RailsConf consists of three full days of programming (no workshop-only or tutorial-only days!). On Day 1 / May 5th, we'll be starting at 9:30am and ending by 6:10pm. Day 2 / May 6th starts at 9:00am and ends at 6:30pm. Day 3 / May 7th will start at 9:00am, and programming will close by 6:00pm.
2. How do I know if I should purchase the Individual or Corporate ticket?The Individual ticket is for those attendees who are purchasing their own ticket to RailsConf and financing their own trip. The Corporate ticket is for conference attendees whose employer is purchasing their conference ticket and/or financing their travel and accommodations. Attendees are free to choose which ticket they ultimately purchase; we operate on the honor system.
Please note that, as a nonprofit organization, all ticket sales for our conference go towards Ruby Central's mission of supporting the Ruby community.
3. Can I buy a ticket for just one day?No, tickets can only be purchased for the whole conference at once.
4. How far away are the conference venue and hotel from the airport?Approximately 8 miles from the airport, in the Lloyd District of Portland. The venue and hotel are 9 blocks / .5 miles from one another, approximately a 10-minute walk apart or 2 stops on the light rail.
5. Why should I stay at the conference hotel?Besides the standard benefits of being centrally located in relation to the conference and being where the majority of other conference attendees will also be congregating before and after evening events, this year, we're very pleased to be able to offer two additional benefits: the first 200 reservations in our RailsConf block at the DoubleTree will automatically be entered to win a free weekend's accommodation at the hotel in the next year. Additionally, staying at the DoubleTree means that you'll likely receive your complimentary TriMet public transit pass as soon as you check in, instead of having to wait till we open registration on May 5th.
6. How do I find out about parties happening during RailsConf?In addition to any official sponsored parties happening, which will be posted on our website, there are also multiple social events that happen before and after conference programming. These can be shared onsite at the conference on our (physical) Events Board, and are also often collected into a list online that we will promote as RailsConf draws nearer.
7. Is breakfast provided? What about lunch and dinner?We do not provide a full breakfast; however, a morning snack is offered every day after the day’s opening keynote. This tends to be things like granola bars, hard-boiled eggs, and whole fruit. We do provide a full lunch and afternoon snack, but not dinner. Coffee, tea, and water are served throughout all conference days.
Yes! We offer a group discount off the Corporate ticket, which you can access simply by choosing the Group option at registration. We also offer a student discount -- if this applies to you, please email us at railsconf@rubycentral.org. For nonprofit employees, we encourage you to purchase the Individual ticket, even if your ticket is being purchased by your employer. No other discounts are available, and no discounts can be combined.
9. Will you have any tutorial- or workshop-only days?While we will feature two tracks of workshops at RailsConf 2020, they are not on separate days, but occur concurrently with breakout sessions throughout all three days.
10. Are there scholarships available?Yes, we offer a limited number of Opportunity Scholarships each conference, which include a free ticket to RailsConf 2020 and one-on-one pairing with an experienced Guide, who has attended Ruby conferences before and can provide advice on what talks to attend, make introductions to other Rubyists, etc.
Those interested in being a Scholar or a Guide for 2020 can apply through the online application here.
11. Do you provide childcare?Yes, during all conference days, we provide free onsite childcare from a licensed local provider. While attendees can use this as much or as little as they’d like, we do appreciate as much advance information as possible so that we can try to ensure having enough childcare staff and appropriate activities and gear. When you register, please answer yes (or maybe) to the question about childcare and you will be contacted for information before the conference.
We also provide a dedicated Lactation Room (with a lock and mini-fridge) for anyone who needs it; please note this when you register for your ticket.
12. Will RailsConf 2020 be continuing on in light of the potential spread of novel COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus?As of March 2, after regular conversation with our conference venue and host city representatives, we have no reason to believe that we should cancel RailsConf 2020. Please see our statement here, which also contains a full explanation from our partners at Travel Portland.
13. Are you taking any additional disease prevention precautions at RailsConf 2020?Absolutely. Many of our conversations with our venue are specifically regarding these logistics. Currently, they are planning on installing several extra hand sanitizing stations in conference spaces, and as more information emerges regarding best practices for events like ours, we will be updating you as to what specific measures we'll be undertaking.