It’s safe to say the spark hasn’t gone – it’s simply changed shape.
“People aren’t showing up just because it’s what you do anymore. The bar is higher – developers want to feel that their time and energy are being respected,” says Stipe Cigic, Global Conference Communication Specialist.
When a conference gets it right, it still creates that spark you can’t replicate on a screen. It’s less about the big stage and more about the energy in the room, the conversations in the hallway, the feeling that you’re part of something real.
That said, we should acknowledge that the rapid rise of AI only reinforces this feeling – which is why AI will be the central theme of the Infobip Shift Conference in Miami (May 5 – 7, 2025).
It’s not just about content -it’s about context
With content available 24/7 online, what’s the actual point of showing up to a conference anymore?
Stipe is clear on that: the internet gives you content, but it doesn’t give you context.
Watching a talk on YouTube is not the same as sitting in a room when someone drops an insight that makes the whole place go quiet. It doesn’t let you bump into someone over coffee who ends up becoming your next collaborator or mentor. The magic happens in the in-between moments, and you have to be there for that.
So, what do developers want from a conference in these modern times? Relevance.
Based on responses to the survey sent by the Shift Conference to all attendees, real stories, practical insights, and speakers with a proven track record of success – or even failure and recovery – are key to a successful conference.
Developers loathe generic talks and can easily sniff out promo lectures and talks that are just a bunch of buzzwords. Instead, they want to be inspired and walk away with something they can use.
Atmosphere isn’t just a bonus
On the other hand, there is networking.
“You never know where a conversation at a conference might lead – to a new project, a new job, or a new client. Any one of those can change your career and your life, and I think developers who understand that get the most out of any event,” says Stipe:
When a conference is built around shared interests and real conversation, you feel it. It’s in the little things: how approachable the speakers are, how organic the networking feels, how comfortable you are just hanging out. That’s what makes it stick. Shift tries to have a unique vibe, we love to see our speakers and attendees chilling in the garden and sharing beers.
As Stipe explaines, the formula for a great event is simple: Relevant content + Relaxed Atmosphere = Success. However, he emphasized that there are many steps involved in achieving this.
Shift Miami is coming
Shift Miami is just around the corner, happening from May 5-7, 2025, and excitement is building. As one of the key figures behind Shift, Stipe Cigic has seen the event evolve over the years.
“We’ve been building Shift in Europe for years, and we felt like it was time to take that same spirit – community-first, content-driven – and share it with a new audience,” Cigic explains. “That’s why we chose Miami three years ago. It made sense because it’s a bit of an underdog in the tech world, and it reminded us of Zadar with its sunny weather and palm trees.”
With a clear vision in mind, the Shift team has been focused on creating a conference that resonates globally.
“We believe we have a good conference, a brand that can be noticed in the developer community worldwide, and we decided to prove it,” says Cigic. “I would say we are doing pretty well for now – though there is always room to grow.”
Curious about what’s in store for Shift Miami 2025? Learn more here!