The countdown to EGU24 continues and we are now only DAYS away from the much anticipated conference week. With an event of such magnitude, it’s no surprise that some people, particularly first time attendees, may find it intimidating to navigate the conference. Don’t you worry… I’ve got you covered! So whether you’re attending the EGU General Assembly for the first or 24th time, I’m here to share some last minute tips on how to make the most of the EGU24 experience.
To start things off, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Jane Roussak, EGU’s Events Manager. I’ve been part of the EGU Executive Office team since January 2022, tackling the new role centered around the organisation of the annual EGU General Assembly (and the transition to a fully-hybrid conference). I work closely with the Programme Committee and its Co-chairs as well as our conference organising partner, Copernicus Meetings, to realise Europe’s largest geoscientific conference! Believe it or not, the cycle of planning the General Assembly keeps me busy most of the year, but I also find time to arrange other (smaller) meetings and support the Topical Events Committee. How do I do it, you may ask? A lot of to-do lists!
With over 1,000 sessions to look forward to, there is so much to take in at the upcoming EGU24! My first tip is for EGU24 participants to generate and keep track of their conference week schedule by building their personal programme. Whether you’re joining us in Vienna or tuning in virtually (or a combination of the two), creating a personal programme is the best way to keep yourself organised during the busy week, ensuring you don’t miss any important sessions. You can populate your personal programme on the EGU24 website or with the EGU24 app (available for iOS and Android) — just press the star near the programme entry and voilà!
Pro tip: click the star in the Programme once for yellow and twice for red, to differentiate items of interest and your priority sessions.
Once you know which sessions you’d like to attend, the next step is finding the correct lecture room. The EGU24 floor plans are just the tool needed to navigate the conference centre with ease. Download them on our website or keep them in the palm of your hand with the mobile app. For important sessions (such as ones you’re contributing to), alleviate last-minute pressure by checking the room location in advance.
Pro tip: every level of the Austria Center Vienna, our venue, is associated with a distinct colour, helping direct you to where you need to be!
In order to access the conference in the first place and utilise the complimentary transit pass, EGU24 on-site participants need to pick-up their conference name badge. Participants can collect their EGU24 name badge in Hall X5 throughout the week — just make sure to have your QR code ready! Once registered for the conference, the QR code is available when logged in via the EGU24 app, or on the personal EGU24 registration page (where you can also select the information and stickers to be printed on your badge). If you have the chance, skip the Monday morning queue by stopping by to pick-up your name badge on Sunday, 14 April between 12:00 and 18:00 CEST.
Pro tip: you can maximise the use of your public transit pass for Monday-Friday, printed on the back of the badge, by picking up your badge on Sunday. View the full name-badge pick-up hours here.
Environmentally-conscious attendees can contribute to a green EGU and set themselves up for success with a bit of planning ahead. Skip the plastic water bottles/disposable coffee cups and bring your own reusable drink vessel! Tap water in Vienna is both safe to drink and delicious — take advantage of our water refill stations and two coffee breaks per day with peace of mind. We also encourage participants to opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation to/from the conference and within Vienna itself. Not only is Vienna very well-connected by public transit, it’s also a great place to explore by foot and bike. For more ideas on what you could do, visit our blog and Green EGU webpage.
Pro tip: Looking for some additional guidance? Whether you’re a convener, presenter or an audience member, check out these instructional video guides to help you feel confident in what to expect at EGU24!
My last but certainly not least piece of “sage advice” for EGU24 participants is to take good care of themselves! An exciting and busy week can quickly become draining if you don’t prioritise your well-being. Make sure to dress comfortably, stay hydrated, and take proper breaks. A stroll or picnic at the nearby Donaupark is always a good idea. Same applies to our virtual participants —avoid the Zoom-fatigue by taking a break from the screen. Finally, don’t forget to have fun!
Pro tip: step away from the hustle and bustle of the conference by visiting the quiet rooms or multi-faith prayer rooms on the Purple Level (basement -2), or get some fresh air on one of our terraces.
Wishing you an enjoyable #EGU24 experience.
