Accessing the RightsCon Summit Platform and program schedule
The RightsCon Summit Platform is now open for registered participants to login, explore, and start building a personalized program for the sessions they wish to participate in ahead of the summit.
Whether you’re joining us in-person or online, the RightsCon Summit Platform is your homebase for the event. You can navigate all 600+ sessions using filters, see who is speaking, and chat with other participants.
Navigating the program
With over 600+ sessions happening in-person, hybrid, or online, the RightsCon program can feel both exciting and overwhelming! Whether you’re a RightsCon veteran or joining us for the first time, we recommend navigating the program through our handy filters, which include:
- 3 modes, including in-person, hybrid, or online
- 19 program tracks, such as artificial intelligence and freedom of the media
- 6 intersecting themes, such as disability rights and health
- 6 formats, such as workshops and dialogues
Languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and French
To learn more about navigating the program, review our guide on the RightsCon Summit platform.
Preparing for in-person participation: your travel checklist
If you’re joining us in San José, we want to help set you up for success and have put together the following checklist for you to review before departing.
- Double check you’re registered: Whether you’re a speaker, participant, or session organizer preparing to join us, it can be easy to miss one important step: registration! All participants must be registered to receive their badge and enter the venue. Registration closes on June 2, so get your ticket now!
- Confirm your visa and entry requirements: Be sure to check if you need a visa to Costa Rica ( you can use Sherpa) and review general entry requirements to confirm that you have all the necessary documents with you. These might include your registration confirmation email, details about your accommodation, your return flight itinerary, and the duration of your stay. You may be asked to provide this information upon entry into Costa Rica. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email us at [email protected].
- Be prepared to travel: We strongly recommend having the following documentation printed or saved on your phone to facilitate a smooth entry to Costa Rica: your return flight ticket, accommodation confirmation, and your invitation letter for RightsCon (available upon request at [email protected]).
Arriving to San José, Costa Rica
If you’re arriving at the Juan Santamaria International airport (SJO) in San José, the RightsCon team will be waiting for you on arrival either before or after customs, just look for our logo!
If you run into any issues during your travel or upon arrival, our team and our destination management company, TAM, will be present at the airport to provide support. Our team can be reached through [email protected]
While the airport does have free WiFi available, we encourage you to use the public network with caution.
After you go through customs, you’ll pass through an area with car rental and other services before exiting the airport (you end up outside quite quickly!).
To leave the airport, you can use any of the following modes of transportation:
- Wait for your hotel shuttle: most, if not all, hotels in San José have a free or low-cost airport shuttle service that runs hourly or by appointment. Reach out to your hotel to determine what options are available to you.
- Take a taxi: visitors are encouraged to take the official orange taxis from the airport. Official airport taxis have a yellow triangle on the car doors and official taxi stands are located just outside the airport exit.
- Use Uber (limited availability): While Uber is available in San José, drivers are not allowed to enter the main area of the airport, and thus you may be required to walk to meet them either at the airport’s upper floor parking lot or outside of the airport. Please see the below section on transportation in San José to learn more about using Uber in Costa Rica.
RightsCon shuttle service and transportation in San José
Hotels to Convention Center Service: RightsCon will provide continuously operating shuttle services between 6 hotel zones and the Costa Rica Convention Center (CRCC) on Monday, June 5th – Thursday, June 8th. Shuttle service will run from approximately 8:00am – 8:00pm each day. Shuttle frequency will depend on the hotel zone. Please refer to this map for hotel and CRCC locations.

Airport Shuttle Service: Shuttle services will be provided between the Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José Airport) to the CRCC and the hotel zones on Monday, June 5th. Shuttles will also be available from the CRCC to the Juan Santamaría International Airport on Thursday, June 8th.

Shuttle Schedule
June 5
8:00am – 11:00am
3:00pm – 8:00pm
June 6
7:30am – 10:30am
4:30pm – 7:30pm
June 7
7:30am – 10:30am
4:30pm – 7:30pm
June 8
7:30am – 10:30am
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Shuttle Frequency
Green Line
(Cariari)
Every 30 minutes
Red Line
(Alajuela)
15 minutes
Purple Line
(Rohrmoser & Sabana)
15 minutes
Blue Line
(Santa Ana & Escazu)
15 minutes
All shuttles will be clearly marked with RightsCon branding and there will be a point of contact at each stop to provide guidance and support.
