Validating Localisation Settings As a Participant

Overview

Localisation settings control how dates, times, and timezones are presented on the event website. As a participant, validating these settings ensures session times, deadlines, and schedules are displayed correctly for your region and in the expected formats. Follow the steps below to confirm the event website is using the configured localisation options.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Validate the event localisation based on the selected timezone

• Open the event website link provided by the organiser.
• Locate key time-sensitive elements (for example: agenda items, session start times, countdowns, or registration open/close times).
• Check that those times correspond to the timezone configured for the event (for example: Europe/Amsterdam should show Central European Time).
• If times appear incorrect, note the page, the displayed time, your local timezone, and report the discrepancy to the organiser.

2. Validate the datetime format

• Find places where date and time are shown together (for example: 01/12/2025 14:30 or 12/01/2025 2:30 PM).
• Confirm the combined date+time formatting matches the organiser’s expected pattern (examples: DD/MM/YYYY HH:mm, MM/DD/YYYY hh:mm A).
• Report any inconsistencies (for example swapped day/month or missing AM/PM indicator) to the organiser.

3. Validate the date format

• Locate standalone date displays (event date, session date, registration deadlines).
• Confirm dates appear in the chosen format (examples: DD/MM/YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD, MMMM D, YYYY).
• If a date looks ambiguous (for example 04/05/2025 — day/month or month/day?), check the event FAQ or contact the organiser to clarify.

4. Validate the time format

• Check times across the site (agenda, session details, reminders) to see whether they use 24-hour (e.g., 14:30) or 12-hour with AM/PM (e.g., 2:30 PM).
• Confirm the displayed time format matches what the organiser announced or configured.
• If a time lacks AM/PM and could be ambiguous, report it so the organiser can adjust the display format.

Troubleshooting & Reporting

• If you find mismatches, take a screenshot and collect the page URL, the displayed value, and your device/browser details.
• Send these details to the event organiser or support team, including your expected timezone and the correct format you saw in other places.
• When testing, verify the site on desktop and mobile — display issues can differ between devices.

Tip: If you're unsure what format the organiser intended, look for a localisation settings note on the event website (often in the footer or settings) or check event communications where the organiser may state the timezone and formats used.