Tips for First-Time Attendees

Are you attending iPRES for the first time? We're excited to have you with us! In this post, we've gathered some helpful tips to make the most of your experience, from planning your schedule and networking to what to pack. We can't wait to see you soon at iPRES 2024 in Ghent and online!

What to Do?

IPRES offers a wide variety of formats and topics. Be sure to check the detailed schedule in advance to create your own daily schedule and make the most of your time at the conference. There are many sessions at iPRES - don’t forget to take some breaks to recharge in between sessions or take a break from conversation. Discover the complete schedule in our conference app Floq.

All sessions and events are open to everyone, but we’ve highlighted a few that are particularly valuable for first-time attendees:

• Be sure to join our Today at iPRES morning sessions for on-site attendees and lunch sessions for remote attendees, where we’ll walk you through the day’s programme and highlight key events. Find them in the detailed schedule in Floq.

• Arriving on Monday? You’re in for a fun first evening. Come to the Digital Preservation Awards (DPA) to celebrate finalists and winners from different categories within the digital preservation field. 

• No dinner plans yet after the DPA reception? Join our social dinners for a fun and relaxed evening of good food, drinks, and great company. ✎ Sign up here and make the most of the opportunity to meet new people!

• Birds of a feather is not just a Billie Eilish song, it’s also a format at iPRES! Feeling lost in a sea of formats? Head over to our page on Floq to familiarise yourself with the lingo. Go to the app, click ‘... More’, then ‘iPRES Background Info’ and read our section ‘The iPRES formats explained’.

• You're in luck – for the first time ever, we're offering guided iPRES Poster Tours! Join experts as they bring the stories behind this year’s poster submissions to life, exploring them through a curated selection of themes. ✎ Find more info and sign up here.

• Did you know there's a Bake-off at iPRES? But not just any cooking competition—it's the one and only Great Digital Preservation Bake-off! If you're new to iPRES, this is a must-attend event where you'll get a taste of the fun and creativity that sets this conference apart. And who knows, there might even be a sweet treat waiting for you during the afternoon coffee break!

☆ Pro Tip: Did you get all the practical information about the conference? Review everything you need to know right here.

What to Say?

Networking at events can feel intimidating, but we promise the CONF community is one of the warmest, most welcoming groups you'll find. We’re all here to support each other’s growth. Don’t hesitate to approach people and start a conversation — this is one of the few conferences focused on digital preservation, so make the most of this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in your field.

Feeling stuck on what to say? Here’s a tip: check out the badges! They indicate whether someone is a first-time attendee, a speaker, or a reviewer. You could ask how they heard about iPRES, what their talk is about, or how they found the experience of reviewing submissions. And when in doubt, the Belgian weather is always a safe topic!

☆ Pro Tip: Want to see who’s attending? Log into Floq, the conference app, to browse the full list of attendees and make connections even easier. Discover how to access Floq.

☆ Pro Tip: Want to know what everyone’s talking about and what’s happening at the conference? Join our Slack Workspace to stay in the loop with online conversations and get the latest iPRES updates through our #newsfeed channel. Learn more about Slack

What to Pack?

• There’s no strict dress code for iPRES, so wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident! Anything you’d wear to the office is perfect for the conference. If you’d like to dress up for the Conference Dinner, feel free to bring something smart—but always stay true to your personal style.

• Belgian weather in September can be unpredictable, with the possibility of sunshine, rain, and even a mix of both in one day. It’s a good idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.

• If you’re travelling from overseas, don’t forget your international power adapter! A power bank comes in handy too, at the conference venue. 

• Comfortable shoes are a must—it’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the conference venue to the city centre. Take advantage of the fresh air and light exercise between sessions or at the end of the day.

• And lastly, don’t forget your business cards for networking!

ⓘ Still have questions? Feel free to ask them in our iPRES 2024 Slack Workspace! Use #general for any general inquiries, or #helpdesk for Floq or Slack-related questions.

See you very soon :)