KCD Organizers are advocates for the cloud native ecosystem, driven by their passion for CNCF technologies and projects to continue to grow their local community.
Organizers help further the mission of open source, and spread the knowledge of cloud native by creating an inclusive event that has mind share, networking, and opportunities for growth.
Annual KCDs are a gift of time. By organizing, you are contributing to the greater cloud-native ecosystem.
Want to be part of this mission? Scroll for more information on what it takes to partner with CNCF.
Benefits to hosting a KCD
- Gain recognition for your expertise and contributions to the community.
- Networking opportunities to collaborate with equally passionate global KCD Organizers.
- Receive certification vouchers to give away or raffle at your KCD.
- Receive discount codes for organizers and your community to CNCF-hosted events.
- Receive a budget for stickers for your event.
- Partner with CNCF staff to gain insight and provide input for community growth.
- KubeCon + CloudNativeCon kiosk/table opportunities to promote your event.
- Earn a Credly badge to recognize your efforts and experience of planning an event.
- CNCF will distribute Credly badges to your speakers or volunteers (or a combination of both as a “Contributor”.
Hosting Ins & Outs
NEW for 2026, we are introducing tiers enabling global communities of all sizes to grow their local cloud-native ecosystem. See below for summary of standards and benefits. View the complete list of KCD requirements.
2026 Updates
There are now three (3) tiers of KCDs!
First-time KCDs
- Maximum capacity of 200 people*
- Guaranteed CNCF funding and monthly syncs with a CNCF core program manager
- Limited inaugural KCDs will be accepted – collaboration with surrounding chapters is highly encouraged
Tier 1
- Must have hosted at least one prior KCD
- Maximum capacity of 350 people*
- KCDs can apply for funding. Amounts will vary based on region
- Required to attend a monthly meeting with global KCD Organizers (two time zone choices will be provided)
*For first-time KCDs and Tier 1, additional registrations may be allotted on a case by case basis.
Tier 2
- Limit of 600 registrations
- Must have hosted at least two prior KCDs
- CNCF representative attends event
- Elevated branding
- Proceeds re-invested back into your local or regional community within the same year of your KCD
The following applies to all KCDs
- KCDs are a one-time annual event.
- KCDs must not be within 2-months of a CNCF or LF hosted event hosted in the same country (or small region).
- The majority of organizers must live in, or near the KCD location. At least one organizer is either a CNCF ambassador OR a CNCF project maintainer. All organizers have taken the Inclusive Open Source Community Orientation (LFC102) ahead of filling out this survey.
- Abide by the CNCF Code of Conduct.
- Use the KCD logo and work with a CNCF core program manager to make it unique to your KCD.
- KCDs provide two (2) free tickets to Golden Kubestronauts, free scholarships for three (3) recipients, and free admission for all CNCF representatives in attendance. These tickets do not count towards the maximum attendee limits listed above.
- Provide CNCF with financial transparency.
- Use Sessionize for your Call for Proposals (CFP), to close it at least 8 weeks before the event, and launch the agenda at least 6 weeks prior to your event. CNCF will provide an event code so Sessionize is free to use if you are charging an ticket fee. Otherwise the community license will be available to apply for free use.
- Ensure the program and panels are vendor neutral, and not all speakers are of one gender or company.
- Final speaker lineup submitted to CNCF for review prior to sending out acceptances.
- Use the designated CNCF registration platform.
- Attain liability insurance for the day of your event.
- Post-event transparency report required.
2026 Application Timeline
KCD Program applications run once a year. Here is the general schedule:
| Important Dates | 2026 Application Projection |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | June 2025 |
| Applications Close | July 2025 |
| Application Notifications | August 2025 |
| KCDs Announced | September 2025 |
Apply
Interested in hosting an official CNCF-supported KCD?
Have a question? Read the Frequently Asked Questions.