My Umbraco Codegarden 2025 Experience

June 16 – The Travel That Didn’t Go as Planned

Everything was prepared - aircraft tickets have been booked, the plans had been equipped, the pleasure became at its height. I have been watching for this occasion for months. But as fate might have it, matters did not begin easily. My flight became behind schedule not as soon as, but two times.

When we finally reached the airport and endured, it become already 02:00 on the 17th of June. Tired, but excited to be a part of CodeGarden for the primary time

June 17 – A Long Morning and a Short Night

We landed in Copenhagen early morning, making plans to catch a train to Odense. But to our wonder, there had been no trains available. The most effective choice changed into a taxi – steeply-priced but essential.

When we reached the Hotel, all I could reflect onconsideration on turned into sleep. We checked in early and barely controlled to relaxation for 3 hours earlier than the day began.

This turned into my first ever Umbraco occasion, so I turned into a mixture of anxiousness and pleasure. The venue was about a 20-minute walk from our hotel, and on the way we saw groups of people walking in the same direction – all smiling and talking, apparently also heading towards Codegarden. It immediately gave that feeling of belonging.

The day commenced with the Umbraco Business Summit, that's an invite-most effective occasion for company leaders, partners, and choice-makers. It wasn’t approximately code — it become more about connecting, discussing thoughts, and sharing how every folks works in the Umbraco ecosystem.

A real highlight became meeting Umbraco’s CEO and CTO. They had been heat, approachable, and clean to talk to — no formal barriers at all. We even clicked a few selfies! That kind of openness says a lot about the culture Umbraco has built.

June 18 – The Real Codegarden Begins

It became the day absolutely everyone turned into waiting for – the respectable launch of CodeGarden.

As soon as we arrived at the venue, the energy became notable. Music changed into played, human beings danced, laughed and greeted every other like vintage friends. It didn't experience like a tech convention – it felt like a network birthday party.

No one appeared too busy to speak. Everyone was welcoming, curious and sincerely interested in making touch. We jumped from one session to the next, attended some demos and learned some thing new whenever. People shared their reviews so openly – it felt more like friends sharing stories than formal presentations.

What I loved maximum was the feel of network. It did not matter in case you were new or had been attending for years - anyone made you experience welcome. That experience of belonging is rare, and it made the complete revel in even more unique.

June 19 – The Best Day of All

The second day started strong with more sessions and conversations. It was packed with learning, great ideas, and a lot of laughter in between. You could feel that everyone was not just there to listen, but to share and grow together.

One thing that really stayed with me was something they called the “Pac-Man Theory.” The idea is easy — continually hold one open spot for your institution so a person new can join in. It’s the sort of small factor, however it flawlessly describes what makes the Umbraco community so special — always open, constantly welcoming.

And then came the well-known Codegarden Party. I’d heard about it, but seeing it in person become something else. The ecosystem turned into full of pleasure — there has been song, bingo, dancing, laughter, and those honestly taking part in being together. It wasn’t about commercial enterprise or code anymore — it changed into just real human connection.

By 4 AM, there have been nonetheless humans dancing and giggling. Some were playing games, others just speaking approximately existence and work. It turned into one of these nights that you don’t need to give up — a mix of fun, friendship, and recollections you’ll carry home.

June 20 – The Final Day

After the massive night time, we started out the last day a chunk late. Managed to capture some classes, but certainly, the strength from the night time before was nevertheless in the air. There become additionally a city tour planned, however we decided to skip it and take it smooth.

After lunch, we said our goodbyes to all the new buddies we had made. It become a bit emotional — three days had passed so quick, yet it felt like we’d recognized all and sundry for a good deal longer.

We headed returned to Copenhagen, spent the night at Tivoli Gardens, and simply loved the calm after all of the excitement. It turned into the suitable way to cease the experience.

Looking Back

Umbraco Codegarden 2025 turned into greater than just an event — it changed into an experience that’s difficult to place into words. From flight delays and sleepless nights to deep conversations and four AM events, the whole thing about it changed into memorable.

What made it clearly special wasn’t simply the classes or the getting to know — it turned into the human beings. The warmth, the openness, and the genuine care all of us confirmed for every different made it some thing I’ll never neglect.

This was my first Codegarden, however it actually won’t be the closing.

Already looking forward to Codegarden 2026 — and to seeing this excellent community again.

Written by

Ketan Garala

CEO of Arroact