PGDay/MED 2024 Napoli Edition

Introduction

The first-ever official PostgreSQL conference was held in Italy. Years later, PGDay/MED 2024 brought us back to this inspiring country. I was excited to visit Naples, often called the cradle of pizza and home to some of the finest cuisines in the world. As a self-proclaimed gastronomic geek, this was a bucket-list experience both professionally and personally!

Conference Atmosphere

This was the second iteration of the Mediterranean PGDay series following Malta. We are still working hard to build strong events in this region as a community. Napoli’s conference was a one-track event with not so many attendees, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Each talk felt like a friendly discussion filled with comments, questions, and even jokes. It was a refreshing contrast to the larger, bustling conferences like PostgreSQL Europe or FOSDEM.

The Venue

The conference venue was perfectly located right in front of Naples’ Central Station. The entire top level of the hotel was divided into a lecture room and a restaurant. Adding to the charm was a beautiful terrace offering views of Mount Vesuvius and the sea. It was truly a spectacular setting.

My Talk: Wordle in PostgreSQL

My presentation focused on implementing the Wordle game inside PostgreSQL. Given the location, I added an Italian vocabulary to the demo, allowing us to have some fun with the local attendees. It was a huge success! We even found a bug in the Italian Hunspell dictionary and another issue with the comparison functions during the demo. I included a few local-themed slides featuring Adriano Celentano and Pippo Franco for added flair. The audience laughed and snapped pictures, making me feel like a stand-up comedian. After this experience, I seriously consider writing a full database-themed stand-up routine. 😄

Community and Networking

We had productive discussions with local community members about the future of PostgreSQL in the region. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I hope you’ll hear some exciting news soon from my friend Federico Campoli.

I was also thrilled to see Fabiana Farias as a speaker. As a representative of the new generation of programmers, her talk provided a fresh perspective on the future of technology.

Exploring Naples

This event set a new world record for culinary indulgence! We visited the same nearby local restaurant three days in a row because the cuisine and staff were so amazing. We made it a mission to try every item on the menu, all paired with exquisite Southern Italian wines.

After the conference, some of us explored the archaeological excavations of Pompeii—a fascinating glimpse into history.

Reflections on the Mediterranean Series

I absolutely love the concept of Mediterranean PostgreSQL conferences! While there are challenges with organising teams and schedules, we can overcome them in the coming years. I hope PostgreSQL Europe continues to support this event and gives it more attention. At the same time, it’s up to us as a community to put in the effort to make these events shine.

Closing Thoughts

PGDay/MED 2024 in Naples was a testament to the exceptional charm of smaller, local conferences. These events provide a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can connect on a deeper level, share insights, and build lasting relationships. Local community events like these are vital for the global growth of PostgreSQL.

I invite you to join us at the next PGDay/MED. Let’s continue celebrating the Mediterranean spirit, sharing knowledge, and growing our amazing community together!