Hello Splunkers,
And just like that, .conf25 is in the books! What an incredible few days — full of learning, networking, and community energy. For me personally, this was extra special. As someone who recently joined Splunk from the AppDynamics Community, it was my very first .conf. I finally got to meet so many of my coworkers face-to-face and connect with countless community members I’d only known online.
It was an honor (and honestly, a lot of fun) to spend time at the Community Booth chatting with everyone who stopped by. But enough about me — let’s dive into some highlights!
This year we introduced .conf-ersations, an experimental new format for attendees to host their own roundtable discussions. Anyone could propose a topic, sit down at a table, and see who joined them. The results were as varied as they were inspiring — from deep dives into fantasy books to heartfelt conversations about being a mom in the workplace.
It was community-led, unscripted, and felt like a perfect reflection of what .conf is all about: people connecting over shared passions.
If you missed the announcement blog earlier this year, here’s the short version: imagine an Amazing Race-meets-Capture-the-Flag competition with a Splunky twist. Two teams of Splunk customers raced through Boston landmarks solving cyber-themed puzzles, decoding clues, and taking on technical challenges — all while being filmed.
Even cooler? Three of our very own SplunkTrust members were selected to play.
Want to know how it turned out? Check out the full video on YouTube and see which team came out on top.
At the Community Zone, you couldn’t miss the folks in the signature SplunkTrust fez hats. They were everywhere answering questions, swapping tips, and helping attendees get unstuck on the spot. It was an open-door opportunity for anyone at .conf25 to bring real product questions straight to the people who live and breathe Splunk every day.
Special thanks to all of these amazing people (in no particular order):
One of the best traditions at .conf is welcoming a new class of SplunkTrust members. At this year’s induction ceremony, we officially recognized the 2025 - 2026 SplunkTrust cohort, which had both first-timers and returning members.
Each received a brand-new fez (the ultimate SplunkTrust badge of honor) plus a swag bag of SplunkTrust-branded goodies including an Edge Hub for at-home tinkering. More importantly, they earned the recognition through countless hours of answering questions, sharing expertise, and giving back to the global community.
Conf is never short on surprises, and this year the SplunkTrust brought the fun straight to the opening keynote with a T-shirt cannon launch! A lucky few Trust members got to blast Splunk shirts into the crowd, setting the tone for the energetic days ahead. I didn’t get to fire the cannon myself, but I can confirm the excitement from the floor was real.
To cap things off, the SplunkTrust gathered for a celebratory dinner. It was a chance to relax, swap stories, and connect beyond the bustle of the conference. While one meal is never enough to thank them for everything
they do, it’s always one of the most meaningful community moments at .conf.
One important reminder came from @GretchenFox, who hosted a talk about keeping the momentum going even after .conf wraps. From the Splunk Community platform to Slack, Blogs, User Groups, Tech Talks, and Office Hours — there are so many ways to stay connected year-round. The conversations and learning don’t stop just because the conference does.
And of course, what’s .conf without the legendary Search Party? This year, Weezer closed out the week with a 90-minute set packed with classics, fan favorites, and even a few unexpected covers (yes, that really was Metallica and Toto). After three full days of sessions and conversations, it was the perfect way to celebrate as one big community.
Looking back, .conf25 was everything I hoped for and more: an incredible mix of energy, curiosity, and connection. From the booth to the breakout rooms to the big stage, the Splunk Community was everywhere — showing exactly what makes this ecosystem so special.
I’m grateful I got to experience it all firsthand for the first time, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Until then, thank you to everyone who came by to say hello, and I hope to see you again at .conf26!
Didn't make it to conf? Or maybe you did and you want to rewatch a session or one you missed. Sessions can now be accessed here!
A bigger, bolder, Splunkier .conf26 is coming to Denver, Colorado, from September 14–17, 2026!
Sign up now to get the scoop before anyone else
Cheers,
Ryan, Splunk Community Manager
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