ScyllaDB’s Engineering Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria

From hacking to hiking: what happens when engineering sea monsters get together  ScyllaDB is a remote-first company, with team members spread across the globe. We’re masters of virtual connection, but every year, we look forward to the chance to step away from our screens and come together for our Engineering Summit. It’s a time to reconnect, exchange ideas, and share spontaneous moments of joy that make working together so special. This year, we gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria — a city rich in history and culture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Balkan mountains. Where Monsters Meet This year’s summit brought together a record-breaking number of participants from across the globe—over 150! As ScyllaDB continues its continued growth, the turnout well reflects our momentum and our team’s expanding global reach. We, ScyllaDB Monsters from all corners of the world, came together to share knowledge, build connections, and collaborate on shaping the future of our company and product. A team-building activity An elevator ride to one of the sessions The summit brought together not just the engineering teams but also our Customer Experience (CX) colleagues. With their insights into the real-world experiences of our customers, the CX team helped us see the bigger picture and better understand how our work impacts those who use our product. The CX team Looking Inward, Moving Forward The summit was packed with really insightful talks, giving us a chance to reflect on where we are and where we’re heading next. It was all about looking back at the wins we’ve had so far, getting excited about the cool new features we’re working on now, and diving deep into what’s coming down the pipeline. CEO and Co-founder, Dor Laor, kicking off the summit The sessions sparked fruitful discussions about how we can keep pushing forward and build on the strong foundation we’ve already laid. The speakers touched on a variety of topics, including: ScyllaDB X Cloud Consistent topology Data distribution with tablets Object storage Tombstone garbage collection Customer stories Improving customer experience And many more Notes and focus doodles Collaboration at Its Best: The Hackathon This year, we took the summit energy to the next level with a hackathon that brought out the best in creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants were divided into small teams, each tackling a unique problem. The projects were chosen ahead of time so that we had a chance to work on real challenges that could make a tangible impact on our product and processes. The range of projects was diverse. Some teams focused on adding new features, like implementing a notification API to enhance the user experience. Others took on documentation-related challenges, improving the way we share knowledge. But across the board, every team managed to create a functioning solution or prototype. At the hackathon The hackathon brought people from different teams together to tackle complex issues, pushing everyone a bit outside their comfort zone. Beyond the technical achievements, it was a powerful team-building experience, reinforcing our culture of collaboration and shared purpose. It reminded us that solving real-life challenges—and doing it together—makes our work even more rewarding. The hackathon will undoubtedly be a highlight of future summits to come! From Development to Dance And then, of course, came the party. The atmosphere shifted from work to celebration with live music from a band playing all-time hits, followed by a DJ spinning tracks that kept everyone on their feet. Live music at the party Almost everyone hit the dance floor—even those who usually prefer to sit it out couldn’t resist the rhythm. It was the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the success of the summit! Sea monsters swaying Exploring Sofia and Beyond During our time in Sofia, we had the chance to immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and culture. Framed by the dramatic Balkan mountains, Sofia blends the old with the new, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern vibe. We wandered through the ancient ruins of the Roman Theater and visited the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, marveling at their beauty and historical significance. To recharge our batteries, we enjoyed delicious meals in modern Bulgarian restaurants. In front of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral But the adventure didn’t stop in the city. We took a day trip to the Rila Mountains, where the breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere left us in awe. One of the standout sights was the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. The Rila Monastery After soaking in the peaceful vibes of the monastery, we hiked the trail leading to the Stob Earth Pyramids, a natural wonder that looked almost otherworldly. The Stob Pyramids The hike was rewarding, offering stunning views of the mountains and the unique rock formations below. It was the perfect way to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty while winding down from the summit excitement. Happy hiking Looking Ahead to the Future As we wrapped up this year’s summit, we left feeling energized by the connections made, ideas shared, and challenges overcome. From brainstorming ideas to clinking glasses around the dinner table, this summit was a reminder of why in-person gatherings are so valuable—connecting not just as colleagues but as a team united by a common purpose. As ScyllaDB continues to expand, we’re excited for what lies ahead, and we can’t wait to meet again next year. Until then, we’ll carry the lessons, memories, and new friendships with us as we keep moving forward. Чао! We’re hiring – join our team! Our team