“Goulash programming night” almost sounds like a cooking marathon for sleepless computer science students. What started in 2002 in a basement room in Karlsruhe with a few technology enthusiasts has now grown into one of the Chaos Computer Club's biggest events. The topics are wide-ranging: The core is hardware and software development, as well as data security. However, data protection, network policy and many other fascinating topics are also covered: How do you cook the perfect goulash? Can you make beautiful jewelry out of hardware scrap? How does a sewing machine actually work? How do you fly spaceships?

The Goulash Programming Night is organized by Entropia e. V. of the local Chaos Computer Club in Karlsruhe. More than 1500 visitors are expected in the atriums of the University of Arts and Design (HfG) and the lecture halls of the Center for Art and Media (ZKM). It is important to note that despite the depth of content that some of the speakers delve into, the Goulash Programming Night is not just aimed at “digital natives” or nerds. Everyone is welcome and can learn something; the old motto “we like everything” applies.

True to the name, programming is of course the main thing at a GPN. Tables with power and network connections are set up in the “Hackcenter” in the atriums, where guests can pitch their tents. A large proportion arrive with a project to spend a few focused days and, if necessary, nights at the Goulash Programming Night. This does not mean that questions are forbidden. On the contrary: most hackers, when they are not lost in deepest programming meditation, are happy to provide information about their hobbyhorse. They also like to show off what they have just finished, and so the Goulash Programming Night is teeming with self-built light installations and equipment.

The second main component of a Goulash Programming Night - in addition to the activities in the Hackcenter - is the workshop and lecture program. From in-depth lectures on hardware and software development to instructive (and humorous) anecdotes from everyday programming madness and debates on net politics, everything is represented. Electronics skills can be honed at soldering and DIY workshops, Lightning Talks offer an open stage for spontaneous short talks, and the demo scene is always very popular.

Our motto this year is “Hidden Patterns”.

Have you already discovered the hidden patterns? Neither have we while writing. And yet: large amounts of data often conceal fascinating structures that are waiting to be revealed. It's time to decode these patterns and understand the stories they tell.

You will have noticed that it has become increasingly crowded in recent years. That's why, after consultation with our hosts, we unfortunately have to limit the number of participants for the event. If you want to be guaranteed to take part in all days of the GPN, you must register in advance. There is a small contingent of free day passes for those who decide at short notice or are curious to visit on the day, which can be collected on site. This means that, unlike the previous GPNs, registration will be compulsory if you do not want to rely on the availability of day passes.

This only applies to access to the buildings; you can also use the outdoor area without registering.

When registering, you can still reserve T-shirts, mugs, etc. as usual. Starting this year, you can make a donation during your registration.

We have to limit the number of participants as we are reaching our spatial limits. We don't want to charge admission, but at the same time we want to ensure that reservations are taken or canceled in good time - so that every seat can be used effectively. Therefore, from this year onwards, registration is linked to the purchase of a goulash enjoyment package for €10 and includes a hot main course from our fantastic kitchen crew and a non-alcoholic drink at our bar. Alternatively, you can choose three waffles instead of the hot main course.

The package is intended to motivate you to cancel your registration and make room for someone else if you are unable to attend. If you cancel by the start of the event, the package will be refunded in full. So please be fair when registering and only register if you are actually coming.

The link between registration and the goulash enjoyment package is not an admission fee and does not replace your donations, which we are still dependent on.

If you would like to participate in the 23rd Goulash Programming Night but are unable to purchase a Goulash Enjoyment Package, please contact us at .hc.salug(ta)sdneirf If your submission is accepted in the CfP, your registration is guaranteed.

Dates with activated contingent for registration:

on Sunday, 27.04., 20:00 and on Thursday, 01.05., 14:00 h

both on https://join.gulas.ch/

The day passes are for all those who only want to visit the GPN for one day or spontaneously find out about the GPN. Those traveling from further away should not rely on day passes being available, as these are intended for interested parties from Karlsruhe.

There is only a limited contingent of day passes. We communicate the availability of day passes with a traffic light concept (green, yellow, red). Green means that many day passes are still available. Yellow means that access can be limited in the foreseeable future. Red means that access is only possible with registration or a day pass already received.

You can find more information at: https://entropia.de/GPN23