Community Connect 2023/FAQ

"Fandom Creators Lab"

This page covers some of the **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** regarding Community Connect 2023. We’ve endeavored to answer as many as we can.

## General

**Is there a way to talk to other attendees before the event?**

Yes! Most attendees are already in a Connect 2023-specific channel on Discord. If you need to be added to the Discord channel, please reach out to Héctor.

**What topics are being discussed at Community Connect this year?**

We'll be covering a number of topics! Those include:

* **Fandom Brand Overview.** Fandom has grown a lot since last year’s Community Connect! Learn about the full Fandom brand overview inclusive of wikis, Fanatical, GameSpot, Metacritic, TV Guide, and more.
* **Product North Star.** The big questions at Community Connect are always about what sorts of features we’re going to build and improvements we’re going to make to the platform. Hear from our new Product leaders on the vision that we’re grounding ourselves in for product development this year.
* **Experimenting to Prove.** Continuing on our vision for product development in 2023, hear about our new experiment-driven approach as we test new ideas to see what moves the needle for editors and fans. This is where our theme of Fandom Creators Lab comes from—testing, testing, testing!
* **User-Generated Content.** One of our key product areas is User-Generated Content (UGC), which covers all the things about the editor experience. Hear from our UGC team about what we have planned for the year, and what the Community team is doing in support of those goals.
* **User Experience.** In addition to editors, there’s hundreds of millions of people who use Fandom every single year. We’ll take a look at some of the improvements we’ll be testing around the site for the overall user experience as well.
* **Structured Data.** Having new, scalable structured data solutions for all wikis is something that users and staff alike have wanted to see for years. We’ll take a look at some of the things we’re working on this year with structured data, how we built the infrastructure to support that, and what kinds of tools we may be able to build for the community that’s powered by it.
* **Generative AI.** Ever since ChatGPT exploded onto our collective radars in 2022, everyone’s been talking about generative AI and what it might mean. We’ll explore possible new AI tools that we may be able to provide to you to help make editing easier, and we’d love to hear from attendees what ideas they may have for AI on Fandom.

**Do I need to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement for the event? Is anything private?**

Nope! Everything we talk about at Community Connect 2023 is for public consumption. You are not only allowed but in fact encouraged to share what you hear about with your communities.

**Is there any way for people not attending in-person to watch the event online?**

There sure is! We'll be sending out a virtual RSVP form for anyone not attending in-person. All presentations on Monday and Tuesday will be live-streamed over Zoom, though breakout sessions will not be.

## Travel

**Where do we go/what do we do once we arrive?**

Once you arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, follow the signs toward baggage claim. Depending on which terminal you land at, you may need to take the airport’s “Plane Train” tram to get there and from one terminal to another (please note that Atlanta is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world!). Once at baggage claim, follow the signs and path to the Uber pick up spot. Once you're at the pick up area, you'll find that the area is marked in Zones.

Once you order your Uber, the app will either ask you for the zone you should be picked up in or let you know which zone your driver will arrive at. Head to that zone and the driver will pick you up there. The app will show you the real-time location of your driver as they approach, and it will notify you when your driver has arrived. The app will tell you the car's license plate and the car's make and model, and it will show you a photo of the driver. That way, you can verify you have the right car.

Once in the car, the app will show you your real-time location so you can track your route to the hotel, as well as your estimated arrival time (traffic-dependent).

For your convenience, here is a map of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

**Are we all meeting up with staff at the airport or are we expected to get to the hotel ourselves?**

Any staff meet ups will depend on whether or not any staff members arrive around the same time as attendees. Attendees are encouraged to share their arrival times with one another to see who will be arriving at the same time and carpool together.

**Can we arrange transportation with other attendees to save on cost?**

Yes! Attendees are already self-organizing into groups for Ubers based on their arrival times. The conversation, with an attendee-organized spreadsheet, is happening in the Community Connect 2023 channel on the Fandom Discord. If you need to be added to the Discord channel, please reach out to Héctor.

