FOSS Backstage

#FOSSBack returns to Kulturbrauerei, where it began in 2018! Join us in Berlin, 2–3 March 2027, for two days exploring what makes open source work behind the scenes. CFP open until 8 Nov 2026: program.foss-backsta... Early bird Tickets: tickets.plainschwarz... More info: 26.foss-backstage.de...

Lina Böcker & Angelika Wittek talk at #FOSSBack25 leads you from FOSS to AI, considering potential licenses for (AI generated) non-code and the question whether code-licenses are suitable for non-code. This talk also delves into IP protected assets in software development. youtu.be/Ac-wDgncIqM...

Every package brings dependencies—and potentially new license obligations. Manual tracking can lead to compliance gaps and technical debt. Floor Drees talk explores how to track license dependencies at deployment and prepare for projects that change their terms. Recap: youtu.be/7ugOwbZuGoE...

Malcolm Bain joined us in 2022 for a look at "nearly open source" licenses of Elastic, Mongo, the Commons Clause, and others, and discusses this evolution in the open source licensing space. Watch the recording: youtube.com/watch?v=... #LegalandCompliance #FOSSBack

Around the world, governments are building and exporting their own “open” technology stacks. In this talk, Cassie Jiun Seo dives into how states are curating open technologies to reflect political philosophies, advance digital sovereignty, and shape global norms. Recording: youtu.be/GO6vdjWR5EQ...

We can all agree that Public Services could profit the most from open source but usually proprietary software is used. Bianca Kastl's session broke down the challenges in procurement, development, maintenance and scaling open digital infrastructures in the public sector. youtu.be/dyd69P5CkZQ...

In this talk t #FOSSBack '26 Mirko Boehm argues that adopting Open Source doesn’t automatically mean digital sovereignty, and true autonomy depends on the capacity to contribute, influence governance, operate critical infrastructure, and shape technological futures. youtu.be/ITF1IwJioJU...

To make simple the complexity of open source governance, we have to develop simple, understandable and effective governance structures. Shane Coughlan joined us at #FOSSBack in 2018 and delved into the key principles of that work for the real world. Link: youtu.be/ojW_qH9sMBc...

Cornelius Schumacher during his talk at #FOSSBack 2022, explains the Five-stage Model, which helps organisations to understand the path of open source adoption and gives concrete steps on how to advance through the different stages. Catch the recording: youtu.be/6UMCe5o0KBw...

Moderated by Clare Dillon, this panel examines the trend of InnerSource in OSPOs, why it’s happening, and how OSPOs are using InnerSource as a tool to drive Open Source culture change. Watch the recording: youtu.be/Q_Ud1OMzpVs...

Benjamin Nickolls and Andrew Nesbitt joined us at this year's #FOSSBack to showcase an analysis of 800 member companies to answer the question, 'is the InnerSource Commons good for Open Source? If you're keen to find out, catch up with the recording. Link: youtu.be/J5XSQZNhwbc...

This talk by Celeste Horgan at #FOSSBack 2026 on "More than developers: growing your maintainer community" analyzes the challenges a project faces as it goes from a small team of developers to a diverse set of contributors. If you missed it then, catch this session here now: youtube.com/watch?v=...

Jan Ainali joined us at #FOSSBack 2026 with "FOSS behind the scenes - the center stage is not enough." A talk that highlights how relying on proprietary platforms contradicts open source values, and more importantly, what you can do about it. Watch the full recording here: youtube.com/watch?v=...

We've shared recordings from past #FOSSBack, from Starter Kit, Human Factor, and now to Small Projects track. Jan Dittrich joined us at #FOSSBack 2026 with "Best practices and small projects." A talk on the tools and work methods available to solo maintainers. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=...

This old but gold session on "The Critical Mass: A Guide to Building a Strong Community" by Maximilian Michels six years ago at #FOSSBack 2020 shares how, without a functioning community, a project is bound to have a lot of problems. Watch the session here: youtube.com/watch?v=...

