News Roundup

The DropTimes highlights GovFlix by Morpht, a finalist in the Education category of the Splash Awards Asia at DrupalCon Singapore 2024, as part of its "Splash Awards Finalists Series." Built on GovCMS SaaS, GovFlix uses AI-driven tools like Recombee to revolutionize user engagement with personalised content recommendations. This recognition underscores GovFlix's innovative approach to enhancing government digital services.

The 47th Drupal Sapporo Meetup is set for December 26, 2024, with a focus on integrating Drupal with other open-source software. The event invites session proposals and offers discussions, examples, and collaborations on OSS integrations to enhance digital experiences. Organized by the Drupal Sapporo community, it promises valuable learning and networking for enthusiasts in Hokkaido, Japan.

Druid Oy has secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding sensitive customer and internal data. The certification, validated by KIWA Inspecta, spans software development, web services, and internal operations, reinforcing trust and compliance. This milestone highlights Druid’s dedication to integrating robust information security practices into daily operations and adapting to emerging threats.

Alex Moreno recounts his unforgettable experience at DrupalCamp Berlin, hosted at the historic Alte Münze. Highlights included sessions on Drupal's future by Baddy Winckelmann, AI innovations by Christoph Breidert and Marcus Johansson, and a deep dive into PHP’s history by Stefan Pribisch. Beyond the conference, Alex explored Berlin’s iconic C-base hackerspace, blending creativity and collaboration into a memorable event that celebrated Drupal's innovation and community spirit.

Mark Conroy launches AskAnApi: Drupal, a ChatGPT-powered tool to simplify access to Drupal APIs and documentation. Backed by The Confident, it searches trusted sources like api.drupal.org and drupal.org/documentation to provide streamlined, reliable results. Accessible at askanapi.mark.ie, it aims to boost productivity and make Drupal resources user-friendly for developers.

Axe-con 2025, the leading digital accessibility conference by Deque Systems, will be held virtually from February 25–27, 2025. The event features multi-track sessions, interactive Q&A, live captions, ASL interpretation, and IAAP certification credits. Join global accessibility leaders to explore inclusive design, best practices, and innovation.

James Royal-Lawson introduces the "Language of Parts Bookmarklet" to help web creators verify language tags on webpages, improving accessibility. The tool highlights areas with language-specific attributes, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.2 and European standards. It offers a quick, user-friendly way to enhance multilingual content and assist screen readers effectively.

amazee.io releases webinar on mastering enterprise Drupal workflows and data sovereignty. Presented by Thiemo Müller and Henk Beld, the session explores scalable content management and compliance strategies. Key insights include automating updates, ensuring data sovereignty, and enhancing Drupal's publishing capabilities.

Drupal 7's End of Life (EOL) Webinar: Octahedroid's on-demand session launches December 3, offering guidance on migrating from Drupal 7 and planning next steps. Pacific Time Virtual Drupal Meetup: Set for December 4, 6–8 PM PT, this virtual event includes discussions, networking, and insights on the IXP initiative. Drupal User Group Berlin: Meet in person on December 5 at 19:30 CET at c-base, Berlin, for networking and Drupal community discussions.

Droptica's latest blog post provides a step-by-step guide for migrating from Drupal 7 to Drupal 11 before support ends on January 5, 2025. Key insights cover preparing environments, using core migration modules, and addressing challenges like module compatibility and custom design rebuilds. Upgrading offers enhanced features, security, and a modern framework—read the full guide on Droptica's website.

FOSS Meetup Delhi, hosted by FOSS United, kicks off tomorrow, November 30, 2024, at the Whizdom Club, Gurugram, from 4–6 PM. The event features talks on Python performance, open-source AI innovation, and Linux filesystem development, alongside networking opportunities. Open-source enthusiasts in Delhi won’t want to miss this vibrant gathering!

Drupal Developer Days 2025 will take place in Leuven, Belgium, from April 15–18, inviting sponsors to support this premier event. Expected to host over 200 attendees, the gathering offers branding, networking, and recruitment opportunities for organizations. With global speakers, affordable tickets, and a focus on innovation, it's a must-attend for Drupal community supporters.

UK-based Computerminds has migrated over 1,000 websites to Cloudflare in 2024, leveraging the Aegir hosting system for seamless automation. This initiative combats rising DDoS risks, reduces costs, and ensures SSL security using Cloudflare’s API. Completed within weeks, the transition has significantly reduced server loads and bandwidth usage.

A new blog by ImageX Media reveals strategies for higher education institutions to enhance their websites for recruitment, engagement, and community building. Key tips include addressing design and content pitfalls, leveraging Drupal for complex needs, and building strong stakeholder support. Explore accessibility and inclusive practices to transform your site into a digital powerhouse.

DrupalEasy's 12-week state-certified career program offers live online classes and labs for aspiring and experienced Drupal professionals. Led by Mike Anello, the curriculum covers Drupal 9 & 10, Composer, Git, module and theme development, and more. Classes begin February 10, 2025, providing hands-on learning in a collaborative environment.

The Nisramont Museum in the Belgian Ardenne has launched a Drupal-powered website, showcasing advanced SEO features and expertly crafted content by Gilles Pirlot de Corbion. The site has achieved notable online visibility, including a Google featured snippet and a highlight by Gemini, Google's AI. With strong security, schema enhancements, and rich, authentic content, the museum's site underscores the resurgence of "content is king" in the digital landscape.

