Documents
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon EU 2026 Attendee Guide
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon EU 2026 Attendee Guide
Type
Document
Status
Published
Created
Mar 22, 2026
Updated
Mar 22, 2026

KubeCon + CloudNativeCon EU 2026 Attendee Guide#

Event: KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2026
Dates: March 22–26, 2026
Venue: RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Timezone: Central European Time (CET / UTC+1)


TL;DR: 10 Critical Tips for First-Time KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Attendees#

  1. Register Early: Choose between the "KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Only" and "All Access" passes. All Access is required for CNCF-hosted co-located events on March 23. Registration info

  2. Book Your Hotel ASAP: Stay near RAI Amsterdam if possible. Hotels in the Zuidas or Europaplein area are walking distance. Official hotel blocks fill up quickly. Venue + Travel

  3. Pack for Comfort: Bring comfortable shoes, layers, a water bottle, business cards, and a portable charger. RAI is a massive venue and you'll walk a lot.

  4. Use the Sched App: Download and build your schedule before you arrive. Sessions fill up and are first-come, first-served. Sched App

  5. Don't Overschedule: You can't do everything. Leave space for hallway conversations, breaks, and spontaneous learning.

  6. Badge Pickup: Registration opens Sunday, March 22 at Entrance C and Entrance K. Bring ID and allow time for lines.

  7. Know the Layout: Sessions are spread across Halls 1–5, 7, 8, 11, 12, the Forum, Auditorium, and Elicium. The Solutions Showcase, food, and lounges are in Halls 1–5.

  8. Hydrate and Eat: Food lines get long. Bring snacks and a water bottle. Not all meals or drinks are included.

  9. Respect the Code of Conduct: This is a diverse, inclusive community. Read and follow the Code of Conduct.

  10. Plan for Follow-Up: After the event, session recordings are posted to CNCF's YouTube. Connect with new contacts and join community channels.


Before You Arrive#

Registration Types and What They Include#

  • KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Only: Access to all main conference sessions (March 24–26), keynotes, Solutions Showcase, and community events.

  • All Access: Includes everything above plus CNCF-hosted co-located events on March 23 (e.g., ArgoCon, Platform Engineering Day, Observability Day). No single-day or co-located-only passes. Registration details

Some evening events and sponsor-hosted co-located events require separate registration and may have additional costs.

Hotel Booking Strategies#

  • Book Early: Official hotel blocks near RAI Amsterdam fill up fast. Booking early increases your chances of a short walk and better rates.

  • Proximity: Prioritize hotels in the Zuidas business district, Europaplein area, or along the Noord/Zuidlijn (North/South metro line). The nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel is directly adjacent to the venue.

  • Pricing: Rates spike closer to the event. Consider sharing rooms or looking at Airbnb for savings.

  • When to Book: As soon as registration opens. Venue + Travel

What to Pack#

  • Comfortable shoes (expect 10,000+ steps/day)

  • Layers (conference centers are cold; Amsterdam in late March can be chilly and rainy, 5–12°C / 40–55°F)

  • Rain jacket or compact umbrella (Amsterdam weather is unpredictable)

  • Business cards or digital contact info

  • Portable charger and charging cables

  • EU power adapter (Type C/F, 230V) if traveling from outside Europe

  • Reusable water bottle (hydration stations available)

  • Snacks (lines can be long)

  • Notebook or device for notes

  • OV-chipkaart or contactless payment for public transit

  • Medications and personal essentials

Mobile App Download and Schedule Planning#

  • Sched App: The official event app for building your schedule, viewing session details, and getting updates. Sched App

  • Plan Ahead: Add must-see sessions, but expect to change plans. Sessions are first-come, first-served.

  • Sync to Calendar: Sched lets you sync your personal schedule to your phone.

Setting Realistic Expectations#

  • You won't see everything. With 595+ sessions across 5 days, prioritize a few key sessions and leave room for the hallway track and breaks.

  • Expect to feel overwhelmed at times. Everyone does, even veterans.

  • Set goals: e.g., meet 3 new people, attend 2 project meetups, visit the Project Pavilion.