🔍 We are looking for a venue for next year's #FOSSBack in Berlin! As this year's location might not be available, we need a budget-friendly alternative for 200–300 people with space for 3 stages, catering, and a hallway track. Any suggestions?

This is another session from our Human Factor track by Dawn Foster at #FOSSBack 2023 on "Contributor Growth Strategies for OSS Projects." A talk on how to build a long-term contributor strategy and measuring community sustainability over time. Watch the recording here: youtube.com/watch?v=...

Dawn Foster and Peculiar C. Umeh were at #FOSSBack 2025 and during their session "Data to Action: Build Healthy & Sustainable OSS Communities" they shared tools and techniques to build healthy and sustainable OSS projects, and more. Catch the full recording: youtube.com/watch?v=...

Shauna Gordon-McKeon joined us at #FOSSBack 2025 with an interesting session under the Human Factor Track on "Relationship Problems in Open Source" ands shared how common open source problems can be viewed through a relational lens. Watch the recording: youtube.com/watch?v=... #CommunityBuilding

This session by Alexia Georghiou on "Resilience Practical Application & Science" from #FOSSBack 2021 under the Human Factor track is still as relevant as it was then. It covers the benefits of support, self care, and so much more. Watch the full recording: youtube.com/watch?v=... #OpenSource #FOSS

Nina Rojc, Leia Ruffini, Kola Ojoodide joined us at #FOSSBack 2025 during their session "Bridging the Gap Between Designers & Open Source Communities", shared ongoing findings and tools to make open source accessible. Watch the full recording here: youtube.com/watch?v=... #OpenSource #Design

Ruth Ikegah during her session on "Best Practices for an Effective Open Source Contribution" at #FOSSBack 2023 suggests frequently, but that you should prioritize making valuable contributions. Watch the full session: youtube.com/watch?v=... #OpenSource #CommunityBuilding

Open source isn't always as open as it seems. Here's a session by Jos Poortvliet at #FOSSBack 2026 on Beyond the license: measuring real openness in open source from our Starter Kit track, as promised, Watch the recording: youtube.com/watch?v=... #OpenSource #FOSS #OpenSourceLicensing

This one reframes how you think about security. Elio Qoshi and Anxhela Maloku introduced the concept of "usability vulnerabilities" at #FOSSBack 2026, Go watch it now. youtube.com/watch?v=...

Nicholas Gates studied five real cases, Consul Democracy, Digitransit, Golemio and more, and brought the findings to #FOSSBack 2026. Watch the session: youtube.com/watch?v=...

Jan Lehnardt shared 2.5 years of work through the Sovereign Tech Agency at #FOSSBack 2026. The recordings are live and you can now catch up on this session. youtu.be/5sgg_UZGZJE...

It's been a couple of weeks since FOSS Backstage 2026, and we're still overwhelmed by all the conversations. This year's keynote by Æva Black asked a question, "can open source actually be secure by design?" Catch up on the session here: youtube.com/watch?v=...

#rp26 heute um 15:00 Uhr, Meetup zum Thema "Open Source im öffentlichen Sektor"

Let's meet at #rp26! We are is hosting a meetup at re:publica for everyone working on open source and the public sector. 📍 Meet Up 2 📆 Wednesday, 20.5.2026 🕒 15:00 - 16:00 Read more at: 26.foss-backstage.de... #OpenSource #PublicSector #republica #republica26 #republica2026 #Berlin

Have you spotted them already? The first batch of video recordings from #FOSSBack 2026 are online: youtube.com/playlist...

Did you already spot yourself in the #FOSSBack pictures? We’re still delighted by the success of the 8th edition when we see so many happy, curious, and engaged faces. Find all photos of FOSS Backstage 2026 here: www.flickr.com/photos/newth...

