The conference survival guide for Tech in Asia Jakarta 2015

The countdown is on. It’s a mere five days away to Tech in Asia Jakarta 2015, and we can’t wait to open our doors to some 3,000 of you next week.

In case you haven’t heard, this year’s Indonesia edition of the annual Tech in Asia conference features a multi-stage format for the first time. With five other expert stages on top of the Main Stage and our conference highlights, you can be sure there’ll be plenty happening simultaneously at the conference. In fact, for a first-timer – the busyness and buzz might get a little overwhelming.

To help you make the most out of the event, we’ve compiled this conference survival guide to get you through what will be an exhausting, but undoubtedly rewarding two days.

Accommodation

Jakarta’s traffic is notorious for being one of the worst in the world. To ensure you don’t spend half your time trapped in gridlock, opt for accommodation near the conference venue.
You’ll find a list of recommended hotels located a stone’s throw away from Balai Kartini on our events website – with options to suit all budgets.

If you’ve yet to book your stay yet – we’ve got good news for you! HotelQuickly, the official accommodations app for Tech in Asia Jakarta 2015 is offering a 15 percent discount for all bookings made through the app. Simply use the magic code HQTIA50 when making reservations.

Getting there

This year’s conference will take place in Balai Kartini, a stunning venue – more than spacious enough to host the 3,000-strong crowd we’re expecting. The quickest (and most comfortable) way to get there is by taxi. GrabTaxi, the preferred transportation partner is offering attendees a special discount of IDR 15,000 (US$1.10) when you travel to the conference venue, for the period of November 11-12 (code: GRABTIA2015).

Should you choose to commute by public transportation, simply hop on any TransJakarta bus that runs on corridor 9 and get off at Gatot Subroto shelter. More details can be found here.

Planning your days

Planning and networking has never been easier with Tech in Asia’s free mobile app guide. Through it, you can schedule meetings, curate and save your own agenda, and send messages or set up meetings with prospects and other conference delegates by searching the attendee database, using relevant filters and keywords.

On top of it, map out booths at Bootstrap Alley via country, industry, and day of exhibit to effortlessly locate the startups you’re interested in.

It’s currently available on Android and the web portal. The iOS app will be released soon.

Update (9/11/2015): The iOS app for Tech in Asia Jakarta is out! Simply search ‘Tech in Asia Jakarta’ in Apple’s App Store.

Getting bites

With kebabs, tasty potatoes, tacos, and local delights available from the food trucks and stalls that will be making up our Food Street, going hungry is the last thing you have to worry about here.

In addition, we have teamed up with Qraved to provide you with the latest information about the culinary scene in Jakarta for [all sorts of occasions] and appetites. Simply download the app to search for restaurants, make reservations, and earn yourself discounts.

Break out spaces

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy – that’s one thing you don’t have to be at Tech in Asia Jakarta this year. We’re introducing a giant foosball court to pit two teams of five against each other. A great way to break the ice and meet new people as well if you ask us!

Need some quiet time on your own instead? Head on over to our fluffy bean bags sponsored by DOKU, to recharge before springing back into your next meeting.

Packing list

Don’t forget to take the essentials with you – a portable charger, sufficient business cards, and pen and paper when all else fails. We’ve partnered with First Media to provide internet services at the venue – but given that you’ll be sharing the network with thousands of other users, consider investing in a pre-paid SIM card available at the airports to stay connected 24/7.

Exploring the tech scene in Jakarta

If you’re in town a few days early or extending your trip in hopes of further uncovering what Indonesia’s capital has in store, our partner events might interest you. During the week of our Jakarta conference from November 9 onwards, there’s an exciting lineup of activities held in collaboration with the likes of Uber, Marvelstone, East Ventures, and Growth Hacking Asia.

You’ll get to hear from Indonesia’s tech heroes, pick up best practices on recruiting talent in the industry, and pitch to investors in an Uber.

Best of all, these events are open to everyone – not just conference attendees. So grab a friend along to make it a week-long immersion in the tech startup world.

You can RSVP to each event via their respective registration pages found here.

We’ll be opening doors to Tech in Asia Jakarta next week, on November 11 to 12. Don’t miss out on your chance to get passes to connect with startups, investors, corporations in Asia’s most exciting market for tech right now. Take 10 percent off with the code tiajkt10 when you get your tickets before this weekend!

 Do you have any other tips to add to the list? Share with us in the comments below!