Career growth, learning, and fun, oh my! Your guide to GitHub Universe 2024

Excitement is in the air as we gear up for our most community-driven gathering of the year! With just weeks to go until our biggest developer event, the anticipation is building. ✨ As one attendee from last year said, “This is actually my first time at Universe and it has been awesome. Not only the event itself and how it looks and feels, but the people and the energy. Everyone is really excited to do really nerdy things, and that’s been my favorite.”

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on October 29-30 for a milestone celebration—10 years of GitHub Universe. This is not just a look back at how far the software development industry has come, but a chance to shape what comes next, together. Plus, be the first to hear about GitHub’s newest innovations and biggest ships of the year, straight from our CEO at the day 1 keynote.

In this blog, you’ll get a sneak peek at some of the exciting activities, networking opportunities, and interactive learning experiences we have lined up for you over two incredible days. And trust us: we have more surprises in store! If you haven’t already secured your tickets, now is the time—don’t miss out on connecting with fellow developers, gaining fresh insights, and immersing yourself in the vibrant GitHub community. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours today for an experience you won’t forget.

Let’s dive right in.

🗺️ Map out your sessions

With over 100 sessions to choose from, it’s a good idea to explore the agenda and pick out the talks, workshops, and events that excite you the most. Once you’re logged into your attendee portal, use our schedule builder tool to “favorite” your must-attend sessions and create your own customized schedule.

If sorting through all the sessions feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Take a look at our curated agendas tailored to your experience level, industry, and topics of interest. We even have agendas from influential community leaders like Brian Douglas, founder of OpenSauced, for you to follow along with.

🕹️ Fuel your curiosity with innovation and play

In between sessions, Universe ‘24 will have interactive zones to help inspire your creativity and challenge your thinking. Here are four activations you definitely don’t want to miss:

Open source zone

Visit the open source zone and explore live demos from rising stars in the GitHub Accelerator program, and connect with leaders from the Maintainer Community and passionate opensource creators from around the world. With projects like Home Assistant, Kubernetes, and Node featured across the two days, this is your chance to witness firsthand the transformative power of open source.

GitHub Copilot Extensions demo

For an interactive tech experience, head to the GitHub Copilot Extensions demo! Explore the endless possibilities of extensions—whether you’re browsing the GitHub Marketplace for ready-made extensions or learning how to build your own. The Copilot Extensions team will be on hand to help you unlock the full potential of what you can create. Don’t miss this chance to power up your coding experience!

Logitech activation

Curious about what it means to get into your flow state? Then visit the Logitech activation! Using an EEG headset and biometric data, the Logitech team will analyze your brain activity and create a personalized digital visualization of your unique brainwave patterns when you’re in peak productivity. It will be a mind-bending experience that combines science and art to show you what your flow looks like.

Hack your badge station

Unleash your creativity at the hack your badge station, where you can personalize your GitHub Universe badge with hands-on tutorials and guidance. Every in-person Universe ticket comes with a hackable badge, and here’s your chance to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned badge hacker or a first-timer, dive into tutorials and guidance to personalize your badge with flair. It’s a fun way to show off your skills and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake from GitHub Universe!

♥️ Explore the heart of Universe

Next, find GitHub Central—your hub for discovering the latest GitHub features and networking with your peers. Here, you’ll see interactive product demos and zones for each content track—AI, the developer experience, and security—all with access to engage directly with GitHub experts.

While you’re there, get competitive in our fast-paced Bug Bash game or pick up a one-of-a-kind postcard generated from your contributions over the years. Plus, take advantage of networking moments at the “meet the Universe speakers” area and the Stars Lounge—connecting with GitHub’s top thought leaders and influential community members.

You also won’t want to miss going to The GitHub Shop. Whether you’re after the latest Universe apparel, unique GitHub Copilot collectibles, or our beloved invertocat hoodies, the shop has something for every GitHub fan—including an all-new collection. (Plus, the famous ugly holiday sweater is making a comeback with a brand new design!)

If you’re one of the first 1,000 visitors, you’ll receive a special gift with your purchase. So, come early and snag your favorite items before they’re gone! Get a sneak peek of the new collection below:

🤝 Meet the minds behind GitHub

Connecting with experts is easier than ever with key areas designed to spark conversations, share insights, and offer personalized guidance. Whether you’re looking for technical support, future-forward ideas, or startup wisdom, we’ve got you covered.

• Start at the GitHub Expert Center, where specialists are on hand to help you master every corner of GitHub’s offerings. From optimizing workflows with GitHub Actions to scaling Copilot or enhancing security practices with GitHub Advanced Security, this is the go-to place for tailored advice. This year, you can even schedule a slot ahead of time, making it easy to get one-on-one time with the pros in the areas that matter most to you.
• For a glimpse into the future of software development, visit GitHub Next, where the team behind Copilot and GitHub Copilot Workspace will share their latest prototypes. Engage with cutting-edge tools and get a sneak peek at how GitHub is pushing the boundaries of development.
• If you’re an entrepreneur or startup enthusiast, the Startup Lounge is where you’ll want to be. Network with founders, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow builders as you explore ways to grow and scale your startup. It’s the perfect space to gain insights and make connections that could shape the future of your business.

↗️ Level up your career

Take your career to the next level at Universe with a range of opportunities designed to help you grow and stand out! Start by visiting the Career Corner, where you can engage in private consultations with talent experts. Whether you need help refining your resume, optimizing your LinkedIn and GitHub profiles, or getting tips for your next big interview, these one-on-one sessions offer personalized guidance to boost your career search and set you up for success.

Looking to sharpen your technical skills? Don’t miss our workshops, led by industry experts, where you can gain hands-on experience and enhance your knowledge in key areas of development. And for those ready to validate their expertise, our on-site certification testing allows you to become GitHub-certified in areas like GitHub Foundations, GitHub Actions, GitHub Advanced Security, and even GitHub Copilot.

You can still add a workshop or on-site certification testing to your Universe ticket. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your skills and stand out from the crowd!

🌍 Your Universe experience awaits

As we look forward to celebrating 10 years of GitHub Universe, prepare for a wealth of knowledge, connections, and inspiration. This event will mark the continuation of your journey—the skills, insights, and relationships you build here will benefit your career and projects well beyond the two days you spend with us. We’re so excited to see you forge new paths and innovate beyond your limits!

If you haven’t secured your place yet, it’s not too late to get tickets now and join us in person at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for our biggest event yet! Be sure to follow along on the blog and our social media channels in the coming weeks for post-event recaps, including highlights and key takeaways from Universe ’24.

Written by

Jeimy Ruiz

@ruizjeimy