Unlocking the Essence of Devcon5: Insights from the Ethereum Foundation

Greetings to Devcon.

We’ve got plenty to discuss, and within this article, you’ll uncover all the details! Pay attention as we explore transportation to the venue from Osaka’s airports, the Devcon Venue, the Schedule & Devcon App, and additional information!

Kindly bookmark this document to address all inquiries you might have about pre-registration and on-site sign-up, experiences around the venue, involvement during presentations, side/after events, and everything else concerning Devcon5.

To begin, let’s navigate how to reach your destination.

I. Transit

Most participants will be arriving shortly, and we aim to ensure that you can easily find your way to the Devcon venue.

The majority will land at Osaka’s international hub, Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, there are several straightforward methods to get to the ATC Hall, as well as the Cosmo Tower, Hyatt Regency, and Quintessa hotels.

a. KIX to the Venue 

KIX Airport Limousine Bus to Hyatt Regency Osaka

The Limousine Bus is an express service located just outside the airport doors. There are only two stops before this service arrives at the Hyatt Regency Osaka, which is directly connected to the venue. The bus operates every half hour and is heading towards Osaka Nanko/Universal Studios.

The fare for the journey is JPY1,600 per individual (approximately $15 USD) one way, or 2,800 yen ($

Via Metro 

The metro offers a budget-friendly option for traversing different parts of Osaka. From Umeda/Honmachi/Shinsaibashi/Namba, board the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to “Honmachi” station, and then transfer from Honmachi station to Cosmo Square towards Trade Center station in approximately 18 minutes.

From Shin-Osaka, utilize the Osaka Midosuji Line to reach Honmachi station, and from “Honmachi” station undertake the Cosmo Square to Trade Center station journey, also around 18 minutes.

Via JR (Japan Rail)

From Tennoji or Osaka station, take the Loop Line until “Bentencho” Station, then switch to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line via Cosmosquare for around 15 minutes and disembark at “In front of the trade center” Station. This fare is approximately ¥390.

b. ITM to the Venue

For those arriving via connections or domestically at Itami Airport (ITM), we suggest the Itami-Airport Limousine Bus, which will swiftly take you to the center of Osaka. From there, you can connect with Osaka Metro’s Chuo Line to reach the ATC Hall.

For additional details regarding local transportation, we are always excited to see our community leading and are happy to endorse and share these community resources:

Other Useful Navigation Resources 

II. Devcon Registration

a. Early Registration

Alternatively, avoid the queue on Day 1 by signing up on Monday to collect your wristband and badge!

Date: Monday, October 7th

Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Sakishima Cosmo Tower 1st floor

b. DOORS OPEN: On-Site Registration

Date: Tuesday, October 8th

Time: 8:00 AM (Events commence @9:00AM)

Devcon Venue: ATC Hall 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward

1. Registration “need to know”

• All lines are equal this year — no alphabetical order!

• Prior to your arrival, you must redeem your code for a ticket QR and download the PDF to your electronic device or print it prior to the event.

• Wristbands are mandatory for entry and should be collected during registration. Please do not misplace your wristband — it will not be replaced.

• Badges are not mandatory, and can be collected at the Swag Station located in Hall C

• For all participants in on-chain auctions and raffles, please confirm that you have redeemed your tickets here. Staff will be available for assistance on-site if required.

c. Internet

We understand how conference Wi-Fi can often turn out, so we’re experimenting with a few innovations this year. Besides the conventional venue Wi-Fi option, dedicated connections will be available in every room to enhance presentation streaming and more. Additionally, if you possess an unlocked phone, inform our staff at registration for a gift and some dedicated data (a data-only SIM card valid for the entire conference [5 days]) just for you.

d. Can you reserve Swag during the ticketing process? 

We have you covered, but you’ll collect items a bit later. Refer to the Swag section for additional details (Pt. III-B-1-ii)!

III. Venue & Activities

a. Welcome to the ATC Hall

Location: 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034, Japan

The ATC hall is a stunning and contemporary venue featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces, a direct train station for quick access to downtown, a waterfront view (for those who are maritime enthusiasts) and on-site culinary options and shopping!

We have numerous unique activities and spaces for attendees to enjoy both within and outside the primary venue, including a packed agenda across stages of various sizes, an array of dining choices, and other experiences.

