Frequently Asked Questions

RustConf is the original annual conference dedicated to the Rust programming language and its ecosystem. Since 2016, it has brought together open source contributors, engineers, researchers, and industry teams building with Rust.

RustConf is hosted by the Rust Foundation, the independent nonprofit steward of the Rust programming language and its global community.

RustConf 2026 takes place September 8-11, 2026 in Montréal, Canada, with a virtual attendance option available.

RustConf brings together the broadest cross-section of the Rust ecosystem — from open source maintainers and researchers to engineers building large-scale production systems. Hosted by the Rust Foundation since 2023, it provides a neutral, community-centered space to explore the language’s future. As the original annual conference dedicated to Rust, RustConf continues to serve as the ecosystem’s flagship gathering.

RustConf is for anyone interested in the Rust programming language — and especially for those building with Rust, evaluating it for adoption, or contributing to its ecosystem. From open source maintainers and researchers to engineers deploying Rust in production, RustConf brings together the people shaping the language’s future. We also welcome contributors to other programming languages who are curious about Rust at RustConf.

RustConf talks and content will be presented in English. Captioning will be provided for keynotes, breakout sessions, and lightning talks.

Early bird registration opens in early April and ends on April 29. Standard registration runs from April 30 to August 10. Late registration begins August 11. Check the ticket page for rates.

• Employer-Paid
• Individual/Student/Non-Profit
• Workshop Add-On
• UnConference Add-On
• Virtual (free)

Employer-paid tickets are for attendees whose registration is paid for by a company or government agency. Individual/Students/Non-Profit tickets are for self-funded attendees, students, educators, and employees of non-profit organizations.

No. Workshops are optional add-ons held on Tuesday and must be added during registration while capacity remains.

The UnConference (“UnConf”) is a Friday add-on featuring vendor-neutral, community-led discussions. Space is limited and must be selected during registration. Registration is $30 CAD for the 2026 UnConf to ensure spots go to those who are confident they will attend. In previous years, free tickets sold out quickly but led to many last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and a long waitlist to backfill. Thank you for understanding and for helping us create a more reliable event experience for everyone.

Virtual access is pay-what-you-wish, starting at $0. Registration is required to access the livestream and conference Discord channels.

Yes. We plan to livestream all talks and publish recordings afterward on the RustConf YouTube channel.

Sponsors and speakers will receive unique registration codes for their allotted passes.

We offer a flexible refund policy to accommodate travel uncertainty.

• Visa or travel-related issues: Full refund available, including processing fees, through September 5, 2026.
• Ticket cancellation up to 15 days before the event (request received by September 23): Full refund available, including processing fees.
• Ticket cancellation less than 15 days before the event (request received by September 24 or later): Refunds are not available.

To request a refund, forward your confirmation email to rustconf@rustfoundation.org with “Refund Request” in the subject line. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 7 business days.

RustConf tickets are generally non-transferable. If you have a special circumstance or request, please contact us at rustconf@rustfoundation.org and our team will be happy to review it.

Students should purchase “Individual” tickets. This rate is designed for self-funded attendees, including students, and is available at a reduced price compared to the Employer-Paid tier.

No, RustConf 2026 will not offer onsite childcare services. We encourage attendees who require childcare to make arrangements in advance.

Yes. Please bring your laptop and charger to the workshop you have registered for. Note that your instructor might have prep work for you and your machine to complete prior to workshop day. Stay tuned to emails in the days before workshops for instructions!

Revenue from RustConf helps cover the costs of producing the conference and supporting the Rust community. As a nonprofit, the Rust Foundation reinvests any surplus into programs, infrastructure, administration, and/or initiatives that help fulfill its mission to steward and support the Rust programming language.

Soon! Stay tuned.

RustConf features keynotes, technical sessions, workshops, lightning talks, and an UnConference.

Talks are reviewed and selected by an independent Program Committee composed of Rust community members and leaders.

Learn more about the RustConf 2026 Program Committee here

Speakers include open source maintainers, researchers, and engineers deploying Rust in production across industries.

Most speakers are selected through a Call for Proposals (CFP) process and Program Committee review. The organizing team often directly invites keynote speakers.

The CFP closed February 16.

Palais des Congrès de Montréal

Address:

1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 0A3, Canada

Metro Station: Place-d’Armes

Yes. Discounted rates are available at select Montréal hotels while inventory lasts. Please visit our Travel page for more details.

Yes. Select airlines are offering 2–10% discounts for eligible travel dates. Use the booking codes provided on our Travel page when purchasing tickets.

If you require a visa to travel to Canada, you may request an official RustConf invitation letter through the visa request form listed on the Travel page.

We strongly recommend starting as early as possible, as processing times vary by region.

Virtual attendees will have access to livestreamed keynotes and breakout sessions, and to the conference Discord channels.

Yes. Virtual attendees can engage with speakers, sponsors, and other onsite and virtual attendees in the conference Discord channels.

Currently, masks are recommended but not required. N95 masks or abstention from the conference are encouraged for high-risk attendees.

Currently, vaccination is strongly encouraged but not required.

Currently, testing before travel is strongly encouraged, but will not be verified onsite.

Please do not attend in person if you test positive or are experiencing symptoms.

Yes, we accommodate most common dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, halal) if disclosed during registration prior to August 23.

Yes. The venue includes ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and clear access paths. Virtual talks will include auto-captioning. Please visit this page for more details about universal accessibility features at our 2026 venue.

Email rustconf@rustfoundation.org before the event. During the event, speak with onsite staff or use the Discord help channel.

Yes. All attendees must abide by the RustConf Code of Conduct.

Violations may result in warning or expulsion without refund.

Contact onsite staff at the registration desk immediately or follow the reporting protocol outlined on the Code of Conduct page.

Visit the Become a Sponsor page to review sponsorship packages and download the prospectus.

Diamond, Gold+, Gold, Silver, and à la carte sponsorship options. Learn more here.

Yes. Certain tiers and benefits are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsorship opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and select tiers may sell out in advance of the event. We encourage interested organizations to contact us as early as possible to secure preferred benefits and visibility.

RustConf brings together open source maintainers, researchers, and engineers building Rust in production across industries. Sponsoring the conference provides meaningful brand visibility, recruiting opportunities, and direct engagement with the Rust ecosystem.

As the original annual Rust conference, now hosted by the Rust Foundation, RustConf offers a uniquely credible, community-centered environment to showcase your organization’s commitment to Rust.

Your personal information will not be shared with sponsors without your consent.
During registration, you may choose to opt in if you’re open to having your information shared with sponsors. Additionally, sponsors in the expo hall may use badge scanning devices to collect contact information — but only if you choose to have your badge scanned. You remain in control of whether your information is shared.

Email: rustconf@rustfoundation.org.

Email: contact@rustfoundation.org

or visit: rustfoundation.org