Reflections on JCrete 2026
What is an unconference? It is a “disorganized” event where professionals come together.
There is no official program, no presentations like at a normal conference. No one knows in the morning what will happen during the day. Participants propose sessions, and you vote on them to select the most attractive ones. People can then join any session they are interested in to discuss a wide variety of topics.
And people is only one modest word for so many Java Champions, expert gurus in OpenJDK, JVM, performance topics, whom you can meet there. They are approachable, you can ask questions, engage in conversations, discuss wherever you want to broaden your horizon or share your experience.
When the unconference is over (much faster than you wish), you come back exhausted but happy, with lots of impressions, things you have learned, and an even longer list of TODOs you would like to try out afterward.
How my second JCrete experience began? With hiking!
I love to be in the nature, and I enjoy it even more when I can share those moments with like-minded people.
From the Mesavlia Gorge to a Cretan Feast #
So my Sunday before the unconference started with a hike through the beautiful Mesavlia Gorge. It was a great way to get started: surrounded by nature, enjoying the landscape, and getting to know the other participants.
On our way back, we were invited by local Cretan people to join a traditional feast. Their hospitality was simply amazing. Sharing food and conversation with local people was a wonderful introduction to JCrete.
Java, AI, and Everything In Between #
During the week, there were plenty of inspiring sessions. There were lots of discussions about AI and its role in software development, Java, and how Java and AI can work together.
There were also many sessions that went beyond purely technical topics. I appreciated those discussions because they reminded us that software engineers are humans too. We have interests, experiences, hobbies, and lives outside our code and our jobs.
Some highlights for me were Java-related topics like OpenJDK, project Panama, latest Java features ready to use or LLM security tips, and analogue computing.
Each of these topics gave me something new to think about, whether it was a technology I wanted to explore further or a different perspective on familiar challenges.
The Conversations Between the Sessions #
JCrete is about much more than technical discussions and sessions.
Equally valuable were the conversations over lunch and dinner, during the Cretan evening and barbecue, or while taking part in other activities.
There were beach excursions to Falassarna and Balos, and even my very first scuba dive.
These moments gave us the chance to get to know each other beyond our professional roles. Instead of simply knowing someone as a Java developer, architect, researcher, or engineer, we got to discover the people behind those roles: what they enjoy, what they are working on, what they are curious about, and what experiences have shaped them.
These conversations broaden your perspective and new opportunities may open up.
A Perfect Ending #
The week ended with a wonderful evening in a taverna, enjoying delicious fish dishes and good conversations.
A unique and intensive week that had the right ingredients: technology, learning, first class food, nature, and, most importantly, people.
Thanks! #
A big thank you to everyone I had the chance to talk with during the week. These conversations contributed to making the experience special.
Special thanks to Arno and Sven for organizing the activities, Geertjan for the interview, all the disorganizers, and especially Heinz.
You all helped make my second JCrete an absolutely fantastic experience and hopefully see you again at future events.
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