WordCamp Asia 2025 releases its third batch of tickets for the premier Open Source web summit in Manila. Set for February 21-22, 2025, at the iconic Philippine International Convention Center, the event promises insightful sessions, networking, and a vibrant cultural experience. Tickets, priced at 1,800 PHP, include meals, an exclusive after-party, and access to the global WordPress community—act fast before they sell out!

Udemy's new course offers 3.5 hours of on-demand video, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion, guiding learners from setup to building professional Drupal websites. Designed for all skill levels, it covers content management, module updates, and theme customization. Accessible on mobile and TV, it’s a must-have resource for mastering Drupal.

OpenSense Labs is hosting the Drupal Delhi Meetup on November 30th, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM IST at their office in Delhi. The event will feature discussions on the latest Drupal advancements, tailored for developers and newcomers, alongside networking opportunities. Join this vibrant gathering to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen the growing Drupal community in India.

GitHub launches the Secure Open Source Fund with $1.25 million to boost security in open source projects. The initiative supports 125 projects with $10,000 grants, security training, mentorship, and tools like GitHub Copilot. Applications are open until January 7, 2024, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce vulnerabilities in the open source ecosystem.

Maciej Łukiański of Droptica dives into Drupal's access management in a Polish-language tutorial on YouTube. The episode covers user roles, permissions, and field-level controls, offering practical tips for tailoring CMS access. A must-watch for Polish-speaking Drupal users aiming to optimize security and content management.

A new Udemy course, Drupal For Beginners - Master Drupal Quickly, offers a step-by-step guide to mastering Drupal without requiring paid hosting. With 3.5 hours of video, articles, and lifetime access, learners can explore essential features like user roles, layouts, and menus. Participants receive a completion certificate, making it a practical entry point into web development.

MidCamp 2025 is accepting session proposals for its annual event, which will be held May 20-22, 2025, at DePaul University in Chicago. Proposals are open until January 12, 2025, and workshops will help speakers refine their submissions. The event features diverse session tracks, community activities, and sponsorship opportunities starting at $600.

DrupalCon Europe has announced The Drop Times as the official Media Partner for DrupalCon Vienna 2025, which will take place from October 14 to 17 in Austria. The Drop Times will provide exclusive updates, content, and coverage leading up to and during the event. Stay tuned for news, workshops, and networking opportunities that celebrate the future of Drupal and open-source innovation.

MidCamp 2025 returns May 20–22 at DePaul University, Chicago, blending Drupal learning and networking. Session proposals are open until January 12, with a workshop on December 12 offering tips from expert Aaron Feledy via Slack. Sharpen your presentation skills and join the Midwest Drupal community!

Carlos Ospina shared progress on the IXP Initiative, aimed at fostering company-IXP engagements in the Drupal community. He built a proof-of-concept site using the ECA and Group modules in just two days, replacing the earlier Google Forms approach. The initiative seeks to mentor new Drupal talent while spotlighting company contributions and showcasing Drupal's adaptability.

Drupal CMS 2025 launches January 15, celebrating 24 years of innovation. Driven by the Starshot initiative, the new platform simplifies complexity with pre-configured solutions, no-code tools, and AI-powered features. Tailored for marketers and non-tech users, it promises faster workflows, enhanced productivity, and user-friendly design.

Ubuntu Summit 2024 videos are now available on the Ubuntu onAir YouTube channel. The three-day event in The Hague showcased keynote speeches, technical workshops, and panels with open-source leaders and innovators. Dive into the sessions to explore groundbreaking insights and relive the summit's highlights.

Wisconsin Digital Government Summit 2024 will take place on December 5 at Monona Terrace, Madison, WI. The event brings public-sector professionals and industry leaders together to explore emerging tech and strategies for improving government services. Join for networking, insights, and collaboration to shape the future of digital government.

A Python script by Anand Toshniwal simplifies creating Single Directory Components (SDCs) for Drupal by automating .component.yml file generation from Twig templates, enhancing accuracy and reducing effort. The tool supports projects like Starshot Demo Design System, which showcases CivicTheme-based design systems for Drupal’s Experience Builder at events like DrupalCon. Developers can explore the tool online, contribute to Starshot via GitLab, or join biweekly Slack meetings for updates and collaboration.

Join web designers, UX experts, and developers at this free hybrid event on May 8-9, 2025, blending online sessions with an in-person meet-up at Stanford's Tresidder Memorial Union. Sponsors gain unique visibility, networking, and recruitment opportunities with tailored packages for businesses of all sizes. Explore custom sponsorships and elevate your brand at this vibrant web-focused event.

With 12 days to go, the global Drupal community prepares for DrupalCon Singapore 2024, which will be held from December 9 to 11 at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay. Proper preparation can help first-time attendees make the most of the event. Key tips include planning accommodation near the venue, understanding session schedules, and familiarizing themselves with Singapore’s transport options. Networking, exploring exhibitor booths, and contributing to the Drupal community are also highlighted as invaluable experiences.

Developers have until December 1, 2024, to submit outstanding Drupal projects for the Healthcare category, recognizing innovation in medical websites and applications. Last year’s winner, Luzerner Kantonsspital's relaunch by Amazee Labs, set the bar with user-focused design and advanced functionality. Winners will be announced on March 11, 2025; submission details are on the Splash Awards website.

The prestigious Splash Awards will debut in Asia at DrupalCon Singapore 2024, celebrating excellence in Drupal projects. Finalists for categories like Drupal Websites and Digital Experiences, and Open Source Drupal Projects have been announced, showcasing innovation across corporate, education, government, and non-profit sectors. The awards ceremony, featuring Drupal’s founder Dries Buytaert, will take place on December 9, 2024, at the Garden Ballroom, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.