Organizing Agile Lean Europe – ALE 2025 has been quite the journey so far. ALE isn’t just another Agile event. It’s an open space for real connection, curiosity, and contribution. A place where kids run around, strangers become friends, and you don’t need permission to lead.
This is how a handful of volunteers from Munich (including us, Manuel and Susanne) brought this year’s edition to life. It’s about inclusion without bureaucracy, leadership without control, and why people keep showing up year after year.
ALE is different
ALE (Agile Lean Europe) doesn’t follow the usual script. There are no VIP speakers. No rigid schedule. No hierarchy. Just a co-created space where everyone’s voice matters.
This year in Munich, over 200 people from across Europe (and beyond) will gather to share ideas, learn from each other, and build community. Not as spectators, but as participants. They’ll lead sessions, have dinner with strangers, draw murals, sit quietly, or play with their kids. That’s ALE.
It’s not a brand. Not a product. It’s a shared space. Every year, a new city. A new team. The same spirit, freshly interpreted.
Designed for inclusion
Inclusion isn’t a buzzword for us, it’s the design principle. Open Space levels the playing field. Anyone can propose a session. There’s no “call for papers,” no gatekeepers, no stage to chase. If you’ve got something to share, you’re in.
And because the atmosphere is safe and welcoming, people do share. Even first-timers. By day two or three, we’ve seen folks who didn’t plan to speak suddenly step forward. That’s what ALE makes possible.
We approached ticket pricing the same way. We offered five tiers, from subsidized to patron. People could pay what they could afford. And here’s what happened: most people chose the higher-priced tickets to support the community. That’s powerful.
Organizing without a hierarchy
We’re all volunteers. No salaries. No org chart. We started with six people and a Trello board. The only formal role? Manuel, as a kind of tie-breaker. (Spoiler: we haven’t needed that yet.)
Our agreement: act transparently, move forward unless someone objects. It keeps things moving without constant check-ins. And it builds trust.
When Susanne joined the organizing team a bit later, she brought energy and clarity to the team. Everyone leaned into their strengths. No turf wars. No egos. Just people who care.
Budget reality check
Sponsorship was tough. We contacted 60–70 companies. Most replied, “We’d love to, but budgets are tight.”
So we adapted. We kept costs low. Worked closely with the venue. Planned for best and worst cases. No fancy extras, but we’re still delivering an awesome event.
The real lift came from the community. People bought tickets at the higher levels because they believe in this. That kind of support? Priceless.
Local flavor, shared DNA
ALE evolves every year. New country, new crew, new twist. Yet the essence stays the same.
In Munich, we’re adding a few things:
- Pods – small groups that meet daily to reflect and support each other. We hope those connections live on.
- Quiet room – a place to pause. Whether it’s meditation, coaching, or just silence, we want people to recharge, not burn out.
We’re also continuing beloved traditions: dinner with strangers, kids and spouses program, and post-ALE adventures. This is a multigenerational gathering, not just a work thing.
The final stretch
We’re three weeks out. Still locking in the last details—rooms, dinners, t-shirts, facilitation. A few tickets are left. More sponsors would help.
But mostly? We’re excited.
Weaving community isn’t just a theme. It’s what we’re doing.
Want in?
Before August 27: Grab a ticket. Join us.
If you’re a sponsor: Help fund something real. Something human.
After ALE 2025: Maybe you’re the one to organize ALE 2026. You won’t be alone. The community’s got your back.
ALE is a shared story. And there’s always room for more voices