## At the Conference

**What hotel are we staying at? What’s the address?**

We are staying at the Kimpton Sylvan in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. The address is 374 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. In good traffic it’s about a 25-30 minute ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

**Are the Community Connect sessions at the hotel too?**

All conference sessions are at the hotel. The main conference room and breakout sessions are on the first floor, right next to one another, in a hallway adjacent to The Betty (the hotel's restaurant). There will also be signs pointing toward the conference room.

**What time is check in and what are we supposed to do if we arrive before then?**

You can check in as early as 4pm, and check out as late as 12pm. If you’re arriving earlier, we can try to arrange an early check in for the hotel if you request it but that is dependent on whether the hotel is able to prepare your room ahead of time.

**Will the hotel need to put a hold on my credit card?**

No, there should be no need for the hotel to put a hold on your credit card. If that happens at check in, please find our Events team who will be set up near the check-in desk.

**What should I bring with me?**

Laptop or tablets, or a notebook, are recommended - but not required - for any notes you may want to take.

**What do I wear? Is there a dress code?**

The dress code is casual to business casual. The main things to remember are to be professional and respectful at all times, including in attire.

Note that the temperatures (in Fahrenheit) are expected to have highs between 75-78 degrees and lows between 51-57 degrees, so please dress accordingly.

**What’s the schedule? What time will sessions start/end each day?'**
The exact schedule is still being worked on, but the general outline can be found on the Community Connect 2023 Schedule.

**Are we required to be present for all sessions?**

There’s no hard requirement to be present for all sessions, but given that the purpose of bringing people to the event is for the sessions then the expectation should be that attendees are present for all sessions. Exceptions can be made dependent on individual circumstances, of course.

**Do we get breaks between sessions? How long are the breaks?**

There will be breaks between some sessions, usually around 10 minutes long. There are restrooms right outside of the conference room for anyone who needs one during the breaks. You may also excuse yourself at any point during presentations and sessions as needed.

## Meals and Activities

### General

**What time is breakfast/lunch/dinner? What/where are we eating? Is it catered or do we go to restaurants? How are we getting to/from restaurants?**

* Breakfast: Monday and Tuesday at 8am, and Wednesday at 7:45am. This is catered by the hotel in the conference room.
* Lunch: Monday and Tuesday at 12pm, catered by the hotel in the conference room. On Wednesday/activity day, lunch is at Cafe Aqua at the Georgia Aquarium.
* Dinner: dinner is 6:30pm on Sunday at Fadó Irish Pub, 7pm on Monday at Battle & Brew, 7pm Tuesday at Your 3rd Spot, and 7pm Wednesday at TBD.

**What’s the schedule for activity day/Wednesday?**

* Morning and lunch at the Georgia Aquarium
* Afternoon option between staying at the Georgia Aquarium or going to the World of Coca-Cola or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum
* SkyView ferris wheel in the evening
* Dinner around Olympic Park before returning to the hotel

**Are dietary restrictions being considered for the different meals?**

Yes, and the menus below have Vegan (V), Vegetarian (VG), Dairy Free (DF), and Gluten Free (GF) options. If any additional accommodations need to be made due to food allergies or preferences, or if you simply don't see anything on the menus that you like, please reach out to Vincent Venuti and we will coordinate a meal for you.

