# Episode 286: Jack Skinner of PyCon AU and Regional Confs

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sustain-796832/episode-286-jack-skinner-of-pycon-au-and-regional-confs
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sustain-796832/episode-286-jack-skinner-of-pycon-au-and-regional-confs.md
Podcast: [Sustain](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sustain-796832)
Published: 2026-03-13T14:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcast.sustainoss.org/286
Audio file: https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/27729c65-f4a6-4496-8c86-820e7f13b285/e872bf62-3f52-4194-8245-b739f196c77a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/sustain-796832/episodes/episode-286-jack-skinner-of-pycon-au-and-regional-confs
Duration seconds: 2405

## Resource

Guest Jack Skinner Panelist Richard Littauer Show Notes In this episode of Sustain, host Richard Littauer talks with Jack Skinner, PyCon AU organizer and freelance consultant/fractional CTO, to explore why regional conferences matter so much to the long-term health of open source communities. Their conversation looks at how events like PyCon AU do far more than host talks, they create local connections, nurture future leaders, support first-time speakers, and help sustain the broader Python ecosystem in ways that global conferences alone cannot. Drawing on Jack’s experience as a conference organizer and community builder, the episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of running volunteer-led events, from sponsorships and logistics to burnout, accessibility, and building a stronger pipeline of future organizers. Press download now to hear more! [00:01:49] Jack shares his background and how he got involved in Python and event organizing. [00:02:48] We hear about Jack’s first PyCon AU experience. [00:04:14] Jack describes PyCon AU, who it serves, and how it’s changed after COVID. [00:07:01] Why do regional conferences exist alongside PyCon US? [00:09:24] Jack talks about what makes Australia and New Zealand different as conference communities. [00:10:55] PyCon AU’s attendance goals are discussed as Jack mentions his big goal is to bring attendance back to roughly 500-600 people, restoring pre-pandemic strength. [00:12:04] The discussion turns to conference structure: tracks, workshops, and sponsor interest, with Jack emphasizing sponsorship is not just about money. [00:14:54] Richard asks how organizers know whether conferences help people learn, connect, or build community. Jack explains how they’re measuring community impact beyond “good vibes” and rebui…

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## Transcript

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