The ARCtic Conference 2025 brought together developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts for three days of insightful talks, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking. With an incredible lineup of speakers, the event lived up to its name—both as a nod to the Arctic setting and Apple’s Automatic Reference Counting (ARC). Beyond the technical deep dives, what truly made ARCtic special was the sense of community, from shared learning experiences to spontaneous conversations over meals, and even an unforgettable display of the Northern Lights.
The first day kicked off with an energy that only a room full of passionate developers can create. With exciting workshops, the day was a perfect mix of learning, collaboration, and great company.
After a full day of workshops, we wrapped things up with a fantastic meal alongside our Elisian colleagues, Harri and Xiaoxiao. But the day wasn’t over yet! We headed to Teerenpeli, where we registered for the next day’s conference and took part in a surprisingly challenging Apple Trivia game. The atmosphere was lively, the questions were tough, and with some local beers in hand, it was the perfect way to wind down.
One of the standout features of the conference was its well-structured schedule, allowing attendees to dive into sessions without feeling overwhelmed. Thoughtfully planned breaks between talks gave us the chance to absorb insights, reflect, and connect with peers, an aspect that truly elevated the experience. Morning & Afternoon Sessions The first full conference day delivered an impressive lineup of speakers, each session offering unique takeaways. Here are some highlights:
After a knowledge-packed day, a group of us followed Harri’s recommendation to visit a fantastic local restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious meal and engaged in insightful conversations with developers from the UK. But the true magic of the night? The Northern Lights made a surprise appearance, painting the Arctic sky with breathtaking shades of green and purple. A once-in-a-lifetime moment that made an already special day even more unforgettable. To end the night on a high note, we gathered for a couple of beers, reflecting on the day’s insights and the people we met.
The second full day of the conference started on a high note, with an exciting presentation by Paul Hudson on the Ignite framework.
The final talk of the conference was Aurelius Prochazka’s inspiring story about AudioKit, a journey of passion, persistence, and creativity. His story was a powerful reminder of what it takes to build something meaningful and lasting. After the last session, we gathered one last time with the people we had connected with the most over the past few days. An Irish pub around the corner became the perfect spot for a final round of drinks, farewell laughs, and a toast to an incredible conference. Soon after, it was time to head to the airport and board our flight back to Helsinki, carrying with us not just new technical insights, but also great memories and valuable connections.
ARCtic wasn’t just about technical talks, it was about community, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration. Whether through structured sessions or spontaneous discussions over coffee (and, of course, beer), the conference created an atmosphere where learning and networking went hand in hand. With three days of rich discussions, inspiring stories, and new connections, one thing is clear: ARCtic is more than just a conference, it’s an experience. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