Picking up your in-person badge
In order to access the RightsCon venue, all participants must be registered and have their badge in hand: think of your badge as your all access pass to the summit and wear it everywhere.
You can pick your badge up during the following dates and times:
- Sunday, June 4 from 10:00am-8:00pm Costa Rica time at the DoubleTree Hotel
- Monday, June 5 – Thursday, June 8 from 8:30am-5:00pm Costa Rica time at the Costa Rica Convention Center
In order to pick up your badge, please have your registration confirmation email on hand and be ready to share your full name with our team. If you have any issues picking up your badge, we will have a troubleshooting desk available at the DoubleTree and the Costa Rica Convention Center to provide support.
Once you have your badge, you will be asked to select between a green or red lanyard. If you choose the red lanyard, you are indicating that you do not want to be photographed or recorded in any way.
Venue access and map
Our summit venue, the Costa Rica Convention Center, is a bioclimatic, eco-friendly, and sustainably-designed space located just outside the city center. Check out our detailed venue map below to get familiar with the spaces available. Upon arriving at the venue, but before entering, you will proceed through a bag check and pick up your badge at the registration desk.

Attending satellite events
Before RightsCon kicks off, we invite you to join one of the satellite events or regional meetups happening on Monday, June 5, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm CST. For more details on what to expect from these sessions and how to sign up, as availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, check out our blog post.
Preparing for your session
If you’re a session organizer or a speaker, visit our Session Organizer Hub to view format-specific guides, facilitation tips, promotion kits, and more!
Guidance for in-person participants speaking in online sessions
There is wifi and communal seating at the venue within our Community Village for people to tune into online sessions on their personal device with a headset. However, we don’t suggest this as an option for session organizers, speakers, or facilitators, given the possibility of background noise.
Our guidance is to take online sessions from your hotel room if you can. There are a few hotels within walking distance, such as the DoubleTree and the Raddison which would be good options to consider if the hotel you are staying at is too far to go back-and-forth.
What to do for dinner in San José
While we will provide lunch and coffee at the venue, you should plan to grab dinner with colleagues (or new connections from RightsCon!) around the venue, near your hotel, or in one of San José’s neighborhoods.
Here are a few of our recommendations:
- El Novillo Alegre (Sabana): Argentinian steaks, salads, and seafood. See the menu here.
- Grano de Oro (Sabana): Upscale dining experience with a comprehensive wine list. Vegetarian options available. See menu here.
- Inédito Gastro Tour (Sabana): A food-court style space with various options and live music.
- Kawah (Heredia): Breakfast platters, rice bowls ranging from teriyaki to Caribbean curry, and a comprehensive dessert menu. See the menu here.
- Leño y Carbón Heredia (Heredia): Barbecue restaurant with a variety of meats and sides. See menu here.
- Taj Mahal (Escazu): Authentic Indian cuisine with a variety of vegetarian options. See menu here.
- Árbol de Seda (Escalante): Vegetarian burgers, rice and beans, soups, and salads. See the menu here.
- Gambas (Escalante): Seafood specialities ranging from soups, tuna tartare, to rice dishes, and ceviches. See the menu here.
- Isolina (Escalante): Upscale dining experience. Gluten-free options available. See the menu here.
- Samadhi (Escalante): Vegan and vegetarian-friendly, with a large cocktail menu. See menu here.
After Dark, film screenings, and more
Throughout the week, we’ll have a range of After Dark events and Creative Spaces for you to explore. On Monday, June 5, we will kick off with an Opening Ceremony reception party after the day’s programming concludes. The creative spaces will include live performances, art exhibits, film screenings, and wellness activities such as yoga and guided meditation to help participants unwind each day. All After Dark and Creative Spaces will be added to the program schedule the week of May 22.
Promoting your participation
Whether you are joining us as a participant, session organizer, or speaker, be sure to promote your participation with your network using our Canva templates. Our promo kit contains tailored graphics templates you can use to promote your session across various platforms. También disponible en Español!
