#AI Innovation #Prague #Observability #OpenSearch #Czechia

OpenSearchCon Europe 2026: Shaping the Future of Technology

The OpenSearch Software Foundation has officially revealed its plans for the highly anticipated OpenSearchCon Europe 2026, scheduled for April 16-17 in the historic city of Prague, Czechia. This conference aims to unite the global OpenSearch community and advance the frontiers of search technology, observability, and AI innovation.

As the demand for artificial intelligence settings and capabilities grows across Europe, organizations are critically reassessing their technology infrastructures. Rising concerns over vendor lock-in, data privacy, and escalating operational expenses have led many to advocate for open, community-managed platforms. In fact, recent analyses indicate that a striking 83% of European leaders prioritize sovereignty in AI development, which underscores the necessity of community-driven advancements and technologies in today’s digital landscape.

Bianca Lewis, Executive Director of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, emphasized this shift in priorities, stating, "Global leaders are taking a more strategic view regarding AI infrastructure. Businesses are increasingly interested in platforms that foster innovation while ensuring transparency in costs and control over their data management processes. Modern search technologies must offer real-time insights and governance capabilities essential to the integration of AI agents within day-to-day operations."

The OpenSearchCon Europe 2026 is not just another tech conference; it is a congregation where crucial stakeholders come together to define the future trajectory of open-source initiatives. Attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup of keynotes, discussions, and hands-on sessions led by notable industry experts, which will collectively delve into the evolution of search and artificial intelligence.

Key Highlights of the Conference

1. Scaling Welfare with Open Source: How NAV Migrated to Managed OpenSearch - This session will feature Dmitry Kan from Aiven and Hans Kristian Flaatten of the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration, sharing insights on their journey to implement OpenSearch.

2. From Embeddings to Index: A Practitioner’s Guide to Domain-Adapted Neural Search - Samuel Herman from Oracle will present a comprehensive approach focusing on domain-specific neural search techniques.

3. Ingesting Observability Data: OpenTelemetry Collector vs Data Prepper - An informative session from Karsten Schnitter, representing SAP SE, that will not only compare tools but also offer best practices in managing observability seamlessly.

4. Integrating Docling with OpenSearch for Advanced RAG and Agentic Applications - Cesar Berrospi Ramis from IBM Research is set to explore integration strategies using Docling with OpenSearch.

With over 50 sessions planned, including keynotes and breakout workshops, the opportunities for learning and networking at OpenSearchCon Europe 2026 are immense. The conference will address pressing questions regarding the future of open-source technology, how analytics can be leveraged effectively, and what advancements are on the horizon.

Join the Movement

Registration is now open for those eager to partake in this landmark event. Discounted rates are available for students and academics, ensuring that emerging talent can also be part of this pivotal technology conversation. To gain access to the full schedule, and details regarding sponsorship opportunities, participants are encouraged to visit the OpenSearch Software Foundation’s website.

As the OpenSearch Software Foundation continues to lead efforts in creating a competitive and collaborative open-source framework, events like OpenSearchCon Europe 2026 will undoubtedly be a key catalyst for the ongoing evolution of search, observability, and AI technologies that power modern enterprises today.

In unity lies strength; together, let’s explore the future of tech at OpenSearchCon Europe 2026.