Move CFP deadline forward to 31 July 2026

content/blog/call-for-proposals.md

@@ -25,6 +25,6 @@ Whether you're a first-time speaker or an experienced presenter, we'd love to he
 
 ## How to Submit
 
-Visit our [proposal submission page](https://sessionize.com/pycon-ireland-2026/) to submit your talk. The deadline is **30 August 2026**.
+Visit our [proposal submission page](https://sessionize.com/pycon-ireland-2026/) to submit your talk. The deadline is **31 July 2026**.
 
 Don't hesitate to reach out at [contact@python.ie](mailto:contact@python.ie) if you have any questions about your proposal.

content/blog/cfp-deadline-moved-to-31-july.md

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+---
+title: "CFP Deadline Moved to 31 July 2026"
+date: 2026-06-04
+description: "The PyCon Ireland 2026 Call for Proposals now closes on 31 July 2026. Here is why we brought the deadline forward and what it means for you."
+draft: false
+---
+
+We've moved the deadline for the **PyCon Ireland 2026 Call for Proposals** forward to **31 July 2026**. It was previously set to 30 August. The submission page on [Sessionize](https://sessionize.com/pycon-ireland-2026/) already reflects the new date.
+
+If you were planning to submit, please get your proposal in by **31 July 2026**.
+
+## Why We Brought the Deadline Forward
+
+There are two reasons behind this change, and both are about giving people the time they need to do things well.
+
+### Giving the programme committee room to review properly
+
+Building a great schedule takes careful work. With dozens of proposals to read, discuss, and compare, the programme committee needs enough time to give every submission a fair and thorough review. Closing the CFP at the end of August left a tight window between the deadline and the point where we have to lock in the schedule. By moving to 31 July, we give the committee the breathing room to evaluate each proposal on its merits, balance the tracks, and make thoughtful decisions rather than rushed ones.
+
+### Giving speakers time to plan their trip to Dublin
+
+PyCon Ireland brings speakers from across Ireland and beyond. Travelling to Dublin means booking flights, arranging accommodation, sorting out time off, and sometimes applying for visas or financial aid. The sooner we can confirm accepted talks, the sooner speakers can start planning, and the less stressful and less expensive that planning tends to be. An earlier deadline means earlier notifications, which is better for everyone making the journey.
+
+## What This Means for You
+
+- **The new deadline is 31 July 2026.** Submit before then.
+- **Decisions will follow sooner.** Bringing the deadline forward lets us notify accepted speakers earlier, so you can lock in travel and accommodation with more lead time.
+- **Nothing else changes.** We still welcome proposals from first-time and experienced speakers alike, across the full range of topics, in both full-talk (30 minutes) and lightning-talk (5 minutes) formats.
+
+## Ready to Submit?
+
+Head over to our [proposal submission page](https://sessionize.com/pycon-ireland-2026/) and tell us what you'd like to talk about. If you have any questions, reach out at [contact@python.ie](mailto:contact@python.ie).
+
+We can't wait to read your proposals, and we're looking forward to seeing you in Dublin on 17 October 2026.

hugo.toml

@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ enableGitInfo = true
   cfpStatus = "open"
   cfpUrl = "https://sessionize.com/pycon-ireland-2026/"
   cfpOpens = "2026-05-25"
-  cfpCloses = "2026-08-30"
+  cfpCloses = "2026-07-31"
   ticketsUrl = ""  # Set to Tito/Eventbrite URL when tickets go on sale
 
   # Contact & social

layouts/cfp/list.html

@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ <h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-text-heading mb-4">Stay in the Loop</h2>
       "name": "When does the PyCon Ireland 2026 Call for Proposals close?",
       "acceptedAnswer": {
         "@type": "Answer",
-        "text": "The Call for Proposals closes on 30 August 2026. Submissions are reviewed by the programme committee and applicants are notified of the outcome."
+        "text": "The Call for Proposals closes on 31 July 2026. Submissions are reviewed by the programme committee and applicants are notified of the outcome."
       }
     }
   ]