Highlights of the ECTC 2026
Here you will find a first glimpse of the main highlights of the program you can look forward to. The event will take place in the beautiful city of Graz, known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. The conference promises to be varied and exciting, with expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to Graz for an inspiring and unforgettable experience!
exciting supporting program
around the conference
There will be an interesting supporting program around the conference in Graz. From welcoming participants at the reception to a guided tour of Graz’s historic old town, you can look forward to numerous program items from Thursday, May 7, to Saturday, May 9, 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
WELCOME RECEPTION
„NEEDLE“ KUNSTHAUS GRAZ
Thursday, 7.5.2026 // 19:30
Reception at Kunsthaus Graz, a museum for international exhibitions of multidisciplinary, modern, and contemporary art. Known for its award-winning, modern architecture, famously described as a “friendly alien,” the venue features a glass viewing platform ideal for receptions. Enjoy a fantastic view of Graz’s Old Town and the Schlossberg.
// FOR ATTENDEES AND PARTNERS
// AWARD-WINNING, MODERN ARCHITECTURE “A FRIENDLY ALIEN”
// GLASS VIEWING PLATFORM FOR RECEPTIONS
// FANTASTIC VIEW OF THE OLD TOWN Of GRAZ AND THE SCHLOSSBERG
CONFERENCE LOCATION
„ALTE UNIVERSITÄT“
Friday, 8.5.2026 // 9:00 – 16:20
The historic event center in the heart of Graz offers a unique setting for conferences. Home to the first university in Graz, founded in 1607, the venue features stunning ceiling vaults from the era of Maria Theresa. Today, it serves as a modern event location with over 1,000 m² of event space, hosting charismatic speakers and exciting panels.
// CONFERENCE ONLY FOR ATTENDEES
// WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE MAIN CONFERENCE HOTEL WEITZER
// ECTA CONFERENCE IN HISTORIC SETTING
PARTNER SOCIAL PROGRAM
Picturesque western Styria
Friday, 8.5.2026 // 10:00 – 16:00
As part of the partner program during the conference, participants will enjoy a guided bus tour through Western Styria. Highlights include a visit to the world-famous white Lipizzaner horses at the Federal Stud Piber, associated with the Spanish Riding School, and a stop at the striking St. Barbara Church, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
// ONLY FOR PARTNERS
// GUIDED BUS TOUR TO WESTERN STYRIA
// VISIT THE WORLD FAMOUS WHITE LIPIZZANER HORSES OF THE “SPANISCHE HOFREITSCHULE”
// ST. BARBARA CHURCH (HUNDERTWASSER)
// LUNCH INCLUDED
GALA DINNER
"SCHLOSSBERG RESTAURANT"
Friday, 8.5.2026 // 19:30
The Gala Dinner above the rooftops of Graz will take place at a Gault & Millau award-winning restaurant on Graz’s local mountain: the Schlossberg Restaurant. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city center while dining in a stylish restaurant with a rooftop bar. Indulge in a seasonal gourmet dinner with an aperitif, followed by a convivial finale in the Sky Bar.
// FOR ATTENDEES AND PARTNERS
// SEASONAL GOURMET DINNER WITH APERITIF AND CONVIVIAL FINALE IN THE ROOFTOP SKY BAR
// BREATHTAKING VIEW OF THE ENTIRE CITY CENTER
SOCIAL PROGRAM
THE CITY OF GRAZ
Saturday, 9.5.2026 // 10:30 – 14:00
Explore the charming city of Graz on an exciting and informative guided tour through its historic center. Discover architectural highlights, hidden courtyards, and the city’s rich cultural heritage. The tour concludes with a lunch at the traditional restaurant Landhauskeller, offering a taste of authentic Styrian cuisine in a historic setting.
// FOR ATTENDEES AND PARTNERS
// EXCITING, INFORMATIVE GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE CITY OF GRAZ
// LUNCH AT LANDHAUSKELLER GRAZ
