Frequently Asked Questions

After hosting All Things Open for 9 years (since 2013) we’ve found some questions are frequently asked. Take a look and hopefully you’ll find the guidance you’re looking for. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. 

What is All Things Open?

• A polyglot technology conference focusing on the technologies and people making open source possible. Started in 2013, the event regularly hosts the world’s top open source experts and companies. 

When is All Things Open 2021?

• Sunday, October 17, Monday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 19

Where will All Things Open 2021 take place? 

• The in-person component will take place in downtown Raleigh, NC at the Raleigh Convention Center –  500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601. The online component will take place in the 6Connex virtual environment.

What’s the difference between in-person and virtual?

• In-person will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center. Programming will include two (2) co-located events on Sunday, October 17 (Inclusion & Diversity and Community Leadership Summit). Monday and Tuesday in-person programming will include 8 keynote sessions and 30+ tracks of content over both days. Virtual / online programming will include 8 keynote sessions and 20+ tracks of content over both Monday (October 18) and Tuesday (October 19).

Can I register for one or the other – in-person or virtual?

• Yes, you can choose between the two options when registering in Eventbrite. *Please note that if you register for in-person ($99 USD) you are automatically registered for the virtual conference also. However, if you register for the virtual event you will not be registered for in-person. In-person requires a separate registration.

Can I register for both in-person and virtual? 

• Yes, absolutely. *Please note that if you register for in-person ($99 USD) you are automatically registered for the virtual conference also. However, if you register for the virtual event you will not be registered for in-person. In-person requires a separate registration.

How much is registration for the in-person component? 

• In-person registration is $99 USD starting Tuesday, July 13 and running through Friday, October 1 (Early Bird pricing). It includes all programming and networking as well as socials.

Will the price of in-person registration increase?

• Yes, it will increase beginning October 2. At that time cost will transition to $99 USD per day, or $189 for both days (Monday and Tuesday). The price will increase again approximately two (2) weeks out from the event, to encourage earlier registration so we can plan final details more accurately.

How much is registration for the virtual component? 

• Registration for virtual attendance is free of charge, thanks to our Presenting level sponsors. These include AWS, Capital One, Google, IBM, Red Hat and Salesforce.

What is your refund policy for in-person registration? 

• All refund requests will be granted up to Friday, October 1 at 11:59 pm ET. After that date/time, refunds cannot be guaranteed due to permanent costs incurred by the All Things Open team (food, venue, etc.). If the in-person event is cancelled due to an officially declared state of emergency, pandemic or other force majeure incident, refunds will be handled accordingly.  

What happens if the in-person event is cancelled due to COVID/health considerations?

• If the in-person component is cancelled we will notify everyone immediately via email and social media. The virtual component will move forward on Monday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 19 and will become “the event”, as the virtual conference was in 2020.

Will you do a t-shirt and poster giveaway onsite at the conference this year?

• Yes, we will host a t-shirt giveaway at the Raleigh Convention Center on Sunday, October 17, as we have in the past. A limited number of free shirts will be available – approximately 1,000 on a first-come first-served basis. We will also host poster giveaways at the Convention Center on Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th where a limited number of posters will be given away (approximately 50-75 each day).

Why would I purchase a VIP 1 or VIP 2 package?

• VIP packages are designed for two types of person – the first would like to be guaranteed of receiving a t-shirt and/or poster, and the second simply wants to support All Things Open by purchasing an item. *Keep in mind, t-shirt and poster giveaways will be given away for free at the event, but quantities will be limited.

Do you have a COVID-19 policy?

• Yes, we have a COVID-19 policy, which can be found here.

What steps are you taking to keep attendees and all participants safe?

• Many steps are being taken to keep attendees safe while onsite at the event. A partial list can be found here. In addition, an extended tour of the conference site and safety protocols can be viewed here. A shorter safety protocol overview can be viewed here.

Is there a face covering requirement?

• Yes, there is a face covering requirement. While we strongly suggest a KN95 mask, a face covering is defined as any cloth material used to cover the nose and mouth that remains affixed in place without the use of one’s hands. Face coverings should completely cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly against the sides of the face. Attendees may provide their own face covering, or use a face covering provided by ATO. Alternates to face coverings such as face shields, loose gaiters/bandannas, and face coverings with ventilation will not be allowed.
• Face coverings may be removed in meal areas while eating and drinking.
• *Free masks will be made available at the conference beginning Sunday, October 17 and will be available throughout the conference.

Will my temperature be checked onsite? Will I be required to answer health-related questions?

• Before entering the conference area all attendees will be required to undergo a wellness screening, which will include digital temperature checks, a quick series of 3-4 health-related questions, and arm banding for those passing the check.
• If an attendee’s temperature is less than 100.3°F and he/she passes the questionnaire, a color-coded wristband will be given in order to proceed to event registration for additional credentials. If an attendee’s temperature exceeds 100.3°F or he/she does not pass the questionnaire, they will be directed to an isolated
  holding area for additional screening.

Is vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test required?

• All attendees will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID diagnostic test (PCR or antigen) within 48 hours of the day of attendance before entering the conference venue. 
• In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:
  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
• COVID diagnostic testing is now widely available and is FREE. A guide to COVID testing locations in North Carolina can be found here.  

When will the schedule be released?

• v 1.0 of the schedule will be released Wednesday, August 25. 

Can I wait until the schedule is released before registering?

• Yes, absolutely. We fully understand many are familiar with the conference and know what to expect in October, and may register early because of it. However, others may want to see a schedule before registering. August 25 will provide anyone interested in attending two (2) months to review and plan accordingly. 

Do you have a Travel page?

• Yes, we have posted travel details on the website Travel page here.

If I have more questions, who do I contact?

• You can reach out to the ATO team directly at [email protected].