VATSIM Connexion 2017: Rolling Updates Here

[gunnarlindahl 1]

Welcome!

This thread will be used to post rolling updates from the organisers of Connexion 2017, the global convention of VATSIM taking place in late July in London, UK. If you have a question please start a thread in this forum and one of the organisers will get back to you ASAP. Alternatively there is a VATSIM thread being used for discussion here also.

Want to jump to the Connexion 2017 website? Click here.

Want to know what VATSIM is all about? Click here.

 

[gunnarlindahl 1]

We are pleased to announce further details of the 2017 VATSIM convention in London, UK.

When will Connexion 2017 take place?

The convention will begin on the morning of Saturday 29th July 2017 and conclude in the afternoon of Sunday 30th July 2017. Convention events will take place on both days. An (optional) organised dinner will be arranged for Saturday 29th July 2017 in the evening. There will be an informal gathering prior to the convention on evening of Friday 28th July 2017.

Where will the convention take place?

The convention will be held at the Holborn Bars events space in the heart of London. This is a grade II listed building from the Victorian era and will facilitate us to have a great weekend together. It houses small spaces for informal gatherings and relaxing, as well as the rooms we will use for presentations. On-site catering means everything is under one roof and available for us to use across the weekend. 

https://www.phcompany.com/de-vere/holborn-bars

How much will the convention cost?

The ticket price is 99GBP. This includes entrance to the two days of our event - full of interesting and informative talks and group sessions from leading experts in aviation and flight simulation, refreshments throughout  both days and a selection from a hot and cold lunch offering.

The optional conference dinner on Saturday evening will be communicated at a later date, the exact details of which depends on the numbers attending. You will be asked to express an interest when booking so we have an idea of numbers.

When can I buy a ticket?

Right now! Visit our website to book.

Who should attend?

VATSIM conventions are open to all members from across the globe - we specifically are designing a programme for grassroots and established members alike (both controllers and pilots) to have a fruitful and interesting experience. We feel that some of the most enjoyable moments at these conventions are when members from across the world get to meet in person and socialise. The venue is wheelchair accessible and fitted with hearing induction loops.

I have more questions, concerns or need specific information

We have an FAQ section on the event website. If you can't find an answer to your query, post your question in the discussion thread or email us at convention@vatsim.net.

 

[gunnarlindahl 1]

29th and 30th July 2017
Website and Bookings

The organisers of Connexion 2017 are pleased to announce the first confirmed programme items for the weekend of 29th and 30th July 2017. In addition to the below, we have several more talks planned and will announce them when confirmed over the coming weeks. (In no particular order)

SimFest
The fantastic SimFest team who own and operate a 747 simulator raising money charity each year as participants of World Flight will bring a no-doubt entertaining segment in our event as they explain how they constructed their simulator and how they manage to raise such an incredible amount of money each year.

AeroNav
We have a confirmed presentation from AeroNav to update us on their Global Nav Generator project. 

Cross the Pond
Several members of the central planning team for the Cross the Pond will provide a behind the scenes glimpse at the planning, logistics and execution of the busiest weekends of the VATSIM event calendar. 

Network Supervisors
There will be a talk on becoming a Supervisor and how the role of the Supervisor is changing on the network in the present day. 

SWIFT Pilot Client
We will hear from the development team of the Swift Pilot Client, who will provide an update for us on the progress of this project and their visions for the future. 

Workshop: Flight Planning using PFPX
Run by Vincent Stuart from BAVirtual, who’ll provide us some time to discuss and explain the intricacies of flight planning using PFPX; walking you through the steps to get from the dispatch office to the North Atlantic Track. 

Panel Discussion: Pilot Training
The pilot rating system, pilot training schemes and reflections from ATO’s, we hope to have Vice President Pilot Training Divya Patel joining us for this discussion.

Panel Discussion: Events on VATSIM
The evolving world of VATSIM events; including the increase of in-person events in addition to the well-established virtual ones. We’re lucky enough to be able to welcome Matthew Bartels from VATUSA who’ll provide a balance between the differences and similarities between the North American Region and Europe.

Panel Discussion: Board of Governors
Your chance to pitch ideas, ask questions and generally get to know some of the members of the Board of Governors and find out how their role fits into making VATSIM tick.

Please note: this is not a definitive list other content will be added in the coming weeks and may be subject to alteration without notice. We are currently in talks with several major companies in our community to attend this event.

