Markus TackerJun 17, 2024
The #SoCraTes2024 lottery is open: https://www.socrates-conference.de/application
Unfortunately I cannot make it this year, but you should go, and if you are new to Software Craft I highly recommend you to book the training day, where world class coaches give you a unique head start that will let you enjoy the SoCraTes unconference to the fullest!
#SoftwareCraft
SoCraTes - The Conference for Software Craft and Testing

Show threadJohannes Link
@coderbyheart I like the lottery approach IN THEORY. In practice, it leads to me never even applying because I have to plan both my vacation time as an employee and my family holiday some time in advance. I guess that is true for a few folks.
Jun 18, 2024 at 5:56amWeb
Show threaddarthvader42Jun 18, 2024
@jlink @coderbyheart you can solve this by throwing money at the problem: buy sponsor tickets, see https://www.socrates-conference.de/sponsoring
SoCraTes - The Conference for Software Craft and Testing

Show threadMarkus TackerJun 18, 2024
@jlink The first lottery round will be done quite shortly. You could apply, and if you get the spot start your planning or later decide to not take the ticket. There will always be happy takers.
Show threadMarkus TackerJun 18, 2024
@jlink but I see that this is a problem, especially when you need long-term planning. Sponsoring is always an option.
Show threadJohannes LinkJun 18, 2024
@coderbyheart Never thought about sponsoring; maybe I can get my employer interested.
Show threadMarko SchulzJun 18, 2024

@jlink And the sponsorship amount for 1 seat is similar to what you might pay as a regular price for other conferences.

I think “sponsorship” might repulse some employers, but when I first heard it framed as “that is just a regular ticket price” I was positively 😮.

Show threadJohannes LinkJun 18, 2024
@coderbyheart This year, family holidays are already planned. And next year, we'll probably no longer have to consider school holidays, which simplifies everything.
Show threadMarko SchulzJun 18, 2024

@jlink @coderbyheart My suggestion regarding #SoCraTes2024 (if you didn't already book a family vacation at that time): Apply nonetheless and if you get a ticket see if you can still rearrange your plans (without _too_ much hassle). If not, release the ticket for someone else.

My impression is, that many who apply for a ticket eventually also get one.

The last two times I applied for a lottery ticket I just put a mild “Maybe Socrates” comment in my calendar and eventually got a ticket.

Show threadJohannes LinkJun 18, 2024
@datenreisender @coderbyheart I tried that approach last year and pulled my ticket after round 2 or 3 when I still hadn't got a ticket. My main issue is that the lottery process keeps up anxiety and uncertainty over a lenghty period of time. I'd rather get lucky or be disappointed at once to be frank. If I'll ever get to be involved in organizing an event under high demand, I'll definitely come up with the perfect solution. Until then I'll have to live with what there is.