OpenAI just opened applications for DevDay 2026, its annual developer conference, set for September 29 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. This is the fourth edition of the event, and it comes with a notable expansion: for the first time, OpenAI is pairing the flagship conference with a global tour of satellite events called DevDay Exchanges.
What's actually happening
The event will bring developers together in San Francisco for technical sessions, hands-on demos, workshops, and direct access to OpenAI teams building developer tools. The opening keynote will be livestreamed for free, no sign-up required. Other sessions will be recorded and posted on openai.com after the event.
A few key logistics to know:
- Applications are open now, with a deadline of July 10, 2026.
- Accepted applicants will be notified by late July, and will have 14 days to register before their spot is offered to someone on the waitlist.
- Registration costs $650, and a limited number of scholarships are available that may cover registration, travel, and accommodation.
- The event is expected to attract 1,500+ attendees.
Going global for the first time
The biggest structural change this year is the DevDay Exchanges program. Later in 2026, OpenAI will bring DevDay Exchanges to Bengaluru, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Berlin, London, São Paulo, and Mexico City. This is a meaningful shift -- previous DevDays were single-city affairs, and the international expansion signals that OpenAI is actively trying to deepen its developer relationships outside the US market.
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