone had wanted to share something from home, they wouldn't have been able to.
Greetings to all.
El mar, 12 ago 2025 a la(s) 5:46 a.m., Andrej Friesen (andre.friesen@gmail.com <mailto:andre.friesen@gmail.com>) escribió:
Hey folks,
I am new here and to mailing lists. Please forgive any etiquettes I am breaking but point them out.
> While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now.
I organised the Home Assistant Community Day in Cologne (Germany) in May. We were 50 people and had a fun day. If not for the spontaneous cancellation from the first venue, it was pretty chill to organize. But it was more like a meetup. Say hello, I talked for 40ish minutes about Home Assistant, and then hung out with some drinks.
I have connections in the venue space (in Cologne) and could get spaces to do it for free, a small amount, or in exchange for selling the drinks, etc. A lot of possibilities. Sponsoring via drinks with local breweries is also possible. Depends.
So, if you are interested, I could help with finding a location here. Cologne has good connections in Germany via train and airport, if you are interested.
All the best,
Am 12. August 2025 05:09:09 MESZ schrieb Robin Candau <antiz@archlinux.org <mailto:antiz@archlinux.org>>: > > >Le 12 août 2025 04:32:24 GMT+02:00, Polarian <polarian@polarian.dev <mailto:polarian@polarian.dev>> a écrit : >>Hello, >> >>Whats the point of a conference if it is not in person? Conferences are >>just excuses for socialisation and drinking beer, lets be real here. >>Take one look at FOSDEM and tell me people aren't there as an excuse to >>drink lots of beer and yap the entire time. >> >>Take care, > >Online conferences are a thing. >As a matter of facts, ArchConf 2020 was fully online [1]. > >While it's fair to say that socializing is a big part of events like FOSDEM, organising such a "in person" event requires a huge amount of money, time and human ressources that Arch may not have right now. > >[1] <https://youtube.com/playlist? list=PL3tfdJ8q1zXRFu6QPELCaIwU3BIzauUJi&si=Gd7A5jVnMBFtk_B0 <https://youtube.com/playlist? list=PL3tfdJ8q1zXRFu6QPELCaIwU3BIzauUJi&si=Gd7A5jVnMBFtk_B0>> > >Regards, >Robin Candau / Antiz
Hi everyone, I really appreciate that the community is showing interest toward a new Arch Conf edition. To be completely transparent, I also thought of bringing the subject back to the table again on our side recently, so I'm glad that it is being raised raised here :) However, allow me to clarify something (aligned with previous emails on this thread): Arch Conf is an official Arch Linux event, held and organized by the Arch Linux team. While we appreciate that the community is expressing its interest toward a new Arch Conf edition (and its preferences for it), it's not really up to the community to decide when/where/how the event should be held nor what should be done or not. I think it's safe to say that most of us would prefer an "in person / IRL" event, but in the end, it's all tied up to what *we* (Arch) are able to achieve with the resources we can afford to put in such an event. The subject hasn't even been discussed broadly on our side yet, so trying to define the specifications of the event right now is pointless as we don't even know yet if organizing a new Arch conf edition in a somewhat near future is even feasible on our side. Now that it's clear that the community is interested in another Arch Conf edition, I will bring the subject to the table on our side to see what's feasible or not. So bear with us please :) We will come back with details when we'll a wider picture. -- Regards, Robin Candau / Antiz
On Tue, 2025-08-12 at 19:03 +0200, Robin Candau wrote:
Now that it's clear that the community is interested in another Arch Conf edition, I will bring the subject to the table on our side to see what's feasible or not. So bear with us please :) We will come back with details when we'll a wider picture.
Hello Robin, thx for sharing your point. You're right that an official event needs to be officially done and decided. The intension of my initial mail was to figure out if there is interest in another Arch event and it seems there is which is really nice. :) Our community has overlaps with many others that could help. Many people mentioned video recording. This could be easily done by the CCC VOC team, I could probably organice that. Organising venues is always eeasier by people who live nearby like Andrej mentioned with the HASS event. So I guess if you decide we want to do it a call for venues could surface a good local connection and venue. etc. I'm sure if the official site is willing to create such an event there will be lot's of help from the community to make it happen. Financials are always tricky but even there we could be lucky and find a sponsor or a venue with good conditions. In the end the hardest part is finding orga people. So keep us posted what the rest of the Arch team thinks about the idea and thx for carrying the topic over. If you guys decide to make this serious, I'm happy to join the planning team. -- Greetings Ricardo Band https:// www.ricardo.band mailto:// email@ricardo.band
participants (7)
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Andrej Friesen
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Fayiz A. Aldheisat
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Kevin Ramírez
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KevinCrrl
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Polarian
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Ricardo Band
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Robin Candau