FrOSCon 2026
Free & Open Source Conference
The “Free and Open Source Conference” (#FrOSCon) took place for the 21st time at the Bonn–Rhein–Sieg University of Applied Sciences with over 2,000 participants, 70 volunteers and 83 speakers. The topics covered at FrOSCon include free software, hardware, and open source.
“We had a lot of fun again at the 21st FrOSCon in Sankt Augustin and got to meet many old OSS comrades–in–arms and get to know new enthusiasts.” ~ @TFConsult
Venue
Every year, the Computer Science Department at H–BRS and FrOSCon e.V. organized this conference, which is now very well established, even internationally.
Program
This year’s FrOSCon program was once again very extensive and offered something for everyone.
As it does every year, CMS Garden was there again to provide first–hand information about content management systems.
Lightning Talks
“Lightning Talks are 5–minute presentations on any topic that might be of interest to FroSCon attendees. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about an open–source project you’ve developed… Maybe there’s something at work that people are always asking you for help with? Then talk about it! Or have you just learned something that really helped you make progress? Then talk about it! Or are you still struggling with a problem and can’t seem to make any progress? Then talk about it! You don’t have to prepare slides – but if you have some, that’s fine too! Think you can’t give a Lightning Talk?” ~ Christian Theune, founder flyingcircus.io
TF Consult also provided a brief overview of the challenges involved in implementing open–source ticketing systems in organizations in the form of a short “lightning talk”:
“OSS ticketing systems and their Target Operating Model.”
Our brief presentation on OSS ticketing systems and their planned operating model – a lightning talk delivered this time using traditional chalk and a blackboard.
Video recordings by FrOSCon: programm.froscon.org/froscon2026/talk/e19a6141-a66b-4ead-8953-80c8d37fa255/
Organization
Lineup of the organizing team and some volunteers of the 21st FrOSCon:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire organizing team and the many volunteers who contributed to this outstanding open source event.
Video impressions
Lightning Talks
Dr. Klaus Bremer‘s Lightning Talk: Python Barcamps
OSS ticketing systems and their Target Operating Model:
State of the Union
Party after the conference
Orga Team
2025 impressions
Social event, that lasted until 4 a.m. in the morning.
Supporters & partners
Of course, we would also like to thank all our supporters and partners, without whom such a magnificent event would not have been possible.
GitHub repositories
- github.com/froscon
- media.ccc.de/c/froscon2026
- github.com/ThomasFabula/FrOSCon_impressions-/tree/main/2026
Retrospective
UNIX
Past issues of UNIX magazin: Release dates from March 1988 to December 1992; originally published by Markt & Technik Verlag.
Open Source friendship
I met many old open source friends; here with Dr. Klaus Bremer, board member of the Python Software Verband e.V.:
