Debra Cerda Blog Posts

Call for Proposals and Sponsors: Postgres Conference 2026

The Call for Proposals to present at Postgres Conference: 2026 is open!

Postgres Conference 2026 needs your voice. We're seeking speakers who can educate, inspire, and engage with the PostgreSQL community. Our six tracks span technical deep dives, operational best practices, career development, and yes, even your non-database passions. Share what you know, what you've learned, or what matters to you.

Join us April 21-23, 2026, in San Jose, California, for three days of learning, networking, and celebrating everything that makes the PostgreSQL community exceptional.

Six Tracks, Unlimited Possibilities at Postgres Conference: 2026

  • Postgres Extensions Day: Dedicated to developers building and maintaining PostgreSQL extensions. Share your work, learn from others, and connect with the extensions community.
  • Dev Track: Application development with PostgreSQL. Topics include using extensions like pg_vector for enhanced search performance, creating custom data types, building applications, and leveraging PostgreSQL features in your development workflow.
  • Ops Track: Operational practices for PostgreSQL and related technologies. Covers deployment, monitoring, performance tuning, backup strategies, high availability, replication, and infrastructure management.
  • Essentials Track: Deep dives into core PostgreSQL functionality. Explore data types, built-in features, query optimization, indexing strategies, and fundamental concepts. If it's in the documentation or should be, this track explores it thoroughly. Core PostgreSQL knowledge that provides long-term career value.
  • Life and Fun Track: Non-technical topics that make us human. Share your hobbies, side projects, and interests outside of databases. Topics include beekeeping, gardening, homesteading, solar projects, IoT experiments, mountain biking, camping, and anything else that brings you joy.
  • Professional Development & Wellness Track: Career growth and personal well-being. Topics include career advancement, managing burnout, work-life integration, mental health, communication skills, leadership development, and building sustainable careers in technology.

Choose Your Format

We offer four session formats to match your content and presentation style:

  • Talk (50 minutes): The standard conference format with time for depth and detail. Ideal for comprehensive technical topics, case studies, architectural overviews, or storytelling that needs room to breathe. Includes time for audience questions and discussion. Plan for 40-45 minutes of content to allow for Q&A.
  • Presentation (20 minutes): Focused, fast-paced format for specific topics or techniques. Perfect for introducing a new tool, sharing a specific solution to a common problem, or delivering a concentrated dose of knowledge. Get in, deliver value, get out. No time for Q&A during the session, but speakers should make themselves available afterward for an impromptu hallway session
  • Mini-tutorial (90 minutes): Hands-on learning sessions where attendees follow along on their own laptops. Best for teaching practical skills, walking through implementations, or guided problem-solving. Assumes attendees will have their development environment ready. Include setup instructions in your proposal and plan for troubleshooting time.
  • T3D Session (10 minutes): Tips, Tricks, and Deep Dives. Lightning-fast knowledge bombs. Share one powerful technique, one crucial insight, or one problem-solution pair. No fluff, no long introductions. These sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so timing is strict. Perfect for that one thing you wish everyone knew about PostgreSQL and related open source technologies.

Why Speak at Postgres Conference?

Speaking at Postgres Conference connects you with hundreds of PostgreSQL professionals, from developers and DBAs to architects and business leaders. You'll share your expertise, build your professional network, and contribute to the community that makes PostgreSQL thrive.

First-time speakers and conference veterans alike are welcome. We're committed to diverse voices and perspectives across all our tracks.

Submit Your Proposal

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in supporting the PostgreSQL community and connecting with decision-makers in Silicon Valley? Download our sponsorship prospectus or contact us to discuss partnership opportunities

We'll see you in sunny San Jose in April 2026. Let's build something great together.

Subscribe to our Year-Round Newsletter

Want to stay connected year-round for community events and educational opportunities? Receive news straight to your inbox by subscribing to the PostgresWorld Community newsletter on Substack.

7 Y8 A7706

Postgres Conference 2025 in Orlando, held March 18–21, brought together PostgreSQL professionals from around the world for a week of deep technical learning, professional development, and intentional networking. With expanded tracks and thoughtfully curated sessions, this year’s gathering balanced core database expertise with a growing focus on holistic professional growth.

Event Highlights

  • Expanded Tracks: In addition to the core DevOps, and Essentials tracks, the conference introduced Professional Development and Variants & Cloud tracks. These additions reflected the complexity of today’s tech environments and the evolving needs of those who manage them.

  • Keynote Address: Malika Boukhelifa’s keynote, “Code Your Way Out of Burnout,” addressed the role of mental health in sustainable tech careers and provided attendees with strategies for long-term success.

  • Technical Deep Dives: Popular sessions on pg_vector, analytics with DuckDB, and PostgreSQL partitioning strategies demonstrated the community’s interest in advanced features and real-world applications.

  • Professional Development: The new track featured sessions on leadership, communication, and soft skills. Certified Wellness Coaches were also available onsite, offering support and tools to help attendees prioritize mental wellness alongside technical growth.

  • Community and Networking: Conversations flowed freely in workshops, hallway meetups, and evening events like the tropical-themed buffet. The size and format of the event allowed for stronger peer connections and genuine knowledge exchange.

