Taking your first steps with Drupal? No matter your professional role, your journey with Drupal will be full of exciting discoveries. One of them is an outstanding community of passionate, fun, and brilliant people who love sharing their expertise. Once you experience how it feels to be part of it, you’ll never want to seek a different platform.  

This community is gathering soon for the biggest Drupal event of the year. Mark your calendar for 24-27 March and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant Drupal universe in Atlanta, Georgia. You’ll make new friends, hear about the latest Drupal trends from top Drupal creators, and find answers to your questions. With beginner-friendly sessions, hands-on workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll gain the needed confidence and knowledge. 

Need some tips for preparing for the event and maximizing your experience? Check out “A First Time Attendees Guide to DrupalCon Atlanta 2025” which includes plenty of them. Once you’ve got the essentials covered, it’s time to plan your schedule. DrupalCon’s program is packed with insightful sessions. In this article, we’ll spotlight the best ones to help you kick off your Drupal experience.

Top sessions for newcomers at DrupalCon Atlanta 2025

New Member + Local Drupal Community Meetups and Meeting Spaces

It’s no surprise that the open and welcoming Drupal community offers special events for new members. They serve two key purposes: bringing in new people and strengthening local Drupal communities.

• New Member + Local Drupal Community Meeting Space is designed for new Drupal community members (that’s you) to meet their local Drupal camps, associations, and community groups. With designated ambassadors leading the way, this creates a welcoming and collaborative environment. The space is open 8.00-17.00 Monday through Thursday. Meet new friends and enjoy DrupalCon together!
• New Member + Local Drupal Community Meet Up is a casual and friendly gathering, meant to break the ice before the Welcome Party and other sessions. Several instances of these meetups are already in the schedule, and there may be more to come.

By attending, you get a fantastic chance to ease into the experience, meet new people, and build relationships that will make your time at the conference especially enjoyable. What’s more, these connections could extend beyond the event itself.

Getting to know your local Drupal community offers yet another fantastic benefit: it may motivate you to attend local events in the future. While smaller than DrupalCon, these gatherings are still incredibly valuable for both learning and networking.

“Finding Your Path to Drupal: How Three Unique Journeys Led to Meaningful Careers in Web Development” — by Nagat Ahmed, Lynda Santiago, Amani Mansour

It’s amazing how different paths can all lead to Drupal. Want to discover some inspiring stories about people from diverse backgrounds finding their way into the Drupal world? Then the following panel discussion by Nagat Ahmed (nagatahmed), Lynda Santiago (lyndasantiago), and Amani Mansour (amani.mansour92) is for you.

It brings together three developers who took very different roads into web development — one started as a stay-at-home parent, another worked in the conflict resolution sphere, and the third attended a coding bootcamp. Despite their different starting points, they all built successful careers in Drupal.

The speakers will cover the obstacles they faced, the skills they developed along the way, and how Drupal opened doors to exciting opportunities. But it’s not just about learning to code — each panelist will also share how their previous experiences gave them unique perspectives and non-technical skills that made them successful developers on their teams.

This session will show you that there’s no single path to success in web development. No matter where you come from, there’s a place for you in Drupal. And if you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, this talk may help you overcome those barriers and take the next step in your Drupal journey.

Networking Area for Drupal Attendees

Networking is a key component of every Drupal event, and it’s especially valuable for new members. That’s why DrupalCon offers so many opportunities to connect. The Networking Area for Drupal Attendees is the perfect space to meet and engage with fellow Drupal enthusiasts.

This space is designed to help you participate in meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting. Chat with developers, project managers, designers, and community leaders, share your experiences, and maybe even find your next collaboration opportunity or a mentor to support you as you grow in Drupal.

The Drupal community thrives on connection and knowledge-sharing. Don’t hesitate to stop by, introduce yourself, expand your network, and who knows — this might be the start of something great.

