PGConf India 2025: A First-Timer’s Field Report From the Postgres Trenches
Eight months ago, my world revolved around legal briefs and evidence. Today, I’m flying across the country to talk open-source databases—a plot twist I didn’t see coming, but one that CYBERTEC made inevitable. When my manager nominated me for PGConf India, I packed curiosity about the science of open source along with my laptop. The three days that followed at Bangalore’s Sheraton Grand were equal parts technical immersion and community awakening.
Pre-Conference Reconnaissance
I touched down from Bhubaneswar a day before the main event, which gave me the venue to myself for reconnaissance. The conference "hype" was tangible from the moment I walked into the lobby. When the global CYBERTEC crew trickled in from their respective corners of the world, it felt like a reunion of people who had never actually met in person—endless conversations about life, food and historical "wars" (not the versioning kind).
Day One: Setting the Stage
The opening morning kicked off with a 9 AM keynote that set the pace for a day packed with remarkable talks. But for a technical newcomer, the real education happened outside the session rooms. The exhibition hall was where I met the brilliant women leading the Postgres business in India—joining the PostgreSQL Women India community felt like a genuine power move.
The community dinner that evening delivered on its promise: a mix of beer, pizza, tikkas and music, with a contact list full of new friends to show for it. A full stomach and fresh LinkedIn connections—a solid day one.
Day Two: Grinding for Every Second
The final conference day was about making every second count. It was the last opportunity to solidify CYBERTEC’s presence with partners and potential customers. When the clock struck 5 PM, the "official" end didn’t disappoint: a flurry of QR code scans, group photos, and bittersweet goodbyes.
The postscript was the "after-after" party at a nearby flea market. We sniffed perfumes, laughed until our sides ached, and traded regional stories. What had started as a business trip had transformed into something more permanent—a core memory.
Cold Takeaways
I came to PGConf India to map my knowledge of PostgreSQL. I left with something bigger: a genuine appreciation for the open-source community and a team that feels less like colleagues and more like family. The transition from legal briefs to database leaves is turning out to be a welcome one.
