

Workshop for Quantum Repeaters and Networks
Workshop for Quantum Repeaters and Networks (WQRN)
Call for WQRN5 Host Proposal (Closed)
The call for host locations has now closed. Thanks to the those who submitted proposals. The Steering Committee are currently reviewing proposals and will select the WQRN-5 (2026) host by the end of February with notifications sent shortly thereafter.
The Workshop for Quantum Repeaters and Networks (WQRN) is requesting information from potential local organizers (LO) regarding hosting the next workshop in the series, expected to take place in 2026. Proposals are requested before January 31st, 2025. The information requested does not constitute any form of obligation or binding proposal, but is rather an expression of interest and will be used as a guide of possible locations by the WQRN steering committee (SC).
Workshop considerations for local and organizational affiliation include:
- Small size. Workshop attendance is deliberately limited to around 100 people, chosen as key leaders and researchers in the field.
- "True workshop." All workshops to date have been held at venues where all or nearly all participants eat and reside in the same facility, minimizing distractions and separations. The facilities chosen included ample space for single-track presentations, a poster session, side-discussions, and spontaneous in-person networking.
- Multiple Days. All WQRN events today have been two full days. However, consideration should also be given to expanding this to a third day.
- Adjacency to, but not inclusion in, a larger conference or institutional event. When suggesting a date or location, consider larger events in the region around the same time. This may help with travel expenses for some attendees. However, the workshop is deliberately separate and distinct from that larger event itself and should not run concurrently.
Information requested includes:
- A suggested facility for hosting the technical sessions of the workshop. Describe the facility type (eg: hotel/resort, conference center, university facility, corporate facility, etc.) An auditorium or large conference room allowing single-track presentations for the entire workshop is required. Please provide information on the adjacent spaces available.
- A plan for dining and lodging. Is there on-site or adjacent lodging? Is there a common dining area? Is a single commercial, university, or other organizational entity available to cater, lodge, and host, or are separate organizations required? Is there consideration for inclusiveness and those with various needs, such as accessibility, child care, vegetarian/vegan/hallal/kosher food? An estimate of costs (rough order of magnitude), and suggestions for funding sources to allay those costs. In previous workshops, funding of the workshop has resulted from a combination of conference registration fees, government sources, and local funds. All attendees (invited or otherwise) cover their own costs and contribute through registration fees.
- Availability of audio/video equipment. Are there sufficient resources on-site to manage speakers' presentations and approximately 60 posters of AO size (about 840x1200mm or 3x4 feet)?
- Administrative support. Is there (funded) administrative support available to help with the organization, collection of fees, securing of contracts/reservations, insurance, and other administrative necessities?
- Costs. Where costs are considered, rough orders of magnitude (ROM) are sufficient for now with no expectation of accuracy or obligation.
- Appeal. Will the suggested locale, lodging, and dining attract attendees in addition to the technical content of the workshop? Are there local excursions, activities, landmarks, etc. to highlight in advertising the workshop to potential participants and speakers? If there is a technical facility (eg. university, national lab) nearby, is a site visit for workshop attendees viable/welcome?
The WQRN steering committee thanks you for a brief (2 page) summary of suggestions. Please direct responses by email to the WQRN steering committee at email address wqrn2026@gmail.com.
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