How to navigate through the vast and seemingly complicated landscapes of the EGU26.
It is no secret that the scale of the EGU General Assembly is rather large, so coming to it can feel like tackling a massive mountain: exciting, but perhaps a bit scary at the same time. Thankfully, just as one can plan a big outdoorsy trek to minimize risks and maximize enjoyment, it is possible to do so with EGU. Here’s how:
1) Prepare
Instead of learning about the anticipated terrain and checking the weather to have insights into what is to come, EGU has a detailed program for the meeting. Studying it in advance helps to feel more at ease when the conference starts.
2) Conquer the fear of missing out
Browsing the program can feel overwhelming. With so many sessions, it is often the case that two or more interesting ones are happening at the same time. You can think of it as if you had a week in the Himalayas: It would be impossible to see all the fascinating features out there, but that’s okay. If you plan a route and focus on what you get to see rather than what you won’t, you will have an amazing time.
3) Familiarize yourself with the maps
The maps at the EGU take the form of Floor Plans. Besides helping you find the rooms where the sessions of interest are, they can guide you to the nearest coffee spot, charging stations, toilets, and more.
4) Take a break
As you go through your EGU experience, be mindful of hours. Similar to a pause during a challenging climb that recharges muscles, stepping out of the meeting’s rush for a moment can restore cognitive capacity. For inspiration on what to see and do outside the conference venue, check out our blog Outside the Conference: Vienna and Beyond.
5) Say hello!
Encountering strangers at EGU General Assembly is similar to encountering someone on a long-distance trail, or close to a remote summit: they are on the same page as you, and there is a sense of community. That said, starting a conversation is straightforward, and the topics to talk about go beyond being at a conference. Chatting with folks can give insights into how to get around and also form connections that will last much longer than the conference week.
If you feel that additional tips and tricks on navigating EGU would help, the Session SC1.1 today is dedicated to that very topic. In case you missed it or you could still use more guidance, you can see someone at the info desk on the ground floor, or read How to make the most of EGU26: from EGU Events Manager Jane Roussak. Happy conferencing!