“Drupal CMS now and beyond” — by Pamela Barone and Cristina Chumillas

If you’re new to the Drupal world, you absolutely need to learn about one topic you’ll hear a lot about: Drupal CMS (also known as Starshot). This exciting new version of Drupal is changing the way websites are built and managed, making it easier for non-technical users to create powerful website functionalities without needing to write any code. It is built on top of traditional Drupal core and exists alongside it.

Drupal CMS 1.0 made its debut on January 15, Drupal’s 24th birthday, and the community is now buzzing with excitement about what’s next. Here is a session to discover the details. It will be led by Pamela Barone (pameeela) and Cristina Chumillas (ckrina), top Drupal contributors and part of the amazing team of Drupal CMS creators.

The speakers will dive into the ongoing development of Drupal CMS. You’ll be introduced to the plans for future versions, the features currently in progress, what has been built so far, what lessons have been learned, and how the strategy defines the roadmap.

This session will also offer you a chance to appreciate the strength of the Drupal community, as the speakers share how it united to build Drupal CMS. You’ll get to know how anyone, including newcomers, can contribute, as all types of contributions are welcome.

“Recipes: It's About Time!” — by Martin Anderson-Clutz

Another exciting Drupal innovation that makes website creation faster and more efficient is Recipes. With Recipes, even non-technical users can add feature sets — like blog functionality, event management, and SEO capabilities — simply by clicking a button. For developers, Recipes offer a way to package features following best practices.

In this session by Martin Anderson-Clutz (mandclu), a leading Drupal contributor, will demonstrate how Recipes work, focusing on the Events recipe. This pre-packaged solution allows you to instantly add event functionality to your site. It includes everything you need: a content type for events, fields for start and end dates, duration, location with integrated Google Maps, and more. You’ll see the Events recipe and its add-ons in action during the session.

Recipes are one of the key building blocks of the earlier-mentioned Drupal CMS (Starshot). Martin will show the built-in capabilities and the options to extend them. However, Recipes are not limited to Drupal CMS but are also available in traditional Drupal core, so Martin will explain how to add the same features to “classic” Drupal websites as well.

If you're a fan of live demos, this session is for you — by the end, you'll know exactly how to enhance your website with features from the Events recipe or other Recipes.

“Experience Builder is coming. Are you ready?” — by Lauri Timmanee

Be sure to catch a session on yet another gem in Drupal’s growing collection of innovations. While Drupal has seen many page layout tools over the years, a next-generation page builder is now in the works — one that promises to redefine the process.

Experience Builder is designed to bring together best practices while introducing game-changing capabilities. It will make creating and customizing pages easier and more efficient than ever before.

With Experience Builder, marketing teams can design and theme entire websites directly in their browser, without needing advanced technical skills beyond basic HTML, CSS, and templating markup. Content creators will have more freedom, too — they’ll be able to compose and edit content anywhere on the page, without waiting for developer support.

In this session, initiative leader Lauri Timmanee (lauriii) will walk you through how Experience Builder works. You’ll see this exciting tool in action with a live demo, with a step-by-step walkthrough of how websites will be built with it. Plus, you’ll also get a sneak peek at what’s coming next, beyond the initial release. 

Driesnote by Dries Buytaert

While there are so many sessions around exciting features and great practices, there is one you absolutely cannot miss. In just one keynote, you’ll get a front-row seat to the best of Drupal — its core values, the latest developments like Experience Builder, Recipes, and AI-powered tools, and an exclusive look at what’s ahead. Driesnote often unveils game-changing innovations and future plans before they’re shared anywhere else.

But Driesnote is more than just a session packed with insights — it’s where you truly feel the heartbeat of Drupal. Dries Buytaert, the founder of Drupal, has a unique way of inspiring the audience, making everyone proud of Drupal’s progress and excited to be part of its thriving community. He’ll likely highlight the people driving Drupal forward.

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how Drupal is evolving and how you can be part of its future, no matter your background or experience level.

