Guide to Goa 2
Understanding Goa Language
Goa is a state in India within the coastal region known as the Konkan. Konkani is the sole official language of Goa. Most Goans speak Konkani, The former Portuguese enclave has been a holiday destination since English, Hindi, and Marathi. Marathi may be used "=for all or any of the colonial times. Its golden, palm-fringed beaches spread along the state’s official purposes. 105 km coastline that pull in the tourists – around two million of them each winter. Portuguese was the sole official language during Portuguese colonial rule. It is now, however, mostly spoken by only the elderly Portuguese- Serving as the linchpin for a vast trade network for more than 450 years, educated populations and is no longer an official language. Goa was Portugal’s first toehold in Asia. However, when the Portuguese empire began to flounder in the seventeenth century, so too did the fortunes of its capital. Cut off from the rest of India by a wall of mountains and hundreds of kilometres of unnavigable alluvial plain, it remained aloof from the wider Subcontinent until 1961, when the exasperated prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, finally gave up trying to negotiate with the Portuguese dictator Salazar and sent in the army. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army invaded and resulting in the annexation of Goa.
Panjim, the state capital and our destination for 2019’s CU Asia, is home for ruins of the former Portuguese capital – a sprawl of Catholic cathedrals, convents and churches that draw crowds of Christian pilgrims from all over India. 3
Getting to Goa
You could travel to Goa by bus and plane, but we would suggest you to come by plane as it is the quickest way to travel.
The Dabolim airport in Vasco da Gama is Goa's only airport. Several airlines offer direct international route to Goa: Qatar Airways (from Doha, Qatar), Oman Air (from Muscat, Oman), Jet Airways (from Abu Dhabi, UAE) and Air India (from Dubai, UAE, Kuwait City, Kuwait and Muscat, Oman) offer an international direct flight to Goa.
Many domestic airlines such as Air India, Jet Airways, AirAsia India, Vistara, Spicejet, GoAir, and Indigo have daily flights to and from India’s major cities, such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kozhikode (Calicut), Mumbai, Pune, and Surat. CU Asia 2019 Venues 5
91springboard Goa Wednesday, 20 February 2019
https://goo.gl/maps/3b4hP3saKDJ2
Goa is the 91springboard’s fourteenth hub in India, and as well the central Headquarter.
91springboard has always believed in the maxim of “work hard, party hard”. It is a philosophy that is reflected in the way they operate our coworking spaces across 7 cities in India. 91springboard likes to create environments that enable their team to perform beyond what they thought they were capable of while also ensuring they have fun in the process. Moving their headquarter to Goa is the best way to ensure that their team has as much fun away from work as they do while at the hub. Away from the crowds, hustle, and noise of India’s metropolitan cities, 91springboard Goa offers the opportunity for a tranquil, relaxed, and less stressful work environment, with the beach just a 5-minute drive from the hub itself.
91springboard team is excited to welcome you at its Goa hub for the Spotlight India on Wednesday, 20 February 2019. 6
Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Thursday, 21 February 2019
https://goo.gl/maps/1rAd55yNZxH2
Established by the Government of Goa in 2004, the main objective of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is to frame an entertainment policy to help cultivate Goa into a world-class international entertainment nerve center of the country. It is home for the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI) since 2004.
Inspired by the entertainment culture of India, it is our pleasure to be partnering with ESG to be hosting the Coworking Academy on Thursday, 21 February 2019. Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Friday, 22 February 2019
https://goo.gl/maps/rfJJTBbKA4E2
The Clubhouse is situated on Goa’s most attractive Miramar Beach, which was originally called Praia de Gaspar Dias.
In the year 1921, some like-minded gentlemen took the initiative and met to lay a foundation of a Clubhouse at Gaspar Dias. On 25 April 1926, a shack constructed of local materials like bamboo mats was put up. It was the birth of Clubhouse Gaspar Dias.
With 90 years of glorious history of wholesome family entertainment, playing hosts to some elite dignitaries & sportsmen of different bygone eras, and now being consolidated as a full fledged sports consortium, the Clube Tennis Gaspar Dias will become the venue of the Opening of Coworking Unconference of Asia in the morning of Friday, 22 February 2019. 8
Old GMC Complex Friday - Saturday, 22 - 23 February 2019
https://goo.gl/maps/mou4RbYPw442
The Goa Medical College (GMC) in Panaji, Goa was built in 1927 and is one of Asia’s oldest medical institutions. Rich of Goa history, this beautiful building and compound will feature a mix of exhibitions and culinary workshops.
Together with Entertainment Society of Goa, the Old GMC building is also home for the annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI) since 2004.
