CONTECH 2025 brought the Oracle community together in exciting new ways this November in Bucharest. Held at the Politehnica University, the two-day event welcomed not only seasoned professionals and Oracle ACEs, but also a vibrant influx of students—many connecting with Oracle technology in person for the very first time. As both a presenter and the Oracle ACE booth staffer, I’m delighted to share some of the most memorable moments and insights from this year’s conference.

ACE Adventure & Dinner: Networking in Style

Our ACE activities kicked off on Sunday with a special adventure: an engraving workshop paired with a wine tasting. With more than 15 participants, the event set the tone for meaningful connections and light-hearted conversation.

Later that evening, over 20 ACEs and Oracle community members gathered for our ACE Dinner. Both events ran smoothly, with excellent food, warm hospitality, and memorable conversations—reminders that community grows stronger over shared experiences.

ACE Booth: Spotlight on the Power of Community

Throughout CONTECH 2025, the ACE booth served as the central hub for attendees, with Oracle swag, information, and networking opportunities throughout both days. That status gave us the chance to interact with nearly every conference participant—engaging in technical conversations, taking photos, and providing insight into the Oracle ACE Program.

One of our top highlights: welcoming students curious about Oracle, many hearing about the ACE Program for the first time. It was inspiring to see so much early-career talent eager to join our ecosystem, and many already pre-registered for the new ACE Apprentice level!

The ACE Apprentice level, announced at Oracle AI World recently, makes it easier than ever for new technologists and students to find their place, get guidance, and begin making an impact in the global Oracle community.

ACE Session & Panel: Learning, Sharing and Inspiring

The ACE Session drew a diverse audience and included many students, curious to hear from the Oracle ACEs. The heart of the session was our lively panel discussion with four Oracle ACEs – Mirela Ardelean, Christian Gohmann, Sai Janakiram Penumuru, and Sean Scott. We explored everything from what inspired their community journeys, to the impact of peer-to-peer connections and the skills developed through active collaboration. The questions included topics on professional growth, building confidence, gender inclusion and advice for new and aspiring members.

Key takeaways included:

  • Your professional journey can begin at any stage. The ACE Program and its new Apprentice level make it easy for both students and professionals to connect, learn, and give back.
  • Community = Opportunity. Many panelists described how attending conferences, speaking at events, and contributing online led to unexpected career opportunities and lifelong friendships.
  • Empowerment Matters. Newcomers were encouraged to ask questions, seek mentors, and get involved—not just as attendees, but as contributors shaping tomorrow’s Oracle landscape.
  • Diversity and Inclusion are Priorities. Our panel discussed unique challenges and shared practical advice for ensuring all voices are heard, especially those underrepresented within tech.

Many conversations from the session continued at the ACE booth—a testament to the energy and curiosity of this year’s attendees.

Looking Ahead

As CONTECH 2025 concluded, the excitement for Oracle’s evolving ecosystem was palpable. From packed keynotes on AI Agents and Database 23ai to deep dives on APEX, DevOps, and cloud architecture, every session underscored how innovation thrives on collaboration.

The Oracle ACE community is more than recognition—it’s a gateway to growth and connection. With the launch of the ACE Apprentice level, we’re opening more doors to tomorrow’s technology leaders. If you’re inspired to start (or deepen) your Oracle journey, now is a fantastic time to join us—whether you’re a student, professional, or passionate volunteer.

Thank you to everyone who made CONTECH 2025 so memorable! See you at the next adventure, and don’t forget: the ACE community is ready to support you, wherever you are in your journey.

Interested in learning more about the Oracle ACE Program or the new ACE Apprentice level? Visit the ACE Program website to get started!