Europython blog

The perfect attendee's checklist

Giovanni Bajo — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 17:57:14 +0000

A quick checklist of things you absolutely need to know before coming to Florence!

Don't print anything, we know everything we need to know. Just make sure your tickets are fully compiled. Registration opens at 7:30am on Monday 1st.
We have an interactive schedule where you can browse, search, favorite talks, create a personalized schedule and so on (make sure to login).
We have a mobile guide (iOS, Android, Blackberry, and web-enabled devices), that also works offline.
4-hours trainings have a booking system in place, through the schedule; booking a seat is optional, but gives precedence in case the room gets full. Login and book your training!
Get help at our help desks: you can book a 30-min slot and get free help from an experienced programmer on a specific Python-related technology or framework. Helpdesk booking is available through the schedule.
Check the sprint list, and join one, or propose a sprint yourself!
Looking for a new job? Join our recruiting session on Monday, the specific recruiting meetings with Amazon, Red Hat, Webrepublic & Demonware on Wednesday and Thursday ( check the schedule), and opt-in to receive a few carefully-selected job offers through EuroPython in your private email (no spam, email not shared with sponsors).
If you want to join PyBarbecue, the official conference dinner, make sure to book your seat.
Browse our partecipant list by tag, interest, country, and make your personal profile public; get in touch with people you want to meet at the conference before getting there.
We will be live-streaming and recording the whole event. Videos will be available almost immediately on YouTube (a few hours after each talk finishes). Tell your friends to simply go to the EuroPython website next week, and wave your hand to the camera!
Take a break from the conference and enjoy Florence, Tuscany, food, wine and museums, through our partner program.
We are also selling geek-friendly prepaid SIMs with data plans for smartphones (with tethering, no filters on VOIP/Skype, etc.). Have a look!
There are lots of extra events: our coding competitions (Code Jam, PyRidlle and AppEngine hackathon), the Python Advanced 2-days training, and the LPI exam session. Make sure to check the schedule in full detail!

See you in Florence!

The EuroPython team

Join us for tag cocktails!

Giovanni Bajo — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:38:24 +0000

Did you fill in and publish your profile on our website? If so, you might have won a special prize!

Just like last year, we selected a few hot subjects, as indicated by tags in attendee profiles, and we arranged for special tag-cocktails in the evening: all people with a specific selection of tags will be invited to join us for a cocktail, have a drink, and a good chat with other Pythoneers that share the same interests.

We published the full list of cocktails on our schedule and on a dedicated page. We have dumped a list with matching tags on June 24th, and those people will find one invite (or more than one, if they were lucky enough!) in their badge.

Browse our participant list

Even if it's too late for the cocktail, have a look at our wonderful list of EuroPythoners; make sure to login first, to see the full list (some of them might have opted-in to be displayed only to other participants). You can filter the list by country, by interests, and you can even display a list of people with a good tag correlation with your own profile.

432 EuroPythoners have published their profile, and we are sure you might like to meet some of them: contact them through whatever social network or service your prefer (we even offer a simple one-click mail contact form within that page); EuroPython might have talks at its core, but there's a lot more: you will get to meet wonderful people, don't miss the chance to meet the maintainer of your favorite software, or somebody who lives near you, or just someone that shares your interests.

And since you're at it, fill and publish in your own profile, if you have not already!

A weekend full of hacking

Giovanni Bajo — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 10:21:18 +0000

The last two days of EuroPython, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, are dedicated to more hands-on hacking sessions. Have look at the full offer!

Sprints

A sprint is a self-organized session where programmers join together to work on a specific project, usually open-source and connected to the Python ecosystem. The sprint is usually proposed and driven by one or more programmers who are already expert on the specific project (maybe even maintainers), and are willing to help out more programmers to introduce them into the project.

Have a look at the sprint list and add yourself to a sprint, or propose a new sprint!

Google AppEngine Hackathon

Together with EuroPython, Google is organizing a Google App Engine Hackathon. An entire day of fun coding on App Engine platform.

Teams are free to create any software project based on Google App Engine. No runtime restriction (Java, Python, Go and even PHP), total freedom on final hack, it can be a backend only apps, backend + web or mobile frontends, anything you like.

The only constrain is that your hack has to be fueled by App Engine. Plus you have all the other GAE companions at your disposal: Cloud Endpoints to create RESTful APIs, Cloud Storage and Cloud SQL to manage storage, Prediction API and much more. And yes, they're going to be some prizes for the best teams ;)

The hackathon will be held in the Pizza Margherita room, and will start at 9:00 on Saturday.

Have a look at the full schedule and preregister on the dedicated page.

Advanced Python training course

The Advanced Python training course, that will be held by our sponsors Python Academy, is a fantastic way to increase your Python competences and learn about all the more advanced features of the language that will make your programming experience even better. We got stellar feedback from last year course by Python Academy, so it's highly recommended. The course is two-days long (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th), and requires a separate registration fee. Have a look at the full description.

