The Devcon5 Bible

Welcome to Devcon.

We’ve got a lot to cover, and in this post you’ll read about it all! Read closely as we go over transit to the venue from Osaka’s airports, the Devcon Venue, the Agenda & Devcon App, and more!

Please bookmark this piece to answer all questions that you may have related to early and on-site registration, experiences around the venue, participating during talks, side/after events and everything else Devcon5.

To kick things off, let’s discuss how to get where you’re going.

I. Transit

Most attendees will be landing soon, and we want to make sure that you’re able to easily navigate toward the Devcon venue.

The majority of folks will arrive at Osaka’s international airport, Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, there are a few easy ways to reach the ATC Hall, or the Cosmo Tower, Hyatt Regency and Quintessa hotels.

a. KIX to the Venue

KIX Airport Limousine Bus to Hyatt Regency Osaka

The Limousine Bus is an express-bus just steps from the doors to the airport. There are only two stops before this service drops off at the Hyatt Regency Osaka, which is adjoined to the venue. The bus leaves every half hour and is bound for Osaka Nanko/Universal Studios.

The cost for a ride is JPY1,600 per person (about $15 USD) one way, or 2,800 yen ($26 USD) round trip. Travel time is 50 minutes. Check the time-table here: http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NU

Via Metro

The metro is a low-cost option for getting around any part of Osaka. From Umeda/Honmachi/Shinsaibashi/Namba, take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to “Honmachi” station, and from Honmachi station, take the Cosmo Square to Trade Center station for about 18 minutes.

From Shin-Osaka, take the Osaka Midosuji Line to Honmachi station, and from “Honmachi” station take the Cosmo Square to Trade Center station for about 18 minutes.

Via JR (Japan Rail)

From Tennoji or Osaka station, take the Loop Line to “Bentencho” Station and transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line via Cosmosquare for about 15 minutes and get off at “In front of the trade center” Station. This trip should run about ¥390.

b. ITM to the Venue

For those arriving via connection or domestically at Itami Airport (ITM), we recommend the Itami-Airport Limousine Bus, which will quickly bring you to the center of Osaka. From there, connect with Osaka Metro’s Chuo Line to reach the ATC Hall.

And for more information on local transit, we’re always thrilled by our community taking the lead, and pleased to recommend and share these community resources:

OFFDevcon’s guide on getting around Osaka during Devcon 5: https://medium.com/offdevcon/how-to-get-around-in-osaka-during-devcon-5-428ab79a9e02
Mark Zeller’s Osaka Survival Kit for Devcon 5: https://medium.com/@pierarte/osaka-survival-kit-for-devcon5-conference-a16e111b085d

Google Maps https://www.google.com/maps
Navitime Japan https://www.navitime.co.jp/pcstorage/html/japan_travel/english/
Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner)
ios https://apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-transit-planner/id524328198
Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.jorudan.japantransit&hl=ja

II. Devcon Registration

a. Early Registration

Optionally, skip the line on Day 1 by registering on Monday to receive your wristband and badge!

Date: Monday, October 7th

Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Sakishima Cosmo Tower 1st floor

b. DOORS OPEN: On-Site Registration

Date: Tuesday, October 8th

Time: 8:00 AM (Programming begins @9:00AM)

Devcon Venue: ATC Hall 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward

Registration “need to know”

All lines are equal — no alphabetical order this year!
Before you arrive, you must redeem your code for a ticket QR and download the PDF to your device or print it in advance.
Wristbands are required for entry and must be picked up at registration. Do not lose your wristband — it will not be replaced.
Badges are optional, and can be picked up at the Swag Station in Hall C
For all on-chain auction and raffle ticketeers, please ensure that you’ve redeemed your tickets [here] (https://blog.ethereum.org/2019/09/03/devcon-on-chain-raffle-and-auction-participants/). Staff will be able to assist on-site if needed.

c. Internet

We know how conference Wi-Fi often feels, so we’re trying out a few new things this year. In addition to the standard venue Wi-Fi option, we’ll have dedicated connections in each room to help with presentation-streaming and more. Further, if you have an unlocked phone, let our staff know at registration for a gift and some dedicated data (a data-only SIM card valid for the duration of the conference [5 days]) of your very own.

d. Reserve Swag during the ticketing process?

We’ve got you covered, but you’ll pick things up a bit later. See the Swag section for more information (Pt. III-B-1-ii)!

III. Venue & Experiences

a. Welcome to the ATC Hall

Address: 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034, Japan

The ATC hall is a beautiful and modern venue complete with indoor and outdoor space, a direct train stop for quick downtown access, a view of the water (for those nautically-inclined among us) and on-site food and shopping!