### Sunday menu

#### Dinner

* Apple & Sausage Stuffed Chicken Breast wrapped with Bacon
* Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms
* Beef Skewers
* Farmhouse Salad (VG/DF/GF)
* Roasted Veggies (VG/DF/GF)
* Pesto Penne Pasta (V)
* Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Veggies (VG/DF/GF) and Flatbread
* Roasted Red Potato Skins (VG/DF/GF)
* Cake Pops

### Monday menus

#### Breakfast

* Scrambled Eggs with Herbs
* Bacon
* Chicken & Waffles
* Build your own Yogurt Parfaits
	+ Fresh Fruit
	+ Granola

#### Lunch

* Jalapeno Cornbread
* Kale Salad
	+ Buttermilk Black Pepper Dressing
* Smoked Pulled Heritage Pork, Chili Vinegar
* Mac & Cheese
* Roasted Bone-In Chicken, White BBQ Sauce
* Creamy Potato Salad
	+ Pickle Aioli & Chives
* Seasonal Fruit Crisps w/ whipped cream

#### Dinner

* Pizza flatbreads
* Grilled Chicken Tenders (GF/DF)
* Nachos Hummus w/ Veggies (VG/GF/DF)
* Sweet potato fries (VG)
* Tots (V/DF)
* Salad Bar (V/VG/GF/DF)

### Tuesday menus

#### Breakfast

* Scrambled eggs with herbs
* Chicken sausage
* Breakfast potatoes
* Oatmeal with maple, berries, almonds, dried fruit, coconut

#### Lunch

* Build your own taco, with:
	+ Marinated Grilled Chicken or Eggplant
	+ Stewed Black Beans
	+ Blistered Poblano Chili
	+ Pickled Red Onion
	+ Avocado Cilantro Crema
	+ Shredded Queso Oaxaca and Cotjia Cheeses
	+ Roasted Salsa & Fresh Serrano Chili

#### Dinner

* Pulled Pork Sliders
* Pasta Station
* Smoked Wild Mushroom Bruschetta (V)
* Roasted Veggies (V)
* Coconut Shrimp (Contained) (GF)
* Smokey Pork Ribs

### Wednesday menus

#### Breakfast

* Assorted Bagels with Cream Cheese
* Assorted Muffins
* Sliced Fruit and Berries

#### Dinner

* Ponce City Market, check out the shops and restaurants here!

## COVID-19 Requirements

**Is COVID-19 testing required for Community Connect?**

Yes, testing is required. You will need to take a rapid antigen test before flying to the event. If you test positive for COVID-19 prior to flying, you may not attend. On-site, self-administered rapid antigen COVID-19 testing is required each day (you can do that from your hotel room).

**Do we need to wear masks?**

Masks are not required, though you are more than welcome to wear one if that is your preference. We ask and expect all attendees and staff to respect whatever decision each person makes regarding mask wear.

**Do I need to have my physical vaccination card or is just a photo of it ok?**

You will need some proof of vaccination, whether physical or digital, particularly in the event you were to test positive so it can be reviewed if there’s need for any medical professionals.

**What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 while in Atlanta?**

In the event you were to test positive for COVID-19 in Atlanta while attending Community Connect, the first step is to immediately quarantine in your hotel room. The next steps will be determined in consultation with Fandom's HR team to figure out a solution that meets the needs of the individual. Any associated costs (such as an extended hotel stay) will be covered by Fandom.

## Expenses and Reimbursements

**As a user outside of the United States, will Fandom cover expenses for my ESTA visa?**

Once you arrive on-site, we’ll provide you with a Visa (the credit card company) gift card valued at $200 USD that will serve as reimbursement for travel expenses, like ESTA visas.

**Will Fandom pay for transportation to/from my local airport? Do we get reimbursed for Uber/Lyft/etc in Atlanta? If so, how?**

You’ll receive a digital Uber gift card valued at $100 USD in your email prior to departure. This will cover Uber-related travel expenses. This will only apply to Uber; Lyft is not as globally available as Uber is.

The Visa gift card serve will cover reimbursement for additional travel expenses (Lyft, buses, trains, taxis, etc).

**Will Fandom pay for my checked luggage?**

The Visa gift card will cover reimbursements for travel expenses like checked baggage.

**Will I be reimbursed for the cost of COVID-19 tests (including ones at doctor’s offices)?**

The Visa gift card will cover reimbursements for the COVID-19 tests.