When people say “Agile is dead,” I can’t help but smile – because my recent experience in Guatemala proves the opposite. Agile is not only alive, it’s thriving. The first-ever Regional Scrum Gathering in Central America, hosted by the Scrum Alliance, brought together close to 240 passionate agilists from 17 different countries in the beautiful Antigua, Guatemala. The energy was electric, and the hunger for all things Agile in this region was undeniable.
I had the privilege of serving as Scrum Master for the volunteer team (the Scrum Squad) responsible for keeping the conference running smoothly. This wasn’t my first rodeo. I’ve volunteered at two global scrum gatherings and even served as the Scrum Master for the Global Scrum Gathering in Munich. But this experience was a whole new ballgame.
Why? Language. Most of our volunteers spoke Spanish, and while I know some Spanish, leading daily scrums in a mix of Spanish and English was a challenge. Their questions came in Spanish, my answers came in English, and somehow, we made it work. It was a true exercise in collaboration and adaptability — the very essence of Agile. We didn’t let language barriers slow us down; instead, we embraced them as part of the process.
What struck me most was how Agile principles transcended borders and languages. Regardless of where we came from or what language we spoke, we shared a common understanding: inspect and adapt, deliver value, and foster collaboration. Agile became our universal language.
This gathering was more than a conference — it was a reminder that Agile is far from dead. It’s evolving, growing, and connecting people worldwide. Central America showed us that the appetite for Agile is strong, and the principles that unite us are as relevant as ever.
So, to anyone who doubts Agile’s vitality: come to a Scrum Gathering. You’ll see what I saw: passionate people, meaningful conversations, and a global community aligned on the fundamentals that make Agile powerful.
