# Zarr Developer Summit - Know Before You Go Guide

**October 13-17, 2025 | Rome, Italy**

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## Event Overview

Welcome to the Zarr Developer Summit! This five-day event brings together core contributors and adopters of the Zarr community for collaboration, technical discussions, and networking.

**Event Structure:**

- **Developer Days:** Monday-Wednesday, October 13-15 (approximately 25 participants)
- **Adopter Days:** Thursday-Friday, October 16-17 (approximately 60-80 participants)

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## Location & Venue

**Zest Hub**
Via Marsala 29h
Rome, Italy

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Ho3x9UjRdw5idb78


Zest Hub is a modern collaborative workspace in the heart of Rome with flexible meeting spaces, reliable connectivity, and technical equipment.

**Room Assignments:**

- **Monday-Wednesday:** Boost A & B rooms (4th floor)
- **Thursday-Friday:** Plaza room (4th floor)

**Venue Access:**
Upon arrival, provide your name at the ground floor entrance. Venue staff will direct you to the appropriate meeting room.

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## Start Times & Daily Overview

**Monday, October 13:** 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Developer Day 1)

- Focused technical sessions with breakout groups and collaborative work
- Optional team dinner in the evening

**Tuesday, October 14:** 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Developer Day 2)

- Continued development and technical discussions
- Optional team dinner in the evening

**Wednesday, October 15:** 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Developer Day 3)

- Morning wrap-up and roadmap planning
- **Afternoon free for exploring Rome**
- Evening: Happy hour with STAC community

Please register separately for the STAC happy hour: https://luma.com/227b2czo
**Thursday, October 16:** 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Adopter Summit Day 1)

- Keynotes, presentations, and panels
- **5:30-7:30 PM: Networking reception on the rooftop**

**Friday, October 17:** 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM (Adopter Summit Day 2)

- Workshops, lightning talks, and breakout sessions

**For the complete detailed schedule with all sessions, speakers, and topics, visit:**
**https://zarr.dev/zarr-summit-2025/schedule/**

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## Coffee & Meal Arrangements

**Dietary Notes:**

- (V) indicates vegetarian options
- Vegan options: Barley and Spelt Salad (Friday), Cold Pasta with tomatoes and olives without mozzarella (Tuesday); Delivery orders will be placed for participants with dietary restrictions on other days
- The beef lasagna contains no pork
- No peanuts or shrimp in any social lunch options
- All food is served buffet-style with biodegradable disposable tableware

**Daily Coffee & Lunch Menus:**

**Monday, October 13:**

- **Coffee Breaks:** Long Coffee Station with assorted mini sandwiches (morning), dark chocolate brownies (afternoon), espresso, coffee, tea, juice, and water
- **Lunch:** Pasta all'Amatriciana and Pasta with Pesto (V), gratined vegetables, sliced fresh seasonal fruit

**Tuesday, October 14:**

- **Coffee Breaks:** Long Coffee Station with assorted mini sandwiches (morning), fruit skewers (afternoon)
- **Lunch:** Potato Gâteau with smoked provola cheese and zucchini (V) and Cold Pasta alla Checca with tomatoes and olives (mozzarella on the side), grilled vegetables, tea biscuits

**Wednesday, October 15:**

- **Coffee Break:** Smart Coffee Station (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM only) with fruit jam tart
- **Lunch:** No lunch provided (afternoon is free time)

**Thursday, October 16:**

- **Coffee Breaks:** Long Coffee Station with assorted mini sandwiches (morning), fruit skewers (afternoon)
- **Lunch:** Lasagna with meat ragù and Artichoke Lasagna (V), steamed green beans, dark chocolate brownie

**Friday, October 17:**

- **Coffee Breaks:** Long Coffee Station with assorted mini sandwiches (morning), mini croissants (afternoon)
- **Lunch:** Mini Cannelloni with ricotta and spinach (V) and Barley and Spelt Salad with seasonal vegetables (V), grilled vegetables, fruit jam tart

**All lunches include:** Still and sparkling water in carafes, coffee and decaf

**Wednesday Afternoon:**
Free time for group activities or individual exploration of Rome.

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## Social Events

### Wednesday Evening - STAC Happy Hour

After the Developer Days wrap up on Wednesday at 1:00 PM, join us for a special evening happy hour with the STAC (SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog) community! This is a great opportunity to network across related geospatial data communities.