Contribution workshops for beginners

One of the greatest strengths of open-source communities is that anyone can contribute to the platform. In Drupal, contributions are not only rewarding but also recognized — contributors earn credits on drupal.org and respect from the community.

Even if you're new to Drupal, you can make an impact alongside seasoned experts. No contribution is too small, and there’s a wide range of tasks for every skill level. Plus, contribution isn’t just about coding — there are plenty of ways to get involved as a designer, QA specialist, marketer, content editor, and so on.

At DrupalCon, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to kick off your contribution experience in a welcoming and supportive environment. Special sessions are designed to guide you through the process:

• 1st Time Contribution Workshop is ideal for those who have never contributed to Drupal before. You’ll get a step-by-step introduction to the contribution process, including how to navigate drupal.org, find beginner-friendly tasks, and collaborate with the community. There are several instances of this workshop.
• Mentored Contribution session is open to everyone — whether you’re brand new or already a little familiar with contributing. You’ll join experienced contributors and maintainers to work on real issues, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience while making a meaningful contribution to Drupal.

Final thoughts

Let DrupalCon 2025 give a great start to your exciting path in the Drupal world — one where learning, growth, and opportunity await at every turn. The warm embrace of the Drupal community, paired with beginner-oriented sessions, will give you the foundation you need to feel confident, supported, inspired, and energized. Who knows — one day, you might find yourself on stage at the biggest Drupal event, inspiring others!

Ecommerce businesses require a robust, scalable, and customizable solution to meet evolving customer needs. Many struggle with rigid platforms, high operational costs, and security concerns, limiting their growth potential. Drupal Commerce provides an open source, flexible, and feature-rich solution that empowers companies to create tailored ecommerce experiences with full control over functionality and scalability.

As a Champion sponsor, we’re proud to support the Drupal community and contribute to the success of this event. Our team is ready to share insights, and help shape the future of Drupal.

Are you a government professional looking to enhance your digital skills and connect with like-minded peers? The Government Summit at DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 is the event for you!

This summit will take place on 24 March 2025, and will be designed specifically for government agencies and public sector leaders. It’s your chance to explore how Drupal, one of the world’s most powerful open-source content management systems, can help address the unique challenges government organizations face in digital transformation.

What to Expect

At the Government Summit, you’ll dive into topics such as:

• Government Digital Transformation: Learn how Drupal modernizes government websites and improves user experience.
• Security and Compliance: Explore best practices for meeting privacy and accessibility regulations.
• Open-Source for Public Good: Understand how open-source solutions like Drupal foster transparency, cost savings, and innovation.
• Case Studies & Workshops: Gain insights from successful government projects and collaborate with peers on real-world solutions.

Why Attend?

1. Learn from Experts: Gain valuable insights into government technology and digital strategy.
2. Network with Peers: Connect with government professionals and tech experts facing similar challenges.
3. Discover Practical Solutions: Learn how Drupal can improve citizen engagement, content management, and internal collaboration.
4. Stay Ahead of Trends: Explore emerging technologies like AI and cloud solutions in government.

How to Register

Don’t miss out! Whether you’re attending the full event or just the Government Summit, this is an investment in your professional growth and your agency’s future.
Current state and local government employees can add a free summit ticket to the Government Summit - a $250 value. 
*must upload a valid local government ID during registration for discount
https://events.drupal.org/atlanta2025/ticket-rates-and-details 

Join Us in Atlanta!

The Government Summit at DrupalCon Atlanta 2025 is your opportunity to stay ahead in digital transformation and open-source technology. Register today https://events.drupal.org/atlanta2025/ticket-rates-and-details and secure your spot!

We're excited to announce updates to the Drupal Drupal CMS leadership team that will enhance our product, marketing, and user experience capabilities.

Nick Koger becomes Marketing Lead

Nick Koger will take over as Drupal CMS's Marketing Lead, replacing Suzanne Dergacheva. Since joining the Drupal Association as a Product Marketer seven months ago, Nick has assisted in launching Drupal CMS by creating web content, social media posts, and managing paid advertising. He also launched our global event marketing strategy to promote Drupal to external audiences worldwide.

