Keanya Phelps

DjangoCon US 2026 is coming back to Chicago from August 23–28, and we at Caktus couldn’t be more thrilled, not only to be returning as a Silver Sponsor, but also because I (Keanya) have the privilege of chairing the conference once again!

I recently attended my first PG Data 2026 conference where keynote speaker Robert Haas delivered a talk that has stayed with me. His keynote focused on the people behind PostgreSQL, the growing challenges of sustaining open-source communities, and the urgent need to cultivate new contributors through mentorship and community engagement. While his remarks centered on PostgreSQL, they sparked broader reflections for me about the future of open source and communities like Django.

The path to hiring an Executive Director gained real momentum at DjangoCon US 2024, when Jacob Kaplan-Moss shared a vision for what dedicated resources could mean for the future of Django. In his blog post If We Had $1,000,000, he invited companies and supporters to help get the initiative off the ground. The response from the community was inspiring, and we’re proud to see that vision become reality.

A few of my colleagues attended the 2026 All things open AI Conference in Durham. I found myself with a major case of FOMO, so I thought I would pick Colin, honorary Cakti Peter and Gerald’s brain.

This post is the second in a three-part series reflecting on DjangoCon US 2025. In this post, I’m reflecting on experiencing DjangoCon 2025 from the audience while serving as conference chair.

This post is the first in a three-part series reflecting on DjangoCon US 2025 — In this post, I’m taking you behind the scenes of DjangoCon US 2025 to share what it taught me about leadership, community, and the power of holding space for others.

DjangoCon US 2025 was a milestone year for the community, as we gathered in Chicago to celebrate 20 years of Django. Attendees from around the world came together to learn about the latest developments, share their work, and strengthen the bonds that make DjangoCon such a special event. Caktus was well-represented once again, with our team contributing as organizers, speakers, and active participants throughout the week.

What Is Open Source?

Open source software is publicly available code that anyone can use, modify, and improve. It’s the foundation of much of the modern internet and it’s trusted by global enterprises, startups, nonprofits, and government agencies alike.

Chicago Like a Local: Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences (Part 2)

DjangoCon US 2025 is getting closer, and while we’ve covered some classic must-see spots in Part 1, there’s so much more to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. If you’re looking for unique experiences, quirky hidden gems, and places where locals actually hang out, this guide is for you.

Let’s jump into it!

At Caktus, we’re always looking for tools that help us streamline our workflows, increase productivity, and make our day-to-day tasks more efficient. Whether you’re managing projects, writing code, or debugging, the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite tools that we love using to get the job done!