Career Accelerator (Europe)

Fully registered atendees receive a round-trip, standard economy flight, lodging and all meals during the event.

We want you to know where you're going: 

INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder
Hermannswerder 30, 14473 Potsdam 
Germany
 

Thanks to the support of donors, a lot of the expenses are covered.

1. ​Your flight is on us
   Within two weeks of registration, attendees will be contacted by the Optica Foundation's preferred travel agency Safe Harbors to complete a flight booking. We aim to book the lowest economy flight with an option for aisle or window seat selection arriving on 8 December and departing on 12 December 2024.
   
   For attendees who wish to travel by car or train instead, those options can be explored with us at the time of booking.
   
   Flights MUST be booked by 5 August 2024. If you are not able to book your flight by that date, we cannot continue to hold your spot at the school.
    
2. Your accomodation is on us.
   Attendees will be provided a shared* room at INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder checking in 8 December and checking out 12 December. A valid credit card will be needed upon check-in for incidentals.
   
   INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder
   Hermannswerder 30, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
   Phone: +49 331 23200
   
   Rooms are shared with one other attendee of the same gender. Attendees requesting private rooms may cover the expense on their own.
    
3. Your meals are on us.
   Beginning Sunday night on 8 December and ending at breakfast on 12 December, we provide meals for attendees. We can acommodate requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals as well as various allergies. For other meal needs, we may not be able to provide a complementary option.

Not all expenses are covered; here's what to plan to pay for on your own.

1. Your registration fee of US$600. Learn more on the registration page.
    
2. Other transportation and car rentals.
   We ask attendees to cover their own transportation to and from the INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder. INSELHOTEL is accessible via public transportation or taxi from Berlin Central Station and the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
    
3. Additional nights.
   If you wish to arrive early or stay later in the Potsdam, GER area or add other travel to the trip, you will be responsible for any additional costs and fees.

Let's talk about health and safety.

1. If you become ill before, during or after the event, please contact us to explore options that keep you healthy and avoid spreading anything to your fellow attendees.
    
2. Attendees are discouraged from walking alone after dark. Don't worry. You will make friends quick at the Career Accelerator.
    
3. Stay hydrated. You will be able to refill a water bottle at the INSELHOTEL Potsdam-Hermannswerder. 
    
4. Drink responsibly. Alcoholic beverages will be avaiable occasionally during the event. We love a party, but networking works best if you keep your wits about you.

Here's what we think you should wear and bring.

1. December in Potsdam Germany is cold. Plan to bring a heavy jacket or something to layer with when indoors (and immediately put on when you walk outside into the cold)
    
2. Bring some shoes you can walk comfortably in.
    
3. Leave gowns, tuxedos, tiaras, etc. at home. The dress code is casual. You're meeting peers, colleagues and mentors, but don't overthink it.

Weather