We have a number of unique activities and spaces for everyone to look forward to both inside and outside the main venue, including a packed schedule on stages of all sizes, a wide variety of food options, and other experiences.

Let’s start with those experiences!

b. Inside the Venue

1. The Incredible Hall C!

i. Tabling Teams

Hall C is directly accessible from the main entryway and gathering place of the ATC Hall. Inside you’ll find staff and swag from thirty of the Ethereum ecosystem’s leading teams. Be sure to visit throughout the conference as well, since many tabling sponsors and groups will rotate after Day 2 of Devcon.

ii. Swag & Sales

Speaking of swag, Hall C is also the place to pick up your pre-ordered swag and more! Did you select your gear during the ticketing process? Head to the Swag Station and present your QR (download separately from your ticket) to redeem for your swag. If you selected a size, we’ve got it reserved for you.

Want something more? We’ve got exclusive designs and add-ons like Devcon hoodies for sale as well. Check those out here: swag.ethereum.org – use the password “osaka5” ;)

iii. Badge Design, Sticker Station and Food!

Is your badge not yet covered in pastel colored and meme-related stickers? We can help. Last year’s Devcon stickers went quickly, so we’ve reloaded. Head to the back of Hall C to fulfill your sticker dreams, and grab a snack along the way.

2. Decompression Room II

Need to avoid eye contact? Take the elevator to Floor 6 and find a relaxing, refreshing space for guests to doze and laze about. No devices please! On Day 4, there will be a meditation session led by a Zen monk for those in dire need of a boost after a long conference.

3. Dogfooding, Another Kind of Food

i. Ethereum Galaxy (Burner Wallet Game)

Come play Ethereum Galaxy, a webapp scavenger hunt where you can discover all the stars in the Ethereum community’s night sky, built by FlexDapps. Collect stars by visiting all areas of the conference scanning QR codes, and complete a whole galaxy to win prizes and the ultimate easter egg.

ii. Proof Of Attendance Protocol (POAP)

Snag your collectible ERC-721 token to prove your attendance at Devcon!

4. Crypto Grows on Trees

‘On the Revitalization of Nature’ is an art/thought experience produced and curated by the Department of Decentralization. Through compelling art projects (many of which use the technologies that we are so hard at work on such as Plasma, IPFS and others) we seek to activate the emotional attachment we feel towards our planet and spark thoughts on the current climate crisis. Participants are invited to share their ideas, questions and complaints in a traditional “Complaints Book” which will be later used on a second iteration of the show.

5. Elsewhere

Step through a portal, leaving the hustle and bustle behind, and into an interactive theater exhibit that is Elsewhere. At the entrance you’ll find a relaxing, refreshing space for guests to take a deep breath and decompress. Visit Celo’s listening booth, flip pages through especially excellent books, chat with friends over a cup of tea while clearing your head. Further in, an artful and interactive experience exploring the veiled concepts with which we mythologize money will lead you on a journey unlike any other.

To find “Elsewhere”, take elevator #2 (left of Hall B) to the 3rd floor and head to Umier Cube/Room 308:

Devcon Venue- Inside

c. Outside the Venue

1. Devcon Park

We can’t wait for you to see the backyard! Devcon Park overlooks the water from the back of the Devcon Venue, and is built by our friends at ConsenSys. Enjoy seating, food, drink and great views.

2. Devcon Park Amphitheater

Need some air? Check out the cool outdoor amphitheatre area for more talks, panels and workshops. This space also has some free blocks of time if you’d like to schedule your own talk! Just head on down and pencil it in. We’ll provide an update here soon with details on how to schedule time using the Scheduler!

Oh… and we have a special guest joining us on Day 1 that you won’t want to miss.

3. Teatime with Doge

Doge with Ethereum Hat

Meet Kabo-chan.

She’s fluffy, cute, and you may know her better as the real-life face of Doge. That’s right, the pup that started it all is here in the fur and will be giving you the latest on breakthrough state-channel research. Ok, we’re kidding about that last part.

Join Kabo-chan on Day 1 (October 8th) at 2:30PM for teatime and selfies.

d. Food is an experience, too!

Attendees will have a few more options this year when it comes to the menu.

Pastries and coffee with a local flare will be around each morning, and light snacks (+coffee and tea) are provided throughout the day. For lunch, everyone will be provided with a stack of vouchers at registration which can be used to get yourself a lunch at any of the locations listed here.

In total, we have nearly 30 dining options in and around the venue to let everyone find and pick their favorites each day.

IV. Schedule & Devcon App

a. Agenda

This year’s schedule is available in multiple formats. The official online release is live at Devcon.org/Agenda.

