ACAT 2019 conference app — navigating 223 contributions across computing, data analysis and theoretical physics tracks

Advanced Computing and Analysis Techniques in Physics Research (ACAT 2019) is a long-running workshop series that brings together physicists, computer scientists, and engineers to discuss the latest developments in computing and data analysis for high-energy physics and related fields. The 2019 edition was held at the Steinmatte Conference Center in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, from 10 to 15 March 2019, attracting approximately 250 participants.

The scientific programme featured 223 contributions organised across three scientific tracks — Computing Technology for Physics Research, Data Analysis Algorithms and Tools, and Computations in Theoretical Physics — alongside plenary keynotes and a dedicated poster session. Topics ranged from machine learning and GPU-accelerated triggers to quantum computing applications and FPGA-based inference for the HL-LHC.

The Challenge: A Dense Workshop in a Remote Alpine Village

Saas-Fee is a car-free village at 1,800 metres altitude. While the setting provided a focused workshop atmosphere, it also meant limited and intermittent mobile connectivity inside the venue. With parallel tracks running simultaneously across the same building, participants needed a reliable way to navigate the agenda without depending on a stable internet connection.

The programme was managed through Indico at CERN, so any mobile solution had to stay perfectly synchronised with the authoritative timetable while remaining usable offline.

How HEPCon Helped

HEPCon was deployed as the official mobile agenda, importing the full Indico timetable and preserving the track structure. The progressive web app cached the entire programme locally, allowing attendees to browse sessions, search for speakers, and read abstracts even when connectivity dropped.

When the organisers adjusted time slots or moved contributions between sessions, push notifications ensured participants were immediately informed, without requiring them to manually check the Indico website.

Outcome

The offline-first approach proved essential in the alpine venue, where Wi-Fi coverage was inconsistent. Organisers reported reduced overhead for communicating daily schedule changes, and attendees could plan their day across parallel tracks with confidence.