This year’s more focused format was intentional. The smaller scale fostered deeper discussion, better engagement, and more actionable takeaways. Whether tackling database replication or burnout prevention, attendees walked away with tools they could apply immediately. We would not be able to accomplish this without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.

Looking ahead, we plan to cap attendance in future years to preserve the quality and depth of the experience. Postgres Conference is no longer designed to be the largest event. Its goal is to be the most effective.

Want to stay updated on future Postgres Conferences and community news?
Subscribe to the PostgresWorld Substack for first access to upcoming events, announcements, and insights from the PostgreSQL ecosystem.

Debra Cerda     April 17, 2025     #community #postgresconf

In the spirit of fun and creativity, we’re kicking off 2026 with an invitation to bring your whole self to the Postgres community. Happy New Year from the Postgres Conference team. 

January may be wrapping up, but New Year's resolutions are still top of mind. Gym memberships. Dry January. Finally learning that language.

Here’s one resolution we can get behind: let the fun and creative parts of you take the mic.

The Life & Fun track at Postgres Conference 2026 has nothing to do with PostgreSQL, and that's exactly the point.

We spend so much of our lives thinking about databases, deployments, and deadlines. But who are you when you close the laptop? What lights you up when you're not troubleshooting queries?

Maybe you're a beekeeper. You understand colony management, seasonal cycles, and the delicate art of not getting stung.

Maybe you went solar. You researched panels, navigated permits, and now you watch your energy meter spin backward.

Maybe you're building a homestead. Chickens, gardens, rainwater collection. You're learning skills your grandparents knew and your coworkers don't.

Maybe you restore classic cars. Carburetors, body work, and the satisfaction of an engine turning over after months of weekends in the garage.

Maybe you build terrariums. Tiny ecosystems in glass. Living art that requires patience and precision.

Things like this are what make you a whole person. And whole people make better colleagues, better problem-solvers, and better community members.

Topics in the Life & Fun Track

  • Hobbies and passion projects
  • DIY and maker culture
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Creative pursuits
  • Sustainability and self-sufficiency
  • Anything that brings joy

Register for Postgres Conference: 2026

Postgres Conference 2026 takes place April 21-23 in San Jose, California. 

The theme, Energizing People with Data and Creativity, recognizes that the most powerful systems are built by people who are curious, fulfilled, and energized beyond their day jobs. The Life & Fun track celebrates that truth by making space for the passions, projects, and pursuits that recharge us and shape how we show up for our communities and our work.

Early bird registration is available now! Purchase your General Admission tickets here

Call for Postgres Conference 2026 Speakers & Trainers

We’re also welcoming proposals across all tracks, including Life & Fun. The Call for Speakers and Trainers is an invitation to bring your whole self to the conference stage. Share what excites you, what you’ve built, or what you’ve learned outside the database.

CFP closes January 30, 2026. Submit here

Debra Cerda     January 28, 2026     call for proposals

The month of January is just about over and we are coming up on the end of our Early Bird registration window for PostgresConf US 2018, which takes place in Jersey City, New Jersey from April 16th to April 20st at The Westin Jersey City Newport.

You have until tomorrow to purchase your tickets for $200 off for the largest PostgreSQL conference in the world. Early Bird tickets are on sale here through January 31.

We are excited to announce that we received over 170 proposals for PostgresConf US 2018, with an impressive range of high quality content and speakers. On April 16th and 17th, we are pleased to offer a choice of 15 different training sessions so you are sure to have the chance to dig deep into a topic that interests you. Some of our training classes are:

  • Mastering PostgreSQL Administration
  • Tutorial on Modern PostgreSQL High Availability
  • Deep Dive into PostgreSQL Authentication Methods
  • Digging into Advanced SQL
  • The postgresql.conf from A-Z: Includes Postgres Performance and Maintenance

For a complete list, check out the events page for all of our training classes. 

Also during PostgresConf, you will also have an opportunity to meet our great sponsors, including:

  • Diamond: Amazon Web Services, Pivotal
  • Platinum: Compose, OpenSCG, 2ndQuadrant, Microsoft
  • Gold: Cybertec, JetBrains, Citus Data, EnterpriseDB, Linode, Timescale, Cockroach Labs

At the Westin Jersey City Newport, we have negotiated a discounted conference room rate of $260/night + applicable taxes for attendees. Be sure to book prior to March 26, 2018 - the conference rate is not guaranteed after this date. Rooms may be booked via our dedicated Westin booking page, or via telephone (888) 627-7148. If booking via telephone please mention "PostgresConf US 2018" to receive the group rate.

For more information, please visit the PostgresConf US 2018 website

Stay tuned for our presentation and breakout sessions announcement. We look forward to seeing you in April!

P.S. Looking for a discount code? Check your local Postgres User Group mailing list.

Debra Cerda     January 30, 2018     postgres

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Robert Bernier is senior PostgreSQL consultant at Percona.

