This year, the ILIAS community will be meeting on the 5th and 6th of June for our annual ILIAS Conference - this time in the heart of Berlin in the stylish Villa Elizabeth, a mere stone's throw from the main train station. It is hard to imagine a more central and beautiful location. This year, we will be presenting, learning and networking amid classical elegance and a green park.

A Conference Team with Insight - and Stamina

The team organising this year's conference, centred around Phillip Kröpelin and Bettina Neuhaus from Kröpelin Projekt GmbH, have been working behind the scenes since last year to make the conference a reality. Philipp has even taken on two roles: in addition to his role in the team organising the conference, he is also on the programme committee. It is fair to say that he knows the conference inside out - from planning the topics of the conference down to the last cable behind the scenes. We have been able to coax some information out of these two conference experts....

So, why Villa Elisabeth? It was no coincidence. The criteria were: practical, central, beautiful. A place where professionalism and flair don't get in the way of each other.

"Ten minutes from the main train station, right in the centre and full of charm."

There's Always Going to Be Something...

Of course, conference planning rarely proceeds totally free of drama. When the Bundestag elections were unceremoniously brought forward - actually a reason for the irregular conference date in June - it was a bitter déjà vu for the team. The plan was actually to create a real political stir on the subject of open source during the election campaign. Unfortunately, nothing came of it.

And that the extensive conference programme didn't just fall easily into place in Wordpress, also caused a few grey hairs. For with almost 60 contributions generated by the call for papers, structuring everything was quite a task. But - everything has found its place. And the result is truly impressive - thanks also to the tireless work of Christian and Javi from the Kröpelin design team.

For the Brain, the Heart.... and the Waistline

In addition to all of the specialist presentations, discussions and sparkling new ideas, you will be no doubt relieved to know that food and drink have not been forgotten. Berlin Cuisine will supply the catering - a caterer that otherwise provides catering for events like the 'Berlinale' (The Berlin International Film Festival). We'll be rolling out the red carpet for your taste buds!

And, for those that still have energy left after the first day, there is the Social Event to look forward to. On board for entertainment, bassdee, an established name in the Berlin club scene - the DJ was hired with the kind support of the OC Group and Roberto del Mastro, host of the 2022 ILIAS conference in Bologna. And rumour has it that Roberto might also be spinning a few tunes...

Thinking Sustainably, Acting Sustainably

This year, sustainability is at the heart of the event: from paperless organisation and environmentally friendly event technology to climate-friendly travel.

All participants can travel to the conference for a mere €59, travelling second class with the Deutsche Bahn from anywhere in Germany. The link to book tickets can be found on the conference website. And once there, you can travel for free with the included public transport ticket - without any chaos at the ticket machines. So make sure you have your registration confirmation ready in digital or printed form!

There is also a special highlight to take part in on the first evening: a guided tour of the Berlin Wall Memorial (Thursday, 5 June, 5:30 pm). A few places are still available - so register quickly. Further information can be found here.

The Countdown Has Begun

Nervousness is growing, the programme has been finalised - and the team is ready. Bettina is particularly looking forward to the moment when ‘everything comes together - or not’. And Philipp? He will probably be saying a prayer of thanks in the beautiful Schinkel Church at 4 pm on Friday after everything has gone successfully. It's fair to say - it is rather nerve-wracking, planning a conference like this.

Two weeks to go until the conference. Until then: savour the anticipation, get your tickets - and hope for good weather.

What's more to say? See you all in Berlin!