STARWEST 2026

STARWEST is an annual software testing and QA conference. The event offers professional development opportunities, keynotes, and sessions focused on software testing and quality assurance practices.

Keynotes

Keynotes are included in all passes! These industry visionaries will take the stage for in-depth discussions on trending topics.

Pre-Conference Training

Maximize your in-person learning and stay ahead of emerging trends in the industry by participating in a pre-conference training class. Provided by our partner, Coveros, each class is led by respected experts with years of practical experience. Our Powerhouse Pass includes a complete conference experience plus all of your training and certification fees, making it easy to maximize your learning experience—and your savings.

Tutorials

Full- and half-day tutorials are consistently the most popular and highly rated part of STARWEST. Tutorials allow you to take a deeper dive into the topics below so that you can learn more to make improvements to everyday processes in the areas that matter most to you.

Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent sessions offer attendees the flexibility to explore a variety of topics throughout the conference on Wednesday and Thursday in order to customize their learning experience. Learn both enterprise foundations and new methodologies to grow your skills, supercharge your knowledge, and re-energize your career growth.

Testing and Quality Leadership Summit

As new and innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, generative AI, and new approaches to automated testing continue to revolutionize software testing and quality, testing leaders must explore the impact these innovations have on business strategies and direction. From setting strategic visions for quality engineering to fostering ethical and responsible practices as AI capabilities become the norm, strong leadership is essential for software quality and testing to be successful. But like any change, some challenges and pitfalls must be overcome to make these innovations successful. Join in the conversation with your peers as experienced technology leaders share ways to lead and incorporate innovations into software testing and quality. Discover how seasoned leaders have grown their leadership skills and what they believe the keys are to becoming exceptional leaders in this emerging field.

At the 2026 Testing & Quality Leadership Summit, program chair Jeffery Payne and industry quality leader Saurayan Chaki team up to lead an interactive exchange of ideas and experiences. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective on leadership to the table and will provide Summit participants with lessons learned and practical techniques for leading teams, addressing management challenges, and gaining senior management buy-in.

Also, bring your biggest issues and challenges to the Testing & Quality Leadership Summit, where you can draw on the knowledge and experiences of these leaders and your fellow leaders who may have already faced and solved some of your issues. You’ll hear what’s working—and not working—and have the opportunity to share your experiences and successes.

Women Who Test

Women Who Test will take place in Anaheim and is designed for women to network with other women who work in software testing. It is also a unique way to learn from and be inspired by each other. The program will cover testing topics and will support women’s personal and career journeys and include content like: reengineering your life, growing your personal brand, setting goals, discovering your career superpowers, and how to problem-solve when you are a female in the tech industry where your gender is outnumbered 7:3. Join women test engineers, managers, CEOs, and consultants for some truly inspiring talks and fascinating group work.

To reserve your seat for Women Who Test, add-on this complimentary bonus session to your conference pass upon registration.