FAQ
Where can I follow updates?
Follow @TigerBeetleDB.
Is there a group chat?
Yes! Join our Slack and dedicated #systems-distributed channel. Say hi, meet other attendees, and make friends.
Is this a Zig conference? Do I need to know Zig?
Not at all! While TigerBeetle might be Zig's biggest fan and while Andrew and Loris from the Zig Software Foundation will both be speaking, the true emphasis of the conference is on systems. No talks will assume you are an expert in Zig and few will even touch on Zig at all. But we encourage you to try out Zig if it sounds interesting to you!
What is the difference between the Standard and Premium ticket?
The Standard ticket gets you access to SD’25 for both days, including lunch and afternoon snacks. The Premium ticket gets you access to the special opening night event with the speakers and TigerBeetle team, plus exclusive swag.
If I can’t make it, can I watch the talks afterwards?
Can I speak at SD’25?
Systems Distributed is a curated conference. Speakers are by invitation only (including lightning talks).
What is the best airport?
Schiphol is the international airport of Amsterdam. From Schiphol, there are frequent buses and trains directly into the city centre.
Where should I stay?
We have put together some recommendations for places to stay around the city - take a look and reach out for any guidance. Sir Adam hotel is a nice option, right by the venue.
If I don’t stay near the venue, how do I get there?
Eye Filmmuseum is opposite Amsterdam Centraal Station. A free ferry, leaving every 15 minutes, takes you across the IJ river in 5 minutes.
Is the venue accessible?
Eye's entire building is accessible to people in wheelchairs. All floors of Eye are accessible by lift which is located next to the staircase of the main entrance. Spaces can be reserved for wheelchairs in the front row of Cinema 1. Reach out to marina@tigerbeetle.com if you have accessibility requirements.
How do I pay for things in Amsterdam?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. AMEX is not accepted in most restaurants and supermarkets. Most Albert Heijn supermarkets now accept Visa and Mastercard but it's a good idea to carry some cash. You can tap to pay on public transport with a debit or credit card (i.e. a special transport card is not needed). Just remember to tap out!
How about some cycling?
It's important to exercise caution when cycling in Amsterdam. In busy areas, like the area between Centraal Station and the S100 ring road, or the red light district, there are narrow streets with oncoming traffic, cobblestones, tram tracks, and a lot of other cyclists and pedestrians who move around randomly! For non-experienced cyclists, this can be stressful to navigate. In Amsterdam Noord, there are wide and well-paved bicycle paths, and a lot less traffic.
There are many places to rent bikes, for example Frederic bikes (€39.50 for 72 hours). Some hotels offer free bikes. It is not permitted to take bikes on trams or buses but you can take them on the ferry.
Can I Uber/Bolt everywhere?
Yes, but it's not as smooth as in some other cities. Rides across the city are expensive and drivers are prone to cancel with short notice if a trip is not sufficiently lucrative. Upgrading to Uber Black can help guarantee your ride. Overall, public transport is faster and more economical.
Amsterdam is turning 750! Allow extra time for airport commute
Amsterdam is turning 750 and there are festivities planned for the weekend of June 20-22nd, including a street festival on Saturday. From Friday June 20th, the Ring West, South and East (between the exit to the A5 and the exit to the A1) will be closed until Sunday, June 22. This means, if you're travelling on Friday evening, you will not be able to get an Uber/car to the airport and will need to take public transport. Allow generous extra time if you need to reach the airport on Friday evening.
Is it true that I must sample both bitterballen and haring?
Yes.
What's the Code of Conduct?
Can I get a refund if I can't make it?
Plans change! But we also want to avoid the scenario of having empty seats that could have been filled. So, we offer refunds up to 30 days before the event.
Anything else?
Get in touch! Say hello and send your questions to marina@tigerbeetle.com.