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

@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.

@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.

@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.