TL;DR:

Abstract submission: https://forms.gle/8QfEJfH27g2RbL8L8 - PLEASE RESPOND (OR REACH OUT TO US) BY MARCH 24
We have decided to postpone the UK/EU User Symposium given the timeline and logistics

Sign up for the Arches Developer Meetup 2025, for Arches software developers and those with technical interest. This will be a hands-on event, with sessions focused on coding discussion, ideas and challenges.

See this discussion on the Arches Community Forum for more of the background.

I filled out the Expression of Interest form, do I still need to register?

Yes, please do - the EoI form allowed us to gauge interest, but we will work out attendance on the basis of this form.

Who should attend?

Arches Developer Meetup on 28-30 April: anyone who has an interest in the technical development of Arches, in particular, developers and modellers.

If you are not technical (either coding or modelling), you may find this event to be outside your interest - of course, all are welcome, but be forewarned, it will be technically-focused!

While there was an UK/EU Users Symposium planned for 1-2 May, due to circumstances here we had to conclude the timeline was too tight and we will postpone it. However, for anyone already planning to be in Belfast on 1-2 May, we are happy to host and to coordinate discussions in our Belfast office.

What is the structure?

Arches Developer Meetup This event will not be hybrid, it will be in-person only

28-29 April: 30 minute presentations (inc questions). Abstract submission is here - PLEASE RESPOND OR REACH OUT BY MARCH 22. Depending on the level of submissions, we will aim to have plenty of time for roundtable and free discussion (similar to last year). An agenda will be released in advance. In general, we will be aiming to keep a similar structure to the Arches Developer Meetup in 2024

30 April: Unconference style, with a dynamic agenda. Providing an opportunity to discuss topics or present based on attendee voting on the day.

What are the likely topics?

Likely themes include the upcoming Arches 8, the on-going work on various Arches subprojects, including Lingo, Arches for HERs and Arches for Science. A number of the topics in @cyrus’ great breakdown for the Arches Developer Meetup in 2024 are still highly relevant.

Where should I stay?

We are recommending The Lansdowne (short, steep walk distance from Belfast Castle) has a small number of rooms available. If you wish to stay more centrally, check the Premier Inn Titanic Quarter or Hilton Belfast. Belfast is relatively expensive for accommodation by UK & I metrics, but there are budget-friendly options available slightly further or with fewer facilities - if you have any difficulty or want some tips, please feel free to reach out for more recommendations.

Regardless, Belfast Castle is around a 13 minute taxi from the City Centre, traffic permitting, so any well-rated hotel centrally will be accessible. We are setting up a conference email address, but for now, please email arches2025@flaxandteal.co.uk if you want to discuss directly, or need any details for an institution or business case.

How do I submit a talk?

Arches Developer Meetup: for updates. Talk submissions should be made here requesting a short (~100w) abstract. Keep an eye on the forum for updates. Talks should be within 30mins including questions. We are aiming for a diversity of topics and perspectives over comprehensive presentations, with plenty of time for informal deep-diving, so focus on giving a clear, concise overview, to seed follow-ups discussions throughout the 3 days.

What is the social schedule?

We plan to have (optional) group dinners on certain nights during the week, in particular on the Tuesday night - we hope this will provide a good opportunity for developers and users to meet between the two events. We will have informal coordination to help you explore Belfast on other evenings also. Of course, feel free to make your own plans too!

We are planning to provide suggested natural and/or cultural heritage excursions for those arriving by the Sunday or staying until the Saturday, depending on attendee interest (so please do highlight if you would be interested in this). For those who may be extending their trip, Northern Ireland has a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a World Heritage Site, film and Game of Thrones sites, and, of course, a rich Historic Environment - all a short distance from Belfast.

What is the weather like?

This is hard to say - April can be rainy in Belfast, but May is normally a turning point - fingers crossed! Temperature is normally around 11-15°C (52-59°F).

How do I get there?

Central Belfast is most accessible via Belfast City airport (<10min). Note that BHD is not BFS. It is also accessible via Dublin (DUB; 1.5h), Belfast International (BFS; 30min) or City of Derry (1.5h) airports. Do note that you need eligibility to visit the UK - this contains new requirements since March:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

If (and only if) transferring via Dublin, an Irish visa or waiver also (e.g. US/EU passport or BIVS). If you do not see a direct flight to Belfast, especially from the EU, you may find landing in Dublin saves you a flight change.

Arches Developer Meetup 2025 (Global Event in Belfast)