The old GMC building will be the venue of Coworking Unconference Asia 2019’s panel and unconference sessions on Friday - Saturday, 22 - 23 February 2019. 9
Reis Magos Fort Saturday, 23 February 2019
https://goo.gl/maps/YhUH3BjbQYo
The Reis Magos Fort is the oldest fort in Goa and is located about 9 km from Panjim, the capital city of Goa. It has been restored to serve as a Cultural and Heritage Centre.
The Fort of Reis Magos was of great strategic importance because it served as a first line of defence to the port town of Old Goa. It has served the state since 1493.
This historical building will be the venue of the closing party of Coworking Unconference Asia 2019 on the evening of Saturday, 23 February 2019. CU Asia 2019 Passes 11 CU Asia 2019 Passes ALL ACCESS Pass ALL ACCESS Pass will give you access to Spotlight India on Wednesday, 20 February 2019, Coworking Academy on Thursday, 21 February 2019, Coworking Unconference Asia (CU Asia) 2019 on Friday, 22 February to Saturday, 23 February 2019, and the Goa Excursion on Sunday, 24 February 2019.
Standard Pass ALL ACCESS Pass will only give you access to the Coworking Unconference Asia (CU Asia) 2019 on Friday, 22 February to Saturday, 23 February 2019, and the Goa Excursion on Sunday, 24 February 2019.
Spotlight India Pass Spotlight India Pass will only give you access to Spotlight India on Wednesday, 20 February 2019.
Coworking Unconference Asia Spotlight India Coworking Academy Goa Excursion (CU Asia 2019)
ALL ACCESS Pass ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Standard Pass x x ✓ ✓
Spotlight India Pass ✓ x x x
To upgrade your pass, please get in touch with [email protected] CU Asia 2019 Program Schedule 13 Spotlight India | Wednesday, 20 February 2019
Spotlight India
9:00 am - 10:00 am Registration and Networking
10:00 am - 10:10 am Introduction by CU Asia 2019’s Hosting Partner
10:10 am - 10:30 am Rise of Coworking in India by Varun Chawla (91Springboard)
Panel Session: Coworking in India 10:30 am - 11:10 am with Puneet Chandra (Skootr), Ashish Goenka (Redbrick Offices), and Sakshi Rastogi (91Springboard) Panel Session: Community within India 11:10 am - 11:40 am with Anurag Maloo (Techstars), Paras Pundir (Community Folks), and Mithun Shetty (91Springboard)
11:40 am - 12:00 pm What is Government’s Involvement / Interest in Coworking Spaces?
12:00 pm - 12:40 pm Panel Session: Government's involvement in Startups and Coworking Ecosystem
12:40 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm Startup Ecosystem in India by Techstars 14
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm Panel Session: Startup Ecosystem in India and the Support from Coworking Space
Panel session: How Can Coworking Spaces Help Members to Succeed? 2:15 pm - 2:45 pm with Eashita Maheswary (Beyond Nomad) and Mayur Sontakke (Remote Explorers)
3:15 pm - 3:35 pm Chai and Networking
3:35 pm - 4:10 pm Unconference Session Unconference Session
4:20 pm - 4:55 pm Unconference Session Unconference Session
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Dinner and Networking 15 Coworking Academy 2019 | Thursday, 21 February 2019
Coworking Academy 2019
8:30 am - 9:30 am Registration
9:30 am - 9:45 am Introduction by Steve Munroe and Renee Martyna, CAAP
Seeing The Big Picture: Coworking Strategy from 35,000 Feet 9:45 am - 10:25 am by Marc Navarro, Marc Navarro Coworking Consultancy
10:25 am - 11:05 am Coworking Sales and Marketing
11:05 am - 11:30 am Chai Break
How to Use Events to Imprint the DNA of Your Space Strengthening Your Ecosystem Through Strategic 11:30 am - 12:10 pm and Making Your Space Profitable by Brittnee Bond, Partnerships by Maria Agustin, HUBUD Bondworks
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm Lunch
A Thoughtfully Designed Space Makes Workers Happy. How to Keep Your Team Awesome as You Grow by 1:10 pm - 1:50 pm Don't Screw It Up! by Shravan Bendapudi, Gensler Michael Moonsinghe, Business Hubs Kick Ass Saas: How to Dial in Your Software Choices to Building a Playbook For Growth by Marcela Fernandez, 2:00 pm - 2:40 pm Manage Your Business Better. Selina 16
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Chai Break
3:00 pm - 3:40 pm AMA: Getting Funding From Investors by Lachlan Sloan, CoLo Life
3:40 pm - 4:20 pm 5 Things We’ve Learned About Scaling by 91springboard
4:20 pm - 4:30 pm Wrap Up 17 CU Asia Day 1 | Friday, 22 February 2019
CU Asia Day 1
8:30 am - 9:30 am Registration at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias
9:30 am - 10:00 am Opening
10:00 am - 10:20 am Presentation by Jaanus Juss, Founder and CEO of Telliskivi Creative City
10:30 am - 10:50 am Presentation by Mahdi Shariff, Co-Founder of Guanxi.ai and Advisor to Slush China
11:00 am - 11:30 am Chai Break
11:30 am - 11:50 am Presentation by Carsten Foertsch, Founder of Deskmag
11:50 am - 12:10 pm Presentation by Lachlan Sloan, Co-Founder of CoLo Life
12:10 pm - 12:30 pm Presentation by Marcela Fernandez, Employer Brand Ambassador at Selina
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Move to Old GMC Complex
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch at Old GMC Complex 18
Breakout Session 1
