About

• What is SPAN?

  SPAN is a conference about design and technology, hosted by Google. As a forum for sharing ideas and exploring the ways in which design and technology shape our everyday lives, the event is also our opportunity to highlight the best in today’s interdisciplinary design practice. This year, SPAN will be held in Helsinki, Finland. Follow #SPAN18 for updates.
  

• What is Google Design?

  Google Design is a cooperative effort led by a group of designers, developers, writers, and UX advocates at Google. Our mission is to support design excellence from inside and outside Google, engage in creative partnerships and educational advocacy, and champion innovators reshaping technology. To learn more, visit design.google, follow Google Design on Twitter, and sign up to receive our quarterly and weekly newsletters.

• Can I find out more about past SPAN events?

  Our first-ever design conference, FORM, took place in San Francisco in 2014. We reconceived the conference identity in 2015 and launched a two-city series: SPAN New York and London. In 2016, SPAN took place in Los Angeles and Tokyo. Last year, we featured the work of makers and thinkers in Pittsburgh, Newcastle-Gateshead, and Mexico City—places where art and industry intersect in new and intriguing ways. To learn more, visit our SPAN collection on Google Design for related articles and video.

Registration

• Who can attend SPAN?

  We curate an engaging mix of designers, technologists, artists, and thought leaders working in design and tech fields. Due to limited capacity, we have a small number of tickets available through open registration. Remaining tickets are invite-only. Sign up for event updates to stay informed on future Google Design engagements in your area.

• How can I register for SPAN?

  If you received an invitation email, follow the link to access the registration form and confirm your attendance. Please be sure to register using the email address where you received the original invitation. If you did not receive an invite, sign up here to join the waitlist.
  

• What do I need to know about registration?

  All information entered into the registration form must be correct and accurate to the best of your knowledge. All information must be entered in English. Some of the information entered (such as name, company, and the photo you upload), may be displayed on your attendee badge.

• When does registration close?

  Invitation and public registration for SPAN Helsinki will be open on a first-come, first-served basis until tickets are no longer available.
  

• Can I edit my registration after I’ve submitted it?

  Yes. You are able to edit your registration form after you’ve submitted it using the link in your confirmation email.

• I already registered but am unable to attend. Can I cancel my registration?

  Yes. If you can’t attend the conference, you’re able to cancel your registration using the form linked in your confirmation email.

• I received an invitation. Can I nominate someone to attend with me or on my behalf?

  You can nominate attendees via the “recommend a friend” link in your invitation email. Please note that because space is limited, a recommendation doesn’t guarantee admission. If space is still available, we’ll extend an invitation to your friend directly.

Workshops

• What are the workshops offered at SPAN Helsinki?

  Hand-Drawn Typography: Use pencil and paper to create a collaborative alphabet in this workshop led by font designers Florian Schick and Lauri Toikka of Schick Toikka.

  Tactile Filmmaking: Animate playful design concepts in your own short film, led by director Lucas Zanotto.

  Design Sprint: Learn about Google’s Design Sprint methodology including the 6-phase framework, when to use Sprints, and what they can accomplish. (Please note this choice counts as two sessions).

  Conversation Design: Design an effective persona for your own voice user interface (VUI) and create sample dialogues in this extended session led by Wally Brill, Google’s Head of Conversation Design Advocacy and Education. (Please note this choice counts as two sessions).

  Design Writing: Explore best practices for writing clear and engaging design content for products, publications, research projects, and more.

  Hardware Design: Join members of Google’s hardware design team to experiment with color, material, and finish for new and innovative products.

• How many workshops can I attend?

  SPAN attendees are invited to take part in up to two creative workshops led by subject matter experts. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: The Conversation Design and Design Sprint workshops each run the length of two sessions. If you are registered for either of these, you will only have one workshop assignment.
  

• How can I sign up for a workshop?

  Workshop registration is now closed. You should have received an email asking to confirm your attendance at SPAN and workshop preferences. If you signed up and didn’t receive an email, please let us know at design@google.com. We cannot guarantee that everyone will get into their preferred workshop.
  

