PyCon Taiwan

Open Space

Open Space is a participant-driven gathering that takes place alongside the main conference schedule. Unlike pre-arranged talks, Open Space sessions are created and led on the spot by attendees. You can share a topic of interest (not limited to technical subjects), start a discussion, have casual chats, or simply hang out and connect with others—the format and content are entirely up to you.

If you’ve attended PyCon Taiwan or other conferences before, you may be familiar with BoF (Birds of a Feather) sessions. We use the term “Open Space” to make the concept more intuitive, especially for first-time attendees. It’s an open, flexible time for free-form conversations and spontaneous connections.

No preparation needed—just bring your ideas and enthusiasm! Anyone can host or join an Open Space session. Come with curiosity, invite a friend, and help spark fun and meaningful conversations throughout the event.

How to participate

It's easy—just show up!

Everyone can be a host or a participant.

As a host, you can bring up any topic you’d like to discuss. Simply display your topic clearly by your discussion table, then help guide the conversation and keep the discussion going—no strict format required.

As a participant, just look for a topic that interests you. Say a friendly hello to the host, take a seat, and join the conversation. No sign-up needed, no limit on group size—everyone is welcome to jump in and take part.

Location

Room 2102 will have several tables available for Open Space discussions. Discussion topics will be displayed on small whiteboards, making it easy to find a topic that interests you and join the conversation.

If you don’t see a topic you’re interested in, you’re welcome to write down your own topic, find an available Open Space table, and start a discussion.

Schedule

Main Open Space Hours:

  • October 17 (Sat), 12:00–13:20 (Lunchtime)
  • October 18 (Sun), 14:45–15:45

You’re also welcome to propose and host discussions at any other time—just add your topic and find an available Open Space table to get started.

Topics

Topics are decided by you and other attendees, so we can’t predict what will come up! Open Space topics can cover anything from technical discussions (such as infosec, Python projects, or SRE roles) to personal interests (such as nail art, yoga, gaming, or even Chiikawa). Any topic is welcome as long as it follows the PyCon Taiwan Code of Conduct.

How to host

  1. Pre-register: If you’d like to host a discussion during the Main Open Space Hours, fill out your topic in the Open Space topic form. Before the session begins, check your topic and table number, then head to the assigned table to prepare.
  2. Start Anytime: Outside the Main Open Space Hours, you can start a session on your own—write down the topic you’d like to discuss, find an available Open Space table, and start the conversation.

Open Space Topic Ideas

Here are a few suggestions to spark your creativity:

  • Python-based maker projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi, IoT, home automation, robotics, drones)
  • AI Coding: How Much Code Do You Still Write?
  • Data visualization and science
  • Natural language processing (e.g., chatbots)
  • Organizer meetups for conferences, workshops, and local communities
  • Contributing to open source (especially beginner-friendly guidance)
  • Preventing burnout
  • Job hunting and career discussions
  • Food
  • Switch 2 / PlayStation 5 / video games
  • (Other non-technical topics are also fine)

Important Notes

Reminder: Please follow the PyCon Taiwan Code of Conduct and help us create a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.

If you have any questions about Open Space or need assistance, feel free to contact us at program@python.tw.