Accessibility information
We have intentionally planned spaces, both in-person and online, to account for the diverse needs, abilities, and priorities of participants. The entrance, interior, and bathrooms in our venue in Costa Rica are wheelchair accessible. There are also wheelchair accessible parking spaces at the venue, as well as accessible, well-lit routes from the parking spaces to the venue entrance.
As shown in the map, the venue also includes a private lactation room for people who bodyfeed, a staffed medical room for medical emergencies or situations in distress, and a quiet multi-purpose for mindfulness, multi-faith worship, and calm.
For more information on our approach to accessibility, and a detailed breakdown of access information for both in-person and online participation check out our blog post.
If you have an access request that you feel comfortable sharing with us, you will be able to indicate that in the registration form or you can also reach out to us at [email protected].
Media passes and kit
All participants participating as part of the media will receive a media kit. If you have any questions on attending RightsCon Costa Rica as press, reach out to us at [email protected]
Tips for staying safe and healthy at RightsCon
The health of the RightsCon community, including staff and participants, is important to us. We’ve not forgotten the impact and risks posed by transmissible diseases, such as Covid-19, for participants and the communities in which we live and work, particularly for those who are at greater risk. If you’re feeling sick while at RightsCon, you can visit the medical services in our venue, where we’ll have rapid tests and resources available. The onsite nurse can also advise of nearby hospitals and places to get a PCR test. You can read our full COVID-19 policy here.
As we embark on our first hybrid summit, our Security Working Group (SWG), an internal committee composed of our RightsCon, SecOps, and Code of Conduct leadership, has reviewed, tested, and adapted our internal security and safety processes to ensure we remain positioned to best understand risks posed to the RightsCon community, both online and in person, and respond effectively to issues should they arise.
Broadly, we encourage participants to undertake a risk assessment, consider the risks related to attending this event in Costa Rica, understand the conference environment, and implement measures or take necessary precautions to ensure their own safety. You can read more about our approach to safety and security in our blog post.
If you’re experiencing an issue while attending RightsCon, there’s multiple ways to get in touch:
- Code of Conduct: Need to report a conduct issue? Please reach out by email at [email protected] (PGP public key available here).
- Security Question: If you have any other concerns related to your attendance that are not covered above, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or ask at the information desk.
- Online? Use the RightsCon Platform ‘Helpdesk’: If you have an online issue or tech problem contact the Help Desk through the online chat function at any stage.
- In-person? Approach the ‘Info Desk’: This is located at the entrance of the Costa Rica Convention Center that’s open during in-person programming hours. Immediate security concerns can be directed to the emergency number linked on your credential.
- Emergency Services: If appropriate, call the Costa Rica emergency services:
- Police Emergency – 911
- Ambulance: 911 or 128
- Fire Service – 911 or 118
Exploring Costa Rica after RightsCon
From its wildlife and rainforests to its volcanoes and tropical beaches, there is so much to see in Costa Rica! Don’t take our word for it, check out the video below from Essential Costa Rica, who has officially recognized RightsCon.
We also recommend exploring the official Costa Rica website, for tips on must-visit spots, fun-filled activities, and recommended itineraries.
Remember to pack both sunblock for those sunny days and an umbrella for sudden tropical showers (RightsCon is taking place during the rainy season!).
Coming soon: pro tips on places to explore from the Access Now Costa Rica office!
Platform & Schedule
Check out an overview of the RightsCon Costa Rica schedule below to begin planning your experience.
9:00am-3:30pm
Satellite Events
4:00pm-5:00pm
Opening Ceremony
5:30pm onwards
Opening Ceremony Reception
12:00am-9:00am
Online Programming
9:00am-11:30am
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
11:30am-1:30pm
Lunch available
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
1:30pm-5:30pm
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
5:30pm onwards
After Dark events & light online programming
12:00am-9:00am
Online Programming
9:00am-11:30am
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
11:30am-1:30pm
Lunch available
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
1:30pm-5:30pm
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
5:30pm onwards
After Dark events & light online programming
12:00am-9:00am
Online Programming
9:00am-11:30am
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
11:30am-1:30pm
Lunch available
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
1:30pm-4:30pm
In-person, hybrid, & online programming
4:30pm-5:30pm
Closing Ceremony
Participation Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our answers to frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find the information you are looking, get in touch with us at [email protected]
Where and when will RightsCon Costa Rica be held?
