The GPRT originally started out in 1997 as a bilateral forum for discussion between Government Phonologists in Vienna and Budapest. Then in the years 2002–2004, it developed into a regular gathering characterised by a relaxed atmosphere. It was organised each spring by the local teams of either Vienna or Budapest, who took it in turns to host. It ended up attracting speakers and an audience from all over Europe and inspiring discussions both inside and outside the conference room. The rebirth of this tradition was witnessed by the participants in Nova Gorica in 2008.