Episode 286: Jack Skinner of PyCon AU and Regional Confs

Mar 13, 2026

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Guest

Jack Skinner

Panelist

Richard Littauer

Show Notes

In this episode of Sustain, host Richard Littauer talks with Jack Skinner, PyCon AU organizer and freelance consultant/fractional CTO, to explore why regional conferences matter so much to the long-term health of open source communities. Their conversation looks at how events like PyCon AU do far more than host talks, they create local connections, nurture future leaders, support first-time speakers, and help sustain the broader Python ecosystem in ways that global conferences alone cannot. Drawing on Jack’s experience as a conference organizer and community builder, the episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of running volunteer-led events, from sponsorships and logistics to burnout, accessibility, and building a stronger pipeline of future organizers. Press download now to hear more!

[00:01:49] Jack shares his background and how he got involved in Python and event organizing.

[00:02:48] We hear about Jack’s first PyCon AU experience.

[00:04:14] Jack describes PyCon AU, who it serves, and how it’s changed after COVID.

[00:07:01] Why do regional conferences exist alongside PyCon US?

[00:09:24] Jack talks about what makes Australia and New Zealand different as conference communities.

[00:10:55] PyCon AU’s attendance goals are discussed as Jack mentions his big goal is to bring attendance back to roughly 500-600 people, restoring pre-pandemic strength.

[00:12:04] The discussion turns to conference structure: tracks, workshops, and sponsor interest, with Jack emphasizing sponsorship is not just about money.

[00:14:54] Richard asks how organizers know whether conferences help people learn, connect, or build community. Jack explains how they’re measuring community impact beyond “good vibes” and rebuilding local Python communities.

[00:17:34] Jack explains PyCon AU is trying to build a future organizer pipeline by letting people observe how conference planning works and introduces his proposed program/project, “shadow team.”

[00:19:09] Another project Jack is working on is documenting the behind-the-scenes work of organizing the conference through long-form writing.

[00:20:38] Jack admits he feels imposter syndrome because he’s not paid to write Python, his contribution is centered on the sociotechnical side.

[00:23:20] PyCon AU’s independence from government and institutions is discussed, and how the conference community is globally aware, even if locally focused.

[00:27:05] Call for proposals details, deadline is March 29, and the in-person focus for this year’s event are mentioned. Richard discusses the return of the academic track and Jack details more info on poster sessions and workshop submissions.

[00:32:08] Volunteering and buying tickets are explained and why you should buy tickets early if you can.

Quotes

[00:32:20] “Volunteering is an awesome way to be involved in PyCon.”

Spotlight

[00:35:16] Richard’s spotlight is two of his lecturers at the University of Edinburgh, Simon Kirby and Andrew Smith, who introduced him to Python.
[00:35:55] Jack’s spotlight is two companion projects: pretalx and pretix.

Sponsor

CURIOSS

Credits

Produced by Richard Littauer
Edited by Paul M. Bahr at Peachtree Sound
Show notes by DeAnn Bahr Peachtree Sound

Special Guest: Jack Skinner.

Support Sustain