GALAXY COMMUNITY CONFERENCE 2026 Welcome to GCC2026! We are excited to welcome you to Clermont-Ferrand, France for GCC2026! Please read through the information below before you arrive so you are ready for check-in, conference communication, transportation, and local travel conditions. IMPORTANT CONFERENCE INFORMATION GCC2026 is June 22–24 The main GCC2026 conference will take place Monday, June 22 through Wednesday, June 24 in Clermont-Ferrand. Here are the key details to have ready when you arrive. AT A GLANCE Dates: June 22–24, 2026 Venue: IUT Clermont Auvergne, 5 Avenue Blaise Pascal, Campus des Cézeaux, 63170 Aubière, France CHECK-IN Please check in at the GCC2026 registration desk when you arrive. The registration desk will open on Monday, June 22 at 8:30 AM, 30 minutes before the first session. You will receive your badge and conference materials there. CONFERENCE COMMUNICATION Please join the GCC2026 Slack workspace. This will be the main place for conference communication, updates, questions, and community conversation during GCC. Join the GCC2026 Slack<https://join.slack.com/t/gcc2026/shared_invite/zt-40fkzifn5-3fvZrTVgBHr96Fl5c4U7Rg> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CARDS If you were able to reserve a public transportation card, you can pick it up at the registration desk. These cards are intended to help with local transportation during the main conference days. Please note that public transportation is free during the weekend in Clermont-Ferrand. GCC2026 SCAVENGER HUNT There will be a GCC scavenger hunt during the conference! This is a GCC tradition and a fun way to explore, connect with other attendees, and get into the community spirit. Stay tuned for more information. Helpful conference links Keep the GCC2026 website and schedule handy throughout the conference. GCC2026 Website<https://galaxyproject.org/events/gcc2026/> View the Schedule<https://galaxyproject.org/events/gcc2026/schedule/> SHARE YOUR GCC2026 EXPERIENCE Photos and social media Sharing your travels or conference experience on social media? Tag us and be sure to use #GCC2026 and #UseGalaxy. You can find us on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/galaxy-project>, Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/galaxyproject.bsky.social>, and Mastodon<https://mstdn.science/@galaxyproject>. We also have a #gcc2026-photos channel in Slack for attendees to share photos from the conference and around Clermont-Ferrand. ARRIVING EARLY? Fête de la Musique is Sunday If you are arriving in Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday, June 21, you may notice music and celebrations around the city for Fête de la Musique<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_de_la_Musique>, France’s annual music celebration. It should be a fun way to experience the city before GCC begins, but please plan extra time if you are traveling through busy areas. IMPORTANT ARRIVAL WARNINGS Please review before you travel HEAT WAVE REMINDER Please prepare for very hot weather Clermont-Ferrand, and France in general, is experiencing very hot weather. Please bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and anything else that will help you stay cool and comfortable during GCC2026. A friendly note: please think about water and heat protection during your travels, too. We will be providing Galaxy fans at the conference to help attendees stay cool. TRAIN TRAVEL ALERT Double-check your train schedule Some train schedules may be affected by cancellations or disruptions due to the heat. If you are traveling by train, please check your route and departure time before heading to the station. Attendees are sharing travel experiences and updates in the #travel Slack channel. One attendee shared that they were able to rebook for free by phone at 00 33 1 84 94 36 35, then pressing #85 for English. Check SNCF Connect<https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/> Check Trainline<https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us> GCC2026 · June 22–24, 2026 · Clermont-Ferrand, France We look forward to seeing you soon!