We have an FAQ section on the event website. If you can't find an answer to your query, post your question in the discussion thread or email us at convention@vatsim.net.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

An update on hotel recommendations, ticket sale timelines & seeking feedback from attendees

Dear all,

A few important updates below. A reminder that you can find out all the information for the event here.

Hotel recommendations published

The event organizers are pleased to present ashort document with recommendations for those looking to stay in the vicinity of the venue during Connexion 2017. There are a range of options to suit your budget and we will do our best to answer queries in the discussion thread here.

Ticket sales scheduled to close at end of April

Tickets are currently available for sale via our website (connexion.vatsim.net). There are a limited number of tickets available and while we endeavor to sell tickets as long as possible, we anticipate that ticket sales will close at the end of April. It may be possible to offer late tickets after ticket sales have closed but these are likely to be at an increased price and will be limited in availability.

To avoid disappointment be sure to book your ticket now!

Feedback wanted

In addition to the confirmed content posted on the website, we’re also keen to hear from you, the members and attendees of the convention. We have a few slots available for you to help us to fill. If you have ideas about which talks, workshops or panels you would like to see at the upcoming event please let us know. This can include individuals, companies, organisations or just a topic you would like to learn about. You do not need to have anything more than an idea, just let us know and we will do the rest! Of course, if you’re interested in presenting something, we would also be happy to hear from proposals at this stage.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

UPDATE: Aerosoft discount for attendees, ticket sales deadline, Saturday evening plans and more programme items announced

Aerosoft

We are delighted to announce that Aerosoft have very kindly offered to provide an exclusive benefit to all attendees of Connexion 2017. Everyone who attends our event will receive a 20% discount code for use one of two highly anticipated upcoming projects: the CRJ 700/900 or the A330. This is a very kind offer from Aerosoft - we would like to thank them for supporting our event.

Ticket Sales

As you have probably seen, tickets are currently available for sale via our website (connexion.vatsim.net). There are a limited number of tickets available and we will be closing tickets for sale on Monday 8th May at 1200z. Please ensure you book before this date if you wish to attend. If you have begun booking a ticket and not completed payment or have not received an email from us containing your ticket details, please visit our website connexion.vatsim.net to finalise your booking in advance of this date.

Saturday evening dinner

Following an enjoyable and enriching day of convention content, we will enjoy an exclusive garden party in a nearby hotel (a short walk from the convention venue). Here we will have plenty of time for socialising and a BBQ buffet. We will sell tickets for this part of the event sometime closer to the date of the event. You will be able to purchase tickets for non-VATSIM members so as to be able to bring them along too.

Conference Content

We have just posted the latest items for the conference programme here and on our website, with more to follow. In addition to what was already announced, we are delighted to host the following sessions:-

- A day in the life of a (real) Heathrow Tower controller
- A presentation from BAVirtual
- Pilot's Perspective: life from the other side of the scope
- A day in the life of a (real )Eurocontrol Controller
- Workshop: Controlling Techniques
- Panel discussion: VATSIM and careers in aviation

More details on these available in the thread above and on the Connexion website.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

The organisers of Connexion 2017 are pleased to announce the latest confirmed programme items for the weekend of 29th and 30th July 2017. In addition to the previously announced items, we are pleased to provide further information below  (In no particular order)

A day in the life of… a Heathrow Tower Controller
A long-standing VATSIM member and real-world Heathrow Tower Controller will give a perspective from the control tower of one of the busiest airports in Europe. We will find out about the logistics, planning necessary to accommodate nearly 1,300 flights each day, bringing over 200,000 people through the airport.

BAVirtual
The CEO of BAVirtual will present to us the latest goings-on within one of the community’s longest standing virtual airlines. As they tackle new challenges such as pilot training it will be fascinating to hear this perspective.

Pilot’s Perspective: Life on the other side of the scope
One of VATSIM’s experienced Enroute Controllers will detail the tools and techniques used to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently. This session will provide useful situational awareness for pilot’s flying in complex and busy airspace during their future flights.

A day in the life of… a Eurocontrol Controller
A VATSIM member and current Enroute Controller in Europe will present a perspective of life from the Maastricht UACC. This center handles approx. 5000 flights per day and this presentation will touch on some of the challenges involved in this operation.

Workshop: Controlling Techniques
Learn some of the tricks of the trade in enroute and approach controlling with this interactive and informative workshop for controllers.

