Each summer, OpenJDK engineers, JVM architects, language designers, compiler writers, runtime experts, and Java luminaries gather at the JVM Language Summit, a small but powerhouse conference focused entirely on the Java Virtual Machine and the rich ecosystem of languages and tools that target it.

Brief History

• Inception (2008): The inaugural Summit was held in September 2008 at Sun Microsystems in Santa Clara. It brought together pioneers like JRuby, Groovy, Scala, Clojure, Jython, and JVM architects to share ideas, especially around closures and VM evolution.
• Continued Evolution: After annual editions through the early 2010s, the Summit continued the tradition of deep technical exploration within the JVM ecosystem bringing together a who’s who of language experts presenting on state-of-the-art language design or implementation on the JVM.
• Modern Era (2023–2025): Recent Summits uphold the virtues of the past…lasting 2 ½ days at Oracle’s Santa Clara campus and maintaining an intimate setting, the Summit’s interactive vibe offers sessions that are deeply technical, given by designers and implementors, as well as the opportunity to meet and connect with industry programming language luminaries.

What’s the Summit All About?

The JVM Language Summit is not a typical marketing-focused conference—it’s geek heaven:

• Technical Collaboration: Attendees include those who build languages on the JVM, develop runtimes, and work on compiler toolchains.
• Single-Track Format: Traditional 30–60 minute talks are interspersed with open workshops and lightning sessions, fostering spontaneous deep dives into hot topics.
• For Implementers, By Implementers: The Summit is organized by JVM engineers and language creators—no marketers, no sales pitches. Attendees speak bytecode and expect real technical depth.

Why Should Software Developers Attend?

If you:

• Design or maintain a programming language or DSL on the JVM
• Build compilers, runtimes, or tooling integrated with the JVM
• Have a passion for language implementation or JVM internals
• Want to shape the future of the JVM platform

…then yes, the Summit is exactly where you want to be.

1. Stay Ahead of the Curve: Learn about cutting-edge JVM projects and features such as Project Leyden, value classes, virtual threads, ZGC, new numeric types, and more.

2. Learn from Other Languages: Hear real-world implementation stories from Scala, Kotlin, Clojure, Groovy, and even niche or emerging JVM languages. Understand how stepping outside Java offers new perspectives.

3. Collaborative Innovation: Forge connections across the ecosystem—VM maintainers, compiler authors, language and runtime tool smiths—and influence future JVM directions.

4. Hands-On Discussions: Engage in workshops where you can influence the agenda. Many insights emerge not from slides, but from the hum of collaborative discussion.

5. Access to Leading Experts: Connect with featured luminaries like John Rose, Brian Goetz, Dan Heidinga, Paul Sandoz, Viktor Klang, Eric Österlund, Maurizio Cimadamore, and more.

Practical Details

• 2025 Dates: August 4–6
• Venue: Oracle Auditorium, Santa Clara, CA
• Format: ~80–100 attendees, single track + workshops & lightning talks
• Ticket Price: ~$495.00 (USD)
• Registration: https://register.jvmlangsummit.com/
• Summit Details & Agenda: https://openjdk.org/projects/mlvm/jvmlangsummit/

Final Thoughts

The JVM Language Summit is a rare convergence of deep expertise, forward-looking innovation, and collaborative spirit. If helping evolve the JVM, exploring language design, and forging cross-ecosystem connections resonates with you—this Summit is where the magic happens. Whether you’re implementing a language, enhancing the JVM, or building tools, this is the place to expand your horizons and leave a mark on the platform’s future. We’re looking forward to you joining us at the 2025 JVM Language Summit!