On September 10th, 2024, Gurtam made a significant leap forward by hosting its first DevConf at LITEXPO in Vilnius. Having held numerous gatherings for telematics companies globally, this time, Gurtam addressed a new audience: software developers and IT professionals.
With over 300 attendees and more than 20 insightful talks, the event brought together some of the brightest minds in IT and telematics. Experts from global leaders like AWS, Microsoft, Wargaming, and Gurtam shared their knowledge on topics ranging from large-scale architecture to AI and platform engineering.
The energy at the event was incredible, with participants eager to learn, connect, and dive into the specifics of software development. It wasn’t just a conference but a day packed with inspiration and knowledge sharing.
Gurtam sessions
Guest speakers: global expertise on display
Erik Pronk’s parallels between software development and playing basketball
Erik emphasized that one should learn to pay close attention to the details of basketball player Michael Jordan, constantly practice and improve, and not be afraid to accept challenges and failures. According to Erik Pronk, it is equally important not only to achieve the highest result individually but also to work efficiently in a team.
“You should always improve your game and your skills to be better next time. Standing still is the fastest way to move backward. However, it is important to remember that, being in a team, you can rise to a much higher level than being alone. Michael Jordan realized this already in the first year of his career," said the Dutch software architect.
Rafaelle Garofalo’s micro front-end application insights
Rafaelle took us through the process of building a micro front-end application, detailing the common mistakes to avoid and offering practical advice for overcoming the challenges developers face. His session was packed with hands-on advice that attendees could implement immediately.
Ilya Roslyakov’s system management expertise
Ilya’s talk on managing a system with over a million users offered a deep dive into the complexities of large-scale architecture. His technical knowledge and real-world examples clarified why he’s a respected figure in this field.
DevOps masterclasses
Yedidya Schwartz’s step-by-step guide on creating a Disaster Recovery Plan was a crowd favorite. His insights into preventing data center failures and ensuring business continuity were invaluable. Meanwhile, Hanna Novikava’s breakdown of Kubernetes entities provided practical takeaways for DevOps professionals and developers alike.
Beyond sessions: networking and fun
Gurtam DevConf wasn’t just about learning — it was about connecting too. The event featured fun games like Alias (GurtamConf edition) and meme competitions, helping attendees bond in a relaxed and funny atmosphere, just same as we have at Gurtam almost every day. Speed dating-style networking sessions ensured everyone could meet new people, exchange ideas, and make lasting connections.
The social impact: supporting IT talent in Lithuania
A highlight of the conference was its non-profit mission. Every ticket sold directly contributed to scholarships for IT students in Lithuania. Gurtam is passionate about giving back to the tech community and fostering the next generation of talent. By attending DevConf, participants weren’t just gaining knowledge — they were helping to grow the local tech ecosystem.
To get the vibes of the conference, please check Gurtam’s Facebook album.