Event Schedule Overview#

  • Sunday, March 22 — Badge Pickup + Maintainer Summit (4 sessions)

  • Monday, March 23 — Co-Located Events Day (94 sessions)

  • Tuesday, March 24 — Main Conference Day 1, Keynotes begin (179 sessions)

  • Wednesday, March 25 — Main Conference Day 2 (203 sessions)

  • Thursday, March 26 — Main Conference Day 3, Final day (115 sessions)

Sunday, March 22 — Pre-Event#

  • Badge Pick-Up: 8:00am–6:00pm CET at Entrance C and Entrance K

  • Cloakroom: 8:00am–6:00pm CET at Entrance C

  • SOLDOUTSOLD OUT Maintainer Summit: 8:30am–7:30pm CET at the Forum (separate registration required)

Monday, March 23 — Co-Located Events Day#

Requires an All Access Pass for CNCF-hosted events. Sponsor-hosted events require separate registration.

CNCF-Hosted Co-Located Events (Full Day, 9:00am–5:30pm CET):

  • ArgoCon — Auditorium + G102-103

  • BackstageCon — Hall 8 | Room E

  • Cloud Native AI + Kubeflow Day — Hall 7 | Room B + Room C

  • Cloud Native Telco Day — G104-105

  • Observability Day — Forum + E103-105

  • Open Source SecurityCon — Hall 8 | Room D

  • Platform Engineering Day — Hall 8 | Room F + Room G

CNCF-Hosted Co-Located Events (Half Day, Morning 9:00am–12:30pm CET):

  • FluxCon — Elicium 1

  • KeycloakCon — Hall 7 | Room A

  • Kubernetes on Edge Day — Emerald Room

  • WasmCon — E106-108

CNCF-Hosted Co-Located Events (Half Day, Afternoon 1:25pm–5:30pm CET):

  • Agentics Day: MCP + Agents — Hall 7 | Room A

  • CiliumCon — Elicium 1

  • KyvernoCon — E106-108

  • Open Sovereign Cloud Day — F002-005

  • OpenTofu Day — Emerald Room

Sponsor-Hosted Co-Located Events (Separate Registration):

  • Red Hat OpenShift Commons Gathering — Strandzuid, Europaplein 22 (7:00am–2:30pm)

  • AWS Hands-On Workshop: Platform Engineering — Leonardo Royal Hotel (AM: 8:30am–12:00pm)

  • AWS Hands-On Workshop: GenAI Inference — Leonardo Royal Hotel (PM: 12:30pm–4:00pm)

  • Cast AI KubeAuto Day — Amstel Boathouse (9:00am–7:00pm)

  • SOLD OUT\] Microsoft Azure Day with Kubernetes — Hotel Casa Amsterdam (9:00am–6:00pm)
  • vCluster: Kubernetes Platform Blueprint — Van der Valk Hotel Zuidas (11:30am–5:30pm)

  • Portworx: VM on Kubernetes Day — nhow Hotel RAI (12:00pm–5:00pm)

  • SOLD OUT\] SUSE Rancher Day — Renaissance Hotel (12:30pm–5:00pm)
  • Tigera: Securing Autonomous AI Agents — Apollo Hotel Amsterdam (2:00pm–7:00pm)

  • SOLD OUT\] Sysdig: Cloud Native Security Workshop — Van der Valk Hotel Zuidas (2:00pm–4:00pm)
  • SOLD OUT\] Cloudsmith & Chainguard: Stop the AGI Apocalypse CTF — Rosarium Amsterdam (2:00pm–5:30pm)

Tuesday–Thursday, March 24–26 — Main Conference#

  • Keynotes each morning in Hall 12 (9:00am–10:45am CET)

  • Breakout sessions across Halls 7, 8, 11, the Forum, Auditorium, Elicium, and meeting rooms

  • Solutions Showcase in Halls 1–5 (open all three days)

  • #KubeCrawl + #CloudNativeFest evening event on Tuesday (5:30pm–7:00pm, Halls 1–5)

  • Backstage Documentary Premiere on Wednesday evening (6:15pm–7:00pm, Forum)


RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre Layout#

  • Address: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Badge Pickup: Entrance C and Entrance K (hours vary by day; opens Sunday March 22)

  • Cloakroom: Entrance C and Entrance K (no overnight storage)

