In today’s special edition of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leandro Jesus, the driving force behind Meet Magento Brazil. Leandro is deeply embedded in the Magento ecosystem and has been since 2011. His passion for Magento and its community is more than just professional—it’s personal.
In this episode, we dive into the successes of the most recent Meet Magento Brazil event, Leandro’s aspirations for the future of Magento in Brazil, and why fostering a strong community is crucial to the platform’s ongoing relevance. Let’s explore the key takeaways from our conversation that can add value to anyone involved in eCommerce.
The Vision Behind Meet Magento Brazil
Meet Magento Brazil is unique for several reasons, but one standout detail Leandro mentioned is that tickets to the event are completely free. You heard that right—free. Why? Because Leandro and his team aren’t in it to make money; they just want to share valuable knowledge. This focus on the community rather than profit is a theme that resonates throughout Leandro’s work, reflecting his commitment to keeping Magento thriving in Brazil.
Making Content Accessible to the Community
A special feature of this year’s event was its accessibility. Not only were the talks streamed live, but they were also delivered in Portuguese, making the content more approachable for the local audience. Leandro expressed that while there were a few English presentations, most talks were in Portuguese to ensure that more people could benefit from the insights shared.
“There’s a strong need to communicate in the local language so that everyone feels included,” Leandro noted. I couldn’t agree more—after all, fostering a sense of belonging is key to community growth.
Key Highlights from the Event
Leandro shared several key takeaways from this year’s event. These included talks from major Brazilian companies such as Evino, a popular wine store in Brazil that operates a headless Magento setup on-premise.
This setup is interesting because it exemplifies the flexibility of Magento and how it can be adapted to meet complex business needs. Leandro emphasized that such real-world applications are precisely what make Meet Magento Brazil so impactful.
Bridging B2B and B2C Insights
Another notable highlight was the B2B panel, which featured discussions on how major industries are utilizing Magento to optimize their eCommerce operations. From this, it’s clear that Magento continues to be a robust solution not just for retail but also for large-scale enterprises in various sectors.
The event may have been small in scale, but it was significantly impactful in content. This focus on quality over quantity is why Leandro believes that the event succeeded beyond expectations.
Looking Forward: Plans for the Next Edition
When it comes to next year, Leandro has big plans. Not only is Meet Magento Brazil set to make a return in the first semester of 2024, but the team also aims to keep the community engaged year-round with monthly live streams.
Leandro hinted at potential high-profile sponsorships and partnerships for next year’s event, such as with Santander Bank, which shows the growing interest in Magento from major players in the Brazilian market. He also mentioned continuing partnerships with established sponsors, including Hoover and New York-based Bayman Agency.
The goal is clear: make the Brazilian Magento community more vibrant and dynamic than ever. More than just an annual event, Leandro envisions Meet Magento Brazil as a year-round source of support and inspiration for Magento developers and merchants alike.
The Road Ahead for Magento in Brazil
A significant portion of our discussion centered on Leandro’s personal mission to mobilize the Brazilian Magento community for the long haul. He has already started organizing a committee of top-tier Brazilian developers to enhance the Magento ecosystem by contributing open-source modules.
This initiative aims to bolster the technical resources available to both local and global Magento users. Sharing these models on platforms like GitHub will not only support Magento’s ongoing development but also ensure that Brazil remains a key player in the global eCommerce landscape.
Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Community in Magento’s Future
From my perspective, Leandro’s work epitomizes what it means to be a community leader. His efforts to create an inclusive, knowledge-sharing environment for Magento users in Brazil serve as a model for other regions. The fact that Meet Magento Brazil offers free tickets, streams content in the local language, and actively engages its audience throughout the year speaks volumes about what can be achieved when the primary focus is on strengthening the community, rather than profit margins.
Leandro’s passion for Magento is contagious, and it’s clear that his work is just beginning. As someone deeply invested in the Magento ecosystem myself, it’s heartening to see leaders like him stepping up to ensure Magento’s continued relevance in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape.
So, if you’re a part of the Magento community, in Brazil or elsewhere, consider getting involved. Whether it’s attending an event, contributing to an open-source project, or simply sharing your insights, every bit helps keep the community alive and thriving.
For more insights from Leandro Jesus and to hear our full conversation, don’t forget to tune into this special edition of Talk Commerce. See you next time!
More Episodes about Meet Magento and the collaboration with Magento Association