Panel Discussion: VATSIM and careers in aviation
Three members of our community, one who is a Pilot for a large European business jet operator, another a Flight Safety Investigator for a UK based airline and the third an Air Traffic Controller will discuss how their time on VATSIM has influenced and affected their real-life career paths and in addition will provide some advice for those wishing to follow in their footsteps.

Please note: this is not a definitive list other content will be added in the coming weeks and may be subject to alteration without notice.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

LESS THAN 72 HOURS TO BOOK - it takes 2 minutes to secure your ticket right here.

This summer, VATSIM will hold its next global convention event, and all VATSIM members are invited to attend.

Connexion 2017 will take place on the weekend of 29 & 30th July 2017 at the prestigious Holborn Bars conferencing venue in London, UK. This event brings together VATSIM members from all over the globe to meet and network with one another. It will feature workshops and talks on a number of topical subjects related to our hobby, as well as speakers from across VATSIM and the wider flight simulation community.

Tickets and further information, including accommodation recommendations, are available at the event website: connexion.vatsim.net.
If you are thinking of booking and have further questions regarding the event and/or things to see and do in London when you're here, we're hosting a Q&A session on the UK Teamspeak.

Register here: VATSIM UK Teamspeak

The next (and final) Q&A session will be held on:

Sunday 7th May 2017 - 19:30z - 20:30z

If you can't make it, why not tweet your question(s) instead.  We will be monitoring tweets to the @vatsimuk twitter with the #connexionQA hashtag during the session:

@vatsimuk
#connexionQA

Remember that the booking deadline is on Monday 8th May 12:00z - so if you have anything you would still like to ask, please get in contact with us as soon as possible.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

A reminder that ticket sales close TOMORROW (Monday) at 1200z so be sure to secure your ticket tonight at connexion.vatsim.net!

[gunnarlindahl 1]

Less than 8 weeks to go! Have you got your ticket?

We're getting closer to the Connexion 2017, the global convention of VATSIM - taking place on 29 & 30 July in London, UK. If you were thinking about coming but couldn't commit to attending several months in advance, we still have a limited number of tickets available. They are available to book for £109 at the Connexion 2017 website.

Your ticket will get you access to two days of engaging talks and workshops, including:-

- A day in the life of a (real) Heathrow Tower controller
- A presentation from BAVirtual
- Pilot's Perspective: life from the other side of the scope
- A day in the life of a (real) Eurocontrol Controller
- Panel discussion: VATSIM and careers in aviation
- Panel discussion: Board of Governors Q&A

Your ticket also includes a hot lunch on both days and refreshments throughout the weekend. In addition, all attendees will be eligible for a discount code for one of two of Aerosoft's exciting upcoming products.

If you want to find out even more details, be sure to visit connexion.vatsim.net and secure your ticket now!

[gunnarlindahl 1]

Book your Saturday BBQ tickets & last few convention tickets remaining

There are still a few tickets remaining for Connexion 2017, the global convention of VATSIM, which takes place on Saturday 29 & 30th July. Click here to book your ticket. ALSO...

On Saturday evening of the convention we welcome you to join us to relax and unwind at our garden party barbecue. This is available for everyone attending the convention, as well as their partners and families and any VATSIM members who wish to join us who cannot make it to the convention. This will be an enjoyable event where we can enjoy great food in a traditional English garden with great company. 
 
Venue:-
Grange White Hall Hotel 
Montague Street, 15 minute walk from Connexion venue
 
When:-
Saturday 29th July (drinks from 1800, food served from 1900)
 
Tickets:-
£36.75 for Connexion 2017 Ticket holders, £39.75 for other guests.
Ticket Price includes:- buffet barbecue dinner, dessert and first drink from the bar. Other beverages may be purchased at the bar.
 
Tickets can be from now until Sunday 16th July  via the book now link on this page, both for existing Connexion ticket holders and those still wishing to join us for either the convention or just the evening event. If you have any specific dietary requirements please advise us at the time of booking.

[gunnarlindahl 1]

Only 3 days to go until we welcome VATSIM members from all over the world to London for Connexion 2017!

We'll be reporting live from the venue all weekend on our Facebook page ('like' us here!) and on our Twitter (follow us here!). Whether you'll be joining us in London or can't make it this time, join the discussion with the #VATSIMCon17 hashtag. We look forward to passing on your questions and getting you involved!

You can find out more information on the event at the VATSIM Connexion 2017 website - if you live in or near London there are even a couple of last-minute tickets available to book.

We're looking forward to meeting you!