How HUSTEF Became a Leading International Software Testing Conference

Bonus Tipp: Never miss a crucial test again

"You're coming home, so you will see next year you're coming back like an old friend." - Attila Fekete

In this episode, I talk with Attila Fekete about HUSTEF 2025 in Budapest. He runs the program and the backstage work. We look at how a small local meet up from 2011 turned into 700 people from many countries. Care for people, high quality talks, and a fun vibe. We discuss new formats like longer talks, a master class track, and a career clinic with coaching and CV tips - and that first time speakers get mentoring too.

Attila Fekete has been passionate about software engineering since the age of 12, when he got his first computer and started programming — and the rest, as they say, is history.

With 27 years of experience in software testing, he has held various roles, including Head of Testing, Technical Test Lead, Quality Manager, Test Automation Engineer, and most recently, Vice President of SDETs.

For a time, Attila was an active public speaker, but during the pandemic he decided to focus his energy on organizing HUSTEF, one of Europe’s leading conferences dedicated to software testing and software quality. This year, he was appointed Program Chair of HUSTEF, a role he considers one of the major highlights of his career.

Outside of software engineering, Attila is passionate about sports — especially swimming and basketball. He also bikes to the office two to three times a week, even when it’s raining.

What’s next? Perhaps a return to public speaking — and new collaborations with other events, whenever time allows.

Highlights:

• HUSTEF grew from a small 2011 meetup to 700 international attendees


• The program values people, quality talks, and a fun atmosphere


• New formats include longer talks, a master class track, and a career clinic


• First time speakers get mentoring and a keynote opportunity


• Next steps plan a better app, speaker branding, and larger venues

More Links with Insights:

• HUSTEF 2026 6.-8.10.2026


• Hungarian Testing Board on Youtube