TestBash

TestBash is a software testing and quality engineering conference led by the community and the team behind Ministry of Testing. 

It has been running since 2012 with many iterations and different locations. 

In the modern day MoTaverse it is hosted in Brighton (UK) annually. 

There are many things that make TestBash unique:

TestBash feels like stepping into a real-life version of the best online community. The friendships I’ve made there last way beyond the event. It’s the safest, most welcoming place for first-time speakers—where the audience is so supportive that you just can’t fail.

You can learn so much from workshops and talks, meet people who might become future colleagues or friends, and share laughs over rubber duckies hidden everywhere. It’s a space where I don’t have to explain why I notice when a developer writes an E2E test. Every conversation can be deep about quality or just a fun life chat. For those 2-3 days, we are all part of one big team.

TestBash is an annual opportunity for testers across the globe - and MoTaverse - to get together in a single place.  More than just a conference, it's a friendly and welcoming place to meet other people who are passionate about testing, quality, and community.  From scheduled talks to planned workshops to spontaneous chats, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and get to know people from the community.  The MoT team take care of participants by organising a diverse range of contributions and contributors, offering accommodations, and providing quiet spaces.  TestBash is truly something special, which has helped to launch speaking careers, bud friendships, and grow testing and quality enthusiasts.

The TestBash conference is the actual definition of an inclusive online global community coming to life. It doesn't matter what aspect you consider they make it the best conference experience I've ever had. From giving speakers and tutors that extra days hotel room so you are not scrambling to pack and participate on the last day before rushing home. To welcoming litterally everyone on stage to give a 99-second talk on anything at all. New speakers are encouraged and supported. There's online support for submissions, reviews and help. 

Inclusivity is considered all the way from food, to social markers and even how someone wants to be addressed. The code of conduct is robust and communicated well. The events before and during cover fun, food, drinks, walks and runs. There's no pressure to attend, just a warm welcome when you arrive. If the TestBash blueprint was followed by others there wouldn't be a #PayToSpeak hashtag and movement. Just fair and equitable conferences around the world. If you can, attend. You will not regret it.