**Please register separately for the STAC happy hour:** https://luma.com/227b2czo

### Thursday Evening - Networking Reception

**When:** Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
**Where:** Zest Hub rooftop with panoramic views over Rome (Loop Bar in case of inclement weather)
**What:** Essential Aperitivo including puff pastry mignon, potato chips, mixed savory snacks, soft drinks, wine, or Spritz cocktail

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting after a full day of presentations and discussions.

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## Technical Resources & Primers

Additional technical primers and background materials will be added to the Zarr team's hackmd over the weekend.

**During the Summit:**

- Flipcharts and whiteboards will be available in all rooms
- Technical equipment includes monitors with HDMI connections
- Power outlets and extension cords available throughout the rooms

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## What to Bring

**Essential Items:**

- **Laptop** with relevant development environments set up
- **Power adapter/charger** for your laptop
- **International power outlet converter** (if traveling from outside Europe - Italy uses Type F/L outlets, 230V)
- **Your ideas, questions, and code** to share with the community

**Optional but Recommended:**

- Business cards for networking
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
- Reusable water bottle (water will be provided)
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Rome during free time

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## Dress Code

**Smart casual or casual are perfectly appropriate.**

The venue and event have a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. Comfort is key, especially since you'll be engaged in intensive discussions and coding sessions. Think: jeans and a collared shirt or even a t-shirt.

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## Contact Information

**Summit Zulip**:
Participants can communicate during the summit using [Zulip](https://ossci.zulipchat.com/#narrow/channel/535977-zarr-summit-2025) and [GitHub](https://github.com/zarr-developers/).

**Summit Leader:**
Max Jones, Development Seed
[e-mail]

**Venue Contact:**
Zest Hub
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

**For Event Day Questions:**
Contact Max Jones via Zulip, WhatsApp, or email for fastest response.

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## Important Notes

- **Registration:** Please ensure you've completed your registration. Access to the venue requires providing your name at check-in.
- **Flu/Covid season:** Please follow any current health guidelines and stay home if you're feeling unwell.
- **Networking:** This summit is an excellent opportunity to connect with the Zarr community - take advantage of coffee breaks, lunches, and the Thursday happy hour!
- **Photography:** Photos may be taken during the event for community promotion. Please let organizers know if you prefer not to be photographed.

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## Getting to Zest Hub

Via Marsala 29h is located in central Rome inside Termini Station, easily accessible by:

- **Metro:** Termini Station
- **Bus:** Multiple bus lines stop nearby
- **Taxi/Rideshare:** Simply provide the address to your driver

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## Exploring Rome

**Wednesday Afternoon is Free!**

Take advantage of this time to explore Rome's incredible history and culture. We've compiled curated Google Maps lists to help you discover the city:

**🍝 Rome - Eats:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/rZLLrWhBPK9XUfA78
Restaurant recommendations for authentic Italian cuisine, from traditional trattorias to modern dining

**🏛️ Rome - Things to Do:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/cEy1LFpomeWypYcc7
Must-see attractions and activities including:

- The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon
- Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica
- Charming neighborhoods like Trastevere
- Historic sites, museums, and local favorites

Rome is a walkable city with excellent public transportation. Consider coordinating with other attendees for group activities!

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## Questions?

If you have any questions before or during the summit, please don't hesitate to reach out to the organizing team via email or Zulip. We're here to ensure you have a productive and enjoyable experience.

**See you in Rome!**