The O’Reilly Open Source Convention (OSCON) is an annual event where the open source community gather from around the world to learn about and be trained in the latest technologies and techniques; network with those who create or support such projects; and discover how open source could benefit their business. Members of this community impart their own expertise to inspire others, and innovative new open source products and projects are often announced at the event.
OSCON is aimed at engineers, developers, managers, IT professionals, business people and investors who are undertaking or part of open source projects. In 2016, a variety of topics will be discussed in depth to explore how open source could contribute to solving some of the world’s most fundamental issues. These include security, architecture, leadership, open government and business, to name a few.
Where will OSCON 2016 take place?
OSCON takes place every summer in the United States, with the most recent event being held in Austin, Texas in May 2016. Yet several other O’Reilly events are scheduled throughout the year in many more places around the world, from New York to Beijing to Amsterdam. The next OSCON conference in 2016 will be held in London, UK, with the conference and tutorials taking place between 17th and 19th October, and training between the 19th and 20th.
Don’t forget your EHIC
If you are planning on attending OSCON 2016 in London, it’s important to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This means that should you fall ill or have an accident during your visit, you are entitled to receive treatment under the UK’s state healthcare system. You are eligible to apply if you are from the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Originally, you had to get an E111 form from a service provider, but this system was replaced by the EHIC in 2006.
Flying to London for OSCON 2016
There are several ways to travel to London for OSCON 2016. Fly to one of the capital’s five major international airports, either London City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or Stansted, where you can then get to central London via express train. This only takes 15 minutes from Heathrow, 21 minutes from Luton, 22 minutes from City Airport, 30 minutes from Gatwick, or 45 minutes from Stansted.
You can also take the Tube from Heathrow, or the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) from City Airport. Additionally, there are mainline train services from Luton, Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow.
If you don’t wish to travel into the city centre by rail, you can take a taxi or hire a car from the airport.
Travelling by ferry
You can also travel to London by ferry. After disembarking at Dover, Newhaven or Harwich seaports, you can get the train into the city centre. Travel to Victoria station from Newhaven and Dover, or Liverpool Street station from Harwich.
Transportation via the Channel Tunnel
Alternatively, you can use the Eurotunnel service via the Channel Tunnel to drive from Coquelles in Calais to Folkestone. The Eurostar rail service, which also uses the Channel Tunnel, is available as well.
