HUSTEF Recap

A local testing conference grew from a small meetup in 2011 to a 700 person international gathering in Budapest. The program favors care for people, high quality content, and a relaxed vibe. New formats include longer talks for depth, a master class track, and a career clinic with coaching, CV reviews, and practical AI hints. First time speakers get mentoring and a path to the keynote stage. Iteration is central: try, collect feedback, improve. Next steps look at a better app, stronger speaker branding, and larger venues. The story suggests that craft and hospitality can scale, and that growth should serve learning, not ego.

Podcast Episode: HUSTEF Recap

In this episode, I talk with Attila Fekete about HUSTEF 2025 in Budapest. He runs the program and the backstage work. We look at how a small local meet up from 2011 turned into 700 people from many countries. Care for people, high quality talks, and a fun vibe. We discuss new formats like longer talks, a master class track, and a career clinic with coaching and CV tips - and that first time speakers get mentoring too.

"You're coming home, so you will see next year you're coming back like an old friend." - Attila Fekete

Attila Fekete has been passionate about software engineering since the age of 12, when he got his first computer and started programming — and the rest, as they say, is history.

With 27 years of experience in software testing, he has held various roles, including Head of Testing, Technical Test Lead, Quality Manager, Test Automation Engineer, and most recently, Vice President of SDETs.

For a time, Attila was an active public speaker, but during the pandemic he decided to focus his energy on organizing HUSTEF, one of Europe’s leading conferences dedicated to software testing and software quality. This year, he was appointed Program Chair of HUSTEF, a role he considers one of the major highlights of his career.

Outside of software engineering, Attila is passionate about sports — especially swimming and basketball. He also bikes to the office two to three times a week, even when it’s raining.

What’s next? Perhaps a return to public speaking — and new collaborations with other events, whenever time allows.

Highlights der Episode

• HUSTEF grew from a small 2011 meetup to 700 international attendees
• The program values people, quality talks, and a fun atmosphere
• New formats include longer talks, a master class track, and a career clinic
• First time speakers get mentoring and a keynote opportunity
• Next steps plan a better app, speaker branding, and larger venues

HUSTEF 2025: Community, Growth, and Innovation in Software Quality

The world of software testing is ever-evolving, but few places embody this transformation as vibrantly as the HUSTEF Conference. In a recent episode of "Software Testing Unleashed," Richie sat down with Attila Fekete, program chair of HUSTEF 2025, for an energetic conversation recorded live at the event in Budapest. Their discussion didn't just spotlight the technical excellence of the conference—it showcased the heart and soul of the international software testing community.

The Humble Beginnings and Remarkable Growth of HUSTEF

When HUSTEF started in 2011, the vision was simple: bring local test engineers together to share and learn (Attila Fekete). Fast forward fifteen years, and the conference has grown from 150 participants to over 700, attracting an international crowd and world-class speakers. This transformation has not gone unnoticed—Richie described the atmosphere as "friendly and intense," praising the spirit and inclusiveness that define the event.

During their talk, Attila Fekete revealed how the pandemic acted as a catalyst for change, sparking a deliberate shift toward internationalization. Today, 40-50% of attendees hail from outside Hungary, and the roster of speakers is as globally diverse as the audience. Despite this scale, the organizers run HUSTEF as a “love project,” prioritizing quality over commercial ambitions.

Building a Conference That Feels Like Home

One of the virtues of HUSTEF, as mentioned by both Richie and Attila Fekete, is its sense of community. At HUSTEF, “you feel like you're coming home,” says Attila Fekete, whether you're a speaker, attendee, or volunteer. This is not just a slogan: from organizing team members living in the speaker hotel to the rigorous but supportive program review process, the event is designed to be welcoming and inclusive.

Richie recollected volunteering for the review team and how much fun it was to collaborate with others in selecting talks—proof that the organizers' commitment to fostering enjoyment and fulfillment is genuine.

Unique Features That Elevate the HUSTEF Experience

What sets HUSTEF apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. As Attila Fekete pointed out, the content each year brings fresh perspectives, and around 10% of talks are delivered by first-time speakers—supported by coaching and mentorship. This not only invigorates the conference with new voices but helps nurture the next generation of thought leaders.

Another standout feature is the “master class” deep dives, which answer calls for longer, more impactful sessions, especially for senior engineers and decision-makers. Emerging topics like non-functional testing and AI are given space, meeting the shifting interests of both technical and leadership attendees.

There’s also a “speaker’s corner”—an innovation that extends the chance for attendees to interact with presenters after their sessions, something often limited at large events. And every change is driven by feedback: if attendees ask for something, HUSTEF seriously considers it and adapts.

Supporting Careers and New Voices

A recurring theme in their conversation was career progression. HUSTEF’s “career clinic” offers personalized coaching—not just on technical competence, but on building a CV, online presence, and interview skills in today's AI-powered recruitment environment. As Attila Fekete explained, these clinics help testers break through career plateaus and gain the confidence needed to pursue new opportunities.

In tandem, the “Rising Star keynote” initiative lets promising newcomers take the big stage, directly addressing the experience gap that can leave first-time speakers behind. Coaching, feedback, and opportunities all combine to make HUSTEF an engine of professional growth.

Celebrating 15 Years and Looking Ahead

This year marks HUSTEF’s 15th birthday, with celebrations that include everything from fun games to a DJ-led party. But the real excitement is what lies ahead: plans for better mobile app notifications, efforts to showcase international speakers to the local Hungarian audience, and the possible introduction of mini-events to build speaker brands. As the event grows in size, the organizers remain focused on keeping it accessible, personal, and relevant.

As Richie concluded, the spirit of HUSTEF is woven into every moment, and its future is as promising as its past. If you’re passionate about software quality, you won’t want to miss the next edition. HUSTEF is proof that the best events are built not just on talks and tutorials, but on genuine community and innovation.