Behind the Scenes of The Developer's Conference with Yara Mascarenhas
Ever wondered what it really takes to run the biggest developer conferences in Latin America?
In this post, we’ll go behind the scenes of The Developer’s Conference (TDC) with insights from its CEO, Yara Mascarenhas. You’ll learn how TDC was built, how it helps developers grow, and how you can make the most of the events like this. It is a summary of the “Out of the Box Developer” episode.
How TDC Started #
TDC didn’t appear overnight. It was inspired by global events like JavaOne, where developers could connect, learn, and feel energized.
Yara Mascarenhas explains:
Going to JavaOne was very inspirational. That energy I got from being there stayed with me for the entire year. I wanted to create that same feeling here in Brazil.
At first, the event was small and closed. Over time, it evolved into an open and community-driven conference. Today, it’s one of the largest developer events in Latin America.
The Secret: Open Innovation #
One key idea behind TDC is open innovation. That means the event is not built by one person, innovation doesn’t come from one person having great ideas. Instead, it comes from creating a system where many people can contribute ideas and test them.
Yara puts it clearly:
As the conference organizer, I’m not in charge of having all the ideas. I’m in charge of creating a process where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and brave enough to execute them.
In practice, this means:
- The community suggests new formats (like the Mentorship Hub, or new tracks)
- Organizers support and enable
- Ideas are tested, even if they might fail
- The event evolves continuously based on feedback
She also adds an important detail:
I need people to bring ideas and have the courage to execute them. My role is to provide the structure and support.
For developers, this means you’re not just an attendee — you can shape the event.
How the JCP Influenced TDC #
Yara credits a lot of TDC’s structure to the Java Community Process (JCP). JCP is the system used to define how Java evolves (through specifications called JSRs).
She highlights this:
The way the JCP coordinates competitors to collaborate for a bigger purpose is amazing.
Companies that normally compete (like IBM, Oracle, Google) work together to build shared standards through a structured, transparent process
Yara brought this mindset into TDC.
What That Looks Like in TDC #
- Different “tracks” (Java, .NET, Data, etc.)
- Communities that might compete but collaborate at the event
- Shared goal: grow the ecosystem, not fight over tools
She explains the shift clearly:
We can’t compete on what’s the best language. We should collaborate on building the community. We have the same challenges.
Making the Ecosystem More Inclusive #
Another important point she raised about JCP:
Originally, big companies had most of the influence. But over time, individuals and user groups gained a voice.
She said:
Having user groups able to discuss with companies like IBM or Google, with the same importance, was a very important achievement.
Why this matters:
- Regular developers can influence big decisions
- Communities are not just consumers, they are contributors
- Power becomes more distributed
Why Conferences Still Matter (Even in the AI Era) #
You might think: “Why go to a conference if everything is online?”
The answer is simple: people.
Yara highlights this:
The best results come from interacting with people — listening to their experiences, sharing your path, and asking questions you wouldn’t ask online.
Different developers get different value:
- Beginners focus on learning content and discovering paths
- Intermediate devs benefit from workshops and hands-on sessions
- Experienced devs gain most from conversations and networking
In short, conferences are not just about talks, they’re about connections.
From Attendee to Speaker: Your Growth Path #
Many developers start as attendees and later become speakers or organizers.
Yara shares:
Many speakers in Brazil gave their first talk at TDC. They start small, gain confidence, and then speak at international conferences.
If you’re thinking about speaking, here’s a simple path:
- Attend sessions and observe good speakers
- Start with small talks or local meetups
- Submit a talk proposal (even if you’re unsure)
- Accept feedback and improve
TDC’s open process makes this journey accessible to everyone.
Networking Tips (Especially If You’re Shy) #
Networking can feel uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some practical tips inspired by Yara’s advice:
- Start with simple questions:
- “How did you like this talk?”
- “Which track are you following?”
- Use context:
- Comment on a talk you both attended
- Ask about someone’s badge or track
- Look for signals:
- T-shirts, tech logos, or shared interests
- Try structured spaces:
- Mentorship hubs
- Workshops
- Community lounges
Yara suggests:
Challenge yourself. Talk to three people, ask simple questions, and that’s it. It’s practice.
Small steps make a big difference.
The Role of AI in Your Career #
AI is changing how we build software fast.
Yara is clear:
People who don’t embrace this transition and help companies transform will have very little space in the future market.
But this doesn’t mean developers will disappear. Instead:
- Tasks will change
- Skills will evolve
- New opportunities will appear
Actionable advice:
- Start using AI tools in your daily work
- Build small projects with AI support
- Learn beyond coding (business, security, architecture)
Think of AI like IDE auto-complete years ago — once controversial, now essential.
What Makes TDC Special #
TDC is not just about technology. It’s about community, careers, and opportunities.
At TDC, you can:
- Meet potential employers or collaborators
- Discover new career paths
- Share your knowledge
- Build long-term relationships
And sometimes, the best conversations happen outside the talks — like over lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts #
TDC is not just about watching talks — it’s about participating, sharing, and connecting.
If you’ve never been to a conference, consider giving it a try. And if you have, maybe it’s time to take the next step — submit a talk, join a community, or mentor someone.