DDD Europe 2025 - FAQ - Software Modelling & Design Conference

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

Meet Anneke Schoonjans and Hilde Goossen. They work at Aardling and they are the Event Managers for DDD Europe. They have prepared this FAQ for you. Still haven't found what you are looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out to them at contact@dddeurope.com.

  • Anneke Schoonjans

  • Hilde Goossens

Practical

Schedules
The workshops, Data Mesh Live, EventCentric, and the Main Conference, all start at 09:30. Registration starts at 08:30, and we advise you to come early to avoid the lines. There'll be coffee. The events end at about 17:30-18:00. Precise schedules are published close to the event. There will be social events with an open bar after the last sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, until about 19:30.

Social Events
There will be social events with an open bar after the last sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, until about 19:30. These events are free if you have a ticket for that day.

Which hotel should I book in?
See our hotel info

Getting to the venue
See our travel info

Childcare
We work with a professional childcare service, with trained caretakers. This is a free service, but we charge a small administration fee to avoid false positives. We can refund it after the event upon request. Register here.

Visa
If you need a visa invitation letter, please contact contact@dddeurope.com after bying your ticket. We will need additional information from you. Name, Passport number, Passport expiry date, Date and Place of birth, and Nationality.

I have an accessibility requirement
We publish our accessibility provisions here. We'd like to make sure your needs are met. If you need anything that's not on the list, please email us at contact@dddeurope.com and we'll work with you to address them.


About the conference

Is this conference for me?
Are you a senior developer or architect interested in building software systems for complex domains? Many of the sessions require an advanced level of thinking about software design.

What is Domain-Driven Design?
Domain-Driven Design (DDD) is an approach to developing software for complex needs by deeply connecting the implementation to an evolving model of the core business concepts. * Place the project's primary focus on the core domain and domain logic * Base complex designs on a model * Initiate a creative collaboration between technical and domain experts to iteratively cut ever closer to the conceptual heart of the problem. * The premise is simple, but pulling it off in the messy real world is hard. It calls for new skills and discipline, and a systematic approach. Domain-driven design is not a technology or a methodology. DDD provides a structure of practices and terminology for making design decisions that focus and accelerate software projects dealing with complicated domains. (Text borrowed from domainlanguage.com)

What programming languages should I know?
The conference does not focus on any particular programming language or technology. Some sessions might have code in them, but you should be able to follow even if you don’t know the language that is used.

What language is spoken?
All sessions are in English. We also encourage all participants to speak English, even with your friends, to make it easy for others to join.

Will the talks be recorded?
Yes, most of them. But a conference is more than a bunch of talks. You’ll miss out on the workshops, meeting new and old friends, interesting discussions, and lots of fun.


Workshops

Which pre-conference workshops should I choose?
They're all great! Drop us an email, we'll help you decide.


Tickets

What is included in the ticket prices?
You'll have access to all the sessions on the dates included in your ticket. Some sessions may have limited capacity. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entrance to a sessions, for example when the session's maximum capacity was reached. Some sessions may require pre-registrations. DDD Europe, Data Mesh Live, EventCentric, and the pre-conference workshops, all require separate tickets (or a combo ticket). All tickets include lunch and beverages. Not included in the ticket price are accommodation, travel, dinners, or any other costs, unless specifically indicated.

Why do I have to pay VAT?
According to EU VAT law, we must charge VAT for online ticket sales with the same laws as if we were selling tickets at the door. This means that EU citizens including businesses and non-EU citizens / businesses must all pay VAT tax. You may be able to deduct the VAT cost in your country.

Can I get an invoice?
Yes. Your confirmation email contains a link to the invoice. Make sure you enter your company name, VAT, and details in the checkout process.

How can I pay?
By credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer (choose 'Invoice' in the checkout screen.) We don't really like PayPal so avoid it if you can.

Can I get a group deal?
If you want to bring your team, contact us and tell us which events and workshops you're interested in, and we'll see what we can do.

Can I change the attendee name on the ticket?
If you bought a ticket, but you want someone else in your company to attend instead, you can use the self-service features of the ticketing system, or you can get in touch and we'll do it for you.

Can I get a refund?
Sometimes things don’t work out as planned. In that case, we’re happy to refund 90% of your ticket with a 30 days notice prior to course start date or a refund of 50% of your ticket with a 15 - 30 days notice prior to course start date. There will be a 10% administration cost, and transaction costs may apply. Please contact contact@dddeurope.com or call +32 468 109 891 for information. Please include the order reference, invoice number, ticket code, or ticket link. We refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Can I swap my tickets?
If you want to attend a different event than the one you signed up for, we might be able to swap your tickets. Please contact contact@dddeurope.com for information. Please include the order reference, invoice number, ticket code, or ticket link.


Miscellaneous

Are there any scholarships?
We do not have any scholarships at this time. We believe that DDD Europe brings a lot of value to organisations, and that employers should pay to send delegates. That said, we sometimes make exceptions, and volunteering is a good way to participate in the conference.

Can I volunteer?
Yes. As a volunteer, you'll be responsible for various tasks (for example crowd control, logistical support,…). In return, you'll have the opportunity to participate in some sessions. Please be aware that you will need to arrange your own accommodation in or near Amsterdam. Please fill in this form to apply.

My boss doesn't want to pay for sending me to DDD Europe.
Come on your own dime, and find a better boss at the conference.

Do you have a Covid Policy and where can I find it?
For all our events, including conferences, workshops, and social events, we take the COVID-situation seriously. We want to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible, and keep everyone safe. Read our COVID-19 Policy here.