DrupalCon Chicago 2026 Introduces Lower Ticket Prices, New Policies, and Stronger Community Focus

The Drupal Association has announced a set of major updates for DrupalCon North America 2026, set to take place in Chicago from March 23 to 26, as part of its continued effort to make the event more inclusive, affordable, and aligned with community values. The changes, detailed in a recent blog post, follow a successful DrupalCon 2025 in Atlanta and incorporate feedback from attendees, the DrupalCon North America Steering Committee, and the broader Drupal community.

Among the most significant updates is a revamped ticket pricing structure, reducing costs across all tiers. Early bird general admission for DrupalCon Chicago will be $575, a notable drop from $890 in 2025. Regular and late tickets have also been reduced by nearly 30%, with early bird registration opening on September 15, 2025, for a 16-week window.

To support grassroots participation, the Association is introducing a Camp & Local Association Ticket Perk. For every five tickets purchased by a local Drupal camp or association, one complimentary ticket will be granted, capped at ten per group. This aims to reinvest in regional leadership and increase local representation.

Volunteer policies have also been overhauled. Starting in 2026, volunteers who contribute over 20 hours will receive a complimentary ticket, while those offering under 20 hours will get a 25% discount. These tickets are non-transferable and not stackable with other offers. The goal is to ensure fairness and avoid past issues of code misuse, while also streamlining event operations through improved self-check-in processes.

DrupalCon 2026 will place a renewed emphasis on Summits and Trainings. Summits—scheduled for March 23, 2026—will continue to serve as high-value opportunities for collaboration in key sectors like healthcare, higher education, government, nonprofits, and the broader Drupal community. Industry Summit tickets will be priced at $300, while Community Summit tickets will remain free for RippleMaker members or cost $50 for non-members.

DrupalCon Trainings will continue at $500, offering expert-led deep dives into core and advanced Drupal skills.

The Expo Hall and networking areas are being reimagined to foster more organic, unstructured connections. These changes are supported through careful budgeting and sponsor partnerships, which help keep the event accessible without compromising quality.

The Hilton Chicago will serve as the official event hotel, offering attendees the chance to stay at the centre of the DrupalCon experience. Visa support letters are available for international attendees.

Key dates include:

• Call for Speakers Opens: July 21, 2025

• Early Bird Registration Opens: September 15, 2025

• DrupalCon Chicago: March 23–26, 2026

For more information or to get involved, visit DrupalCon.org or contact [email protected].