DrupalCon Nara 2025: Reflections from an Unforgettable Experience

We spoke with one of our Senior Drupal Developers, Aastha Shrivastava, to share their first-hand reflections on DrupalCon Nara 2025, exploring the role of community and collaboration across the Drupal ecosystem.

Coming back from DrupalCon Nara, I can confidently say this was one of the most meaningful professional experiences I’ve had. Asia Cons have always felt special to me because they bring together people you might never meet otherwise and this year was no exception.

Why This Year Felt Different

When we started planning, the goal was simple: make DrupalCon more accessible for Asian communities. Seeing that nearly 50% of attendees were first-timers was a proud moment. For some, it wasn’t just their first DrupalCon it was their first international trip and even their first flight! That realization hit me hard. It reminded me how much these events can change lives and open doors.

My Role and What I Learned

I spent most of my time at the Community Booth, chatting with attendees from across Asia. It was fascinating to hear about the unique strengths and challenges each local community faces. I even ran a small survey to understand what people value most in these gatherings. These conversations reinforced something I’ve always believed while working at our Drupal web design agency — it isn’t just about the CMS; it’s about being part of a global network of passionate people.

Moments That Stood Out

• Watching Dries Buytaert share his vision during the keynote was inspiring, but what struck me most was the energy in the room people from different cultures united by a shared love for Drupal.
  
  
• Seeing volunteers from eight different countries make the booth a lively corner of the conference was heartwarming. I’m grateful to have been part of that team.
  
  
• Watching new contributors make their first contribution, and even witnessing live commit at the contribution at the sprint.

Big Wins for the Community

One major announcement was the formation of a preparatory committee for the Local Drupal Association Japan, aiming to become an NPO by spring 2026. This is a huge step toward strengthening collaboration among developers, agencies, and enterprises in Japan. And the momentum continues DrupalCamp Tokyo is already scheduled for June 27, 2026!

Why It Matters

For me, DrupalCon Nara wasn’t just about learning or networking it was about witnessing the power of community. It’s easy to talk about open source in abstract terms, but when you see people travel across countries, volunteer their time, and share their knowledge freely, you realize what makes Drupal truly special.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2026, I’m excited to see how these connections grow. If you’ve never attended a DrupalCon, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just a conference it’s an experience that can change your perspective, your career, and maybe even your life.