DrupalCon Chicago 2026 Cuts Ticket Prices and Expands Summits & Trainings

Organizers of DrupalCon North America 2026 have announced major updates to the Chicago event, emphasizing affordability, sustainability and strengthened community connections. Scheduled for March 23 to 27, 2026, at McCormick Place, the conference will feature reduced ticket prices, revamped volunteer incentives, expanded summits and trainings, and redesigned networking spaces.

General admission rates have been simplified and lowered across all tiers. Early-bird passes drop from $890 to $575; regular tickets from $990 to $700; and late/onsite fees from $1,190 to $850, yielding savings of up to $340. Early-bird registration opens September 15, 2025, and remains available for 16 weeks.

Local Drupal camps and associations that purchase five tickets will receive one complimentary pass, up to ten per group, to reward grassroots leadership. Volunteer contributions under 20 hours earn a 25 percent discount, while those logging 20 hours or more receive a complimentary ticket. These non-transferable offers cannot be combined with other discounts. A self-check-in system will streamline on-site operations and focus volunteer support where it is most needed.

Monday, March 23, 2026, will host industry summits in healthcare, higher education, government and nonprofit sectors alongside a general community summit. Industry sessions cost $300 (up from $250 in Atlanta 2025), while community summit access remains free for RippleMaker members and $50 for non-members. Expert-led trainings continue at $500, covering a wide range of Drupal skills.

Expo Hall and adjacent areas have been redesigned to encourage unstructured networking and collaboration. Organizers credit careful budget management and sponsor support for maintaining high quality while lowering costs.

Attendees requiring visas can request automatic invitation letters via the conference website. For registration details, session schedules and volunteer sign-up, visit https://events.drupal.org/chicago2026/news/drupalcon-north-america-2026-evolving-community