<h3>
A Brief History of FOSDEM</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
Founded in 2001</strong>
 by Raphaël Bauduin as OSDEM.</li>
<li>
<strong>
First event</strong>
 held at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) with ~200 attendees.</li>
<li>
Grew to become <strong>
one of the largest open-source events</strong>
 globally.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Core values</strong>
: Free to attend, volunteer-run, and vendor-neutral.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
The FOSDEM 2025 Program</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
50+ devrooms</strong>
, each dedicated to specific topics or communities:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Embedded systems, Python, decentralized internet, documentation, and more.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Highlighted keynotes</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Talks from prominent figures in the open-source community.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Topics addressing the future of open-source collaboration and technology.</li>
<li>
<strong>
FOSDEM Junior track</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Workshops and talks designed for younger attendees.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
All content in English, which could be a challenge for some kids.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Lightning talks</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
15-minute presentations showcasing a variety of projects and ideas.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
Side-Events: Bytenight and More</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
Bytenight</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Casual evening gathering for networking and unwinding.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Offers a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere to share ideas and connect.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Unofficial FOSS-Nerds-Only Party at HSBXL</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Known informally as "Bytenight at HSBXL."</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
A private gathering for open-source enthusiasts and contributors.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Hosted at the <strong>
Hackerspace Brussels (HSBXL)</strong>
, providing an intimate, nerd-centric atmosphere.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Includes engaging conversations, demonstrations of projects, and a chance to meet like-minded individuals in a more exclusive setting.</li>
<li>
Other informal meetups and social events scattered across Brussels.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
Enter OFFDEM: An Open-Source Evolution</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
What is OFFDEM?</strong>
</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Stands for "Off FOSDEM."</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Created as an <strong>
alternative for those unhappy with FOSDEM's corporate tone</strong>
.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Prioritizes <strong>
informal, experimental, and non-commercial discussions</strong>
.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Key features</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Decentralized gathering with workshops, art installations, and unconference-style sessions.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Reflects the <strong>
diversity and adaptability</strong>
 of the open-source community.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Complementary to FOSDEM</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Not a competition but an extension of the open-source ethos.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
Why FOSDEM Matters</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
Celebration of open-source values</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Collaboration, transparency, and freedom.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Opportunities</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Exchange ideas, launch projects, and strengthen communities.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Inclusivity</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
A space for everyone, from seasoned contributors to newcomers.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
Wrapping Up</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>
Key takeaways</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
FOSDEM showcases the best of community-driven initiatives.</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Side-events like Bytenight and OFFDEM highlight the evolving open-source spirit.</li>
<li>
<strong>
Join the conversation</strong>
:</li>
<li class="ql-indent-1">
Share your experiences, must-visit devrooms, or favorite talks.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<br>
</p>
<h3>
Webpages</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://fosdem.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
FOSDEM</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://oxygen.offdem.net/pub/call-for-presence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
OFFDEM</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bytenight.brussels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
Byenight</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=be.digitalia.fosdem&amp;hl=en-US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
FOSDEM companion</a>
</li>
</ul>
