Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a newbie? Here are some of your questions answered

What is Geeks on a Beach?

Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) is an international conference for everyone who is passionate about startups, technology, design, and making the world a better place. GOAB aims to bring together tech heroes and innovators in a challenging and collaborative atmosphere.

The first GOAB last September 26-27, 2013 in Boracay Island was epic! It gathered a crowd of 339 geeks with 17 countries. 42 speakers blew our minds away and the conference got an overall rating of 9.5 out of 10. In other words it was AWESOME!

The legacy continued with last year’s GOAB highlighting the “Startup Roadmap Beyond ASEAN 2015”. It was held in Mactan Cebu, Philippines at Moevenpick Hotel on August 21-22, 2014. Speakers included the popular #Geek-Investor Dave McClure of 500Startups and other luminaries. Again, the event was sold out! There were over 440 participants from various countries resulted in collaborative projects and business opportunities for many.

This year, we return to our roots in Boracay Island. GOAB turns 3 this year and a lot has been said and even more has been learned. It's time to put all of the learnings to the test, are we ready? Let's all find out: Sink or swim, as they say!

Who is behind Geeks on a Beach?

Geeks On A Beach is organized by TechTalks.ph and supported by PR Works. GOAB is powered by Sym.ph Studios and the creative genius behind it is Happy Garaje. We are the good people behind Startup Weekend Cebu, Startup Weekend Davao, Cebu ON3 Startup Pitching Competition and other events in the Philippines -- “all of which help educate, support and empower people to become entrepreneurs”.

What is TechTalks.ph?

TechTalks.ph is a non-profit, independent community of technology, business and startup enthusiasts. We are bound together by our interest in technology and the advocacy of developing technopreneurs as a contribution to the country’s economic growth. TechTalks.ph provides opportunities for training and empowering the grassroots community with the right resources to become more globally competitive and implement industry best practices. TechTalks.ph was founded by Tina Amper, who returned to her hometown in the Philippines in 2012 after having worked abroad for many years. TT founding members include Tech Entrepreneurs Mark John Buenconsejo, David Overton, among others. TT chapters are located in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Iloilo and other cities in the Philippines.

How is Geeks on a Beach related to Geeks On A Plane?

Well, Geeks On A Plane is the inspiration for Geeks On A Beach. Can you tell? Hahaha! Don’t worry, we had previously alerted Dave McClure of our plans to take GOAP to the beach! And, he said “a-ok”. As they say, “non-originality is the highest form of flattery” :D Our thanks to Dave and GOAP crew for their indulgence.

What happens during Geeks On A Beach?

There will be talks by hand-picked speakers from different sectors of the startup and technology scene. We will also have panel discussions, networking events, fire pitches, business matching/speed networking opportunities, 1-1 “Office Hours” mini-consultation meetings, startup pitching competitions, drone exhibits, and others. Of course, Geeks On A Beach will also be a great opportunity to network with like minded geeks and have fun at the beach with activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, swimming, island hopping, and others.

What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee covers all talks and panels on August 20 and 21. It covers buffet lunch and all snacks on both days; and includes freebies and giveaways from our sponsors. In 2014, our giveaways were worth a total of US $200, some redeemable before you even showed up at the event. Our planned venue is a Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center in Station 2 main road in Boracay. Event is expected to run from 9am to 5pm on both days. Dinner events (if any) are from 6pm onward. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodations. See our recommendations.

What if I want to arrive early or stay late?

You absolutely can arrive early and leave later. According to 2012 World’s Best Island Awards from Travel and Leisure, Boracay Island is Numero Uno - World’s #1 Best Island. Who wouldn’t want stay a little bit longer and enjoy the white powdery sand beach, the sun, and the parties? Email us at hello@GeeksOnABeach.com if you need help with arranging travel and accommodations. Or, if you’d like to travel to other sites in the Philippines.

When does Geeks on a Beach officially begin?

Main Conference starts Thursday, August 20 and ends on Friday Aug 21.
We do have pre-event activities, so if you can come early:

• Join us for a Welcome Cocktail Reception on August 19 at 8pm onwards.

• If you are an investor, join the exclusive Investor’s Roundtable meeting (for investors/by investors) on Aug 19 from 4pm to 7pm. Investor’s roundtable meeting requires a separate fee (please register using Investor+Conference ticket).