Only two days left for the partner program

Giovanni Bajo — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:45:36 +0000

Tomorrow, June 20th, is the last day to book many of our wonderful partner program tours. Have a look at the detailed page, and book your tour!

We have many tours that we carefully planned to entertain you (and your partner or family!) if you want to take a break from the conference. We also worked with our operators on the price to make them really fair. Have a look at the full list and book your tour now.

Other things you can still buy off our website

A ticket for the official conference dinner: PyBarbecue!
Grab a prepaid 3G SIM, with Internet plan (including tethering) for only €20.
Since a dozen people canceled their trip to EuroPython, we are still able to sell more tickets, at the on-desk rate (as we're only 10 days to the conference). If you are still interested in joining us, this is the right moment to buy your ticket.
The Advanced Python training course, that will be held by our sponsors Python Academy in the weekend (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th), is a fantastic way to increase your Python competences and learn about all the more advanced features of the language that will make your programming experience even better. We got stellar feedback from last year course by Python Academy, so it's highly recommended.

A world of opportunity is waiting for you!

Mena — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 06:43:09 +0000

EuroPython is approaching and we are preparing a lot of initiatives.

Growth opportunities

LPI

The Linux professional institute, considered the world's premier Linux certification organization, will offer all LPIC exams at EuroPython 2013 on Friday, July 5. LPI is a Canadian non-profit organization and is recognized as the #1 in providing global leadership, direction and skill standards for those who pursue a career in Linux and Open Source technology.

The Linux Professional Institute Certification also certifies the competency of IT professionals using the Linux operating system and its associated tools. If you want, you can book your exam here.

Python academy

The Python programming language is relatively easy to learn and allows to solve real-world problem with a just a few concepts.
But it also offers several advanced features that can help to greatly improve the programming experience. The latest releases of Python 2.x and 3.x add interesting features that can be used passively without deeper understanding about how they work.

The Python Academy course teaches how these features work and provides details about meta-programming and other advanced techniques. If you want to take part to it, remember that it requires a separate registration fee of €242 (VAT included) for individuals, and €400+VAT for companies. What are you waiting for? Buy now!

Programming challenges

Google code jam

Do you love programming, solving tough algorithmic puzzles and having fun in the process? If so, you can't miss Google Code Jam. Don't miss this chance to compete with great programmers from all around the world, in the friendly environment of EuroPython.
You will need a free registration to join this event and your laptop!

PyRiddle

Each year EuroPython attendees confront each other on the hardest, wittiest and most twisted of Python riddles.
Many people enter the PyRiddler mansion, yet only one will manage to outsmart him and bring home the much sought-after loot, a shiny MacBook and the PyRiddler's certificate of defeat.
If you want to participate in it, bring your own laptop and be sure to take a seat in the PyRiddler's mansion ten minutes before the event starts.

Google App Engine Hackathon

Are you a creative spirit? Do you like to experience and take challenges? Google waits for you at Google App Engine Hackathon on Saturday, July 6.
Stay tuned to discover more!

Perfect attendee's checklist

EuroPython is approaching: the coolest Python week full of talks and events will begin on July 1st, in sunny Florence, Italy. To make sure you get the best out of your ticket, this is a checklist of things you should know about the conference:

* Make sure your ticket(s) are fully compiled

* We have an interactive schedule where you can browse, search, favorite talks, create a personalized schedule and so on (make sure to login).

* 4-hours trainings have a booking system in place, through the schedule; booking a seat is optional, but gives precedence in case the room gets full. Login and book your training!

* If you want to join the "PyBarbecue" conference dinner, make sure to book your seat (only 220 seats).

* Not only talks: browse our partecipant list by tag, interest, country, and make your personal profile public; get in touch with people you want to meet at the conference before getting there.

* After the great success of our helpdesk service at EuroPython 2012, we're repeating the experience: you can book a 30-min slot and get free help from an experienced programmer on a specific Python-related technology or framework. Helpdesk booking is available through the schedule. Right now, we're also looking for volunteers to *run* the helpdesks.

* Take a break from the conference and enjoy Florence, Tuscany, food, wine and museums, through our partner program.

* We are also selling geek-friendly prepaid SIMs with data plans for smartphones (with tethering, no filters on VOIP/Skype, etc.). Have a look!

* Lastly, be sure to subscribe to our blog RSS feed to stay up-to-date with the latest announcements about EP2013! See you in Florence!

Need another reason to participate?

Mena — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:15:55 +0000

If you need another reason to buy your ticket for EuroPython 2013, remember that some volunteers will be at your service in order to help you solve technological problems.

If you need help on one or more technologies, if you can't manage to fix a bug all by yourself, you will easily find someone that will be glad to assist you.

All our volunteers are masters of a technology and will provide you technical support on it. The help desk sessions last four hours and are divided in eight 30 minutes slots.

If you are very good at one or more programming languages and you would like to help people, run a help desk at EuroPython!