Robert will present Working With The Citus Extension. Read what Robert has to say about Postgres and why to attend their session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?
For people who have heard about Citus but know nothing about it.
What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
Meeting my peers
What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
Data eats the world. Focus on learning about your data and how it's used.
How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
PostgreSQL is a General Purpose Management System. It will come to dominate the DBMS world.
What considerations should be taken for the adoption and use of Postgres and related open source technologies?
Three talents:
- know your SQL
- know your OS (linux)
- know a programming language

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

Debra Cerda     April 18, 2024     speaker spotlight

We are pleased to announce a partnership between Redgate and PgCentral Foundation, Inc., to return Postgres Conference to Seattle! We’ll be joining forces in their brand-new venue -- the Summit at the Seattle Convention Centre (SCC) -- during this year’s PASS Data Community Summit (PASS Summit).

The PASS Summit team has been working to create a more collaborative environment between professional data communities. The new venue for 2024 allows the perfect opportunity to host our People, Postgres, Data community for the Postgres Conference: Seattle 2024 on November 6 and 7.

About PASS Summit

The PASS Summit has earned its reputation as the premier event for data security and database professionals. Since Redgate took ownership in 2021, the event has continued to offer unmatched learning opportunities, covering a wide range of data platforms including SQL Server, PostgreSQL, AWS, Google Cloud, and more. This year’s summit will take place in Seattle, from November 4-8, 2024, welcoming thousands of attendees eager to sharpen their skills and stay on the cutting edge of data management.

PASS Summit is not just about lectures and sessions –  it offers hands-on learning experiences, a vibrant community space, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The event is known for its comprehensive sessions, keynotes by industry experts, and access to the latest tools and technologies that empower organizations to manage their data effectively. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.

For more details about the summit, visit the official website: PASS Data Community Summit 2024

Highlights from Postgres Conference Seattle 2024

Alongside PASS Summit, Postgres Conference: Seattle 2024 will also be taking place, making Seattle the hub of data learning in early November. Postgres Conference is the leading event dedicated to Postgres, an open-source database that has become essential for many modern organizations. This year’s event is powered by the joint efforts of Redgate and Command Prompt, Inc., and is priced at an affordable $599 through November 3rd.*

PostgresConf Seattle attendees will get exclusive access to certain elements of the PASS Data Community Summit, such as:

- PASS Summit Keynotes: Hear from influential figures shaping the future of data.

- PASS Ecosystem Sessions: Deep dives into data platforms and security.

- Community Zone: A space to collaborate with other professionals and expand your network.

- Exhibit Hall and Exhibitor Reception: Discover the latest tools and technologies from industry-leading vendors.

- Lunches, Refreshment Breaks, and Community Events: Plenty of opportunities to refuel and connect with peers.

 

This integration gives PostgreSQL enthusiasts a chance to engage in the broader data conversation while still enjoying tailored Postgres content.

Check out the event page here for more information on Postgres Conference Seattle 2024.

* Note: Postgres Conference: Seattle 2024 online registration closes November 3rd.  On-site registration will require the purchase of a PASS24 1-Day or 3-Day ticket, so don't delay!

Debra Cerda     October 11, 2024

 

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Relevant Logic President/CEO Guyren Howe is a web developer, trainer, database expert, technical writer, and more specializing in PostgreSQL, Flutter, and Rails. Guyren will present “Postgres’s Type System” at Postgres Conference 2024. Read what Guyren has to say about Postgres and why to attend his session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024?

What would you like for them to take away from your session? Learn the important details of Postgres's type system: the built-in types, extension types, domains, arrays and custom types.

What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?

My talk :)

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?

Follow the pgsql-general list. Learn relational theory. Don't listen to the database haters.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?

I foresee an open source boom as AI technologies can work with open source much better than closed.

 

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

  

As part of the countdown to Postgres Conference 2024, learn more about the engaging content and our speakers for this year in our Speaker Spotlight Series.

Manish Shah is founder and CEO of Datasparc, and brings expertise in product development, database security, and scalable cloud systems. His thought leadership and patent ownership in sensitive data discovery and protection underscore his ability to influence and innovate in the field.

Manish will present "Zero Trust database access with DBHawk". Read what Manish has to say about Postgres and why to attend his session:

Why should attendees come to your talk at Postgres Conference 2024? What would you like for them to take away from your session?

Join the session exploring critical database security and access challenges. Manish will dissect current issues and provide solutions for achieving precise zero-trust database access.


What is your favorite aspect of Postgres Conference?
Meeting face-to-face Postgres users.

What advice would you have for a Computer Science graduate or entry level developer who are interested in learning and engaging with Postgres and other open source technologies?
Learn SQL and other programming language. Install Postgres and start playing with it.

How do you see the use of open source technologies evolving over the next five years?
Businesses are recognizing the value of open source software, and its adoption in the enterprise is expected to grow.

What considerations should be taken for the adoption and use of Postgres and related open source technologies?
Strong security and reliable support are crucial for wider adoption of Postgres. After all, data is an organization's most valuable asset.

Check out the full schedule for PostgresConf US 2024. Learn more about our conference here and buy your tickets soon!

 

 

Debra Cerda     April 17, 2024     speaker spotlight