In 2023, RightsCon will be a hybrid convening taking place in San José, Costa Rica and online through the RightsCon platform, from Monday, June 5 to Thursday, June 8. The venue for in-person participants is the Costa Rica Convention Center, a bioclimatic, eco-friendly, and sustainably-designed space located near the airport and just outside the city center.
The RightsCon platform, which we have used since 2020, will host the full program as well as provide access to online programming with features that enable networking between participants including one-on-one and group chats, and creative spaces for connecting and socializing. The platform will use different video streaming and conferencing services, including Vimeo, Zoom, and Frameable (previously Social Hour).
Can I request a refund or make changes to my ticket?
If you are unable to participate at RightsCon, you can request a full refund of your in-person ticket up to seven (7) days before the event starts. If you purchased an online ticket, you can request a full refund up to a day before the event starts.
Unfortunately, the ability to exchange your ticket type is not available on our platform at the moment. If you would like to change your ticket from online to in-person or vice versa, we will issue a refund of your current ticket and you will need to process your registration again. To request a switch, please get in touch with our team at [email protected].
How are you approaching safety and security?
Whether in-person or online, creating a safe space for participants is our top priority. Our Security Working Group (SWG) – an internal committee composed of our RightsCon, SecOps, and Code of Conduct leadership, will implement security and safety processes to ensure every participant enjoys a safe, enriching experience. You can learn more about our general approach to safety and security in our 2019 blog post and stay tuned for specific guidance ahead of RightsCon Costa Rica.
What Covid-19 safety measures will you have in place at RightsCon Costa Rica?
The health and safety of the RightsCon community, including staff and participants, is important to us. We recognize the impact of COVID-19 is ongoing and the importance of communicating our approach and sharing resources to inform your decision-making around health and safety more generally. Our approach is driven by the policies of our host country, the size and scale of our event, and the reality of vaccine inequity globally.
At this time, we are following the guidelines set out by the Costa Rica government, which is fully open to tourists, and does not mandate vaccines, testing, masks, social distancing or other requirements for travelers or gatherings. We encourage in-person participants to be fully vaccinated and test themselves regularly. We will regularly review guidelines from the Costa Rican government to ensure we comply with local measures and provide participants with up to date information.
In addition, we will:
- Share regular guidance, reminders, and updates in the lead-up to the event;
- Have masks and sanitizer on-hand to offer to participants;
- Work with the venue staff and health authorities to implement regular cleaning and disinfection, air circulation, and safety protocols;
- Provide access to free rapid antigen tests if you feel ill while in attendance within a staffed onsite medical room.
It’s up to all of us to protect our community gathering in-person from the spread of COVID-19 and as such, we ask that you:
- Review country entry requirements for your points of departure, connection, and return;
- Prepare a contingency plan for your accommodation and travel (including insurance coverage) in the event of a positive test or if symptoms arise;
- Take a rapid antigen or PCR test before traveling to Costa Rica or the venue;
- Conduct a self-assessment prior to joining us at the event and, if you have symptoms, stay home or in your hotel room;
- Take measures to prevent transmission of viruses – such as mask wearing, hand washing, and regular sanitizing.
We have chosen not to mandate social distancing, testing or masking due to capacity and spacing considerations, as well as our inability to adequately and legally enforce such mandates. We are also aware that protective measures can create a false sense of security, and do not want to cloud participants’ judgment to assume or not assume this inherent risk, considering the scale of our event. However, we strongly encourage protective measures on an individual level, and we ask that our community respect those around them in what they choose to do based on their own level of comfort. If you have pre-existing conditions that put your health at risk, we encourage you to consider participating in RightsCon online.
As always, if you have any feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
What steps will be taken to ensure accessibility at RightsCon Costa Rica?
We are thinking intentionally about ways to ensure that every aspect of our summit – from the venue to programming and participation are accessible to as many participants as possible – whether they’re joining online or in-person. We are making sure that both the interior and exterior of our event space in Costa Rica are physically accessible to participants, and we are optimizing the functionalities of our website and platform to improve the user experience.
In the coming months, we will share more details about our approach to accessibility and the specific steps we are taking to broaden access across RightsCon spaces.
