Social Events & Tours

All conference participants and registered accompanying persons are cordially invited to take part in the social events hosted by the local organisation committee. Please join in these events and meet new colleagues from all over the world. You can register by completing the appropriate part of the conference registration form. Please note that registration for the social events is required even if the event is included in the conference fee. Registration for the social events during the conference itself is not possible.

Get Together: Saturday 11 September at Tampere Hall at 18.30-20.30

This is included in the conference fee for registered participants, their accompanying persons and exhibitors. Please mark on the registration form if you plan to attend or not.

The Get Togerher will be held at Tampere Hall, the conference venue. This setting provides an ideal opportunity to meet friends and colleagues old and new. Finnish buffet light refreshments will be served.

This informal get-together will be held in the Finlayson cotton mill area which is celebrating its 190th Anniversary this year. The Plevna Brewery Pub is located in a former weaving hall. A buffet dinner with wine/beer is provided. There will also be live music by a local band, The Cajun Comets. Join the fun!

City Reception: Monday 13 September at the Old City Hall at 18.00-19.30

This event is included in the conference fee for registered participants, their accompanying persons, and exhibitors. Please mark on the registration form if you wish to attend or not.

The City of Tampere cordially invites all conference attendees for cocktails at the newly renovated Old City Hall. This impressive neo-renaissance building houses a fine collection of paintings and works of art and provides an ideal setting for this official welcome. The Old City Hall is located in the Central Square in downtown Tampere. There is also a good selection of restaurants in the city centre for those who wish to continue the evening with dinner.

Students' Networking - Finnish Sauna Experience: Monday 13 September at Varala Sports Institute at 19.30-23.00. Price: 20€

For students only - pre-registration and payment on the conference registration form is required.

The Finnish Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture and an experience not to be missed! You can also take a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of Lake Pyhäjärvi and enjoy traditional Finnish camping (or summer cottage) food with a few sauna drinks. Varala Sports Institute is located in the scenic Pyynikki nature park, just a few kilometres from the city centre. Transportation will be provided.

Join us at the Gala Dinner in the newly renovated Music Theatre Palatsi. The Theatre, formerly the cinema theatre Kinopalatsi, is a fine example of 1920s decor. A three-course dinner will be served in this elegant atmosphere. Host at the Gala Dinner is Martti Vannas, an award winning comedy magician and corporate entertainer. He is also a medical doctor by profession and his charisma and humor are sure to make the evening a memorable experience. You can find more at www.marttivannas.com/eng 

Tours: City sightseeing tour Monday 13 September at 10.00-13.00

Departure from Tampere Hall

Price 36€, included for registered accompanying persons

This guided city tour of Tampere is a chance to see the major sights of the city. You will learn about the history and development of this bustling commercial and industrial centre. The stunning views of the surrounding lakes on Pyynikki Ridge, and the picturesque old wooden houses of charming Pispala district will leave you with unforgettable memories of our city. The tour also includes the Kauppahalli - the traditional indoor market on the main street and ends with a visit to Tampere Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece in the National Romantic style. Its unique frescos tell more about the history of the Finnish people than any written work.

Please register and pay in advance using the registration form. In the event there are too few participants, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the tour and refund your payment in full.