Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the most common questions and answers that came up so far about the European edition of this year’s DrupalCon. We hope it will help you in making the best decision about the event. In case you don’t find your answers below, please post your question through the form at the bottom of the page. The form is anonymous but you can optionally add your name or email-address if you wish for us to reach out to you regarding your questions. We will not send you any unsolicited emails.

What happened to DrupalCon Barcelona 2020? 

We were closely following the events around COVID-19 in Europe and all over the world. After many discussions, as well as governmental decisions made in Barcelona about holding events for numerous people, we have decided to go virtual this year. While we really wanted to see all of you in person, but we do understand the risks and agree that health comes first. We are confident that we made the right decision and that we can bring you a wonderful conference experience. The conference will still be held between 8-11 December, 2020 online, and has been renamed to DrupalCon Europe.

What are the benefits of a virtual conference?

Due to the pandemic, our lives have changed a lot. We have learned to live more carefully in the last few months. The situation has led to cancellations of all upcoming in-person events which in turn has led to the loss of a professional audience. Event organisers have been switching to online options, considering the health risks and so have we.

We all know why online conferences are not the same as in-person events, but let's also have a look at the good side of it.

  • Remote allows more participants to attend the event without the need to travel.
  • Interactive sessions, e.g. voting or gathering feedback is much easier. You can live chat with others.
  • Recording of sessions is easier for sharing after the event on YouTube.
  • Higher flexibility for the participants, due to lack of rushing from room to room.
  • Changing session rooms is not distracting, if a talk is not as expected, you can just switch over to another interesting session.
  • Comfort from home/office or anywhere you find it convenient.
  • Family friendly, you can take care of your kids, while still enjoying the event remotely - an event which you couldn’t join if only onsite.
  • People with disabilities (e.g. wheelchair) greatly benefit.
  • Cost savings for everyone (not only the venue).
  • Better for the environment (less travel).
  • Better for your health (less exposure to potential infections at the venue, while traveling or eating at a restaurant).

What times are the sessions and other events?

Our time zone follows the original time zone that we planned for an in-person event in Barcelona, this means Central European Time (CET). The sessions start shortly after 9AM, and finish after 6PM, CET. We believe this will allow attendees from other timezones to join as well. Our program team has made an effort to respect the timezone for all of our speakers residing outside of Europe, such that no speaker needs to wake up too early to do their talk.

Which platform are you using for DrupalCon Europe?

For DrupalCon Europe we will use OnAir, a virtual conferencing platform. You can take a look at its features in the meantime. You don’t need to download a separate app for that, it works directly from your browser.

A virtual conference is really different from an in-person event. What should I expect?

Our virtual conference platform allows us a similar experience as an in-person event would bring, but the only and main difference is that you can join from your home or your office (or from anywhere you like). We will have a main stage (just like an auditorium), and we will have various slots for the talks. Most importantly, there will be no attendee limit for the sessions, so you will be able to catch everything you are interested in. We will provide you with Birds of a Feather rooms too, so you can discuss your favourite Drupal topics with fellow attendees. Sponsors will be able to present themselves in an exhibition hall, so you can check them out and engage in conversations with them as well. Networking is always an important part of a conference, and we understand that very much. Based on your settings, you’ll be able to match with folks and have quick chats or longer discussions as well.

Will there be any social activities?

Of course, we don’t want to have an event without social activities - it is all about coming together in the end. We will have Trivia, and other social gatherings as well.

You changed your ticket prices when going online, but I have already purchased mine. What does that mean for me?

We have reached out to everyone who already purchased their tickets. However, if you still haven’t received your mail, please email us at drupal@kuoni-congress.com and we sort it out.

My question is not answered above

Feel free to send us your question through the form below.