Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Tickets for CongRegation™ cannot be purchased but must be earned by a submission on this years theme of ‘Reality’.  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 face to face in multiple locations with some joining in 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 “Legacy”.  This is submitted through the web application form for consideration.  Once approved it will be posted on the website.

The ticket covers.

• 1 day unconference entry
• Teas/coffees and lunch covered
• Evening event in Ashford Castle
• Social events
• Promotion on website and eBook
• Adult workshops

Attendees book their own accommodation and travel arrangements..

Attendees who cannot make it in person will be offered the opportunity to participate virtually via zoom.  This will take place via a laptop/tablets in huddles.  Due to the limitations of broadband in some venues the number of virtual huddles will be limited.  The same rule applies for the advance submission and the opportunity to discuss on the day and share in the debate.

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

The workshops, fireside chat, open mic are open to all attendees.  Just add your name to the spreadsheet once you have completed our submission.  Ashford Castle has a limit of 32.