DC State of the Stack 2026

Overview

DC State of the Stack 2026 is a community-driven technology conference rooted in the DC region, focusing on real world systems engineering, operations, security, and product delivery. This event is designed for practitioners who design, build, operate, and govern modern software and infrastructure. The conference brings together engineers, operators, security professionals, product managers, and related roles to explore the practical realities of running complex systems in the real world. The theme Shipping Software in the Age of AI signals a focus on how artificial intelligence and machine learning intersect with day to day software delivery and operations.

When and Where

The event is scheduled for September 16-17, 2026. The venue is the American Red Cross at 1730 E St NW in Washington, DC 20006. Registration information is prominently featured on the site, with early bird pricing and opportunities to register online. There is also a note about a CFP (Call for Presentations) with submissions open and a deadline of June 8, 2026. The page indicates an in person gathering in Washington, DC, with participants traveling from the broader tech community.

Who Should Attend

This conference targets people who design, build, operate, secure, and govern modern systems. Attendees include engineers, site reliability and platform teams, security professionals, IT operators, product managers, and leaders interested in practical lessons learned, tradeoffs, and the constraints of real world environments. The site emphasizes substance over spectacle and aims to deliver content that attendees can apply directly to their daily work.

What to Expect

Expect two days of talks, sessions, and opportunities to learn from practitioners with concrete experiences. The site highlights topics under the umbrella of Exploring the Full Stack, including Platform Engineering, AI and ML Ops, Security, Cloud Native, DevOps, Data Engineering, Developer Experience, Product Delivery, People, Leadership, and Compliance. There are banners for Registration, CFP, and Sponsorship, indicating a structured program with opportunities for different formats such as Ignite and longer talks, and a call for new speakers to contribute.

Agenda and Format

Submissions for talks are welcome, with a focus on real world experiences, honest tradeoffs, and practical results. The event lists a mix of sessions and tracks designed to share actionable insights rather than theoretical concepts. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to connect with the practitioner community. The event branding ties back to its DevOpsDays roots, suggesting a familiar, practical format for attendees who value hands-on knowledge and peer learning.

FAQs and Logistics

Registration information and a call for speakers provide practical details for prospective attendees. The page mentions in person attendance in Washington, DC, with specific venue information to aid planning. The overall messaging emphasizes practical content, community, and a broad set of tracks relevant to modern software delivery and operations in the age of AI.

About the Event Mission

Brought to the DC region by the team behind DevOpsDays DC, DC State of the Stack aims to broaden the conversation beyond a single topic, blending platform engineering, AI, security, cloud native, and operational disciplines. The goal is to foster a community where learning can be carried forward into everyday work, with a focus on real systems and tangible outcomes.