For more information, see our full post on the schedule here: https://blog.ethereum.org/2019/09/26/Devcon-Speaker-Release/

*If you need a hand with finding a room (or anything else at Devcon), keep an eye out for the dark-red staff shirts worn by volunteers and staff on the Devcon team.

b. The Devcon App

An on-the-go schedule is available through our Devcon mobile app. Check it out below!

Through the app, you’ll be able to save your most anticipated talks to a personalized schedule, search for and learn about speakers by name, receive live Devcon updates, connect and share schedules with friends and more! We’d like to send a special thank you to Ackee for their work on this year’s app.

appa.devcon.org (for iOS)

appg.devcon.org (for android)

c. HackMD

This year we will be offering a collaborative note-taking platform called HackMD for every Devcon5 talk!

Contribute notes to the HackMD notebook during each and every talk that you attend, and if you miss any talks, check HackMD for notes and feedback from others on what you missed.

The Devcon5 notebook can found here, with separate notes for each talk.

d. After & Side Events

Aside from Devcon events and activities, there is a lot happening in Osaka, and independent groups across the Ethereum ecosystem have been at work to aggregate side events, afterparties and other opportunities for all of us to take part in. We applaud their work and dedication, and can’t wait to see everyone at a few of the events that they’re helping to make happen. Check out their pages below.

V. Cultural Tips

First time in Japan? Don’t smoke outside! Here’s some advice about social customs that may be new to you, like common phrases, information on tipping culture, and more.

a. Do’s

Always have cash on hand. There are many stores, restaurants and taxis only accept cash. ATMs are located in every convenience store
If you forget something at home, head to a convenience store (7-11, Family Mart and Lawson) and you can find most must-have items there
You can drink the tap water
On public transportation waiting for trains or bus, line up a queue in an orderly way and do not cut in, Japanese people really care for their queues

b. Don’ts

Do not tip in restaurants (no tipping culture)
Do not throw away trash on the street
Do not drink or smoke on the street (designated areas only)
Do not make phone calls while on public transportation
Do not speak loudly on public transportation

c. Local tips

Explore a variety of delicious local foods in Dotonbori area such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushi-age
Japan’s official travel app is useful to discover fun spots and to get alert notifications in case of natural disasters https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/about.html
There are often women-only train cars if needed (written in English on the side of the train)
If you do not want to carry around heavy suitcases, there is a conference luggage storage service provided by ecbo cloak https://cloak.ecbo.io/
For further information, explore with Osaka Info https://osaka-info.jp/en/

d. Useful phrases

Remember some useful Japanese phrases (most Japanese people do not speak English but they are usually helpful to answer with some vocabulary)

Hello – Konichiwa (こんにちは)
Thank you – Arigatou (ありがとう)
Excuse me – Sumimasen (すみません)
Please – Onegai shimasu (おねがいします)
Yes – Hai (はい)
No – Iie (いいえ)
I’m sorry – Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)
I don’t understand – Wakarimasen (わかりません)
Goodbye – Sayounara (さようなら)
Good night – Oyasumi (おやすみ)
I don’t understand Japanese – Nihongo wakarimasen (にほんごわかりません)
What’s this? – Kore ha nandesuka? (これはなんですか？)
Where is __? – __ ha doko desuka? (____はどこですか?)
Where is the restroom (toilet)t? – Toilet ha doko desuka? (トイレはどこですか?)
Do you accept credit cards? – Credit card ha tsukae masuka ? (クレジットカードはつかえますか？)
I am ___ . – Watashi ha ____ desu (わたしは____です)
Help! – Tasukete kudasai (たすけてください)

VI. Other things to know

a. Safety First!

1. Emergency numbers:

119 – Ambulance, fire, emergency rescue
110 – Police
118 – Sea rescue (for those of you that insist on making boat parties happen)
“I am at (place name)” = Watashi ha (place name) ni imasu
“It’s an emergency! Please send ambulance” = Kinkyu desu! Kyu-kyu-sha wo onegai shimasu.

We will have medical staff at the venue on-site in case of emergencies.

b. Code of Conduct

Please remember to abide by the Code of Conduct, which is available here: https://devcon.org/code-of-conduct.

For any questions regarding the Code of Conduct, or to make a report/file a complaint, contact a staff member or a volunteer.

c. Stay up to date with the latest news!

Join the Official Devcon Announcements Telegram channel: https://t.me/efdevcon5

First time at Devcon? Join the n00bs channel: https://t.me/devcon5n00bs

Follow Deva on Twitter: https://twitter.com/efdevcon

Stay Tuned to (and enable) push notifications in the Devcon App:

appa.devcon.org (for iOS)
appg.devcon.org (for Android)

The official website for Devcon5 is https://devcon.org/

That’s it! Remember to bookmark this page for quick access to all things Devcon, and welcome to Osaka.

Original Article was first published on Ethereum.org