Here’s some exciting news for developers: ServiceNow has announced a new in-person conference called now[dev]26. Positioned as the practical counterpart to ServiceNow’s flagship conference, Knowledge, this hands-on event favors workshops and practical learning over keynotes and announcements.
Due to take place in just two months’ time (November 4-5), you don’t have long to plan your trip. Luckily, we’ve collated the key information here for you. Ready, set, go!
Highlights and Key Information
First up, is this really new? From hands-on labs and local developer meetups to CreatorCon itself, the ServiceNow ecosystem is no stranger to developer-focused events.
What’s new here is not necessarily the concept but the now[dev] brand itself. ServiceNow is certainly making a statement, placing high value on the developer role with this dedicated, standalone event that favors practical workshops over announcement-heavy keynotes.
“Designed for developers of all levels, now[dev] is a two-day, hands-on experience where you’ll craft real solutions alongside the engineers and product experts who built the platform.”
Sounds good, right? Here’s what you can expect from now[dev]26, which is due to take place this November (4-5) at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California (US).
- Get hands-on at the Hackathon, using Build Agent and EmployeeWorks to create solutions and apply new skills.
- Connect with the community and share skills as you build your network of fellow builders and problem solvers.
- Develop valuable new skills around SDK, Build Agent, MCP servers, and Action Fabric.
- Take part in hands-on labs and technical workshops.
- Be inspired by the latest ServiceNow capabilities, best practices for development, AI, automation, and integrations.
- Get direct access to product engineers and expert-led training.
What’s On the Agenda?
It’s worth keeping an eye on the agenda, as more details are sure to be added in the run-up to the event.
Day 1 is all about the hackathon, with attendees invited to build, collaborate, and compete.
“Use Build Agent and EmployeeWorks to create solutions, share what you build, win prizes, and leave with practical patterns for everyday work.”
Day 2 will have hands-on labs and sessions running throughout the day, followed by a live Ask Me Anything session with the ServiceNow Product Team.
“Bring your toughest questions to ServiceNow product leaders across Core Platform, Build Agent, Build Anywhere, and EmployeeWorks. Ask how the pieces fit, which approach to use, what tradeoffs to consider, or anything else.”
There will be some recognizable faces in town, giving attendees the chance to hear directly from the people building the platform, including:
- Amit Zavery – President, CPO, and COO, ServiceNow.
- Bhavin Shah – SVP/GM, ServiceNow.
- Nirankush Panchbhai – SVP and GM, Creator of App Engine, ServiceNow.
- Kristy Merriam – Senior Developer, ServiceNow.
Thoughts from the Community
From user groups to CreatorCon, ServiceNow MVP Hardit Singh is no stranger to ServiceNow events. What are his thoughts about this latest addition to the calendar?
“Looking at the agenda, I see there is a hackathon on Day 1 (where developers are most excited) based on Build Agents and EmployeeWorks – the latest features of ServiceNow. For me, as a developer, I would be very excited to see what I can build, how other developers are thinking, and what unique ideas they have.
“On Day 2, we have the keynote, a whole day of hands-on sessions, and some Q&A. I feel it would be exciting to learn about all the new features coming to the platform. I would be seriously interested in building next year’s learning plans, and I would be able to ask my questions around the roadmap as well.
“Overall, I feel this event will be fun and as it’s two days, there’ll be a lot of networking and learning – and hopefully some cool swag!”
How Much Does It Cost to Attend?
A ticket will set you back $495 (USD). However, if you’re quick, you can take advantage of the lower rate of $295, which is available until September 30.
Of course, there will be travel and accommodation to think about, so this fee doesn’t tell the whole story, but it is significantly less expensive than Knowledge, which is upwards of $2,000 per ticket.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking for deeper platform capabilities, or you’re new to the role and in search of structured, practical learning, if this feels like an event you want to be at, it’s time to start planning.
Not sure your boss will agree? As always, ServiceNow has preempted the conversation. Here’s a template approval letter for you to tailor – a little extra encouragement to demonstrate how attending will help you build invaluable skills and knowledge you can apply to your future projects.