FAQ
Q: When will the conference take place? Where is it being held?
A: Initial conference dates of 3-5 July 2020 has been moved to 2-5 Feb 2021 at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. This date factors in the likelihood for larger local gatherings to be permitted by the government and travel bans being lifted from domestic (interstate) and within bubbles of lesser-impacted countries (like NZ). This is also during semester break for Australian academic calendars so the venues we have booked are available.
Q: What mode of attendance is available for servdes.2020?
A: We envisage that travel bans may continue into 2021, so servdes.2020 will offer a hybrid model that accommodates both online and onsite attendance. This means registered delegates will have access to all on-line content and the program has been scheduled to accommodate the diverse time zones of the presenters.
Q: What measures are being taken with regards to COVID-19?
A: Rate of COVID-19 infection and confirmed cases in Australia are rapidly declining. We will be following government advice about the caps in numbers for onsite attendees and adhere to social distancing guidelines. We will be following and providing up-to-date advice to onsite delegates so to adhere to strict hygiene procedures as suggested by the Victorian Health Department. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19
Q: How do I register? What is included in the registration?
A: You can register via a link provided on the Registration page on the servdes.2020 website for prices and information on registration. There are different attendance rates and optional extras itemised there.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the conference? Will I be refunded due to impacts of COVID-19?
A: There will be no refunds for stage 1 registration cancellations. Delegates that cancel stage 2 registration on or before the 22nd December 2020 will receive a full refund of the stage 2 registration costs paid, plus a refund of any additional purchases (such as the Conference Dinner and Learning About Indigenous Culture Tour). Delegates that cancel registration after 22 December 2020 will not receive a refund.
Q: I haven’t been to Melbourne or Australia. What advice can you give me?
A: If you are able to travel to Melbourne, Australia, please go to the About page on the servdes.2020 website for advice on Planning your trip, accommodation, visas, customs, currency, payment methods, time zones, weather and more.
Q: Where can I access the program for the servdes.2020 onsite conference?
A: You can see the draft program on the Programs page on servdes.2020 website.
Q: Am I able to network with conference attendees online?
A: We strongly encourage you to join Service Design Melbourne’s #servdes2020 slack channel. Please click this link if you’d like to join. We will also be using #servdes2020 slack for on-line and asynchronous discussions, so please join this slack, download the app and turn notifications on for a lively engagement. We will also be facilitating various networking events in the lead up to the conference so please stay tuned to announcements on servdes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Slack and e-mails!
Q: Are presentations and networking times fixed for online delegates?
A: The draft Programs page on servdes.2020 website accommodates different time zones for on-line presenters. During these sessions, you are able to ask questions and participate in discussions.
Q: Are presentations recorded and/or downloadable?
A: All presentations will be accessible to registered delegates. Published proceedings from servdes.2020 will also be available from the servdes international website.
Q: Is there funding available to assist in travel/accommodation costs?
A: As part of servdes.2020 Inclusion and Accessibility there are mechanisms to enable as broad a range of points of view, experiences and understandings critical to notions of service design practice and research to participate. Please visit Inclusion + Accessibility to read about what support is available. Discounted rates on accommodation are being negotiated with the nominated hotels under Travel + Accommodation.
Q: I am a student, can I volunteer for the conference?
A: If you are interested in volunteering, please contact info@servdes.org to register your interest and complete an application. If you are accepted, you will receive a conference fee waiver, but you will need to pay for your own travel and accommodation if you are visiting.
Q: My question is not listed, who do I contact for other enquiries?
A: For any other questions or concerns, please contact info@servdes.org, or alternatively post to the Service Design Melbourne #servdes2020 slack forum at https://sdmelb.slack.com #servdes2020