I’m interested in attending the project week in Gran Canaria (January 25-29, 2027). It would be my first time!
I’m currently a junior R&D engineer and will soon start a PhD, for which I have chosen to work with 3D Slicer on the development side.
I have a question about participation: is it possible to attend as an observer, without presenting a project, especially for someone attending for the first time?
It is definitely possible, but it will not be that much fun!
Please join planning projects to learn more about the community and introduce yourself. Chances are high you will either decide to start your own project, or join a team working on a project that looks interesting to you. Some join projects to contribute, but you are also welcome to join to learn!
The structure of the projects is very informal/flexible and very welcoming to the beginners. You start a conversation, you share an idea about a project that looks interesting, you test someone else’s work - and this is how you contribute!
For the hotel, the discounted block is usually arranged by the local hosts and posted on the Project Week page once it is finalized, so it may simply not be available yet. If your lab needs a cost estimate for funding now, it may be worth emailing the organizing committee to ask about the planned hotel and rate, and whether they can provide an invoice or acceptance letter with registration. That kind of documentation often satisfies internal funding paperwork before the booking link appears.
Also, if you want to minimize the expense, based on my past experience, it is possible to find a nearby hotel that is cheaper than the one used for the venue, even with the discount.
About joining as an observer: I agree with @fedorov . You most certainly have some topic of interest and maybe some workflow step or implementation detail you see as a potentially difficult one. If so, feel free to add it as a project. Sometimes a project is only a discussion with the experts about a certain topic, or even fixing a Slicer bug. No need to think only in terms of large projects.
Registration is open, all info is on the event page (@pieper linked it above).
The discounted hotel link can be expected early next week. We are on it… However, maybe worth noting that the hotel is not among the cheap ones, and you may find other offers nearby. It is a super touristy area.
Looking forward to meeting you at the project week, and also at one of the preparations meetings!