LibrePlanet is an annual conference for people who care about their digital freedoms, bringing together software developers, policy experts, activists, and computer users to learn skills, share accomplishments, and face challenges to software freedom. Newcomers are always welcome, and LibrePlanet 2016 will feature sessions for a wide range of ages and experience levels.

We are pleased to announce that registration for LibrePlanet is now open. Students and FSF members attend LibrePlanet gratis. Not a member? Join today to register gratis, or register at our non-member rate.

The conference will be held March 19-20, 2016, in the Boston area — this year’s theme is “Fork the System.” Talks at this year’s conference will touch on how free software creates the opportunity of a new path for its users, allows developers to fight the restrictions of a system dominated by proprietary software by creating free replacements, and is the foundation of a philosophy of freedom, sharing, and change.

Want to speak at LibrePlanet?

You have just a few weeks left to submit a session proposal — the deadline is November 16th, 2016 at 15:00 UTC (10:00 EST).

Do you have questions about what makes a strong proposal? We’re hosting an information session to answer any questions you have about submitting a proposal for LibrePlanet on Tuesday, November 3rd from 19:00 – 22:00 UTC (14:00 – 17:00 EST). Join us in the #libreplanet IRC channel on freenode. Don’t use IRC? Email your questions to campaigns@fsf.org.

Need help traveling to LibrePlanet?

We have a limited amount of funding to bring conference participants to LibrePlanet from all around the world. You can apply for a scholarship starting now — the application deadline is Monday, December 1st, 2016 at 15:00 UTC (10:00 EST in the morning). Scholarship recipients will be notified in mid-December.

If you don’t need a scholarship, you can help us welcome all types of people to LibrePlanet 2016 by making a contribution to the conference’s scholarship fund now, or when you register for LibrePlanet. A donation of $50 covers one night in a shared Boston-area hotel room, but any amount helps.

LibrePlanet is an inspiring, creative gathering where you’ll meet activists, students, developers, and leaders — and you may get involved in a new project, gain new energy for free software activism, and make new friends. You definitely want to be in the Boston area on March 19-20, 2016 for LibrePlanet 2016.