IETF | Side meetings

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While most IETF work takes place online, meetings and other events such as Hackathons provide in-person opportunities to advance work within the IETF.
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The IETF provides limited support for meetings held during IETF meetings that are not part of the official agenda.
IETF participants sometimes arrange public side meetings or other informal gatherings during, before, or after an IETF meeting to discuss topics of interest to part of the community. These meetings are unofficial and are not included on the formal meeting agenda. For public side meetings, the IETF offers limited support, and organizers are asked to follow specific requirements.
See sidemeetings.ietf.org - OPENS October 23, 2026
When not in use for leadership meetings or other official IETF meeting purposes, we offer two side meeting rooms at every IETF meeting, each designed to support both in-person and remote participation. The scheduling tool for side meetings becomes available once the final IETF meeting agenda is published, allowing organizers to avoid potential conflicts. Details on the room types and levels of support are detailed below.
Room 1 – Large (40-person, U-shaped)This space is equipped with push-to-talk microphones, a projector and screen, power outlets for devices, and a dedicated laptop for Webex remote participation. Please note: this room will have two projectors and screens in room, however only one is available for side meeting usage.
Room 2 – Small (15-person)This space accommodates approximately 15 participants (depending on venue size, this number can vary) and includes a projector and screen, power for devices, a Meeting Owl for video conferencing, and a dedicated laptop for Webex remote participation.
Organizers of side meetings should be aware of the following requirements for side meetings:
To REQUEST and SCHEDULE side meeting space during IETF 127, please visit:https://sidemeetings.ietf.org/
Sign in with your Datatracker account or create an account at account.ietf.org.
** A few new updates include the ability to edit your meeting description & add a co-organizer.
2. Click “Request a Side Meeting” in the upper-right corner; you will be taken to a new page where you will select which side meeting room you’d like to book. Click on your preferred room.
**Please note that all times are subject to change and may not reflect current availability.
3. Select your preferred time. If your preferred time slot does not appear as an option, the room is not available at that time. *Please note that you can select from 1hr, 1h 30m, or 2h time blocks towards the top of the screen.
**Please note that all times are subject to change and may not reflect current availability.
4. Complete the required meeting details, and submit your request.
If adding a co-organizer, you must click "add" after filling in their name and email.
5. Once your request is submitted, the Secretariat will review it and either approve the request or follow up if any additional information is needed. When submitting your request, please be prepared to provide the following:
The Secretariat will confirm each requested meeting on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact support@ietf.org with any questions or concerns.
IETF meeting participants are free to organise private meetings without restriction. If meeting space is required then it may be available as set out in the policy below
Organizations may also request meeting rooms from the venue but IETF contracts frequently require the venue to obtain the approval of the IETF before the request is granted. This policy also covers how that approval is granted.
Please send an email to Support for any private meeting requests.
The IETF may provide rooms at no charge to other non-profit Internet organizations on a reciprocal basis for rooms received at their meeting events also at no charge. The approval of the IETF Chair or IETF Executive Director is required.