Key Areas:

  • Keynotes — Hall 12: All-attendee keynote sessions

  • Breakout Sessions — Halls 7, 8, 11: Themed technical sessions across rooms A–G

  • Solutions Showcase — Halls 1–5: Sponsor booths, swag, demos, coffee, lounges

  • Project Pavilion — Halls 1–5, Gouda Zone: Meet CNCF project maintainers

  • Learning Lounge — Halls 1–5, Bridge Zone: Drop-in learning and networking

  • Poster Pavilion — Halls 1–5, Gouda Zone: Poster sessions

  • Cloud Native Theater — Halls 1–5, Tram Zone: Short talks and demos

  • Demo Theater — Halls 1–5, Tram Zone: Live product demonstrations

  • Network Nook — Halls 1–5, Tram Zone: Small group networking meetups

  • Community Hub — G104–105: Workshops, mentoring, community gatherings

  • Forum — Ground Floor: Large sessions and special events

  • Auditorium — Co-located events and large sessions

  • Elicium — Co-located events and meeting rooms

Session Organization#

  • Keynotes: Large, all-attendee sessions in Hall 12, each morning.

  • Breakouts: Themed technical sessions (30 min), spread across multiple halls and rooms.

  • Tutorials: Hands-on sessions (90+ min), may require pre-registration.

  • Lightning Talks: Short 5-minute presentations — great for sampling new ideas.

  • Maintainer Track: Deep dives into CNCF project internals.

  • ContribFest: Hands-on contribution sessions where you work directly with project maintainers.

  • Poster Sessions: Research and project posters with author Q&A.

  • BoFs (Birds of a Feather): Informal, topic-based discussions.

  • Cloud Native Novice: Sessions designed for newcomers to cloud native.

Session Tracks#

The main conference (March 24–26) features sessions across these tracks:

  • Solutions Showcase (85 sessions) — Sponsor demos, theater talks

  • Project Opportunities (84) — Project Pavilion, lightning talks

  • Maintainer Track (82) — Deep project internals

  • Platform Engineering (38) — IDPs, developer experience

  • Keynote Sessions (31) — Morning keynotes in Hall 12

  • AI + ML (27) — AI/ML on Kubernetes

  • Security (24) — Supply chain, runtime, policy

  • Observability (19) — Monitoring, tracing, logging

  • Operations + Performance (18) — Scaling, reliability, SRE

  • Inclusion + Accessibility (15) — Community gatherings, workshops

  • Experiences (15) — Fun runs, networking, BoFs

  • Cloud Native Experience (14) — Hands-on experiences

  • ContribFest (14) — Contribute to CNCF projects

  • Cloud Native Novice (11) — Beginner-friendly sessions

  • Emerging + Advanced (10) — Cutting-edge topics

  • Poster Sessions (10) — Research posters

  • Data Processing + Storage (9) — Databases, storage, data

  • Application Development (9) — App dev patterns

  • Lightning Talks (9) — Fast-paced presentations

  • Connectivity (8) — Networking, service mesh

  • Tutorials (8) — Hands-on workshops

Food, Coffee, Bathrooms, Quiet Spaces#

  • Food: Provided during scheduled breaks in the Solutions Showcase (Halls 1–5). Lines get long — go early or late. Dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) are labeled.

    • Coffee Break: ~10:30am–11:15am CET

    • Lunch: ~12:15pm–2:30pm CET

  • Coffee: Available in the Solutions Showcase during breaks.

  • Bathrooms: Throughout the venue, including all-gender restrooms (locations posted onsite).

  • Quiet Rooms: Available for all attendees. No conversation or work — decompression only.

  • Nursing Room: Private space available; ask at registration for location.

Badge Types and Access Levels#

  • Attendee: Standard access to sessions, Solutions Showcase, and community events.

  • All Access: Includes CNCF-hosted co-located events (March 23).

  • Speaker, Sponsor, Staff: Additional access as marked.

  • Communication Stickers: Indicate your preferred level of interaction; pick up at registration.


Planning Your Schedule#

Choosing Sessions#

  • Use Sched to filter by track, topic, or experience level.

  • Prioritize sessions that align with your goals or current challenges.

  • Don't be afraid to skip a session for a hallway conversation or break.

