Upgrading Rails: The Non-Technical Parts
Max VelDink • Boulder, CO • Talk

Date: October 06, 2025
Published: not published
Announced: unknown

Upgrading Rails is often viewed through a technical lens, focusing on version changes, migration paths, and code refactoring. Numerous talks, guides, and videos dive into this process. However, how do you navigate the organizational complexity of accomplishing the upgrade, from buy-in to review cycles? What about the soft skills aspect of inspiring a team to accomplish what seems like a Herculean effort? In this talk, we will explore the non-technical aspects of upgrading Rails that are vital for success.

We will discuss the importance of stakeholder communication, ensuring all team members understand the reasons for the upgrade and its benefits. You'll hear strategies for managing team expectations and fostering a culture of collaboration and combined ownership. You'll even hear how to be more direct and lay out reasonable timelines for accomplishing the upgrade in weeks, not months.

Join us to unpack the often-overlooked elements of upgrading Rails. You'll leave with actionable insights to tackle the upgrade process holistically, ensuring that both your codebase and your team are ready for the future.

Rocky Mountain Ruby 2025