Developer Relations (DevRel) is often glamorized as a role filled with conference talks, swag drops, and constant travel. But beneath the surface lies a different story — one of burnout, blurred boundaries, and pressure to constantly prove value.

In this honest and eye-opening session, Pratik Mahalle unpacks the “dark side” of DevRel — the emotional and professional challenges that are rarely talked about publicly. From unrealistic expectations and community fatigue to the lack of career paths and internal misunderstanding, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to work in DevRel.

Whether you’re an aspiring advocate, currently in DevRel, or managing someone in this role, this talk will help you better understand the human side of advocacy — and how we can evolve beyond the stereotype to build healthier, more sustainable DevRel teams