Beyond the Commits: Join the Drupal Coffee Exchange at DrupalCon Chicago 2026

Walk into a typical DrupalCon BoF (Birds of a Feather) session and you’ll usually see a screen full of YAML files or a lively debate about the latest core initiative. But there is one long-standing tradition where the only “hooks” anyone cares about are the ones holding favourite coffee mugs.

The Drupal Coffee Exchange is returning for DrupalCon Chicago 2026, and we’re inviting you to step away from the keyboard and into the caffeine.

A Tradition Since Seattle 2019

The Drupal Coffee Exchange isn't just a caffeine fix; it’s a piece of community history. Our journey began at DrupalCon Seattle in 2019, born from a simple idea: developers love great coffee, and they love sharing things from home.

What started as a small circle of enthusiasts has grown into a staple of the Drupal social calendar. Since that first gathering, we’ve popped up at dozens of Camps and Cons across the globe. From the rainy streets of Portland to the sunny venues of Drupal Camp Asheville and Florida DrupalCamp. We’ve weathered the transition to virtual exchanges and celebrated the return of the "in-person sniff test." Through it all, our mission has remained the same: to use the world’s favorite bean as a bridge to build genuine human connections.

More Than Just a Daily Standup

The most refreshing part of the Coffee Exchange? It’s a rad community icebreaker.

While the rest of the week is packed with deep dives into AI initiatives, Drupal CMS, and decoupled architectures, the Exchange is a space where the conversation is as diverse as the beans on the table. It’s a place where you can stop being a "User ID" and start being a person.

We talk about our hometowns, our favourite travel spots, and our local roasters—but we also share the kind of "human" Drupal stories that don’t fit into a Jira ticket. We’ve found that some of the best friendships (and occasionally, the most creative project ideas) start not over a pull request, but over a shared appreciation for a dark-roast Guatemalan bean or a perfectly pulled shot of espresso. It’s about making the Drupal community feel like a global family, one cup at a time.

How the Exchange Works

The concept is simple, inclusive, and low-pressure:

• Bring a Bag: Grab a bag of whole-bean coffee from a local roaster in your area before you head to Chicago.
• Swap a Bag: Trade it for a bag brought by someone from a completely different part of the world.
• Stay for the Vibes: Even if you forgot to pack beans, come for the atmosphere! It’s a fantastic way to meet new people in a relaxed environment. You’ll leave with a new friend and, hopefully, a new favourite roast.

Join Us in the Windy City

We are thrilled to bring this tradition to the Hilton Chicago. Whether you’ve been with us since Seattle or this is your very first DrupalCon, there is a spot at the table for you.

Pack an extra bag of beans in your suitcase and get ready to connect with the community in the most caffeinated way possible. We’ll see you in Chicago!

Event Details:

• What: Drupal Coffee Exchange BoF
• Where: Link to BoF Page Room: Salon B - BoF #3
• When: Wednesday, March 25, at 9 am CDT

Follow us on:

• Drupal Slack, Mastodon, BlueSky