Balancing Deep-Dives vs. Overviews#

  • Mix technical deep-dives with high-level overviews to avoid burnout.

  • If you're new, start with Cloud Native Novice sessions or the Learning Lounge.

  • Tutorials offer hands-on learning but run longer (90+ min) — plan accordingly.

Hallway Track vs. Scheduled Sessions#

  • The "hallway track" (spontaneous conversations) is as valuable as any session.

  • Leave time for serendipitous meetings and networking.

  • The Network Nook (Halls 1–5, Tram Zone) hosts scheduled meetups:

    • Tuesday: 1st Time Attendees (1:00pm–2:00pm)

    • Wednesday: Conference Buddies (12:45pm–1:45pm)

    • Thursday: Share + Continue (12:30pm–1:30pm)

Co-Located Events (March 23): Are They Worth It?#

If you want deep dives into specific topics (e.g., AI agents, security, Istio, platform engineering), co-located events are invaluable. All Access Pass required. Sessions are recorded and posted after the event.

Standout picks for 2026:

  • Agentics Day: MCP + Agents — brand new for 2026, focused on the agentic AI wave

  • Platform Engineering Day — full-day deep dive, one of the most popular co-locs

  • Open Source SecurityCon — comprehensive security content across the full day

  • ArgoCon — essential if you use Argo CD, Workflows, or Rollouts

When to Skip Sessions#

  • It's okay to take breaks. Use quiet rooms, lounges, or explore the Solutions Showcase.

  • Don't feel guilty for missing a session — recordings are available post-event on CNCF's YouTube.

ContribFest — Contribute to CNCF Projects#

ContribFest sessions are hands-on contribution workshops where you work side-by-side with project maintainers. Great for first-time contributors. Sessions include projects like Headlamp, K3s, Argo CD, Kyverno, and Prometheus. Held in rooms G106 and G107.

Lightning Talks and BoFs Explained#

  • Lightning Talks: Fast-paced, 5-minute presentations — great for sampling new ideas across many projects.

  • BoFs (Birds of a Feather): Informal, interactive discussions — good for meeting peers with shared interests. Topics this year include AI infrastructure, GPU optimization, and AI observability.


Making Connections#

Approaching People at a 10,000+ Person Event#

  • Everyone is there to connect. A simple "Hi, what brings you to KubeCon?" works.

  • Don't hesitate to join conversations — most people are welcoming.

Networking Strategies for Introverts#

  • Use the Network Nook (Halls 1–5, Tram Zone) for structured small group chats.

  • Attend community gatherings (LGBTQ+, Women's, BIPOC events) — smaller, welcoming groups.

  • Set a goal to meet one new person per day.

  • The Conference Buddies meetup on Wednesday is designed to pair people up.

Finding Your Community#

Inclusion + Accessibility events throughout the week:

  • Merge + Meet: Kickoff for underrepresented groups (Tuesday, 11:00am)

  • Deep Roots: BIPOC Community Gathering (Tuesday, 12:30pm)

  • Kubernetes Contribution 101 (Tuesday, 2:00pm)

  • Women's Community Gathering (Tuesday, 4:00pm)

  • Code and Brain: Health & Performance (Wednesday, 11:00am)

  • Designing Slides You Can't See — accessibility in presentations (Wednesday, 11:45am)

  • Sign Language Crash Course (Wednesday, 1:15pm)

  • LGBTQ+ Community Gathering (Wednesday, 2:30pm)

  • Neurodiversity at Work (Wednesday, 3:45pm)

  • Kubernetes Book Club Gathering (Thursday, 11:00am)

  • Your Voice on Stage: Iterative Pitch Lab (Thursday, 12:15pm)

  • Non-Code Contribution Crash Course (Thursday, 1:30pm)

  • Peer Group Mentoring (Monday and Thursday, 2:30pm)

Most of these are held in the Community Hub (G104–105).

Slack Channels and Online Communities#

  • Join the CNCF Slack before the event.

  • Many projects have their own channels — ask at the Project Pavilion or check session slides for links.

  • The Sched app sometimes lists session-specific chat links.

Speaker Q&A Etiquette#

  • Be concise and respectful. Avoid monopolizing the mic.

