FAQ

When is the conference?

We plan to hold the 2023 Monktoberfest October 5-6, 2023. Our decision to hold the event will be dependent on the overall trajectory of COVID-19 safety factors. Proof of vaccination is required to attend the event.

We tried to balance a number of concerns in picking the date, but it’s impossible not to overlap with something these days. Our apologies/condolences if you have a conflict.

When should I plan to arrive/depart?

If you’re able, plan to arrive the afternoon of Wednesday 10/4 and stay through the afternoon of Friday 10/6.

We’ll be hosting a pre-conference event the evening before the conference beginning at 5:00 on Wednesday.

The single track conference will be all day Thursday. We will provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. At the conclusion of the event, we’ll be hosting a multi-course beer tasting and dinner. You will be treated to nothing less than the best beers from countries all over the world, many of which you cannot get anywhere else in the US.

We’ll wrap up early Friday afternoon after a half day’s worth of sessions. Breakfast and coffee is also provided on the second day.

Where is it?

The conference will be held in the real Portland, which you may know as Portland, Maine. You can find more details about our venue here.

Why is it in Portland?

Because it’s an incredible town with amazing beer. Also, New England in the autumn is an utter delight.

Isn’t it hard to get there?

Nope. We have an airport and everything. Flights are available directly into Portland (airport code PWM — please double check and make sure you don’t book your flight to Portland, OR.) There are also a multitude of travel options from Boston, including driving, the Concord Coach bus service, and the Amtrak Downeaster.

More travel and lodging details are available here.

Who should attend?

It is highly recommended that technologists that are thoughtful about their craft and their place in the world – and/or that like the best beers from all over the world – attend.

Is this another damned social media conference?

Negative. The Monktoberfest exists to examine the intersection of social trends and technology, sometimes in a humorous fashion, other times the subject may be sobering. What we want to do in simple terms is to get technologists to take a step back, to look at the world around them and their role in it.

What can I expect in terms of food?

We work with a fantastic catering team to bring you awesome meals that you don’t find at other conferences. This is not a ‘boxed sandwich with chips’ conference; this is a ‘freshly caught Maine lobster’ conference.

We’ll be hosting a pre-conference social event the evening before the conference with drinks and light snacks. As these are hors d’oeuvres served alongside plenty of awesome beers, it’s advisable not to show up famished.

The conference will be all day Thursday, with keynotes, sessions, breakouts. We will provide breakfast, lunch, snacks, and libations. At the conclusion of the event, we’ll be hosting a multi-course beer tasting and dinner. You will be treated to nothing less than the best beers from countries all over the world, many of which you cannot get anywhere else in the US.

We’ll wrap up early Friday afternoon after a half day’s worth of sessions. Breakfast and coffee is provided on the second day.

Do I need to bring my printed ticket from Eventbrite?

Nope, we should have a record of purchased tickets. Save a tree!

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Yes, though please let us know in advance if you are transferring your ticket to another person as we will need their information for badges.

What should I wear?

Wear what makes you comfortable! If it’s helpful as a gauge, the person running the show will be in flip flops and a Red Sox hat. This is not a dressy affair; jeans and t-shirts are welcome for all portions of the event.

For the Wednesday welcome event, plan on layers suitable for an autumn evening in New England.

I’d like to connect with other attendees. How can I do that?

Follow the #monktoberfest hashtag on Twitter and join our Slack community.

I’m interested in sponsorship: who do I contact?

Great! Contact Morgan Harris for more info about getting your brand in front of some of the best technologists in the world.