Here’s what your ALE week might look like:

Tuesday

On Tuesday evening, you arrive in Munich excited about the upcoming days. On the way there, you followed some chatting on the ALE Slack about people planning to meet for dinner and drinks at a local beergarden. You are hungry and going to a beergarden was on your list of things to do while in Munich anyway, so you decide to join in after settling into your accommodation. When you get there and grab a seat at a table with other ALE participants, you immediately sense the openness and welcoming of the group. These are your people.

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning, you arrive at the venue and you can tell right away that this is not just another conference. Somehow the vibe is different. The familiarity among attendees is palpable, yet there's a genuine openness to newcomers. You realize this is not a conference with random participants. This is a community reunion. Some people even brought their spouses and kids.

The local organizing crew opens the conference, inviting participants to pitch sessions for the agenda. To your amazement, there is no hesitation and a long line of people wanting to host a session forms immediately.

When you got your ticket months ago, you had doubts if there would be enough sessions that will interest you. Now, as you scan the marketplace, your skepticism is quickly replaced by FOMO - which by day three, you will have turned into JOMO. There's an overwhelming number of intriguing sessions, and you face the delightful dilemma of choosing which to attend.

In between sessions, you sign up for dinner later at one of a selection of restaurants. The twist: You are asked to pick a group where you don’t know anyone yet. Apparently, it’s a cherished ALE tradition called “Dinner with Strangers”. It feels a bit odd, but hey, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Thursday

By the second unconference day, the rhythm of the conference feels natural. You're attending engaging sessions, meeting fascinating people, and feeling increasingly at home. Could it really be that you already feel at home in this community?

Thursday evening's party has the motto "Drinks with Friends" - building on the theme of the dinner the evening before. You feel a bit reluctant because you felt awkward at conference parties in the past. If there was any proof still necessary that this event is different, now you are certain. Some people are actually having fun on the dance floor, while others feel completely comfortable to stay on the sidelines and having an engaging chat.

Friday

You hadn’t planned on hosting a session, but by Friday morning, you feel so safe in this community that you scribble a topic you deeply care about on a post-it and get in line to “pitch” it. As you present what the session will be about, you feel a bit anxious. Are you “expert” enough to suggest this session? Will anyone be interested?

It turns out, the Open Space principle “Whoever comes is the right people” is indeed what happens. Your session buzzes with lively discussion, fresh insights, and connections with others who share your passion. After the session, you can’t help but notice that you feel a little proud about yourself. As you can be.

By Friday evening, you’re blissfully exhausted. You are glad you decided to come to ALE.

Weekend

The decision to stay the weekend in Munich was a wise one, as many attendees plan to explore the city together. Self-organized sightseeing groups form on Slack, promising another day of adventure with new-found friends.

As you journey home, you are filled with gratitude for the last few days and all the wonderful people you met and connected with. One thing is for sure: this wasn't your last ALE.