  • If you have a detailed question, approach the speaker after the session.

Swag Hunting Without Being "That Person"#

  • Be polite. Don't grab handfuls of swag.

  • Engage with booth staff — many require a conversation or scan for premium items.

  • Remember: you'll carry everything you collect (and cloakroom closes before evening events).


Cultural Norms#

Code of Conduct Highlights#

  • CNCF enforces a strict Code of Conduct: harassment, discrimination, and disruptive behavior are not tolerated.

  • Event staff are trained to help — report issues immediately.

CNCF Community Values#

  • Collaboration, openness, and vendor neutrality are core.

  • Respect diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Engaging with Project Maintainers#

  • Be respectful — maintainers are often busy but appreciate genuine questions.

  • Ask about contribution opportunities if interested.

  • Visit the Project Pavilion (Halls 1–5, Gouda Zone) for face-to-face introductions.

Asking Questions in Sessions#

  • Use the mic if available; keep questions brief and on-topic.

  • It's okay to ask for clarification — no question is too basic.

Taking Photos and Respecting Privacy#

  • Ask before photographing people.

  • Respect "no photos" signage or badge stickers.

Booth Etiquette and Vendor Interactions#

  • Don't feel pressured to give contact info unless you want follow-up.

  • Be honest about your interest — vendors appreciate candor.


Practical Survival Tips#

Pace Yourself#

  • You will get tired. Take breaks, hydrate, and don't try to do everything.

  • The conference runs 3 full days of sessions — treat it like a marathon, not a sprint.

Hydration and Meal Planning#

  • Bring a water bottle. Hydration stations are available.

  • Food is provided during scheduled breaks, but lines are long. Bring snacks.

  • Not all meals or drinks are included — budget for extras.

Where to Recharge Devices#

  • Charging stations are in the Network Nook and lounges (Halls 1–5).

  • Bring a portable charger for backup.

  • Remember: the Netherlands uses Type C/F outlets (230V). Bring an adapter if needed.

Quiet Spaces for Introverts#

  • Use quiet rooms to decompress.

  • The Community Hub (G104–105) offers a calmer environment.

  • Step outside — the area around RAI has green spaces and canals.

Managing FOMO#

  • You will miss sessions and events. That's normal.

  • Focus on quality over quantity — meaningful conversations matter more than session count.

  • All sessions are recorded and posted to CNCF's YouTube after the event.

Post-Conference Follow-Up Strategies#

  • Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn or Slack.

  • Review session recordings on CNCF's YouTube.

  • Share your learnings with your team or community.


Getting Value Beyond Sessions#

Solutions Showcase Strategies#

  • Visit booths for demos, not just swag.

  • Ask about open roles if you're job hunting — many companies are hiring.

  • Attend the Cloud Native Theater and Demo Theater talks (Halls 1–5, Tram Zone) for deeper insights.

Project Pavilion Visits#

  • Meet maintainers, ask about project roadmaps, and learn how to contribute.

  • Great for independent contributors and students.

  • Located in Halls 1–5, Gouda Zone.

Hallway Conversations and Spontaneous Learning#

  • Some of the best insights come from unplanned chats.

  • Don't be afraid to introduce yourself or join a group.

Evening Events and Parties#

  • #KubeCrawl + #CloudNativeFest: Tuesday, 5:30pm–7:00pm in Halls 1–5 — the main social event.

  • Backstage Documentary Premiere: Wednesday, 6:15pm–7:00pm in the Forum.

  • Group Fun Run/Walk: Wednesday, 6:30am–7:45am from nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel lobby.

  • Unofficial parties are often announced on Slack, Twitter/X, or community channels.

  • Bring cash/card — drinks and food are not always free.

When to Step Away#

  • Take time to process what you've learned. It's okay to skip an event for self-care.

  • Amsterdam is a beautiful city — take an evening walk along the canals.


