Git Merge 2017 recap

This week more than 350 Git enthusiasts convened in Brussels for Git Merge 2017, and hundreds more tuned in from around the world via live stream. The conference brought together Git contributors, source control teams, and end-users from around the world for two days of sessions, training, and conversation. All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Software Freedom Conservancy in acknowledgement of the excellent work they do to improve and defend free and open source software.

Program highlights

Git Merge stands apart as a conference for the Git community at large, promoting goodwill and dialogue between companies that have a vested interest in the success and progression of Git as a technology and that employ Git core contributors.

Education is a key component of the event—Git Merge kicked off with a full day of workshops for developers of all skill levels led by experts from GitHub and Praqma.

On day two, Software Freedom Conservancy’s Executive Director, Karen Sandler, opened the day with a thoughtful keynote about how free and accessible software is the key to building the future. Speakers from Autodesk, Atlassian, MIT, Microsoft and more took the stage over the course of the day to discuss the future of Git. Among the themes discussed were scaling, extensions, aliasing, and education.

Diversity and inclusion

Ten percent of total conference tickets were allocated for distribution to the Travis Foundation, Rails Girls Brussels and Operation Code. Twenty-five students received discount codes and complimentary tickets.

The venue was outfitted with gender-neutral restrooms and a nursing room.

Thank you

Git Merge wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, who come together to support the Software Freedom Conservancy, improve and develop Git, and to make this event happen year after year.

Recordings of the workshops and sessions will be available in the coming weeks. Git Merge will return in 2018, so keep an eye on Twitter for announcements about dates and locations.

Written by

Kelsey Schimmelman

@kelseyschimm