KubeCon is almost here, and if this is your first time attending or you’re a seasoned pro, you’re in for a treat! 🎉 Next week, KubeCon will take over Salt Lake City, bringing together the brightest minds in cloud-native tech. Whether you're a developer, engineer, or IT pro, this is the event to connect, learn, and discover new tools and solutions that can take your work to the next level.

Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most out of KubeCon - and why you should swing by the Cloudsmith booth while you’re there! 🚀

1. Plan Ahead – Know What You Want to See

KubeCon is huge, with so many talks, workshops, and activities happening at once. It can get a little overwhelming, so it’s a great idea to plan ahead! Check out the schedule, figure out which sessions or panels are most relevant to your work, and map out your day. Don’t forget to leave some time for the Sponsor Showcase—you’ll want to see what all the sponsors have to offer. Here are the talks we are most excited about:

Tues, 12. 2.36pm	Ballroom B	Open Policy Agent (OPA): That's One Small Bump for OPA, but One Giant Leap for Policy as Code
Wed, 13. 11.15am	Level 3, 355 E	TUF: Secure Distribution Beyond Software
Thurs, 14. 9.40 am	Level 1, Hall DE	A Developer’s Guide to Securing Your Software Supply Chain

2. Networking is Key

One of the best parts of KubeCon is the opportunity to connect with others in the Kubernetes community! With so many industry experts and passionate peers in one place, it’s a fantastic chance to share stories, learn from one another, and build relationships that could spark future collaborations. To make the most of your networking, start by introducing yourself with a smile—share your name, role, and company, and mention what you’re working on. A great way to keep the conversation going is by asking an open-ended question, like “What session have you found most valuable so far?” or “Are there any Kubernetes trends you’re particularly excited about?” If a speaker’s session resonates with you, approach them afterward and share what you appreciated about their talk—most presenters are happy to dive deeper into the topic. Lastly, swap contact info to keep in touch, whether that’s connecting on LinkedIn or exchanging emails. After the event, follow up with a short message to thank them for the conversation and mention a memorable point you discussed. You never know where these connections might lead, so dive in and enjoy the conversations!

This is where the fun begins! The Sponsor Showcase is packed with the latest tools, solutions, and innovations in the cloud-native space. Take time to walk around and explore. You can find us at stand number K6 in the “Frozen Lake Zone” of the Sponsor Showcase.

4. Stop by the Cloudsmith Booth

We’re excited to meet you at KubeCon! If you’re interested in learning how to simplify your artifact management and streamline your build workflows, we’ve got you covered.

Book a meeting with us at our booth, and here’s what you’ll get:

VIP AprèsKube Party Pass 🥳: Skip the line and join our exclusive afterparty on Thursday, November 12, starting at 7:00 pm! It’s the perfect way to relax, chat with new friends, and wind down after a busy day at the conference.
Limited Edition Cloudsmith Winter Gift Set🎁: The first 10 people who book a meeting with us will get a special Cloudsmith gift: a hat, camper mug, and scarf to keep you cozy in Salt Lake City.
Snag a Limited Edition KubeCon SLC Lego Brick: We’re bringing 300 KubeCon SLC <> Cloudsmith Lego Bricks - stop by to grab yours before they are all gone!

Why should you meet with us? You’ll walk away with some great insights into how Cloudsmith can help you:

Take control 🔒: Manage all your software—dependencies, open-source packages, container images, and more—in one easy-to-use platform.
Boost security 🔐: How Cloudsmith’s data-driven policy engine ensures your software supply chain is secure and compliant.
Deliver globally 🌍: Deliver software at cloud-native speeds, no matter where your teams or customers are.

Book meeting with us

5. AprèsKube – The Party You Don’t Want to Miss

After a long day of learning and networking, it’s time to let loose! Join us for AprèsKube, our exclusive afterparty on Thursday, November 12 starting at 7:00 pm. With your VIP Party Pass, you can skip the line and head straight into the fun. Grab a bite, relax, and keep the conversation going with other attendees.

Don’t forget to book your meeting with us now—and get ready to take your software management to the next level. ✨

Final Tips for KubeCon First-Timers

Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be walking around a lot, so comfort is key!
Stay hydrated: KubeCon is action-packed, so make sure you drink plenty of water and grab a snack when you need to recharge.
Bring a portable charger: Power outlets are hard to find in large expo centers. Remember to bring your phone's portable charger so you never run out of battery!

We can’t wait to meet you in Salt Lake City! Let’s connect and talk about how Cloudsmith can help you streamline your software management.

See you at KubeCon! 🌟

Maia Livingstone

Your Ultimate KubeCon Guide