JCON Europe 2025
Building Community Beyond Code
XDEV’s JCON Europe transforms Cologne’s Cinedom into Germany’s premier Java conference each May. For three years running, PIRATEx has orchestrated this complex production: four parallel cinema halls, professional video recording, workshop coordination at Startplatz, plus VIP events and speaker dinners. But this year we also worked with XDEV to try to solve their bigger challenge of reaching out and engaging with their audience.
The Challenge
Java developers are notoriously difficult to reach. They’re skeptical of marketing, prefer authentic communication, and resist traditional outreach. XDEV needed to transform JCON Europe from an annual touchpoint into a community platform that engages developers year-round.
Operationally, managing four simultaneous cinema halls with video recording, media playback, and technical support while coordinating workshops across town demanded flawless execution.
Our Approach
PIRATEx tackled this on two fronts: operational precision and strategic innovation. We managed the complex multi-venue logistics while our marketing team brainstormed new communication strategies specifically designed for technical audiences.
Four cinema halls required individual technical ecosystems with dedicated hostesses for troubleshooting. We coordinated catering between Cinedom and Startplatz, orchestrated evening networking that felt organic rather than forced, and captured professional recordings for XDEV’s ongoing content strategy.
Our strategic workshops focused on reaching developers who avoid traditional marketing. We developed communication frameworks prioritizing educational value and peer-to-peer learning over promotional messaging, creating sustainable touchpoints that respect the developer mindset while building genuine community value.
The Impact
The four-day conference ran without technical issues across all venues. Professional recordings provided content for post-event strategy, while VIP receptions and speaker dinners created authentic networking opportunities that extended the conference’s value beyond formal presentations.
More importantly, XDEV now has a roadmap for year-round developer engagement. Our communication strategies provide frameworks for building lasting community connections that add genuine professional value – positioning JCON Europe as a central hub for German-speaking Java developers, not just an annual event.
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