Common First-Timer Mistakes#

  1. Overscheduling yourself — leave room for breaks and conversations.

  2. Skipping meals — bring snacks and plan for long lines.

  3. Not leaving time for conversations — the hallway track is valuable.

  4. Forgetting comfortable shoes — blisters are common.

  5. Not collecting business cards or contact info — follow up matters.

  6. Trying to attend everything — impossible and exhausting with 596 sessions.

  7. Not exploring Amsterdam at all — see the city if you can.

  8. Forgetting a power adapter — EU outlets are different from US/UK.

  9. Not checking the weather — Amsterdam in March is cool and rainy. Bring layers and rain gear.

  10. Ignoring the co-located events — Monday's deep-dives are some of the best content.


Amsterdam-Specific Tips#

Getting Around#

  • Metro: The Noord/Zuidlijn (North/South line, line 52) stops at Europaplein station, directly adjacent to RAI Amsterdam. This connects to Amsterdam Centraal in ~15 minutes.

  • Tram: Lines 4 and 25 serve the RAI area.

  • Train: Amsterdam RAI station (national rail) is a short walk from the venue.

  • Payment: Use an OV-chipkaart (transit card) or contactless debit/credit card for all public transit. Paper tickets are limited.

  • Cycling: Amsterdam is a cycling city. Rental bikes are available through services like Swapfiets or OV-fiets (at train stations). Respect cycling lanes — don't walk in them.

  • Rideshare: Uber, Bolt, and local taxis are available. Useful after dark or for longer trips.

  • Walking: The area around RAI is walkable, but the city center is ~4 km north.

  • Schiphol Airport: 15 minutes by train to RAI. Direct trains run frequently.

Where to Eat Near the Venue#

  • Zuidas district (walking distance): Numerous restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam's business district.

  • Europaplein area: The nhow Hotel and surrounding area have several dining options.

  • Amstelpark: Green space adjacent to RAI with a few cafes — nice for a break.

  • City center (15 min by metro): Endless options along the canals, from Indonesian rijsttafel to Dutch bitterballen to Surinamese roti.

  • Quick bites: Albert Heijn (grocery chain) is everywhere and has affordable ready-to-eat options.

  • Note: The Netherlands has largely gone cashless. Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some smaller shops prefer Dutch debit cards (Maestro). Visa/Mastercard contactless works in most places.

Safety Considerations#

  • Amsterdam is generally very safe, but use common sense.

  • Remove your badge when leaving the venue.

  • Watch for bikes — cycling lanes are serious infrastructure. Look both ways, including for bikes, before stepping off sidewalks.

  • Be cautious around tourist-heavy areas (Dam Square, Red Light District) where pickpocketing can occur.

  • For emergencies, dial 112 (EU-wide emergency number).

  • Tap water is safe and high quality — refill your bottle anywhere.

Weather#

  • Late March in Amsterdam: expect temperatures between 5–12°C (40–55°F).

  • Rain is frequent but usually light. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella.

  • Daylight: sunrise ~7:00am, sunset ~7:45pm. Days are getting longer.

  • Dress in layers — conference centers are cold inside, and it may be warmer outside.

What to Do with Free Evening Time#

  • Walk along the canals (Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht).

  • Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Anne Frank House (book ahead).

  • Explore the Jordaan neighborhood for cozy cafes and local shops.

  • Try a Dutch brown cafe (bruine kroeg) for a local beer.

  • Vondelpark is lovely for an evening stroll.

  • Check for community meetups or unofficial parties on Slack or social media.


After the Conference#

Accessing Recorded Sessions#

Following Up with Contacts#

  • Send a quick message or LinkedIn invite to people you met.

  • Join ongoing discussions in CNCF Slack or project channels.

Joining Ongoing Community Discussions#

  • Stay active in Slack, mailing lists, and community calls.

  • Attend local meetups or virtual events.

Applying What You Learned#

  • Share notes and session links with your team.

  • Try out new tools or practices you discovered.

  • Consider contributing to a CNCF project you learned about.

Planning for the Next KubeCon#

  • KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2026 — check events.linuxfoundation.org for dates and location.

  • Reflect on what worked and what you'd do differently.

  • Consider submitting a talk or volunteering.


Accessibility Services and Accommodations#

  • Venue Accessibility: RAI Amsterdam is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.

  • Reserved Seating: Available in each session for those with accessibility needs.

  • Quiet Rooms: For all attendees — decompression spaces, no conversation or work.

  • Nursing Room: Private space available; ask at registration.

  • All-Gender Restrooms: Locations posted onsite.