How do I make an accessibility request?
If you have an access request that you feel comfortable sharing with us, reach out to us at [email protected]. At the time of registration, when filling out our form, you will also have the space to indicate any access requests.
What steps are you taking towards sustainability?
We are taking a holistic approach to sustainability. When building our program, special attention will be paid to session proposals that relate to sustainability and environmental justice. The venue we will be hosting this year’s RightsCon in is a champion of sustainability, guaranteeing maximum sustainability in the development of each of its events through a commitment to bioclimatic, eco-friendly and sustainable design and architecture. In addition, we are committed to minimizing single use plastics and reducing waste where possible. This includes reducing food waste and prioritizing local, sustainable, and plant-based menu options. Lastly, we are committed to using a portion of ticket revenue – up to $15,000 USD – to offset travel emissions and support accredited and independently verified environmental projects in Latin America. Over the coming months, we’ll share more details about further steps we’re taking and the sustainability projects we’re funding.
How do I get a ticket for the event?
Registration for both in-person and online tickets closed on June 2.
Subscribe to our newsletter, the RightsCon Rundown, for updates on the summit, opportunities and more. You can also follow us on Twitter where we’ll be posting session highlights and updates directly from San José, Costa Rica.
When will the RightsCon platform open?
The RightsCon Summit Platform is now open for registered participants to login, explore, and start building a personalized program for the sessions they wish to participate in ahead of the summit. Not registered? Get your ticket before Friday, June 2.
Whether you’re joining us in-person or online, the RightsCon Summit Platform is your homebase for the event. You can navigate all 600+ sessions using filters, see who is speaking, and chat with other participants.
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Requirements for Costa Rica vary from country to country. To find out if you need a visa, navigate to Sherpa, a useful tool for getting up-to-date international travel requirements. Simply enter the issuing country of your passport, where you’re traveling from (including if you have a connecting destination), your dates of travel, and click see requirements. Your trip summary will include whether or not you require a visa for your connection or final destination, COVID-19 guidance, and other documentation requirements.
Additionally, check if any visa exceptions apply to you. If you have a valid multi-entry visa or a valid permanent resident card to Canada, the US, Switzerland, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Iceland, or the European Union, you may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa. We encourage you to check whether you qualify for any visa exceptions by consulting with your local Costa Rica consulate, if available in your city, or checking on official Costa Rica government sites (e.g., Costa Rica embassy in Washington, DC).
What vaccinations do I need before entering Costa Rica?
Before entry into Costa Rica, travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
What type of funding assistance do you provide?
Our Community Support Fund provides financial support to members from civil society who wish to attend RightsCon in-person or online. The fund offers support for in-person participation in Costa Rica including flights, hotel or both, as well as support for online participation including, connectivity, translation and other services.
Applications for the Community Support Fund are now closed as ofMarch 31, 2023.
If my session proposal is approved, what type of funding assistance do you provide?
If your session is accepted as part of the RightsCon Costa Rica program, or if you are associated as a speaker in a session, you will receive a set of discount codes to apply towards registration fees.
What support does RightsCon offer for non-English speakers?
We firmly believe in the importance of multilingual diversity in convening spaces like RightsCon, and continue to work to increase non-English programming through the below approaches.
For all sessions, Session Organizers have the option to run their session in the language of their choice. While we don’t know yet how much of the program will run in other languages, we’re confident there will be a number of sessions, given 14% of proposals were submitted in languages other than English.
For online Workshops, Fishbowls and Private Meetings, Session Organizers will be able to enable live-interpretation and live closed-captioning in Zoom. Funding for translation support can be applied for through our Community Support Fund.
For in-person sessions, we are providing simultaneous translation into Spanish for our mainstage programming through a headset. Closed-captions will also be made available for our mainstage program through a mobile device.
Aside from the above, participants are welcome to bring their own translator to accompany them to sessions and support through whisper or consecutive translation. Translators will be provided with a free ticket if they apply through our discount form.
When the program launches in May, you will be able to easily navigate the schedule by language to identify non-English sessions.
As always, we welcome your feedback on how we can improve our efforts and provide better support.

Invite Your Community
Make sure everyone in your network – from across all stakeholder groups – is at RightsCon.