QCon London 2026: A Premier Software Development Conference
QCon London 2026 is set to be an exceptional gathering for software engineering professionals, taking place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QEII) from March 16–18, 2026. This year marks a significant milestone as QCon celebrates its 20th anniversary, and it promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and experience across various software development domains. Following the main conference, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a half-day workshop for the InfoQ Certified Software Architect certification on March 19.
Track Highlights: Exploring Cutting-Edge Technologies
The 2026 program features 15 curated tracks, all led by seasoned software practitioners. Two particularly intriguing tracks are centered on modern system integration and the operationalization of large language models (LLMs).
Connecting Systems: APIs, Protocols, Observability
Hosted by Daniel Bryant, a Platform Engineer and Java Champion, the Connecting Systems track delves into the complexities of managing connections in distributed systems. Bryant emphasizes that despite the rise of innovative technologies like AI-driven agents, foundational architectural principles must not be overlooked.
Key topics in this track include:
- Networking and API Design: This session covers how to create maintainable interfaces and effectively manage the networking layer.
- The Model Context Protocol (MCP): Experts will evaluate how MCP can enhance communication between agentic systems, providing deeper insights into API architecture.
- Observability: Learn practical implementations for understanding system behavior, enabling real-time diagnostics and failure analysis.
AI Engineering: From Non-Deterministic LLMs to Enterprise Reliability
The AI Engineering track, led by Hien Luu, Sr. Engineering Manager at Zoox, shifts focus from experimental AI use cases to the engineering disciplines required for reliable machine learning applications.
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Notable areas of discussion include:
- Deployment and Scale: Techniques for sustaining intelligent applications within production environments.
- AI Agents: Methods for developing autonomous agents that function reliably under enterprise constraints.
- Evaluation Frameworks: Strategies to assess and validate the performance of AI systems, bridging the gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation.
Additional 2026 Program Highlights
In addition to the aforementioned tracks, QCon London 2026 will host 13 more focused tracks covering a variety of crucial software engineering topics:
Core Engineering
Exploratory sessions will include:
- Architectures You’ve Always Wondered About
- Debugging Distributed Systems
- Modern Performance Optimization
Emerging Tech
Attendees can expect cutting-edge insights into:
- Native Languages and Wasm
- Architecture in the Age of AI
- State of the Art Data Architectures
Leadership and Operations
Focusing on team dynamics and engineering management, discussions will encompass:
- The Long Game: Staff+ Engineering Agency
- Organizations in Flux: AI’s Impact on Teams
- Building Engineering Teams
Specialized Domains
Additional specialized sessions will cover crucial areas such as:
- Tech of the Finance Industry
- Modern Software Security & Risk Management
- Emerging Trends in Frontend and Mobile
All QCon London sessions are peer-selected and delivered by practitioners eager to share lessons learned from real-world implementations.
Event Details
- Dates: March 16–18 (Conference); March 19 (InfoQ Certified Architect Program workshop).
- Venue: Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QEII), London.
- Format: A mix of track sessions, unconferences, and peer-to-peer discussions.
Registration Information
Registration for QCon London 2026 is currently open, and the official site will soon finalize the full schedule of 75+ speakers, including renowned industry experts. Attendees can also find more details about the InfoQ Certified Software Architect in Emerging Technologies (ICSAET) credential.
Join your peers and industry leaders at QCon London 2026 to elevate your knowledge and skills in modern software development practices. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and engage with the best in the field!
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