Networking events are an important part of a scientific conference. The organizers of the ECSS2025 support this idea through the following offers:

Informal icebreaker reception

The informal icebreaker reception will take place on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 18:30–20:30 local time at Winkel van Sinkel (Oudegracht 158, 3511 AZ Utrecht, see pin), which is 450 m from the ECSS2025 venue (a 6-minute walk).

A welcome cocktail (drinks) and hors d’oeuvres (fingerfood in modest amounts – not a full dinner) will be provided. The selection of food and drinks will be based on local traditions. Special dietary requirements can be handled by the caterer. The icebreaker reception is a sponsored event and it is included in the conference fee. Pre-booking is mandatory.

IMPORTANT: To reserve your place, you need to “buy” a ticket and, before payment checkout, apply the coupon code printed on your conference registration ticket here.

Please note that a “First come, first served” principle will be applied until the maximum capacity of the venue is reached. A small number of tickets for accompanying persons can be purchased.

Utrecht guided tours on Wednesday afternoon

Four different options for guided tours are available, each with a limited number of places. Again, a “First come, first served” approach is taken for the reservation of tickets. Pre-booking is mandatory.

To reserve your place free-of-cost, you need to “buy” a ticket and, before payment checkout, apply the coupon code printed on your conference registration ticket here.

OPTION 1: Guided tour up the Dom Tower

The guided Dom Tower tour is a 1 hour tour and will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 14:30–15:30 or 15:30-16:30 local time. It will start at the entrance of the Tourist Information Centre (Domplein 9, 3512 JC, Utrecht, see pin), which is 1.0 km from the ECSS2025 venue (a 14-minute walk).

Utrecht’s iconic symbol is the Dom Tower, at a height of 112 metres the tallest church spire in the Netherlands. During a likely derecho event on 1 August 1674, the nave of the Dom church was literally blown away. The choir and the tower remained standing. The nave was never rebuilt and thus the Dom church is now only half a church. A long renovation project was completed very recently.

Climb the 465 steps to the top, discover its history, and enjoy the spectacular view over Utrecht.

OPTION 2: Guided city walk tour: Utrecht’s Top Attractions

The guided city walk tour is a 1.5 hour tour and will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 14:30–16:00, 15:00-16:30 OR 15:30-17:00 local time. It will start at the entrance of the Tourist Information Centre (Domplein 9, 3512 JC, Utrecht, see pin), which is 1.0 km from the ECSS2025 venue (a 14-minute walk).

Take in Utrecht’s highlights on this walk! See the Dom Tower, the Oudegracht canal and its famous wharf cellars, the various churches that tell a thousand tales and the secret alleyways you would never have discovered by yourself.

OPTION 3: Guided bike tour: Utrecht by Bike

The guided bike tour is a 1.5 hour tour and will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 14:00–15:30, 14:30–16:00, 15:00-16:30 OR 15:30-17:00 local time. It will start at the entrance of the Tourist Information Centre (Domplein 9, 3512 JC, Utrecht, see pin), which is 1.0 km from the ECSS2025 venue (a 14-minute walk).

Utrecht is a cyclist’s paradise. There’s a rack full of bikes on every street corner and plenty of storage for parking. Cycling is a fantastic way to crisscross the city. An experienced guide will show you the best parts of Utrecht and its surroundings.

OPTION 4: Boat tour along Utrecht’s canals with digital guide

The boat tour is a 1 to 1.5 hour tour with a digital guide and will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 somewhere between 14:00–17:00 local time, depending on your booking. It will start at Schuttevaer boarding point (“aanlegplaats”) at Oudegracht 69 under the Rembrandt Cinema (see pin). It’s located 350 m from the ECSS2025 venue (a 4-minute walk).

Dive into the history of Utrecht. Departing from the historic Oudegracht, this extensive city cruise takes you along the picturesque outer canals and the most breathtaking sights of Utrecht. Sail through two centuries of history, not forgetting the beautiful canals on the east side of the city. A journey that takes you to the past and present of Utrecht. The sailing time may fluctuate, depending on the traffic.

Accompanying persons

A small number of tickets is available for accompanying persons. Those tickets can be purchased for €30/person here.

Please note that the accessibility for disabled individuals is limited. We ask you to contact us for details regarding handicapped access.

Conference Dinner at Nicolaïkerk (St Nicholas’ Church)

The conference dinner will take place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 19:00–22:30 local time. The dinner will be held at the Nicolaïkerk (St Nicholas’ Church, Nicolaaskerkhof 8, 3512 XC Utrecht, see pin). It’s 1.6 km (a 21-minute walk) from the ECSS2025 venue.

The Nicolaïkerk was built in the 12th century as a parish church dedicated to St Nicholas. The name of the church reflects its position at a junction of waterways, as St Nicolas is the patron saint of sailors. In 1556 and 1579, the church was damaged during the Iconoclastic Fury and fell into Protestant hands, and the layout was changed significantly as a result. Through the years, much has been changed and the church has been expanded on numerous occasions, but the unique 14th-century cupola painting in the crossing, with its ornamental and geometrical shapes, can still be admired today.

The conference dinner is a sponsored event and it is included in the conference fee. Pre-booking is mandatory. Please note that a “First come, first served” principle will be applied until the maximum capacity of the venue is reached.

IMPORTANT: To reserve your place free-of-cost, you need to “buy” a ticket and, before payment checkout, apply the coupon code printed on your conference registration ticket here.

A small number of tickets for accompanying persons can be purchased for €95/person and will include a starter, a main course and a dessert as well as drinks.

Please also note that the accessibility for disabled individuals is limited. We ask you to contact us for details regarding handicapped access.