Welcome to the Event Impact Recap of DrupalCon Portland 2024, a benchmark event in North America, that not only marked a significant milestone in the Drupal community, but also holds a special place in my journey. Having served as a contractor for DrupalCon Portland and now stepping into the role of the new Community Programs Director with the Drupal Association, I am thrilled to share the highlights and successes of this remarkable gathering. My goal is to have an Impact Report shared with the community after each DrupalCon that depicts the data and feedback on the event. Please view the slides.
Key Highlights from DrupalCon Portland 2024:
- Attendance and Engagement:
- With 1,368 registered attendees and an impressive 97.8% check-in rate, DrupalCon Portland 2024 brought together a vibrant community of Drupal enthusiasts and professionals.
- Of the 1,368 registered attendees, 438 (about one third) received comped registrations for volunteering, speaking, or other roles at the conference.
- The event saw 3,249 hotel rooms booked in Portland, OR, highlighting its impact on the local economy and hospitality sector AND, it’s worth to note, these were just the rooms through our block, many rooms were booked outside the block making an even bigger impact on the local business community.
- A post event survey showed the rank of overall experience at DrupalCon Portland 2024 at 4.21/5
- 32% of attendees said this was their 1st DrupalCon
- 8 Scholarship grants were given out to the community
- 95% of attendees said they would attend a future DrupalCon
- Global Representation:
- Attendees from 6 continents, 35 countries, and 46 states joined us, demonstrating Drupal's global reach and community diversity.
- Specialized Summits:
- Five Summits (Government, Higher Ed, Nonprofit, Healthcare, and Community) attracted 476 attendees, facilitating deep dives into crucial Drupal topics and fostering collaboration.
- DriesNote and Starshot:
- A highlight of the event was the DriesNote, attended by 950 people in person, eager to hear about Starshot, an exciting new initiative. (View the recording on the Drupal Association Youtube page). This session not only informed but also inspired attendees about the future of Drupal.
- Two BOFs were hosted, providing platforms for continued discussions and community engagement beyond the main sessions.
- Sponsorship:
- DrupalCon Portland 2024 was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors
- Presenting Sponsors: 2
- Champion Sponsors: 6
- Advocate Sponsors: 11
- Exhibitors: 28
- Total Sponsors: 47
- The conference wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and partnership of these organizations. Their support underscores their commitment to the Drupal community and its ongoing success.
- DrupalCon Portland 2024 was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors
- Volunteer Contributions:
- The success of DrupalCon Portland 2024 was further bolstered by 28 dedicated volunteers, including local ambassadors, logistics contributors, and translation assistants, who collectively contributed 221.5 hours onsite.
I am deeply honored to now step into the role of the new Community Programs Director with the Drupal Association. With over 18 years of experience in event planning, field marketing, nonprofit management, and community engagement, I am excited to leverage my skills to enhance community programs and initiatives within the Drupal ecosystem. My goal is to foster even stronger connections, facilitate meaningful collaborations, and support the growth and inclusivity of the Drupal community.
As we reflect on the achievements and connections fostered at DrupalCon Portland 2024, I am filled with optimism about the future of Drupal and the potential for continued growth and innovation within our community, and am excited to be a part of DrupalCon Barcelona, DrupalCon Singapore, DrupalCon Atlanta and many more for years to come!
DrupalCon Portland 2024 was not just an event but a celebration of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community spirit. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success, from attendees and volunteers to sponsors and organizers. Let's carry this momentum forward as we embark on the next chapter of Drupal's journey together.
- Meghan Harrell
Community Programs Director
Drupal Association