I’ve been to FOSDEM for the past three in-person years in row, but I’m skipping this year. I appreciate the spirit of the event but it’s way too overcrowded I usually end up missing most talks I’m interested in because the rooms are full or I can’t find where they are. Each year I’m always taken aback at how run down and grimy Brussels is as well. I’m from London and I feel much less safe there. A pickpocket brazenly tried to take my wallet last year at a train station. My mate also had his car window smashed. You’d think the heart of the EU would be in a better state.