Episode 286: Jack Skinner of PyCon AU and Regional Confs

Guest

Jack Skinner

Panelist

Richard Littauer

Show Notes

In this episode of Sustain, host Richard Littauer talks with Jack Skinner, PyCon AU organizer and freelance consultant/fractional CTO, to explore why regional conferences matter so much to the long-term health of open source communities. Their conversation looks at how events like PyCon AU do far more than host talks, they create local connections, nurture future leaders, support first-time speakers, and help sustain the broader Python ecosystem in ways that global conferences alone cannot. Drawing on Jack’s experience as a conference organizer and community builder, the episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of running volunteer-led events, from sponsorships and logistics to burnout, accessibility, and building a stronger pipeline of future organizers. Press download now to hear more!

[00:01:49] Jack shares his background and how he got involved in Python and event organizing.

[00:02:48] We hear about Jack’s first PyCon AU experience.

[00:04:14] Jack describes PyCon AU, who it serves, and how it’s changed after COVID.

[00:07:01] Why do regional conferences exist alongside PyCon US?

[00:09:24] Jack talks about what makes Australia and New Zealand different as conference communities.

[00:10:55] PyCon AU’s attendance goals are discussed as Jack mentions his big goal is to bring attendance back to roughly 500-600 people, restoring pre-pandemic strength.