The second day of FOSS Backstage has wrapped up, bringing to a close two days filled with insightful sessions and great discussions. Thanks to everyone who took part in the eighth edition of #FOSSBack! A few first highlights: 26.foss-backstage.de/this-was-fos... 📸 Jan Michalko

Take your lunch outside! Today we're having eggplant ragout with couscous and spinach, enjoy your meal =) There are two food stations, at the lobby and at Wintergarten. The program starts again at 2:10 pm: 26.foss-backstage.de/schedule/ #FOSSBack

If you haven’t had enough of FOSS yet and feel like connecting about design & UX – whether you’re a designer yourself or just want to learn more about their perspective – #FOSSBack Design tomorrow is your chance! 📅 March 18, 10 am to 4.30 pm @bUm Berlin 🎫 Tickets from €20: 26.foss-backstage.design

Want your laptop to look like Angie's? Don't miss out on our sticker exchange in the lobby! #FOSSBack

Getting sentimental about #FOSSBack already? Take home a souvenir! 👕 FOSS Backstage T-shirts are available at the registration desk in sizes S–3XL. Legacy shirts: €10; new design: €20. 📷 Spotted our photo booth? Grab your souvenir photos in the lobby.

Good morning Berlin! Welcome to Day 2 of #FOSSBack We start the day at 9 am with the FOSS eGov Breakfast on open-source and public administration: 26.foss-backstage.de/foss-egov-br... From 10 am, the program (and our livestream) starts: 26.foss-backstage.de/schedule/ Have a great day!

This was day one of #FOSSBack 2026! Thanks to everyone for attending, speaking, volunteering, and helping shape the future of Free and Open Source Software with us. Time for a little recap: 26.foss-backstage.de... See you tomorrow ✨

Let's come together! FOSS Backstage is about community – that's why we warmly invite you to join our Get-together tonight at 6:10 pm @ Auditorium. Meet new and old faces and connect, share and collaborate. Thanks to our partner E.ON for making it possible: eon.com/en/about-us/... #FOSSBack

Friendly reminder: Tomorrow (March 17), there will be an @openhomefoundation.org Meet-up, co-hosted by us and Women in Open Source! Please feel free to join us from 7 pm: luma.com/wo5l8jkf From 6-7 pm: Meet-up exclusively for women and other marginalized identities: luma.com/eita4hqf

Full house at our talk on AI-generated Code: Legal Risks and How to Reduce Them by Dr. Andreas Kotulla and Chan-jo Jun! #FOSSBack

Commercial break: #FOSSBack Design takes place on Wednesday, March 18! Join us for all things UX & design in FOSS. Featuring a barcamp and talks by @imanijoy.bsky.social and Andy Betts (KDE), among others. Full program and last tickets: 26.foss-backstage.design/program/

What's behind Æva's head? We just kicked off #FOSSBack with a wonderful keynote by @aeva.online on Open Source, Security and the Cyber Resilience Act. Now the program is on! Find the conference schedule here: 26.foss-backstage.de/schedule/

Not in Berlin? Be part of #FOSSBack online! Find the link to our online event platform Venueless in the "All you need to know" e-mail that was sent to you on March 10 – also available to Onsite ticket holders. Last-minute Online Ticket: 26.foss-backstage.de...

Re: Lightning Talks at #FOSSBack! The form to submit your proposal is open now: surveys.plainschwarz.com/index.php/91... It's open until end of the lunch break, six speakers will then be selected and notified asap! When? Today, March 16, 5:20 pm at the Stage Auditorium

Welcome to #FOSSBack 2026! Doors open at 9 am, the program starts at 10:05 am (CET) with a keynote by Æva Black. Please have your order confirmation mail with the ticket QR-code ready! Breakfast is kindly provided by SerNet GmbH. All you need to know for your visit: lnkd.in/eaAdtGpz

With this discussion, Æva Black & Gregor “Little Detritus” Bransky bring FOSS Backstage attendees together to explore how communities could issue risk-based attestations sufficient to reduce compliance burdens in ways that support open source communities. Learn more: 26.foss-backstage.de...