The best way to survive FOSDEM – Marcin Juszkiewicz

FOSDEM. Free Open Supply Builders European Assembly. Each first weekend of
February. In Brussels. At Université libre de Bruxelles.

I used to say that FOSDEM is per week lengthy convention in two days. I don’t assume
it’s legitimate any longer. Ought to say two weeks now as final time it was one thing
about 700 talks. Nonetheless throughout two days.

I additionally used to say that I can’t afford not being at FOSDEM. It’s in all probability the
best technique to meet builders from all these tasks I labored with or was
 in.

However it’s not simply Saturday and Sunday. On Friday night there’s a beer occasion
which these days takes place at road resulting in Delirium Café. May be laborious to
get there resulting from variety of individuals however it’s price it. Straightforward technique to meet far too
many acquainted faces. And get beer (when you managed to achieve bar).

However methods to survive FOSDEM? Meals. Logistics. Garments. Logistics. Cellular app.

Logistics

Sure, logistics is considered one of key elements with regards to this convention.

Lectures happen in a number of buildings (AW, H, J, Ok, U). At similar time.
Getting from one to a different takes time. You possibly can meet individuals on a means and determine
to debate one thing somewhat than go for discuss.

Since few years in the past there’s even online navigation
tool to point out you which of them technique to go from one place to
one other. Very useful particularly if in case you have some mobility points.

Generally it’s price to be in some room session earlier than simply to have a seat.
Limits are taken critically and when data on door says “room full” then don’t
even attempt to sneak in. It’s possible you’ll discover some spot and watch live
streaming — simply keep in mind about
good headphones to not interrupt individuals round you.

If you happen to want a quiet place to take a seat for a bit together with your laptop computer then you possibly can go to
cafeteria in F constructing (crowded, noisy) or sit in hacking room (quiet) within the
center of H constructing.

Resort

Get place to sleep in metropolis centre. “Crawling distance from Delirium Café” is
excellent as that is the place lot of individuals spend Friday’s and Saturday’s
night/night time. Additionally a number of locations to get numerous meals, some grocery shops
(simply examine opening occasions), pharmacies, GSM outlets and many others.

Public transport

Use no matter you usually use (Google Maps or so) to examine for it. If attainable
keep away from bus 71 in the event you go on fashionable time and never from the primary cease. It will get full
proper on begin and retains that means till FOSDEM cease.

On Sunday afternoon (15:30 – 19:30) there are free buses from ULB to Brussels
South (Midi) railway station. Straightforward technique to get to BRU airport. Full of individuals so
it’s good to have some different routes in thoughts. One in all choices is attending to
Etterbeek railway station (about 1.5 km stroll) after which travelling wherever you want.

Tickets

On the subject of tickets…

To begin with examine STIB ticket information
for choices as they modify from time to time.

These days (2023) it appears to be like like utilizing financial institution card is easiest method. Simply enter
bus/metro/tram and faucet to pay.

Observe that there are some single use tickets nonetheless in use in the event you want to not
use financial institution card.

Cellular utility

So long as your telephone is ready to run purposes examine Mobile schedule
apps record at convention web site and
select one. I exploit ‘FOSDEM Companion’ on my Android telephone.

Set up utility at the least week earlier than the occasion. Sync schedule and begin
checking which classes to attend. Ignore proven fact that some will overlap. It’s
at all times higher to have extra listed than much less — generally you sacrifice one resulting from
being in unsuitable constructing or room will likely be full so you possibly can take a fast take a look at
record and go someplace else.

Web entry

When you attain FOSDEM there isn’t any downside — convention space offers you quick
wi-fi community entry.

In case you are from considered one of EU nations then your GSM operator in all probability offers you
with some information restrict for “Roaming Like At House” performance.

In case you are from exterior of EU then I recommend studying prepaid with
data wiki web page. GSM
operators shops are in a number of locations in metropolis centre. Or chances are you’ll even handle to
discover some at airport however simpler to only seize one when you attain centre.

Meals

Eat correct breakfast. Not “only a fruit and occasional” however some correct one. You
could not have a time to face in a queue for some FOSDEM meals. It isn’t price
your time.

If you happen to actually should then go to bar underneath J, have actual change and purchase a
sandwich. Not greatest meals however chances are you’ll get it fast.

Higher choice is to only have one thing with you. Get fruits, nuts, vitality
bars, chocolate. Some sort of fast energy.

Or spend half an hour (or extra) ready for quick meals. Nonetheless good alternative to
chat with individuals.

Beer

Keep in mind that Belgian beer could be stronger than your regular one. Don’t drink
an excessive amount of or you’ll endure and be too wasted throughout convention.

Garments

FOSDEM is in February. Which suggests winter. So it might imply snow however it’s
Brussels so normally it’s both good or wet. And you’ll go into constructing
and out of constructing a number of occasions per day. Be ready for it.

Correct sneakers to stroll on concrete, steps but additionally snow, mud and grass. Winter
cap, scarf, possibly even gloves. Would not have to be thick ones like for some Arctic
winter. Assume few levels above 0°C.

Small backpack and bottle of water. Don’t throw away as soon as get empty. You might be at
college. You possibly can refill your bottle at a number of locations. Faucet water is drinkable.

Trash

Don’t put your trash in random locations. Use trashcans, inform organizers and
volunteers in the event you see full ones. Put bottles into locations for bottles.

If you happen to can then keep after ending session and assist to wash up. It’s free
occasion so assist those that organized it for you.

Swag

FOSDEM is a free occasion. However there’s swag. You possibly can go to organizers’ desk and
donate cash to maintain the occasion going. For 25€ you will get the official t-shirt.

A number of tasks have their very own stands — principally in Ok constructing however there are additionally
different ones in AW (principally associated to embedded area).

In case you are stickers fan (or your new laptop computer nonetheless have some area on case) then
go on a tour, focus on with builders, see what they current. Seize leaflets,
stickers, donate some cash (normally in trade to extra premium swag) and many others.

Or some humorous one like this license for VLC I bought in 2019:

Fiancé(e) or household

In case your companion just isn’t involved in FOSDEM chances are you’ll signal them to free
tour(s). My spouse got here with me to
convention as soon as, went for tour every day and loved them.

Different occasions

There are a number of conferences happening proper earlier than and/or after FOSDEM.

CentOS Dojo on Friday is a pleasant alternative to fulfill builders engaged on this
distribution. Buildroot builders normally collect after FOSDEM.

A number of different tasks are having personal conferences, developer days and many others. You possibly can
examine record at FOSDEM Fringe web page.