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Social Innovation: Coworking as an Raising $$: Coworking New Design: How Beauty and Layer, Layer, Layer: Insights Agent of Social Innovation and Has Become a Function Combine to Form the on Sustainability through Community Enrichment Fundraising Race New Workplace Diversified Profit Centres
Breakout Session 2
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm Is Coworking Truly Global: Getting Acquired: How Coliving: Is it Unique to the Burnout: It’s Real. How to Regional Differences from Europe, to Prepare and How It Coworking Industry or Part of Restore and Retain Your LATAM, Asia and North America Can All Go Wrong the Trend of Social Living Best Staff
Breakout Session 3
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm The Waking Giant: Commercial The Law of Attraction: Partnerships: Governments Going Big: Franchising, Real Estate Firms are Really Partners, Investors and and Enablers that Support and Multiplying, and Entering the Fray Angels Need Coworking Spaces Diversifying
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Transportation to Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Cocktail Hour 19 CU Asia Day 2 | Saturday, 23 February 2019
CU Asia Day 2: The Unconference
9:00 am - 10:00 am Morning Chai at Old GMC Complex
10:00 am - 10:30 am Opening: The Unconference
10:30 am - 11:10 am
11:20 am - 12:00 pm
12:10 pm - 12:50 pm
12:50 pm - 2:20 pm Lunch
2:20 pm - 3:00 pm
3:10 pm - 4:00 pm
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm Summary and Wrap Up
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm Dinner and Closing Party at Reis Magos Fort Other Important Things You Need to Know 21 Accommodation Partners
OYO
OYO is India’s largest hotel network. OYO offers many accommodation options in Goa with prices starting at INR 1,100 (15 USD) / night. OYO has hotels for couples, families, friends backpackers to enjoy positive vibes in Goa.
OYO is giving 25% discounts for CU Asia participants to stay in one of OYO hotels in Panjim are, where most CU Asia venues are located. (See the list of hotels on page 22)
To book, please email [email protected] with your hotel of choice (see page 22). Add subject “OYO for CU Asia”, and mention: - OYO Hotel’s name - Number of Rooms - Check-In Date - Check-out Date - Name of all guests, and their email IDs - Email ID of the person making the reservation and alternate email ID - Whatsapp Contact Number (if present) 22 List of OYO hotels in Panaji, Goa
OYO 805 near Panaji Market https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/yoKTdRN822 OYO 807 Hotel Gopika International https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/8B2JgnUCN5 OYO 1286 Hotel Campal https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/V1dqJ54bEk5 OYO 1365 Hotel Manoshanti https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/165mTbPScp8 OYO 2863 Hotel 4 Pillar's https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/4iwdo1db1B8 OYO 5658 Hotel In City https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/5MNXZ5Me2k1 OYO 9518 Hotel Aqua Mira https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/MR613rpBPX2 OYO 4195 Clausil Inn https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/HCqg6l6c5F7 OYO 4321 near Panaji Market https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/Foa69fj1iZ8 OYO Flagship 395 Miramar Beach https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/H1vr0Iz17LZ9 OYO 6503 Tesero Villa https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/zRfLn1U085f5 OYO 9517 Hotel Sunheads https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/gFD1j5c5EQ31 OYO 9520 Hotel Aqua City https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/akh1dc57Dp20 OYO 10241 Hotel Mayfair https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/1hiCxH750eC3 OYO 11845 Hotel Victoria https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/1f87ZxWA6fv7 OYO 12993 Pramila Court https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/rd2Os7U34xE2 OYO 18786 Flagship Hotel Sona Panaji https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/qm4mu1Apc711 OYO 18855 Hotel Pete's Hideaway https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/pr4Q1MTy82c7 OYO 18951 City Xpress Hotel Rooms https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/4X2TEyc03za0 OYO 22006 Flagship Paradise Inn https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/4zLcb3fN3b29 OYO 22247 Flagship Casa Paradiso https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/IqiVa43m6n84 OYO 23068 Hotel Kamal Palace https://details.oyorooms.com/hotel_crs/4Z50FF6gdFq3 23
The Fern Residency Miramar www.fernhotels.com/the-fern-residency-goa.html
The Fern Residency Miramar is a quaint boutique hotel located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Caranzalem, just a few meters from the beach. The hotel is designed to offer a contemporary luxury experience for the business and leisure traveler. Its proximity to Dona Paula Jetty, Miramar beach and Panjim makes it an ideal destination when you are travelling to Goa. The hotel’s unique interiors, chic ambience and personalized service make it a trendsetter. It’s an eclectic blend of traditional architecture and contemporary amenities.
