[unconed]

Tbh fosdem has long felt like an event that runs on autopilot because it mostly serves as a regular meeting point for the same cliques of people every year. They are not in a rush to change anything.

The fact that you can't catch talks unless you camp in the room is a consequence.

I don't think it's too big, just uncurated and not very accessible. Everyone is there to talk to their own circles.

[ghaff]

I think that's all pretty true. The last couple times I went, I mostly camped out in a few Devrooms that I was more interested in (for the most part) and it was a much more pleasant experience than trying to constantly hop from room to room. You can always watch the videos--although the reality is that most of us don't really get around to it in general.

[rlpb]

I wouldn't put off newcomers though. While people do connect with those they already know, generally all groups are friendly and welcoming to newcomers, too.