Why the ATDs Are More Than “Just Another Conference”

You’re thinking about registering for the Agile Testing Days but you’re not sure if you should do it?

I’ll make it simple: if you’re curious and care about quality, it’s worth experiencing at least once.

My name is Vero. I’m currently part of the trainer team at trendig — but long before that, I attended the Agile Testing Days as a regular participant. Since then, I’ve been there four times in a row: as an attendee, as a sponsor, as a speaker, and now as part of the team. Seeing the conference from these different perspectives is probably why I’m comfortable saying this:

It doesn’t feel like “just another conference.”

Yes, on paper it’s one of the well-known international conferences for software testing and quality professionals. There are keynotes, talks, workshops, tutorials — more than 100 sessions across several days. That part is clear. It’s a large, established event with a broad program and people joining from different countries and backgrounds.

But what makes it different for me isn’t the size or the number of sessions. It’s the atmosphere.

The Agile Testing Days have always felt very practitioner-focused. The conversations are rarely abstract. People talk about what actually worked, what failed, and what they’re still struggling with. It’s less about polished success stories and more about sharing experiences and perspectives. That creates a different dynamic — one that feels more honest and more useful.

A typical day can start early if you want it to. Some join the morning run in the parks of Potsdam. Others prefer yoga or informal formats like Lean Coffee. You can ease into the day instead of just rushing from session to session. By the time the first keynote begins, you’ve probably already talked to a few new people.

Then comes the real challenge: deciding. Workshops or talks? Deep technical session or something more strategic? Interactive format or classic presentation? The variety is large enough that you can shape the day around what you currently need — whether that’s hands-on techniques, leadership topics, or broader discussions about quality in agile environments.

And after the official program ends, it doesn’t just stop. Some people continue discussions over drinks. Others join games, hack sessions, or simply sit together and talk. You can be as social — or as quiet — as you like.

That’s another aspect I appreciate: you’re not forced into a certain experience. If you feel overwhelmed, you can step back. If you don’t stay at the venue, there are still spaces to pause and recharge. The event takes its Code of Conduct seriously and pays attention to inclusivity and accessibility. Whether someone has allergies, neurodiversity, or other needs, there’s visible effort to create an environment where people feel considered rather than like an afterthought.

Compared to other conferences I’ve attended around the world — and I’ve seen quite a few since becoming an international speaker in 2023 — the Agile Testing Days feel more community-driven. Of course there are sponsors and partners, but they don’t dominate the experience. The focus remains on learning, exchange, and connection among peers.

For me personally, the biggest value has always been the combination of structured learning and informal conversations. I’ve taken practical ideas back to my teams — but I’ve also taken back new ways of thinking, new contacts, and sometimes just reassurance that others face similar challenges.

So no, it’s not “just another conference.”
It’s a few intense days of learning, discussion, and human connection — in a way that feels intentional rather than accidental.

And if you’re still unsure? Sometimes the hardest part is simply deciding to go.