Code is cheap.
Design is not.
Abstract is a one-day conference in San Francisco for those who care about the art of software.
As the price of code approaches zero, the value of software design steadily increases, and is the key differentiator in the success of engineers and engineering projects.
Abstract is the conference for people who care about engineering, simplicity, elegance and good abstractions. Come share ideas on engineering principles, managing large codebases, and the areas of engineering that LLMs still fall short.
Speakers
CVP Engineering,
GitHub Design & Microsoft CoreAI Design and ResearchJohn Maeda
Meagan Rose Gamache
Jean-Denis Grèze
Josh Puckett
Seth Raphael
Jamie Turner
James Cowling
More to be announced
FAQ
Basics
- Abstract is a one-day conference in San Francisco for humans who care about the art of software and design. We're bringing together engineers, founders, and systems design folks for a day of honest talks about craft, simplicity, and good abstractions. Hosted by Convex. Code is cheap. Design isn't.
- Engineers, founders, and systems design folks. People who've built and scaled real systems. People who care how software is designed, not just how fast it ships. If that sounds like you, apply.
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin Street, in San Francisco's Hayes Valley. The program runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM PT, with an after-party at the venue.
- A single track with a curated lineup. No sponsored talks. No sales pitches. Talks cover simplicity, good abstractions, systems design, design principles, and the past, present, and future of application development. Every speaker is on stage on merit, picked by the Convex team.
Registration and applying
- Attendance is free, but you must apply. Submit your application at abstract.convex.dev. Seats at SFJAZZ are limited, so apply early.
- We read every application. What we're looking for is simple: an interest in software design, engineering, and systems thinking. We want a mix of roles, experience levels, and companies in the room. Approval isn't first-come, first-served, and it has nothing to do with whether you use Convex. You'll hear back by email either way.
- No. Seats are limited, and an application is a request to attend. If you're approved, you'll get a confirmation with next steps. If we can't offer you a spot right away, you'll be placed on the waitlist.
- Abstract is free, so there's nothing to refund. If you're approved and can no longer make it, email marketing@convex.dev so we can give your seat to someone on the waitlist.
- Full access to the day's talks, meals and refreshments during the event, and the after-party at SFJAZZ.
Getting involved
- The lineup is curated by the Convex team, and there's no open CFP. Have a talk that fits the theme? Email marketing@convex.dev with a short pitch. We read everything.
- Abstract has no sponsored talks, and stage time is not for sale. If you want to support the event in other ways, email marketing@convex.dev and we'll talk.
- No livestream. Abstract is an in-person event, and the best seats are in the room. Talks will be recorded and posted after the event. Apply at abstract.convex.dev to be there live.
- Speakers and the agenda will roll out over the summer. We'll email registered attendees as more speakers are added.
Accessibility
- SFJAZZ Center is an accessible venue. Tell us about any accessibility needs when you apply, or email marketing@convex.dev and we'll work with you to support your participation.
- Meals will cover a range of dietary needs.
Still have questions about Abstract? Contact us at marketing@convex.dev.
