Recap: reher*sal Conference 2026

It has been more than a month since this year’s reher*sal Conference , and I am still smiling when I think back.

This was the third conference I got to organize and host together with the team behind reher*sal, and once again it reminded me why this initiative matters so much to me.

reher*sal is all about empowering FLINTA* voices in tech. The conference creates a supportive space where first-time speakers can test their talks in front of a kind and encouraging audience, and receive structured feedback and a recording of their session afterwards. On top of that, we also offer sessions and workshops around public speaking itself. While the stage is reserved for FLINTA* speakers, the conference is open to everyone who wants to learn, support, and be part of that atmosphere. And that atmosphere really was something special again this year.

We had a wonderful crowd of speakers, participants, volunteers, and sponsors who all helped make the day what it was. I spent most of my time moderating the main stage, which meant I could not join the workshops myself, but I heard a lot of great things about them throughout the day. There were test talks, hands-on sessions, hallway conversations, and so many encouraging moments in between that made the whole event feel both professional and deeply personal.

One highlight that meant a lot to me personally was seeing two participants from our very first speaker training batch take the stage - Rahel and Nevenka. Watching people grow into public speaking, build confidence, and then share their knowledge in front of an audience is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Another huge factor in making the conference run smoothly was our volunteer team. Events like this only work because there are people in the background who step in wherever needed, keep things moving, and make everyone around them feel supported. Our volunteers did exactly that, and they made the day so much easier for all of us. A big thank you to Vanessa Giese, Nicole Richter, Melody Sofia Eroshevich, Alban David Becker & Alisa Person.

I am also incredibly grateful for our sponsors b’nerd , Pirateship , Whiskey Tango Foxtrot , superluminar , and CLOUDETEER . Some of them have been supporting reher*sal for several years now, and that kind of continued trust is anything but self-evident. Their support helps us create this space and keep building opportunities for new voices in tech.

On a personal note, I arrived at the conference week carrying quite a bit of stress with me. Work had been intense in the days before, and I did not exactly show up in a relaxed state. But being surrounded by so many lovely people made a real difference. The warmth, openness, and good energy of the community helped me let go, enjoy the moment, and remember why all the effort is worth it.

If you want a quick visual impression of the day, I also captured some moments in an Instagram reel:

So yes, this year’s conference is over, but reher*sal definitely is not slowing down. I am already looking forward to next year’s edition and to everything happening in between:

• our speed networking event on April 21st together with Social Developers Club and Radia Network
• the summer party with PowerPoint Karaoke on August 18th, again with Social Developers Club
• more content, speaker interviews, website rebuild, …
• Melody joining the orga team to help bring reher*sal to Berlin as well.

There is a lot to look forward to, and I am super excited for everything to come :)