Read more about it!

Currently scheduled Help Desks include:

Camelot
Amazon User Group
Flask
Testing / Test Driven Development
ElasticSearch
Kivy
Plone

Google offers EuroPython grants for female computer scientists

Mena — Sat, 25 May 2013 13:51:48 +0000

Are you a female computer scientist dreaming of participating to EuroPython 2013? Would you like to come to Italy but can't you afford to travel? Google offers three grants consisting of tickets for the conference and up to 1000 EUR for travel expenses!

Google, in order to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and to attend at technical conferences, is offering the winners:

- Free registration for the conference
- Up to 1000 EUR towards travel and accommodation costs (to be paid after the conference)

All candidates must:

- Be a female working in or studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a technical field related to the conference subject
- Have a strong academic background with demonstrated leadership ability
- Attend the core day(s) of the main conference

Remember: the deadline is Sunday, June 2nd. Hurry up!

To apply, by the indicated deadline, please submit this form.

For any further information, please reach out to info@pycon.it or europe-events@google.com

Living Florence: partner program is open!

Mena — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:48:23 +0000

This year also EuroPython takes care not only of its attendees but also of their families and friends.

During summertime Florence and Tuscany are sunny and hills are a wonderful scenario for a fantastic holiday.

So, if you travel with somebody else, don't worry about its free time, he/she will never get bored thanks to our partner program.

A lot of cultural activities linked to the local art and history (museums, churches, etc.), but also interesting gastronomic heritage journeys, culinary food and wine tours have been added to our program.

If you are thinking of joining some tour, please buy your tickets as soon as possible. Places are limited.

Enjoy your evenings at EuroPython

Mena — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:55:35 +0000

It's time to relax! Summer is coming and you have already bought your ticket for EuroPython. Our events are published, you just have to choose!

We know: Tuscany is famous for its extraordinary wines. But, if you like to spend time with your new friends in front of a relaxing beer glass, PyBirra is the event thought for you.

It's all about friendship and sociability: you will be able to chat and discuss with other attendees in a pub overlooking the river bank and that says it all!

The event will take place in one of the oldest pubs in Florence:

James Joyce Pub

Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1
50125 Firenze
Tel: 055 6580856

Remember: If you bring your EuroPython badge with you, you will have some special discounts!

A new entry: the PyBarbecue

For the very first time in the history of EuroPython, this year you can choose to participate to a special dinner that will take place on Wednesday, July 3rd in a comfortable location very close to the Conference Venue. You will be able to taste a variety of dishes, from the best grilled meats to some Tuscan traditional dishes. Also vegetarians will have chance to savor tasty specialties, nicely chatting with EuroPythoner colleagues.

We have arranged a special menu with a fixed price of €37

Cold buffet:

Beetroot salad
(with pineapple and apples)
Libanese Tabuleh
(wholemeal cereal with fresh seasonal vegetables)
Cous cous
(chicken breast, vegetables)
Greek rice in Brazilian way
(rice with shrimps, peas and other vegetables)
Salpicao salad
(chicken, raisins, carrots and other vegetables)
Salad mayonnaise
(boiled fresh vegetables mixed with mayonnaise)
Beans “Ceci”
(with fresh tomatoes and onion)
Crispy salad
(celery, apples, cashews,yoghurt)
Fresh cucumber salad
(“cappuccino” cabbage and “ciliegini “ tomatoes)
Pappa al pomodoro
(tuscan bread with tomatoes salsa)
Cold salad of spelt
(Tuscany rice)
Tuscan liver crostini
(bread toast and liver cream)
Porchetta al taglio
(Pork cutting)

Hot buffet:

Mixed grill of meat
(porkribs, sausages, pork and turkey sausages, beef rib, chicken and mixed vegetables in season)

Desserts:

Sliced seasonal fruit

Drinks

Alma Rosso (red tuscany wine) di Poggio Turrita 2011
Vernaccia di San Gimignano di Poggio Turrita 2011
Mineral water /sparkling water

The full address of the location is: ASSI Sporting Center, viale Michelangelo 64, Firenze

Book your PyBarbecue ticket!

EPC 2014/5 - Call for Proposals

Fabio Pliger — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:16:46 +0000

The EuroPython Society (EPS) is happy to announce the Call for Proposals for EuroPython Conference 2014 and 2015.

The EuroPython Society (EPS) is happy to announce the Call for Proposals for EuroPython Conference 2014 and 2015. This Call for Proposals is meant to collect proposals from teams that volunteer for organizing the EuroPython conference in 2014-2015.

The Call for Proposals document containing all the details and information about the proposals and selection process can be found here.

If you are part of a great team organizing amazing Python events you could be the team organizing the next EuroPython! Please also forward this Call for Proposals to anyone that you feel may be interested.

The Call for Proposals will run until Friday, June14th. Proposals must be submitted to europython-contact@python.org before that day, and must adhere the requirements specified in the CFP document.