Let’s kick off those experiences!

b. Within the Venue

1. The Amazing Hall C!

i. Tabling Teams

Hall C can be accessed directly from the main entrance and gathering area of the ATC Hall. Inside, you’ll find staff and swag from thirty of the leading teams in the Ethereum ecosystem. Be sure to drop by throughout the conference, as many tabling sponsors and groups will rotate after Day 2 of Devcon.

ii. Swag & Sales

Speaking of swag, Hall C is also where you can collect your pre-ordered swag and other items! Did you select your items during the ticketing process? Proceed to the Swag Station and present your QR (download separately from your ticket) to claim your swag. If you chose a size, we have it set aside for you.

Looking for something more? We also offer exclusive designs and extras like Devcon hoodies for purchase. Check those out here: swag.ethereum.org – use the password “osaka5” 😉

iii. Badge Creation, Sticker Station, and Snacks!

Is your badge still lacking in pastel colored and meme-themed stickers? We can assist. Last year’s Devcon stickers were popular, so we’ve restocked. Visit the back of Hall C to fulfill your sticker aspirations and grab a snack along the way.

2. Decompression Room II

Need to escape eye contact? Take the elevator to Floor 6 to discover a tranquil and refreshing space for guests to rest and unwind. Please, no devices! On Day 4, there will be a meditation session led by a Zen monk for those in pressing need of a refresh after an extensive conference.

3. Dogfooding, A Different Kind of Food

i. Ethereum Galaxy (Burner Wallet Game) 

Join us for Ethereum Galaxy, a web application scavenger hunt where you can uncover all the stars in the Ethereum community’s night sky, crafted by FlexDapps. Collect stars by exploring all sections of the conference and scanning QR codes to complete an entire galaxy for rewards and the ultimate easter egg.

ii. Proof Of Attendance Protocol (POAP)

Grab your collectible ERC-721 token to confirm your attendance at Devcon!

4. Crypto Grows on Trees

‘On the Revitalization of Nature’ is an art/thought experience produced and curated by the Department of Decentralization. Through captivating art initiatives (many of which utilize the technologies we are diligently working on like Plasma, IPFS, and others), we aim to ignite the emotional connection we have with our planet and provoke thoughts regarding the current climate crisis. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, questions, and grievances in a traditional “Complaints Book” which will be utilized for a second iteration of the exhibit.

5. Elsewhere 

Step through a portal, leaving the chaos behind, and enter an interactive theater installation known as Elsewhere. At the entry, you’ll find a soothing and refreshing space for guests to take a deep breath and relax. Explore Celo’s listening booth, flip through exceptional books, and catch up with friends over a cup of tea while clearing your thoughts. Further inside, a creative and interactive experience delving into the hidden concepts we associate with money will take you on an unparalleled journey.

To locate “Elsewhere”, take elevator #2 (left of Hall B) to the 3rd floor and proceed to Umier Cube/Room 308:

c. Outside the Venue

1. Devcon Park

We are excited for you to experience the backyard! Devcon Park provides a view of the water from the rear of the Devcon Venue, created by our friends at ConsenSys. Enjoy seating, food, drinks, and fantastic vistas.

2. Devcon Park Amphitheater

In need of some fresh air? Explore the inviting outdoor amphitheater area for additional talks, panels, and workshops.

This area also contains some available time slots if you wish to plan your own presentation! Simply proceed down and jot it down. We’ll share an update shortly with information on how to book your times using the Scheduler!

Oh… and we have a unique guest accompanying us on Day 1 that you won’t want to overlook.

 3. Teatime with Doge

Meet Kabo-chan.

She’s fluffy and adorable, and you might recognize her as the real-life embodiment of Doge. Indeed, the canine that initiated it all is present in the flesh and will be relaying insights on revolutionary state-channel research. Just kidding about that last bit.

Join Kabo-chan on Day 1 (October 8th) at 2:30 PM for teatime and selfies.

d. Food is a pleasure, too!

Participants will have a few more selections this year regarding the menu.

Each morning will feature pastries and coffee with a local touch, and light refreshments (+coffee and tea) will be available throughout the day. For lunch, each individual will receive a collection of vouchers during registration which can be used to grab a meal at any of the venues listed here.

Overall, we have nearly 30 dining choices in and around the venue to enable everyone to discover and select their favorites daily.

IV. Schedule & Devcon Application

a. Agenda

This year’s timetable is accessible in various formats. The official online release is live at Devcon.org/Agenda.

For additional details, see our comprehensive post on the schedule here.

*If you require assistance locating a room (or anything else at Devcon), watch for the dark-red staff shirts worn by volunteers and team members of Devcon.

b. The Devcon Application

A mobile schedule is offered through our Devcon app. Take a look at it below!

