JCON EUROPE 2026 is coming back to Cologne — and this year brings two major highlights right from the start: a brand-new Premium Track AI focused on production-ready AI for Java teams, and free conference tickets for JAVAPRO readers and authors.
From April 20–23, 2026, the European Java community will once again gather at the Cinedom multiplex cinema, turning one of Germany’s largest movie theaters into a four-day Java experience on the big screen.
A Conference Where the Java Community Actually Connects
JCON is not designed as a classic “sit-and-listen” conference. The event is built around real interaction: developers, architects, and speakers meeting face-to-face, exchanging practical knowledge, and creating connections that last beyond the sessions.
With more than 1,000 participants expected, JCON EUROPE 2026 is one of the most community-driven Java gatherings in Europe.
The format encourages exchange through:
- spontaneous hallway-track discussions
- 1:1 meetings with speakers, bookable for personal Q\&A
- a dedicated Mentorship Hub across all conference days (including Bruno Souza and others)
- Slido-powered live Q\&A during sessions
- expo area, demos, and hands-on conversations
Happy Hour events on Tuesday and Wednesday add even more space for informal networking, alongside an exclusive VIP gathering on Wednesday evening.
NEW: Premium Track AI — AI Done Properly
AI is everywhere — but integrating it responsibly into real-world Java systems remains a complex challenge.
This is why JCON EUROPE 2026 is introducing the new Premium Track AI. It is designed for developers who want to move beyond experimental prototypes and focus on maintainable, enterprise-grade solutions — true Engineering Intelligence for production environments.
The Premium Track runs on:
- Tuesday & Wednesday (April 21–22)
- Cinema 7
- Accessible via Premium/VIP tickets or upgrade options
Featured sessions include:
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective AI Java Coding — Jonathan Vila
- Green AI with JobRunr — Ronald Dehuysser
- Building Intelligent Enterprises with LangChain4j & CDI — Emily Jiang
A 20% discount for selected tickets is available with:
Voucher Code: JAVAPRO-EARLYBIRD
Workshops: Hands-On Start on Monday
The conference week begins with a dedicated Workshop Day on Monday, April 20, starting at 13:00.
All attendees can book expert-led workshops for just:
€19 incl. VAT per workshop
(seats are limited)
Free Tickets for JAVAPRO Readers
JCON EUROPE 2026 remains strongly community-first: participation is free for many members of the Java ecosystem, including:
- JAVAPRO subscribers, authors, and JCON alumni
- Java User Group members
JAVAPRO readers can book a free 3-Day Full Conference Pass* for the main conference program using:
Ticket Code: JAVAPRO
For commercial company participants, regular pricing applies:
- Full Conference Pass (3 Days): 699 EUR (excl. VAT)
- or use the 20% Voucher Code: JAVAPRO-EARLYBIRD
*Please note: workshops and Premium Track AI access require an additional upgrade.
Engineering Intelligence: From the Page to the Stage
The core themes of our current JAVAPRO issue — Engineering Intelligence — find their practical continuation at JCON EUROPE 2026. While the magazine lays the strategic and theoretical foundation for intelligent software systems, the conference in Cologne provides the space to deepen these concepts through live coding and direct exchange with industry experts.
For all readers who want to experience Engineering Intelligence beyond the PDF page and see it in action within the Java ecosystem, JCON in April 2026 is the must-attend event on the calendar. We look forward to welcoming the JAVAPRO community at the Cinedom.
More information: www.jcon.one
Tickets: https://2026.europe.jcon.one/tickets
This article is part of the JAVAPRO magazine issue:
Engineering Intelligence – Building Systems in the AI Age
Explore what engineering means in the AI age — beyond code generation and automation.
Gain insights into performance-critical Java systems, evolving architectures, and the responsibilities that come with building intelligent software.
Discover the edition →