Visas and Travel

• Will Google help me get a travel visa?

  You should check with your local government to determine the required documents and arrangements needed for your travel to Helsinki. Finland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. We are unable to contact embassies on your behalf nor are we able to provide visa letters regarding your SPAN attendance.
  

Parking and Transportation

• How do I get to the venue?

  SPAN Helsinki will be held at Wanha Satama, in Helsinki’s Katajanokka district. The venue is accessible by car and near the #4 tram stop at Kauppiaankatu. We recommend using the HSL app to buy tickets for the public transportation system. The venue is roughly a 10 minute walk from the harbor, or 20 min walk from the Ylioppilastalo/Studenthuset stop in the center of town.

• Where can I park near the venue?

  There is limited street parking available near the event and we encourage attendees to use public transportation, car sharing services, or be dropped off.

• Are there accessible parking spaces?

  Accessible parking spaces will be available at Wanha Satama. Please email us ahead of time at design@google.com so we can secure a spot for you—we will keep your details private. Upon arrival, please follow signs for parking and have your placard hanging from the car mirror and visible to parking employees at all times to expedite the parking process.

Photographs and Video

• Will there be photography at SPAN?

  Yes. Photographs and video taken at SPAN by Google, or others on behalf of Google, may include your image or likeness. By attending SPAN, you agree that Google may use such photographs and/or video for any purpose without compensation to you.

  
  

Accessibility

• Is the SPAN venue accessible?

  Google strives to make events open and accessible to everyone, regardless of disability or special needs. Participants with disabilities and/or special needs should provide details in the registration form and/or by emailing us at design@google.com. This information will be kept private and will be distributed only to the individuals who need to know it to complete your accommodation request. Otherwise, please approach the Registration desk to find a member of staff at SPAN if you need assistance or have questions about accessibility during the event.

  For information on accessible parking spaces, please see the Parking and Transportation FAQ.

Food

• Will food be served at SPAN?

  Food will be served, including morning pastries, coffee and tea, a boxed lunch, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.

Child Care

• Will childcare be offered at SPAN?

  No, attendees will need to make their own arrangements for childcare. For nursing mothers, please inform a member of the SPAN team and a space will be made available to you.

Legal Notices

• Registration terms and conditions

  Photographs and/or videos taken at SPAN by Google, or others on behalf of Google, may include your image or likeness. You agree that Google may use such photographs and/or video for any purpose without compensation to you.

  By registering for a ticket, you acknowledge that your information will be used in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy & Terms of Service. By registering and accepting any discounts, gifts, or items of value related to SPAN, you certify that you are able to do so in compliance with applicable laws and the internal rules of your organization. Tickets may not be sold, bartered, auctioned, or transferred in any way, and doing so may result in Google rendering the ticket null and void without any responsibility to Google.
  

  All registered attendees agree to allow Google to contact them regarding their registration and attendance at the event. By registering for a ticket, you agree to allow Google to communicate with you via email with information regarding the event.
  Attendance at SPAN is not allowed by the following: residents of embargoed countries, individuals ordinarily resident in embargoed countries; or individuals otherwise prohibited by applicable export controls and sanctions programs.

  You agree to be solely responsible for your own safety, belongings, and well-being while participating in SPAN. Google LLC and its affiliates won't be liable for your participation in SPAN. 
  

  Unless otherwise permitted in writing by Google, no solicitation or selling of items or services is allowed at SPAN. Any attendee conducting these activities without permission may be removed from the event.
  

  Applicants and attendees can request the deletion of their registration data after the event ends by emailing design@google.com.

• Anti-harassment policy

  Google is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, national identity, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. All attendees must abide by our anti-harassment policy.

• Conduct policy

  Google reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from SPAN (including future SPAN events) at any time in its sole discretion. This includes but is not limited to attendees behaving in a disorderly manner, or failing to comply with the terms and conditions herein.