Drupal GovCon 2025: Your Complete Guide to Government Drupal's Premier Event

This isn't just another conference—it's where real government digital challenges get addressed by people who actually face them daily. Whether you're wrestling with Section 508 compliance, planning a Drupal 11 migration, or trying to integrate AI tools into your content workflows, you'll find both the sessions and hallway conversations invaluable.

What Makes Drupal GovCon Essential for Government Teams

Free, Community-Driven Focus

Unlike many conferences that cost thousands to attend, Drupal GovCon remains completely free. Registration opens in July 2025, and the event consistently sells out its 500 person capacity. This accessibility means you'll meet practitioners from small municipal offices to major federal agencies, creating a unique cross-pollination of ideas and approaches.

Practical, Government-Specific Content

The session lineup tackles real problems government teams face. This year's program includes deep dives into Drupal 11 preparation, AI integration that respects privacy requirements, and accessibility compliance that goes beyond checking boxes. You won't sit through generic marketing presentations—every session comes from practitioners sharing actual implementation experience.

Location and Logistics

The Adele H. Stamp Student Union at University of Maryland provides an accessible venue with Metro connectivity. If you're driving, parking information and hotel recommendations are available on the conference website. The venue offers full accessibility accommodations—contact [email protected] if you need specific arrangements.

Key Sessions and Learning Opportunities

Drupal 11 Migration Planning

Multiple sessions address the transition to Drupal 11, covering both technical implementation and project management considerations. Given that support for Drupal 10 will eventually sunset, these sessions provide crucial planning guidance for government sites that can't afford downtime or security gaps.

AI Integration in Government Context

Several sessions explore AI tools for government websites, focusing on practical applications that respect privacy requirements and security protocols. Topics include chatbot implementation, content generation workflows, and automated accessibility testing—all designed with government constraints in mind.

Accessibility and Compliance Deep Dives

Government websites must meet Section 508 requirements, and sessions this year go beyond basic compliance. Expect detailed coverage of WCAG 2.2 implementation, design system integration, and testing workflows that catch accessibility issues before they reach production.

Hands-On Training Sessions

Four pre-conference trainings provide intensive, hands-on learning:

• Drupal 11 Back End Specialist Certification preparation
• Component-driven development with Storybook integration
• Practical AI integration for content teams
• Design system creation and maintenance

These trainings require separate registration and fill up quickly due to limited capacity.

Community Party and Networking Events

Acquia's "Step Up Your Game" Community Party

Thursday evening brings the conference's signature social event. Located at The Hall CP (a two-minute walk from recommended hotels), this party combines networking with entertainment. Expect arcade games, pickleball, foosball, and other activities alongside appetizers and cash bar service.

Registration is required and space is limited. Pick up your party wristband at Acquia's booth during the conference. The relaxed atmosphere makes this an ideal place to continue conversations started during sessions or meet new contacts in a low-pressure setting.

Additional Social Opportunities

Evolving Web hosts a closing reception Friday evening for sponsors, speakers, and volunteers. Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions throughout both days provide informal discussion spaces for specific topics or interests.

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience

Pre-Event Preparation

Review the full session schedule once it's published and mark must-attend presentations. Sessions often run simultaneously, so prioritize based on your immediate needs and long-term goals. Many attendees create backup plans since popular sessions fill up quickly.

Consider reaching out to speakers beforehand if you have specific questions. Most are accessible through Drupal Slack or LinkedIn and appreciate knowing what topics interest attendees most.

During the Event

Arrive early each day to secure seating in popular sessions and visit sponsor booths before they get crowded. The sponsor exhibition hall provides opportunities to learn about new tools, services, and potential partnerships.

We've learned that the most valuable conference experiences often happen outside formal sessions. Hallway conversations, lunch discussions, and BoF sessions frequently provide the specific advice or connections that justify the entire trip.

Networking Approach

Bring business cards and be prepared to share what challenges your team currently faces. Government Drupal practitioners are notably generous with their time and knowledge—don't hesitate to ask for specific advice or introductions.

Use the conference hashtag #DrupalGovCon2025 to connect with other attendees before, during, and after the event. Many lasting professional relationships start with casual conference interactions.

Why This Event Matters for Your Career and Projects

Staying Current with Rapidly Changing Requirements

Government web requirements evolve constantly. New accessibility standards, security protocols, and user experience expectations require ongoing learning. Drupal GovCon provides concentrated exposure to emerging best practices and regulatory changes.

Building Your Professional Network

Government Drupal work can feel isolating, especially in smaller agencies. This conference connects you with peers facing similar challenges and vendors who understand government constraints. These relationships prove invaluable when you need quick answers or implementation guidance.

Influencing Your Platform Decisions

Teams we work with report that conference attendance significantly improves their technology decision-making. Seeing multiple implementation approaches and hearing honest assessments of different tools helps teams make better choices for their specific situations.

Contributing to the Community

The government Drupal community thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. Your participation—whether asking questions, sharing experiences, or contributing to discussions—helps strengthen the entire ecosystem.

Preparation Checklist for Maximum Value

Before You Go:

• Register for the conference and community party
• Book accommodations early (nearby hotels fill up)
• Review session descriptions and create your schedule
• Prepare questions specific to your current projects
• Connect with other attendees through social media
• Download relevant documentation for your planned Drupal work

During the Conference:

• Attend keynote sessions for community-wide perspectives
• Participate in BoF sessions related to your interests
• Visit all sponsor booths for new tool discoveries
• Take notes on implementation details and contact information
• Schedule follow-up conversations with valuable connections
• Participate in social events for relationship building

After the Conference:

• Follow up with new contacts within one week
• Share key insights with your team
• Begin planning implementation of new techniques learned
• Contribute session feedback to help future planning
• Stay engaged through Drupal Slack and community channels

Getting Practical Value from Your Investment

Even though attendance is free, conference participation requires time investment. Focus on sessions that address your immediate challenges while leaving room for exploratory learning. The combination of technical sessions, case studies, and networking opportunities provides multiple ways to gain value.

Document key takeaways during sessions and plan implementation steps before returning to daily work pressures. Many attendees find that acting on conference insights within two weeks of return maximizes their practical impact.

Our experience shows that government teams who attend Drupal GovCon regularly report improved project outcomes, better vendor relationships, and more effective technology decisions. The concentrated learning environment and peer connections provide benefits that extend well beyond the two-day event.

Drupal GovCon 2025 offers an unmatched opportunity to advance your government Drupal work while connecting with the community driving innovation in public sector digital services. The combination of practical sessions, hands-on training, and networking opportunities makes this event essential for anyone serious about government web development.

If you're evaluating whether Drupal remains the right choice for your government projects, or planning major platform updates for the coming year, we can help you assess which conference sessions and connections would provide the most value for your specific situation. Reach out to discuss how the insights and relationships from Drupal GovCon could support your team's digital goals.