  • Communication/Pronoun Stickers: Available at registration.

  • Sign Language: A sign language crash course is offered Wednesday at 1:15pm in the Community Hub.

  • Childcare: Check the event website for complimentary onsite childcare options and RSVP requirements.

  • First Aid: Available onsite — ask at registration or any information desk for locations.

  • For accessibility questions, contact Event Support or check the Inclusion + Accessibility page.


Dan Kohn Scholarship Program#

The Dan Kohn Scholarship provides complimentary registration for underrepresented groups who would not otherwise be able to attend. Recipients are active community members not sponsored by a company and unable to attend for financial reasons. Check the Scholarships + Travel Funding page for application details and deadlines.


Costs and Budgeting#

  • Not all food, drinks, or evening events are included — bring a payment card.

  • Some social events require separate registration or have limited capacity.

  • Swag is free, but premium items may require a booth scan or conversation.

  • Budget for transportation (metro, tram, rideshare), meals outside the venue, and any extra activities.

  • The Netherlands is largely cashless — a contactless-enabled card is essential.


For Different Attendee Types#

  • Enterprise Employees: Focus on project roadmaps, vendor booths, and networking with peers. Attend keynotes and platform engineering sessions.

  • Independent Contributors: Visit the Project Pavilion, join ContribFest, and connect with maintainers. Attend the Non-Code Contribution Crash Course.

  • Students: Attend Cloud Native Novice sessions, visit the Learning Lounge, and ask about internships or mentorships at booths.

  • Job Seekers: Many companies are hiring — ask at booths, attend career-focused sessions, and bring resumes or digital profiles.

  • First-Time Attendees: Join the 1st Time Attendees Network Nook Meetup on Tuesday at 1:00pm. Don't miss the Merge + Meet kickoff for underrepresented groups.


Sponsors#

KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2026 is made possible by sponsors across six tiers, plus media partners. Full sponsor list

Diamond#

Platinum#

Gold#

Akuity | Atlassian | Canonical | Chronosphere, a Palo Alto Networks Company | ClickHouse | Cloudsmith | Cortex | Dynatrace | GitHub | Groundcover | Harness | Heroku | IBM Kubecost | Infisical | JetBrains | Kong | Lightrun | Minimus | Nebius | Netbird | nscale | Nvidia | Octopus Deploy | OpenObserve | OpenSearch | PerfectScale | Port | Spectro Cloud | Sysdig | Tailscale | Tigera | Tintri | Uber | Upwind | vCluster | Veeam | Zesty

Silver#

Aerospike | Aikido | Akamas | Akeyless | AMD | Antithesis | Anynines | ARMO | Attribute | Baseten | Better Stack | Buf | Checkly | Coder | Computacenter | ControlMonkey | Coralogix | Cosmonic | Crash Override | Cribl | Crusoe | DataCore | Datafy | Depot | Diagrid | EDB Postgres | Edera | Elastic | F5 | Finout | Fujitsu | FusionAuth | Gcore | Giant Swarm | GitBook | Grafana Labs | Grepr | HashiCorp | Honeycomb.io | IITS Consulting | Incident.io | ING | Kloia | KodeKloud | KubeOps | Kubex | LaunchDarkly | Leaseweb | Lightbits Labs | Linux Foundation Education | Loophole Labs | Meshcloud | Mirantis | Mogenius | Namespace | Neo4j | NeoNephos | Northflank | OpenSSF | OVHcloud | Percona | Pipekit | PlanetScale | Playson Limited | Plural | Pomerium | Portainer | Pulumi | Qualys | RapidFort | Redpanda | ReeVo | Replicated | Roadie | Robusta.dev | Root.io | Scarf | Sedai | Sentry | Sidero | Sonatype | Spacelift | Spotify | StackGuardian | STACKIT | StormForge by CloudBolt | SurrealDB | Synadia | Traefik Labs | Twingate | Unikraft | Union.ai | Unleash | Upbound | UpCloud | Varnish Software | VEXXHOST | VictoriaMetrics | Vultr | Wand | YugabyteDB | Zededa

Start-Up#

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End User#

ASML | Bloomberg Engineering | E.ON | Picnic

Media Partners#

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Official Resources#