A Heartfelt Reflection on the CiviCRM Conference in Lunteren, Netherlands
This year’s CiviCRM Conference in Lunteren, the Netherlands, was set against a truly beautiful backdrop — a charming hotel surrounded by forest and peaceful countryside. It felt like the perfect place for a community-driven event: calm, natural, and full of quiet inspiration. Yet, within those serene surroundings, the energy and enthusiasm of the Civi community made the atmosphere anything but sleepy.
A Warm Welcome to the Civi Community
As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the conference. I’ve been involved in building a passivhouse, sustainable agriculture, and being a mother whilst supporting Matt Wire as he’s developed and expanded his work with CiviCRM over the years. I’ve seen his dedication, late-night coding sessions, and his passion for helping organizations use Civi to make their missions stronger.
But being there in person, surrounded by so many people who share that same passion, was something special. It was lovely to finally meet a wide range of people — some who have worked with Matt for years, and others who, like me, were attending for the first time. There’s something uniquely welcoming about the Civi community. Everyone was approachable, friendly, and open to sharing their experiences, whether they were developers, administrators, or everyday users.
The Conference Day
The one-day conference was packed with talks, discussions, and opportunities to learn. What really stood out was the balance between technical depth and community spirit. There were sessions focused on the latest developments in CiviCRM, practical workshops for users, and plenty of moments to celebrate the progress the platform has made as an open-source project.
You could feel how deeply everyone cared about the software and, more importantly, about the people and organizations it serves. Each presentation reflected that shared belief that CiviCRM is more than a tool — it’s a collaborative ecosystem built by people who genuinely want to make a difference.
For me personally, it was inspiring to see the range of contributions being made — from developers pushing the platform forward, to administrators who ensure organizations can use Civi effectively, to advocates who help grow the community. It reinforced what makes open-source projects like this so special: it’s the people behind them.
The Sprint: Learning, Building, and Growing Together
Following the conference came the Sprint — and that’s where the hands-on energy really came alive. The sprint was bustling with activity, with a high turnout for both developer and admin training sessions. It was impressive to see so many people eager to share knowledge, solve problems, and collaborate in real time.
Even as someone newer to the more technical side of things, I found it fascinating to see the collaborative process in action. Watching developers work side by side with administrators to make real improvements to the system — and doing it all with laughter, patience, and mutual respect — was incredibly motivating.
It was a reminder that everyone, regardless of role or skill level, plays a part in moving CiviCRM forward. The sprint wasn’t just about code — it was about connection, mentorship, and shared purpose.
Art, Laughter, and Community Spirit
One of the most memorable parts of the event for me came after the sessions had wrapped up. In the evenings, the hotel came alive with games, bouldering, and lots of friendly conversation. The mix of social and creative activities gave everyone the chance to unwind and connect beyond the tech talk.
For me, it was also a time of personal reflection. I found myself so inspired by the warmth and openness of the community that I decided to express it through painting in the hotel’s art room. It became my way of capturing what the conference meant to me — not just the learning and collaboration, but the joy and creativity that flowed throughout the event.
That painting became a kind of visual diary of my experience — full of color, laughter, and the sense of belonging that defined those few days in Lunteren.
A Personal Milestone
This event also marked an important step for me personally. As I begin to take a more active role at MJW, it felt significant to stand among peers, collaborators, and clients who all share a deep appreciation for the work that Matt and the MJW team have done over the years.
Meeting our staff members in person for the first time was a highlight — putting faces to names I’ve known for awhile, and feeling the strength of the team that makes everything possible. It gave me a new sense of connection and excitement about being part of this journey, and now as an active contributor.
Looking Ahead to Paris
As the final day wrapped up and people began to say their goodbyes, one thing was clear: this wasn’t the end of an event — it was the continuation of a thriving community. Conversations were already buzzing about the next CiviCRM event in Paris, and I can honestly say I can’t wait to be there.
If you’ve ever thought about attending a Civi conference but haven’t taken the leap yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go. Whether you’re a developer, admin, end user, or simply curious about open-source software and the people who make it thrive, you’ll find something to inspire you.
You’ll learn new things, meet amazing people, and see firsthand how collaboration and openness can create something truly powerful.
For me, the CiviCRM Conference in Lunteren wasn’t just an event — it was a reminder of why community matters, why open source endures, and why I’ll definitely be back.
See you in Paris! https://civicrm.com/partners/mjw-consulting/
Liz Wire
Comments
Great write up, Liz! It was fab to meet you. I remember the first time I went to a CiviCRM event - it felt like a lot of time and expense (though the events are heavily subsidised thanks to sponsors and core funds) but since going to my first one I've not gone a year without attending one.
Interacting with a friendly @someStrangeName online on the chat (https://chat.civicrm.org) or in the code discussions is very useful, and I couldn't do my work without it, but meeting the person behind the handle - well it's like a colour photo instead of a black and white one.
I met new people, too, from many places and many roles, excited about what they could do with CiviCRM and sharing their practises and what's worked for their supporters/community etc.
I'll see you in Paris!
Beautiful writeup, Liz! It will be helpful when sending out invitations to future CiviCRM events to people who haven't attended one before.