A Quick Guide to Getting the Most Out of ShinyConf 2025

ShinyConf 2025 is almost here! From April 9 to 11, thousands of data scientists, developers, and Shiny fans will come together online to share ideas, build skills, and connect.

Whether you’re joining for the workshops, the talks, the networking, or all of it, this post will walk you through how to get the most out of the conference. 

Here's everything you should know before the big event.

Before the Conference

1. Register and Set Up Early

Once you register for ShinyConf 2025, you’ll get an email with your personal login link for the RingCentral Events platform. We recommend logging in at least a day before the event so you can get familiar with the space and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Set up your profile with:

• A photo
• Your name, title, and organization
• A short bio, social media profiles (optional, but helpful)

This makes it easier for others to recognize and reach out to you during networking breaks or after your sessions.

2. Plan Your Schedule

The agenda is live, and it’s packed with workshops, keynotes, technical talks, and real-world case studies. You can filter sessions by track, bookmark your favorites, and build a personalized agenda.

Main highlights to look out for:

🛠️ April 9 – Workshop Day
Hands-on learning with expert-led sessions like:

• Shiny for Python
• Modern UI Design in Shiny
• AI-Driven Shiny Applications

🎤 April 10 – First Main Conference Day
Expect inspiring keynotes, real-world case studies, and deep dives into building scalable, modern Shiny apps.

🔬 April 11 – Second Main Conference Day
Sessions focus on performance optimization, use cases in life sciences, and advanced programming techniques.

Bookmark your picks so you don’t miss anything, especially since some sessions run in parallel tracks.

Meet the Speakers

This year’s lineup includes experts building cutting-edge tools, deploying Shiny at scale, and solving real-world challenges with data.

Here are this year’s keynote speakers: 

Winston Chang (Posit):
Shiny and AI
Learn how to build your first chat app using large language models and explore new AI-powered developer tools from Posit.

Aga Rasinska (Appsilon):
Transforming Clinical Trials
Discover how R and Shiny are helping speed up decisions in pharmaceutical R&D by closing the gap between data collection and insight.

Explore the Expo Area

Between sessions, check out the virtual booths in the Expo tab. Here, you can:

• Watch live demos of tools and Shiny apps
• Chat with company reps
• Download resources, checklists, and ebooks
• Try out fun quizzes, remember Which Package R You? from ShinyConf 2024? We will have an even more interactive quiz this year!

It’s a great way to discover new tools and meet the people behind them.

Networking That Doesn’t Feel Awkward

ShinyConf is designed to help you connect naturally, whether it’s a quick hello or a deep dive into your latest project.

Ways to connect:

• Randomized 1:1 Networking: Meet attendees from around the world in a timed video call during coffee breaks
• Direct Messaging: DM attendees, speakers, or sponsors and set up 1:1 video meetings

Want to follow up on a session or ask about job openings? You can schedule private meetings directly through the platform (you can filter the list by organisers, speakers, and your connections)

During Sessions

Each session includes a chat and Q&A panel. You can:

• Say hi to other attendees
• Share takeaways or ask questions
• React with emojis during sessions
• Join live polls or feedback prompts

Speakers often stick around after their talks for extra Q&A, so don’t hesitate to participate.

After the Conference

All sessions will be recorded, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. You’ll have access to:

• Session recordings
• Resources shared by speakers and sponsors

Everything stays available for 12 months after the event and will eventually be available on our YouTube channel; you can check out our sessions from ShinyConf 2024 (Workshops, Innovation, Enterprise, Life Science, and Shiny for Good tracks)

Final Tips

• Log in early and check your sound/video settings
• Fill out your profile; it helps others connect with you
• Check the #ShinyConf2025 tag for community updates and shoutouts
• Don’t just attend, interact!

Want to Get Involved?

ShinyConf is built by and for the community. Want to share a talk next year, volunteer, or become a sponsor? Get in touch with us via shinyconf@appsilon.com or visit our website at shinyconf.com

See you (virtually) at ShinyConf 2025!