PyCon US 2026 Adds Cutting-Edge AI and Security Tracks

The annual Python conference, PyCon US, is returning next month from May 13th to 19th in Long Beach, California. This year’s event promises a wealth of new content with the introduction of dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and security tracks.

Long Beach will host this edition, marking the first time since Portland, Oregon in 2017 and Santa Clara in 2013 that PyCon US has landed on the West Coast. With over 2,000 attendees expected, this is a prime opportunity for Python enthusiasts across California to connect with their community.

The AI track will take place on Friday, May 15th, while Saturday, May 16th, will feature the security track. These new additions complement the regular PyCon programming and offer specialized learning experiences for attendees.

Artificial Intelligence Track

Chaired by Silona Bonewald (CitableAI) and Zac Hatfield-Dodds (Anthropic), the AI program boasts an impressive lineup of speakers covering topics from AI-assisted contributions to practical applications of large language models. Highlights include:

  • AI-Assisted Contributions: Learn how AI tools can streamline code review and improve maintainer efficiency.
  • AI-Powered Education: Explore adaptive learning approaches using Python for more inclusive education.
  • Low-Resource Language ID: Discover techniques to make African languages more visible in digital spaces.
  • Edge Inference: Deploy large language models on laptops with practical quantization methods.

The full schedule can be viewed here: https://us.pycon.org/2026/tracks/ai/

Security Track

Saturday’s security track will feature experts discussing the latest threats and best practices for secure Python development.

Beyond the Tracks

PyCon offers more than just formal talks, with lightning talks, open spaces where attendees can initiate conversations, and opportunities to contribute directly to projects through sprints. It’s known as one of the most community-focused tech events, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere despite its size.

For those seeking deeper engagement, the PyLadies auction is always a popular highlight, while the open space format allows for spontaneous discussions on topics ranging from data analysis with Datasette to agentic engineering patterns.