We thank Suzanne and her team at Evolving Web for their valuable work on helping to launch our new brand and initial marketing pages. Suzanne is stepping back from day-to-day involvement to focus on Evolving Web but will remain active in the Marketing Committee. Evolving Web will continue to contribute to design and content strategy improvements on Drupal.org.

Emma Horrell appointed as UX Research

Lead To strengthen our focus on user experience, we've created a new leadership role: UX Research Lead. Emma Horrell will step into this position alongside Cristina Chumillas, who continues as Product Design Lead.

Emma's work on researching target audiences, defining their needs and expectations, and testing new features has shaped Drupal CMS's user experience. Her research expertise will help us optimize Drupal CMS for marketers. Thanks to the University of Edinburgh for supporting Emma's contributions and to Lullabot for supporting Cristina's work.

Adam Globus-Hoenich named Drupal CMS Lead Architect

Adam Globus-Hoenich has been central to Drupal CMS from the beginning – creating the original prototype at DrupalCon Portland and serving as the main committer since. His technical leadership has been crucial, and we're formalizing his role as Drupal CMS Architecture Lead. In this position, Adam will continue to work with Tim Plunkett, our Technical Lead.

We appreciate Acquia's support in giving Adam and Tim the time to drive Drupal CMS forward.

Looking ahead

These leadership changes are already in effect. Each person brings something special to the team that will expand Drupal's reach.

I'm sharing this news before DrupalCon Atlanta so you can meet our new leadership team there, understand the context for upcoming Drupal CMS presentations, and chat with them directly about where Drupal is headed.

This update builds on our previous leadership team announcement. Other leadership roles continue unchanged, and this announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the Drupal CMS initiative with the right expertise.

For years, DrupalCon has been seen as a place for developers, module experts, and backend architects to connect and get inspired. What about marketers? Things are changing, with the spotlight on the new Drupal CMS and its marketer-friendly features, DrupalCon 2025 in Atlanta is set to offer marketers a fresh and exciting way to engage with technology.

As a marketer, if you’ve ever thought, "DrupalCon isn’t for me,” it’s time to rethink.

Drupal CMS - The Marketer’s Drupal

If you’ve caught up with all that’s happening around the Drupal world lately, this should not come as a surprise. Yes, Drupal CMS is truly, madly, deeply designed for and around marketers. With it, you can roll out campaigns faster, deliver personalized user experiences easily, seamlessly, and quickly integrate with your favorite CRMs or marketing automation platforms. Reading about the power of Drupal CMS is one thing, but imagine meeting the creators in person, gaining first hand insights on how to make the most of it, and discovering its powerful features. 

Must-Attend Sessions for Marketers at DrupalCon 2025

At DrupalCon Atlanta 2025, you’ll definitely see a lot about how Drupal CMS’s capabilities are transforming marketing workflows. In addition, there’s an exciting lineup of must-attend sessions designed specifically for marketers like you and me. Take a look at the list!

4 Big Ideas in UX and Content Strategy by Suzanne Dergacheva

Designed specifically for marketers, this talk will explore innovative approaches to creating seamless user experiences and impactful content strategies. Learn how to apply these insights to your next project and enhance your brand’s digital presence with practical, real-world examples. Click for more details on this session.

Digital Debris: Strategies for the Life and Death of PDFs by Dave Cameron

In this session, Dave Cameron breaks down the role of PDFs in digital content, when they work, when they don’t, and how to manage them effectively. Learn best practices for handling PDFs, optimizing accessibility, and knowing when to transition to better alternatives. Ultimately, this session will help you make smarter decisions about your digital assets. Click for more details on this session.

Driving today’s CMS with tomorrow’s artificial intelligence by Jyoti Singh

Find out how AI is revolutionizing content management systems, including Drupal, in this insightful session with Jyoti Singh. Learn how to harness AI to enhance content delivery, streamline workflows, and optimize digital experiences. Click for more details on this session.

