MIXIT 2019
Avez-vous même Linux, bro?
Conferences are binary: they are either community-led or run by corporations. But as with everything, there are exceptions. MIXIT (https://mixitconf.org/en) is an event with corporate levels of sponsorship and attendance which still feels like a grassroots event. There were around 1,000 attendees from across Europe inside the Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3, living and breathing the Lyon lifestyle for three glorious spring days.
For two of these days there were talks and workshops from worldwide speakers, including topics such as the ‘third space’ (the increase in maker/ hack/co-working spaces) and creating your own open-source project. The primary language at the conference is French, but there were also a selection of talks and workshops in English.
In the sponsorship hall there were many big-name companies such as Red Hat and Microsoft offering up interesting stalls showcasing their latest tech. Rubbing shoulders with these giants was the Raspberry Pi.
Enthusiasts were on hand to demonstrate the small yet mighty computer, and this proved to be an immensely rewarding experience generating lots of interest. But MIXIT is not just about adults, and on the third day there was a special Mixteen event for over 60 children to learn more about computers and coding.
MIXIT is a shining example of diversity and inclusion. Despite our French language skills being rusty, the delegates and team worked to ensure that our time was fantastic. This was also true for one of the youngest delegates, who, at only a few months old, was enjoying their first conference. MIXIT is what a conference should aim to be and we are thankful for their hard work.