Frequently Asked Questions
At the conference
How do I collect my badge for QCon?
Badge pick-up will start at 7:15 a.m. on Monday, and at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Please arrive well in advance of the keynote. While we do our best to minimize the lines, there may still be some wait times. Attendees can enjoy a light continental breakfast before the first session.
A photo ID is required in order to pick up your badge.
Attendees may only pick up their own badges.
How long will I have access to the pre-recorded talks?
Videos will remain available for 6 months after the conference.
Most talks will be available on-demand so you'll be able to catch up on the sessions you missed. Viewing time for all the technical content is around 60+ hours - all these sessions you will be able to watch at your own pace.
Conference Format & Experience
What is a track?
There are 15 primary themes at QCon. Each of the major themes is organized into what we call tracks. A track represents five curated talks, and most tracks also include an unconference session.
All of the sessions are led by domain experts who guide the selection process. If a track is sponsored by a vendor, it is separated from the main editorial tracks and labeled as sponsored. These are separate from the 15 editorial tracks at QCon. You will never find sponsored content hidden into the main editorial content at the conference.
What do you mean by "no hidden marketing"?
Outside of the main 15 tracks, QCon will offer additional sponsored tracks. If a track is sponsored by a vendor, it is separated from the main editorial tracks and labeled as sponsored. These are separate from the 15 editorial tracks at QCon. One of the core tenants of QCon is transparency, you will never find sponsored content hidden into the main editorial content at the conference.
What is an Unconference Session?
QCon features scheduled Unconference Sessions. These facilitated sessions are designed to bring together groups of individuals to work on a crowd-sourced agenda of topics. These provide valuable opportunities to learn and connect with peers.
Is there a call for papers?
We do not have a formal CFP and usually directly invite our speakers, however, we do have a submission form for spontaneous submissions.
What are the timings for QCon London?
QCon London takes place from Monday, April 8th to Wednesday, April 10th, 2024.
Onsite registration is open on April 8th from 7:15 a.m.
Which rewards does the QCon alumni program include?
You will automatically qualify as a QCon alumni when you have registered to attend any 2 or more QCon events (in-person or online).
If you attend QCon frequently, you will move up the QCon alumni tiers, unlocking more benefits.
You can read more about the alumni program and rewards on the QCon alumni page.
About QCon
Who is behind QCon?
QCon is presented by InfoQ. We’ve been helping software development teams adopt new technologies and practices for over 17 years. The driving force behind every QCon conference is our passion to accelerate the software side of human progress.
Senior software developers rely on QCon and InfoQ to keep ahead of the adoption curve. One of the main reasons senior software engineers, software architects, and team leads tell us they keep coming back to QCon and InfoQ is because they trust the information provided and selected by their peers. Join a global professional engineering community and adopt the right software innovations and practices.
Who is QCon for?
QCon is designed for senior software engineers, software architects, and team leaders.
What does QCon do to support diversity and inclusion?
At QCon, we want to foster an environment that is both diverse and inclusive. The ideas and thoughts generated within a diverse group tend to be more innovative and thought-provoking. This atmosphere characterizes the very essence of QCon.
You can learn about diversity and accessibility at QCon London on our website. Some of the things we are doing at QCon London to make the environment more inclusive include:
- Enforced Code of Conduct
- Childcare stipends for speakers
- Deconstructed menus (to cater to allergies or food preferences)
- Access to all-gender restrooms
- Prayer room
- Women and Allies in Tech events
- Lactation Room
- Quiet Area
- Assistance and Guide Dogs are welcome
- Wheelchair accessible
If there is something that would make you feel more welcome, you feel we’re missing at the conference, or would like more information on, please let us know at info [at] qconlondon.com (info[at]qconlondon[dot]com) .
Why is QCon a conference for practitioners by practitioners?
At QCon, we prefer Engineers over Evangelists, Practitioners over Trainers/Coaches, and Team Leads over Consultants. That is not to say we don't find value on the people on the right, we just prefer those on the left. This simple mantra guides our editorial content. We want to hear from the people who are living with decisions and implementations. This is core to what makes QCon QCon.
What is the QCon code of conduct?
We designed QCon as a place where everyone feels safe to express themselves, learn, and succeed in adopting new technology and practices. We enforce this through the QCon Code of Conduct to provide a safe and inclusive learning space for our thousands of inspiring attendees.
By joining QCon, you agree to our Code of Conduct. All QCon participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff are required to abide by our code of conduct.
What is a QCon software development conference?
QCon is an international software development conference for senior software engineers, software architects, and team leaders.
QCon focuses on emerging software trends and innovations in software development and technical leadership with all talks by software domain experts. Our Programming Committee identifies the key trends and creates a curated learning journey by selecting leading software practitioners to deep-dive on each topic.
Sessions are composed of keynotes from world-class practitioners, tech talks with leading authorities, Q&As, and an opportunity to engage with peers to help answer your questions. You’ll gain actionable ideas that you can take back to your team and implement right away.
Misc
Is there a volunteer program at QCon London?
QCon London offers a volunteer program for students and young professionals who want to experience an international software development conference in exchange for volunteering and assisting with the tracks during the event.
As a volunteer at QCon London, you will get a chance to hear and learn from experts in the field and get access to the conference for free in exchange for volunteer work.
The application form for the 2024 volunteer program now available!
Does QCon offer scholarships or free tickets?
QCon is committed to creating accessible products for software developers from different backgrounds, and to be representative of the present diverse software community.
Free tickets to attend QCon London are available for senior developers from underrepresented communities in tech.
Requirements for candidates:
- Be a senior software developer (5+ years of experience)
- Identify as a member of a historically underrepresented group in tech
- Participate in QCon London, April 8-10, 2024
- Must agree to follow our Code of Conduct
The application form for the free tickets will become available here at the end of 2023.
What is the dress code for the conference?
QCon doesn’t have a formal dress code.
What sustainability initiatives does QCon implement?
QCon partners with conference venues that use innovation and best practices to make our conferences more sustainable. Food and beverage and the respective packaging have a significant impact on sustainability. That’s why at the QEII:
- Cutlery is made from renewable plant-based material, that’s compostable after use
- There are unbleached napkins made from recycled paper
- Hot food boxes are made from recycled materials, collected once used, and sent on to be recycled further
- Plastic containers used have a high recycled content which can then be recycled
- Food waste is taken for composting via Westminster Council
- They have partnered with the first caterer who joined the UK Plastics Pact