The Fern is giving almost 30% discounts on all rooms for CU Asia participants (an option to include transportation to CU Asia venues is available!)
To book: Send a reservation email to [email protected] and copy to: [email protected] Use “CUASIA 2019” in the email subject! 24
Getting around Goa and CU Asia Venues
Taxi Unlike other parts of India, international taxi app service such as Uber and Ola are not available in Goa. However, you could try getting taxi using GoaMiles app.
Tip: From the airport, besides GoaMiles, you could also take a taxi from one of the taxi booths in the arrival hall. To get to Panjim area, it will cost you around 1,200 Rupee (±16 USD).
Auto Rickshaw No auto rickshaw goes by meter. If you want to travel in auto rickshaw in Goa, you are at the mercy of auto drivers.
The fare should be around INR 150 (USD 2.00) - INR 500 (USD 6.95) within Panjim area.
The CU Asia team will provide a bus from Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias to the Old GMC Complex on Friday, 22 February 2019 and from the Old GMC Complex to Reis Magos Fort on Saturday, 23 February 2019. 25
Sim Card
The process to obtain a sim card in India is not as easy as in other countries. The Indian government requires sim card owner to present various documents, for security reasons. These are:
● A passport photo (3cm x 4cm) ● Photocopy of your passport (and the original document) ● Photocopy of your visa (and the original document) ● Proof of address back home (on official government document i.e. driver's’ license / passport) ● Proof of address in India (where you are staying) ● Note: If you have an e-visa, you may be asked for a photocopy of your entry stamp in your passport. Usually there will be a photocopying shop close by or the phone shop will be able to create one – just ask them where is best to get one if they say that it is required.
We would highly recommend you to buy sim card at the official telco stores. Please note that it will take 24 hours after purchase until the sim card is validated and ready to be used.
Note: it is crucial to have an Indian cell number, as most places that offer free Wi-Fi in Goa will ask to send an OTP to Indian cell number. 26
Dress Code
Goa in February will be hot and dry. The temperature is estimated to be between 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (88°F)
The dress code for CU Asia is casual; wear what you feel most comfortable to wear.
For the closing party on Saturday, 23 February 2019 at Reis Magos Fort, we would like to see everyone in glamorous, colorful, Bollywood style outfit. 27 Bars
Below you will find some of CU Asia 2019 team’s favorite bars in Panjim area. Coming to Goa early? You might meet fellow participants having drinks here:
Joseph Bar https://goo.gl/maps/5Ckww9iinbs
Joseph Bar is charming. It has the whole hole-in-the-wall style of a beautifully decrepit Portuguese home. You can sip your drinks while standing on the street or perch on a stool, if you are lucky to find one.
Pinto Bar and Restaurant https://goo.gl/maps/3rfUanYRY842
Pinto Bar is a tiny bar located in St. Inez, Panjim. Good place to go with a group of four to 10. It has tasty bites, from sausage bread to macaroni with pork and beef. You could also order alcoholic drinks here.
Black Sheep Bistro https://goo.gl/maps/qE2UhHjZyZT2
Black Sheep Bistro is located right in the heart of Panjim. It has a fine dining and trendy bistro feel, with a reasonable price on the higher. It also serves good tasty cocktails. 28 Brunch and Coffee
Looking for a yummy brunch and strong coffee? Below is some of CU Asia 2019 team’s favorite brunch spots in Panjim area:
Blue Tokai Coffee https://goo.gl/maps/4SU1BE8HA452
Blue Tokai is located on a small alley in Panjim. This coffee shop serves any coffee, from pour overs to cold brew, lattes and espresso.
Cafe Bodega https://goo.gl/maps/kwTxSnWXE822
Cafe Bodega serves continental breakfast, as well as good coffees. The place is very serene and relaxing. It's a place you'd like to sit in for hours and read a book, chat away or maybe even work.
Café Coffee Day https://goo.gl/maps/Xc6YWewG2Lo
You could find proper good coffee and power breakfast at Café Coffee Day.