How much does it cost?

Tickets for CongRegation™ cannot be purchased but must be earned by a submission on this years theme of ‘Leadership’.  Once accepted this submission is posted on the website and included in the post event eBook.  The ticket gives access to the full day conference, workshops, music session and social events.

How does CongRegation™  work?

Saturday uses an unconference model.   Following registration attendees are spilt into 10 different virtual venues, where the chair will moderate the 3 presentations in each ‘Huddle’.  Each attendee presents their submission during one of the 4 sessions.

All theses sessions will take place via Zoom

How can I get a ticket?

Tickets are allocated subject to the production of a 600 word minimum (no maximum) original article on the theme of “Leadership”.  This is submitted through the web application form for consideration.  Once approved it will be posted on the website.

The ticket covers.

• 1 day virtual event entry
• Promotion on website and eBook
• Adult workshops

Attendees book their own accommodation and travel arrangements if they wish to participate from Cong Village.

CongRegation 2021 Online

#cong21 was virtual.  Taking the lessons from this #cong21 offers a blended option with some logging in from their home and others traveling to Cong Village

How do I get to Cong and where do I stay?

Attendees look after their own accommodation and travel arrangements.  Options range from 5 star Ashford Castle to AirBnB with many offering special rates for CongRegation.  In previously years people have car pooled and we will support this with shared forms.

Some venues (especially those in the village) are block booked so please call for availability rather than trust online.  Places fill out very fast with many already booked for this year.  The full list is available here.

How does the unconference work?

CongRegation uses a hybrid unconference model.  Once your submission has been accepted and published, this is your ticket to attend.  If participating virtually you will be given a link and password to access the conference.  Once you register on the day you will be given a number and a lanyard with instructions on the huddle locations you have been allocated for the day.  The huddles are designed according to an algorithm so that in each huddle you will meet 10-12 new people each time.

The day will kick off with a plenary session to orientate everyone to how the sessions will operate.  Following this the group will be broken into groups of 10-12 people where the chair will invite three people to talk through their submission.  Each huddle will start with a short introduction by each participant followed by an ice breaker.  The ice break is a life hack that ranges from philosophies for life to domestic tips.  In-between the sessions we will have a special exercise and stretching routine to keep everyone limber.  At the end of the day we will also host a virtual poetry open mike and music/art session.

For those participating virtually you do not need a zoom account to participate but having an account will give you access to advanced features.

Guiding Conventions

• No self promotion during huddles.  (Keep for break out period).
• Debate and challenge but be respectful.
• Stick to the 15 minutes presentation time.
• Keep on theme.
• Be succinct.
• Earn respect with insight.
• Encourage group discussion by all.
• Be open minded.
• Agree to disagree.
• Listen and probe.
• Keep personal issues for individual chats

How can I participate in the poetry open mic and stand up?

Attendees can share some original or favourite poems during the 45 minute poetry open mike.  Closer to the event we will share the details of the MC who will coordinate the session.  During the session the MC will unmute you and you have the stage for a maximum of 5 minutes.

We are planning a quick session with a standup comedian to share some insights on telling jokes/funny stories followed by an impromptu stand up session.  This session will take place at 8.00-9.30pm.  The stand up comedian will moderate the session and we will share their details closer to the event.  The moderator will unmute each stand up and schedule the session.

Both sessions are high hearted and fast paced.

Sit back with your favourite tipple and enjoy.

The original plan at the start of 2021 was for CongRegation to return to Cong Village as a physical event with remote login also facilitated.  However as the year progressed and Covid became even more unpredictable with new strains and vaccinated people continuing to become infected, the decision was taken to revert to the online option on safety grounds.  The nature of huddles means close physical proximity, with physical distancing not practical in the small venues used.  What the government guidance in November will be is unclear but rather than risk a last minute cancellation and all the related travel/accommodation problems we have made a decision three months out.  However, for those who wish to spend a weekend in Cong we will accommodate them to login in their favourite venues or in the Crossroads Centre, which we will have full access to on the 27th.  While all this is disappointing the safety of all attendees and those living in Cong Village take priority.