Craft Conference 2025 has come to a close, and what an unforgettable experience it was! Over 2,000 software professionals from around the globe gathered in the heart of Budapest for two days packed with cutting-edge talks, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Building on the incredible momentum of last year’s 10th anniversary, Craft 2025 continued its mission to shape the future of software delivery: this time with an even stronger focus on AI-driven development and evolving engineering leadership.
From the very first keynote to the last, the atmosphere was electric. Attendees explored new ways of building software, challenged long-standing practices, and connected with a vibrant community that’s as passionate about technology as it is about people.
A World-Class Lineup
This year’s program featured 70+ expert speakers spanning software architecture, AI, DevOps, team leadership, and product development. Attendees were treated to insightful sessions from some of the most influential minds in the industry, including:
- Kent Beck (The Critical Hire) – redefining software design with Tidy Together.
- Neal Ford (Thoughtworks) – exploring Architecture as Code and the future of architectural decision-making.
- Patrick Kua (Tech Lead Academy) – sharing actionable strategies for scaling teams and evolving technical leadership.
- Daniel Vacanti (ProKanban.org) – diving into flow metrics and probabilistic forecasting.
- Gojko Adzic, Vladik Khononov, Kevlin Henney, and many more, each bringing unique perspectives that left the audience buzzing with ideas.
The masterclasses and on-site workshops – spanning topics like refactoring and high-performance teams – were another highlight, offering attendees deep, hands-on learning experiences before the main event.
Big Themes That Defined 2025
Craft 2025 made it clear: the software world is evolving faster than ever. Among the many talks and discussions, a few key themes resonated throughout the conference halls:
- AI-powered software development – from coding assistants to AI-driven architectures, speakers showed how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we build and deliver software.
- Resilient, scalable systems – ensuring robustness in an era of cloud-native architectures and distributed systems.
- Leadership in uncertain times – guiding teams, fostering innovation, and building sustainable engineering cultures.
- Revisiting the fundamentals – timeless software craftsmanship principles still matter, even as technology moves forward.
Community, Networking & Unforgettable Moments
Beyond the talks, Craft is all about people. Over coffee breaks and roundtable sessions, attendees sparked new ideas, debated best practices, and formed meaningful connections.
The sponsor booths brought innovation to life, with 30+ partners showcasing the latest tools and solutions, while the afterparties and social events added a relaxed, celebratory vibe. As always, Budapest’s charm provided the perfect backdrop for both learning and fun.
The Craft Conference aftermovie captures the unique energy of this inspiring event. Set in a historic railway museum, it blends creativity with a sense of history. Speakers praised the engaged audience, and vibrant atmosphere. “We really need to start working smarter, not just harder” said Gergely Hodicska, co-founder and expert of Craft Conference. Tricia Broderick, speaker, shared: “I couldn’t wait to come back and feel the energy again – it was phenomenal.” This short film highlights the learning, creativity, and community that make Craft truly special.
Looking Ahead
Craft Conference has always been more than a tech event: it’s a community that grows stronger every year. From its humble beginnings in 2014 to now welcoming thousands of attendees from all over the world, Craft continues to push the boundaries of what it means to build great software.
Thank you to every speaker, attendee, sponsor, and volunteer who made Craft 2025 unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to Craft Conference 2026, where we’ll keep exploring the future of software delivery, together!
See you next year in Budapest!