FOSDEM is legendary, but it doesn't run on magic, it runs on people.

Apart from the core organizers, an enthusiastic team of volunteers helps make FOSDEM the fun and safe community event we all love every year. As a long-time attendee, I made the jump to volunteering during the event and discovered a new side of the conference.

In this talk, I'll share my personal journey and what volunteering involves: from simple tasks like setting up directional signs or assisting at the InfoDesk, to setting up and tearing down before and after the event, or helping the video streaming team. I'll share stories of the folks I've met, the behind-the-scenes glimpse I got into this impressive organization, and how truly impressed I am by its operation.

However, the real reason to join is a chance to give back, meet new people, and become an active community builder. FOSDEM needs you to make the event a fun and safe place for all visitors.

What's in it for you? Join this session to learn how easy it is to sign up, the tasks you can pick (even just for a few hours!), and how you can join the effort to make FOSDEM 2026 the best one yet.

You can learn how to sign up at https://volunteers.fosdem.org/.