• Pre-event training on Agile strategies are available on Aug 18-19. Separate fee.

• GOAB agenda is in the works. Planned schedule as follows:

• 18-19 Aug 2015 – Agile Training*

• 19 August 2015 – Pre events: 8pm or later Welcome Reception; 4pm to 7pm Exclusive Investor’s Dinner*

• 20-21 August 2015 – Main GOAB conference

• 22 August 2015 – Drone Fun Festival* (Planned)

* Items with asterisk requires separate fee. Click on link for details or follow us on twitter for updates @GeeksOnABeach

Will we get a certificate of participation?

Yes, we can provide an electronic certificate of participation after the event.

Will we have any free time?

Yes, you will have time to enjoy the beach and other activities on the island! We are not holding the conference in Boracay just to sit down and listen to someone talk all day. ;) If you want more time to hang out, again, you are free to arrive in the island earlier or leave later. Email us hello@GeeksOnABeach.com if you have questions or need help arranging travel and accommodations.

What if I want a friend to come too?

Sure! Invite your friends! If they want to listen to the talks and participate in the event, just make sure that they register, too :) You can even bring your spouse or significant other! They can enjoy a massage in the spa or go strolling by the beach or enjoy shopping while you meet with other geeks. According to CNN, Boracay is number 5 in the World’s Most Romantic Islands. Maybe you might also want to consider another honeymoon after the event. ;)

How do I get there?

Hassle-free way? Email us and we’ll arrange everything for you. We have partnered with an international travel agency to help you get to GOAB. Email your requirements to hello@GeeksOnABeach.com. Don’t worry, we can take care of all your travel needs so you can arrive safe and sound in GOAB. We can also help you with side trips if you’d like to visit other awesome places in the Philippines (Palawan to see World Heritage sights, Siargao for surfing, Cebu/Dumaguete/others for diving, etc.) TechTalks.ph chapters are also available in other Philippine cities if you wanna hang out, give-back, or hack with other tech/startup communities.

Again, how do I get there?

The closest airport is Caticlan Airport (MPL) followed by Kalibo (KLB) airport in the Philippines.
We do have pre-event activities, so if you can come early:

• a) Fly directly to Caticlan Airport (MPL) from Manila or Cebu.

• b) 15-minute boat ride to Boracay Island

or

• a) Fly directly to Kalibo Airport (KLB) from Singapore, Seoul or other destination.

• b) One hour bus or shuttle ride to Caticlan pier.

• c) 15-minute boat ride to Boracay Island

From within the Philippines:
By boat or airplane to Iloilo, Caticlan or Kalibo then follow steps above.

IMPORTANT: AIRPORT TRANSFER

For ease in traveling, we highly recommend booking a airport transportation package from your hotel. They will meet you at the airport and deliver you to the front steps of your hotel. No need to worry about which ferry to ride or what bus to take to your hotel. You can book this through your hotel or contact Southwest tours directly to arrange airport transfer.
http://www.southwesttoursboracay.com/

What’s the weather going to be like?

Weather forecast in Boracay Island, Philippines for August is around 24 to 30 degrees celsius (75 to 86 degrees fahrenheit). July to October in Boracay is generally “Habagat” season which means more frequent thunderstorms. These months are considered Boracay`s lean season so there are less crowds and hotel rates are more affordable. Aug 20-21, 2015 is part of Habagat season so please be prepared. This weekend is beneficial to those in the Philippines as August 21 is a national holiday. GOAB will abide by weather advisories of the authorities and will follow reservation/cancelation policies of our venue. “We can control our weight but not the weather!” So, think positive, check the forecast before you pack, and get ready with some sunscreen and sunglasses!

What should I wear?

We will be posting the agenda soon so you will know what to wear depending on our activity. But definitely you’re gonna be rubbing elbows with other startup founders, investors, media representatives, and other interesting people in the startup scene from all over the world so wear something beach-friendly, comfortable, and presentable at the same time.

I want to promote GOAB. Are there any images I can use?

Of course! We prepared images of different sizes that you can choose from. You can get them at our website's banner page.

What if I have any other questions?

If you have other questions, email us at hello@GeeksOnABeach.com. See you in Boracay!