Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us
Meet Anneke Schoonjans and Hilde Goossen. They work at Aardling and they are the Event Managers for Data Mesh Live. They have prepared this FAQ for you. Still haven't found what you are looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out to them at contact@datameshlive.com.
Anneke Schoonjans
Hilde Goossens
Practical
Schedules
The workshops and conference days start at 09:30. Registration starts at 08:30, and we advise you to come early to avoid the lines. There'll be coffee. The events end at about 17:30-18:00. Precise schedules are published close to the event. There will be social events with an open bar after the last sessions on Friday, until about 19:30.
Social Events
There will be social events with an open bar after the last sessions on Friday, until about 19:30. These events are free if you have a ticket for that day.
Which hotel should I book in?
See our hotel info
Getting to the venue
See our travel info
Childcare
We work with a professional childcare service, with trained caretakers. This is a free service, but we charge a small administration fee to avoid false positives. We can refund it after the event upon request. Register here.
Visa
If you need a visa invitation letter, please contact contact@datameshlive.com.
I have an accessibility requirement
We publish our accessibility provisions here. We'd like to make sure your needs are met. If you need anything that's not on the list, please email us at contact@datameshlive.com and we'll work with you to address them.
About the conference
Is this conference for me?
Data Mesh Live is for software and data practitioners who are applying Data Mesh techniques in production, or aspire to do so. We expect you'll have at least a basic understanding of Data Mesh, perhaps you have read How to Move Beyond a Monolith Data Lake or have watched a few videos on the topic. Most sessions won't be Data Mesh 101, rather aimed at those looking seriously at how to implement Data Mesh into their current systems.
What is Data Mesh?
Data Mesh is a socio-technical approach to building modern data applications. In her article introducing Data Mesh principles, Zhamak Dehghani notes that the objective of Data Mesh is "to create a foundation for getting value from analytical data and historical facts, at scale."
What programming languages should I know?
The conference does not focus on any particular programming language or technology. Some sessions might have code in them, but you should be able to follow even if you don’t know the language that is used.
What language is spoken?
All sessions are in English. We also encourage all participants to speak English, even with your friends, to make it easy for others to join.
Will the talks be recorded?
Yes, some of them. But a conference is more than a bunch of talks. You’ll miss out on the workshops, meeting new and old friends, interesting discussions, and lots of fun.
Workshops
Which pre-conference workshops should I choose?
They're all great! Drop us an email, we'll help you decide.
Tickets
What is included in the ticket prices?
You'll have access to all the sessions on the dates included in your ticket. Some sessions may have limited capacity. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entrance to a session, for example when the session's maximum capacity was reached. Some sessions may require pre-registration. All tickets include lunch and beverages. Not included in the ticket price are accommodation, travel, dinners, or any other costs, unless specifically indicated.
Why do I have to pay VAT?
According to EU VAT law, we must charge VAT for online ticket sales with the same laws as if we were selling tickets at the door. This means that EU citizens including businesses and non-EU citizens / businesses must all pay VAT tax. You may be able to deduct the VAT cost in your country.
Can I get an invoice?
Yes. Your confirmation email contains a link to the invoice. Make sure you enter your company name, VAT, and details in the checkout process.
How can I pay?
By credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer (choose 'Invoice' in the checkout screen.) We don't really like PayPal so avoid it if you can.
Can I get a group deal?
If you want to bring your team, contact us and tell us which events and workshops you're interested in, and we'll see what we can do.
Can I change the attendee name on the ticket?
If you bought a ticket, but you want someone else in your company to attend instead, you can use the self-service features of the ticketing system, or you can get in touch and we'll do it for you.
Can I get a refund?
Sometimes things don’t work out as planned. In that case, we’re happy to refund 90% of your ticket with a 30 days notice prior to course start date or a refund of 50% of your ticket with a 15 - 30 days notice prior to course start date. There will be a 10% administration cost, and transaction costs may apply. Please contact contact@datameshlive.com or call +32 468 109 891 for information. Please include the order reference, invoice number, ticket code, or ticket link. We refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Can I swap my tickets?
If you want to attend a different event than the one you signed up for, we might be able to swap your tickets. Please contact contact@datameshlive.com for information. Please include the order reference, invoice number, ticket code, or ticket link.
Miscellaneous
Are there any scholarships?
We do not have any scholarships at this time. We believe that Data Mesh Live brings a lot of value to organisations, and that employers should pay to send delegates. That said, we sometimes make exceptions, and volunteering is a good way to participate in the conference.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. As a volunteer, you'll be responsible for various tasks (for example crowd control, logistical support,…). In return, you'll have the opportunity to participate in some sessions. Please be aware that you will need to arrange your own accommodation in or near Antwerp. Please fill in this form to apply.
My boss doesn't want to pay for sending me to Data Mesh Live.
Come on your own dime, and find a better boss at the conference.
Do you have a Covid Policy and where can I find it?
For all our events, including conferences, workshops, and social events, we take the COVID-situation seriously. We want to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible, and keep everyone safe. Read our COVID-19 Policy here.