LabWeek23: Countdown to Istanbul, Ed. 2
Take a closer look at the event schedule and co-working accommodations. We also share a new set of phrases to enrich your Turkish vocabulary!
☀️ Tekrar merhaba! (Hello again!)
The clock is ticking down to LabWeek23, taking place November 13-17, 2023, alongside Devconnect in Türkiye!
LabWeek23 is a decentralized conference, and each event, organized by teams in the Protocol Labs network and community, is designed to connect domain leaders, experts and builders to encourage deep conversations and progress on projects and research. Note: Because the conference is decentralized, you’ll have to register for the events — many hosted at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul — separately.
Last year, we hosted more than 40 events and more than 100 speakers, including technology leaders, founders, and engineering visionaries. Among them were Juan Benet, founder and CEO of Protocol Labs; Nick Bostrom, professor of philosophy at Oxford University known for his research on AI governance and safety; and Rand Hindi, founder and CEO of Zama, a cryptography company building open source homomorphic encryption solutions for blockchain and AI.
This year promises to be an equally exciting conference. Keep an eye on the event schedule for new events added each week!
🗓 Event Schedule
LabWeek23’s event schedule is packed with a variety of sessions spanning talks, presentations, workshops, hackathons, and social events.
Each day is filled with events starting as early as 08:00 and running ‘til late at night, providing ample opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration among attendees. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect during the week, but for an extensive overview check out the full schedule here.
🗻 PL Summit 23 - Nov. 14 at 15:00 - 18:00
PL Summit 23 — located in the Swissôtel — is open to anyone who wants to know the future of Protocol Labs, learn more about the progress and impact being made by network teams, and prepare for a fun-filled week of learning, collaboration, and connection.
🎉 LabWeek23 Opening Party - Nov. 13 at 18:00 - 22:30
The official kickoff party takes place at Swissôtel with cocktails, light bites, and music. Join us and start the week off in style.
🏃🏻♀️ LabWeek23 Group Run - Nov. 14 at 08:00-09:00
Start the day with an invigorating group run around the Swissôtel to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie. Explore the property with new and old friends while breaking a sweat.
Funding the Commons talk - Nov. 15 at TBD
Join us at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art discussing challenges in public goods funding and innovative solutions.
IPFS Connect Istanbul - Nov. 16 at 09:00-17:00
Sign up for a day filled with workshops and lightning talks showcasing the IPFS ecosystem.
WalletUConn Workshop - Nov. 17 at 09:00 - 18:00
Check out this unconference delving into wallets, standards, and usability through overview talks and group discussions.
Remember, each event on the LabWeek 23 schedule is independently managed and may have different policies for ticketing and registration. Make sure to register for each event you’d like to participate in. New events are continuously being added to the schedule, so check back often!
Devconnect
As you map out your LabWeek23 itinerary, be sure to plan time for Devconnect, happening November 13-19. Initiated by the Ethereum community, it's a hub for Ethereum enthusiasts, developers, and innovators.
Much like LabWeek23, Devconnect unfolds over the week with a series of topic-specific events organized by different projects and teams. Each event is independently hosted, and as such we cannot promise entry into them.
Discover more about Devconnect here.
💻 LabWeek23: Co-working Spaces
Whether you're visiting for the events or planning a longer stay, here are some co-working spaces in Istanbul to get some work done in cool settings:
Kolektif House: A space where modern design meets a communal atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the city, Kolektif House is more than just a co-working space, it’s a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about innovation. The space is replete with comfy workstations, meeting rooms, and of course, a coffee bar to fuel your creativity.
Impact Hub: Known globally for fostering social entrepreneurship, Impact Hub Istanbul offers a unique environment for collaboration. Here, you can not only find a desk or a private office but also become part of a community dedicated to creating positive impact.
BlockchainIST Center: Nestled within Bahçeşehir University, this is a hub dedicated to blockchain technology. It’s not just a co-working space, but a center for learning, collaboration, and innovation within the blockchain and crypto sphere.
Say It Like a Local: Turkish Bazaar Phrases 101
Building on our vocabulary from last week, let's delve into some market-centric phrases that could come in handy as you navigate the bustling lanes of the Grand Bazaar. The art of haggling is an age-old tradition here, and knowing a few local phrases might just snag you that coveted bargain!
Please: Lütfen (Loot-fen)
Thank you: Teşekkür ederim (Teh-sheh-kur eh-deh-reem)
How much?: Ne kadar? (Neh kah-dahr?)
Weekly Istanbul Travel Tip: Navigating the Grand Bazaar
Each week, we journey through the different facets of Istanbul, and this week, we're venturing into the sprawling corridors of the Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar is a bustling world of its own nestled in the heart of Istanbul. With its origins dating back to the 15th century, it's one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets, each turn introduces you to a variety of exquisite handcrafted goods, from intricately designed carpets and kilims to gleaming ceramics and jewelry. The artistry and craftsmanship on display are a testament to Türkiye’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Engaging with the friendly shopkeepers here not only provides a glimpse into the Turkish tradition of hospitality, but also an opportunity to hone your bargaining skills. And don't forget to pause and savor a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee as you soak in the ambiance of this historic marketplace.
Eğlenin!
(Have fun)