Drupal Workspaces: Revolutionizing Content Staging and Workflows by Matt West

Discover how Drupal Workspaces is transforming content staging and workflows for better efficiency and flexibility. Matt West will showcase how this powerful feature enhances content creation, improves collaboration, and simplifies publishing processes. Click for more details on this session.

From Data to Insight: Crafting Custom GA4 Reports in Looker Studio for Website Success by Cameron Panice

Learn how to create useful Google Analytics reports with Looker Studio to track website success. Cameron Panice will show you how to find valuable insights to improve your digital strategy. A hands-on session for marketers who want to make smarter decisions with data! Click for more details on this session.

Honey, I Shrunk The Marketing Budget: How To Keep Improving Your Website In a Challenging Economy by Bjorn Thomson

Learn smart ways to improve your website without overspending. Bjorn Thomson will share creative strategies to make the most of your marketing budget and maximize impact, even in tough times. Perfect for businesses looking to grow online with limited resources! Click for more details on this session.

Mind Over Metrics: Behavioral Economics for Smarter Content Strategy by Amy Shropshire

Amy Shropshire will show how psychology influences audience decisions and how to use these insights to craft smarter content strategies. This session is great for marketers looking to make a bigger impact! Click for more details on this session.

Navigating Migration Challenges and Streamlining Content for Site Consolidation Projects by Mandee Englert

Mandee Englert will walk you through the challenges of content migration during site consolidation projects. Learn how to simplify the process and ensure a smooth transition. This one is perfect for teams tackling complex migrations! Click for more details on this session.

Tag! You're it. Digital "freeze" tag with GTM by Brian Danin

Join Brian Danin for a session on how to use Google Tag Manager (GTM) to enhance your digital marketing strategies. Learn how GTM can improve your ability to measure and analyze website performance, giving you more power over your campaigns. Click for more details on this session.

The Future of SEO: Embracing Change and Innovation by Gaurav Mishra

Join Gaurav Mishra as he explores the latest SEO trends and innovations. Learn how to optimize your Drupal website and stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital world. Great for businesses wanting to make the most of SEO! Click for more details on this session.

Working with Layout Paragraphs: an Easy-to-Use, Drag-and-Drop Content Editing module for Drupal by Justin Toupin

Discover how to simplify content editing with the Layout Paragraphs module in this session by Justin Toupin. Learn how its drag-and-drop functionality can make content management smoother and more efficient, enhancing your editing workflow. Click for more details on this session.

More Reasons to Attend

Learn From Fellow Marketers

Do you feel limited by your CMS? DrupalCon is where you’ll hear about marketing teams who’ve crushed their goals with Drupal. From skyrocketing lead generation to streamlining multi-language campaigns, the case studies you’ll discover will leave you inspired and equipped. It’s a chance to catch up with the latest industry trends like AI, personalization, omnichannel strategies, etc.  Unsure who in your network is attending? Look out for those using our attendee badge!

Collaborate With Developers

Do you feel a disconnect between your developer and you? Now imagine you explaining your vision to a developer who actually gets it. DrupalCon facilitates collaboration like no other event. It helps bridge the gap between marketers and tech teams. It’s the perfect place to co-create solutions that make your campaigns run smoother. Learn about new features, modules and themes that your competitors have already started using. 

Networking That Works for You

DrupalCon isn’t just about sessions. It’s about the coffee-break conversations and serendipitous meetings that lead to real opportunities. Connect with:

• Fellow Marketers: Share challenges, swap solutions, and maybe discover your next big idea.
• Drupal Experts: Pick their brains on how to make the most of your Drupal investment.
• Decision-Makers: Build connections that could lead to collaborations, partnerships, or even your next career move.

Where else can you sip coffee with a developer, a CEO, and a marketer who just doubled their leads, all at one table?  Even better, join us at the Marketing Contribution morning and give back to the Drupal community whilst networking.