With the app, you’ll be able to save your most awaited presentations to a customized agenda, search for and discover speakers by name, receive real-time updates from Devcon, connect with friends and share schedules, and much more! We would like to extend a big thank you to Ackee for their contributions to this year’s app.

appa.devcon.org (for iOS)

appg.devcon.org (for Android)

c. HackMD

This year we will provide a collaborative note-taking platform known as HackMD for every Devcon5 presentation!

Contribute notes to the HackMD documentation during each session you attend, and if you miss any presentations, check HackMD for notes and thoughts from others regarding what you missed.

The Devcon5 documentation can be found here, with distinct notes for each presentation.

d. After & Side Events

Besides Devcon events and activities, there is much occurring in Osaka, and independent groups within the Ethereum community have been working to consolidate side events, after-parties, and other opportunities for all of us to engage in. We commend their efforts and commitment, and look forward to seeing everyone at a few of the events they are facilitating. Check out their pages below.

V. Cultural Insights

Visiting Japan for the first time? Don’t smoke outdoors! Here’s some guidance regarding social norms that might be unfamiliar to you, including common phrases, details on tipping etiquette, and more.

a. Dos

• Always carry cash. Numerous stores, restaurants, and taxis only accept cash. ATMs can be found in every convenience shop

• If you forget something at home, go to a convenience store (7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson) where you can locate most essential items

• You can drink the tap water

• While waiting for trains or buses on public transport, align in an orderly queue and avoid cutting in; Japanese individuals are very particular about their queues

b. Don’ts 

• Avoid tipping in eateries (no tipping culture)

• Do not dispose of trash on the streets

• Do not drink or smoke in public areas (designated spaces only)

• Avoid making phone calls while on public transport

• Do not speak loudly on public transportation

c. Local insights 

• Discover a variety of delightful local dishes in the Dotonbori area such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushi-age

• Japan’s official travel application is beneficial for uncovering interesting locations and receiving alerts.notifications in event of natural calamities https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/about.html

• There are frequently women-only train compartments available if necessary (displayed in English on the side of the train)

• Should you prefer not to lug around heavy bags, a luggage storage service is offered by ecbo cloak https://cloak.ecbo.io/

• For additional details, visit Osaka Info https://osaka-info.jp/en/

d. Helpful phrases

Make sure to memorize some handy Japanese expressions (most Japanese individuals do not converse in English, but they usually assist with some vocabulary)

• Hello – Konichiwa (こんにちは)

• Thank you – Arigatou (ありがとう)

• Excuse me – Sumimasen (すみません)

• Please – Onegai shimasu (おねがいします)

• Yes – Hai (はい)

• No – Iie (いいえ)

• I’m sorry – Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)

• I don’t understand – Wakarimasen (わかりません)

• Goodbye – Sayounara  (さようなら)

• Good night – Oyasumi (おやすみ)

• I don’t know Japanese – Nihongo wakarimasen (にほんごわかりません)

• What is this? – Kore ha nandesuka? (これはなんですか？)

• Where is _? – _ ha doko desuka? (____はどこですか?)

• Where can I find the restroom (toilet)? – Toilet ha doko desuka? (トイレはどこですか?)

• Do you accept credit cards? – Credit card ha tsukae masuka ? (クレジットカードはつかえますか？)

• I am _ . – Watashi ha __ desu (わたしは____です)

• Help! – Tasukete kudasai (たすけてください)

VI. Additional information to be aware of

a. Priority on Safety!

1. Emergency contact numbers:

• 119 – Ambulance, fire, emergency assistance

• 110 – Police Services

• 118 – Maritime rescue (for those eager to host boat parties)

• “I am at (place name)” = Watashi ha (place name) ni imasu

• “It’s urgent! Please send an ambulance” = Kinkyu desu! Kyu-kyu-sha wo onegai shimasu.

We will have medical personnel available at the location in case of emergencies.

b. Code of Behavior

Please be mindful to follow the Code of Conduct, accessible here: https://devcon.org/code-of-conduct.

For any inquiries about the Code of Conduct, or to report issues/file complaints, reach out to a staff member or volunteer.

c. Keep abreast of the latest updates!

Join the Official Devcon Announcements Telegram group: https://t.me/efdevcon5

First-time attendee at Devcon? Join the n00bs channel: https://t.me/devcon5n00bs

Follow Deva on Twitter: https://twitter.com/efdevcon

Be sure to keep notifications on (and enable them) in the Devcon App:

The official site for Devcon5 is https://devcon.org/

That’s all! Please remember to save this page for quick access to everything related to Devcon, and welcome to Osaka.