Conferences, people, and places that stayed with me
The second semester is always intense in a different way.
More travel, more conversations, and a clearer sense of why I keep doing this.
From September to December, I moved across Italy and beyond, joining communities that welcomed me with open arms, listening to stories, sharing knowledge, and sometimes just having fun together. Here’s what each stop left me with.
DevFest Lecce — Lecce, Italy - September 12
This was the very first DevFest for the GDG Lecce community, and you could feel it.
So much energy, so many motivated people, and a genuine excitement around building something together. It was a beautiful start to the semester and a reminder of how powerful new communities can be when they’re driven by passion.
Come to Code — Pignola, Italy - September 27–28
Come to Code is one of my favourite places to be.
Pignola feels less like a conference destination and more like a family reunion. I met so many friends, laughed a lot, and had an incredible time. I left those days with my heart full — and honestly, that feeling lasts long after the event ends.
DevFest Modena — Modena, Italy - October 4–5
A short stop in Modena for their DevFest, but a very intense one.
A successful event, packed with great content and familiar faces from all over Italy. It’s always special to see how strong and connected the Italian tech community really is.
Frontmania — Utrecht, The Netherlands - October 8
Back in the Netherlands, one of my favourite countries in the world.
Frontmania never disappoints. My workshop room was full, the questions kept coming, and I had the chance to meet both new people and old friends. Events like this remind me why I love teaching and sharing knowledge in person.
INIT Conference — Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina - October 10–11
My first time in Bosnia, and what a welcome.
INIT Conference in Banja Luka was a lovely experience: warm people, great care from the organizers, and that feeling of being looked after from the moment I landed until I left. I really love events like this, where hospitality is as important as content.
Codemotion Milan — Milano, Italy - October 14–15
Codemotion Milan is the biggest conference in Italy, and it always feels special.
It’s an opportunity to finally meet in person friends I usually see abroad, catch up, and plan new ideas together. During my talk, I gave away an Arduino, and the competition around it was so much fun, one of those moments that make conferences memorable.
DevFest Roma — Roma, Italy - October 25
Organized by my friends from GDG Roma Città, this was their very first DevFest, and they did an amazing job.
It was a different kind of trip to Rome, a beautiful excuse to spend time with people I deeply care about. Being there during a hard moment in my life, surrounded by such supportive people, meant more than I can easily put into words.
Cursor Meetup — Casablanca, Morocco - November 1
This was the most unexpected event of the semester.
Nothing was planned, yet I found myself surrounded by one of the strongest communities I’ve ever met. The Moroccan tech community is young, motivated, and incredibly engaged. In small events like this, you really feel the energy and participation.
Devoxx Morocco — Marrakech, Morocco - November 12–15
Back to Marrakech, spending a full week immersed in the Moroccan community.
The warmth wasn’t just in the weather, but in the people. Everything about this trip made it feel truly worth it, from the conversations to the atmosphere of the city. Definitely one of my go-to events of the year.
Wey Wey Web — Malaga, Spain - November 17–18
Back to Malaga, but in a very different season.
Talking about Angular at a frontend conference with such a diverse audience was refreshing. I met people from all over Europe, and seeing so many Italians there made it feel even more special.
JS Poland — Warsaw, Poland - November 19
Back on the biggest stage I’ve ever spoken on.
This time, it felt familiar. The warmth of the people made me truly enjoy talking about one of my biggest passions: electronics. So many questions, so many Angular friends, it really felt like a reunion.
AngularDay — Verona, Italy - November 21
My local Angular conference, and one I care deeply about.
Being back on stage in Italy, so close to home, always feels special. Verona hosts one of my favourite events, and it’s a place I’ll always be present at.
DevFest Bari — Bari, Italy - November 30
The last conference of November took me to Bari.
One of the most successful DevFests in Italy: big, vibrant, and full of people I’m really close to. I loved being back in the south of Italy, enjoying great food while talking about tech with friends.
Angular.love Meetup — Warsaw, Poland - December 11
The final stop of 2025, and the last trip of the year.
Warsaw welcomed me warmly, thanks to the Angular.love community. Closing such an intense and meaningful year by talking about Angular felt like the perfect ending.
Closing thoughts
This second semester wasn’t about quantity or speed.
It was about people, trust, and feeling part of something bigger wherever I went.
Looking back at 2025, the numbers tell part of the story: 44 flights, 23 trains, 25 cities, 12 countries.
If we met at any of these events, thank you.
You made this journey what it was.
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