Location & Venue

The Congress will be held at the Nuovo Polo Congressuale, in Bologna (Italy).

Bologna, a city of art and culture, is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Its old town centre is still intact in its Medieval layout and has been classified by Unesco as the largest in the world. It conserves vestiges of the old Roman town, the remains of the earliest circle of the medieval walls, vaults, arches and corbels dating from the 12th through to the 19th centuries.
The very special urban fabric, artistic heritage and priceless architecture make Bologna a warm, welcoming city steeped in the past. The main square, Piazza Maggiore, is enclosed by the impressive palaces of the Podestà, Notai and Re Enzo, the Town Hall, the Basilica of San Petronio and the portico designed by Renaissance architect Vignola.

PIAZZA MAGGIORE

NETTUNO’S FOUNTAIN

PORTICO

More than 40 kilometres of elegant and extensive arcades or porticoes flank medieval streets and enchanting squares. 666 arches connect the city to the well known Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, in the Guardia Hills.
The towers are a very important symbol of the city and were about 100 in the past. Among them, the two well known Torre Asinelli and Garisenda represent the landmark of the city.

THE TOWERS

Bologna successfully combines tradition and modernity. Open and forward looking, it is truly on of Europe’s most modern cities with excellent services and infrastructure.
Bologna, prestigious seat of learning, is the home of the oldest University in Europe, Alma Mater Studiorum founded in 1088 which still attract numerous foreign students and teachers.

Bologna is also renowned for its friendly atmosphere, joie de vivre and haute cuisine. Praised ever since the Middle Ages by travellers, men of letters and even kings, the city’s famed culinary traditions were exported throughout Europe and the world.
Visitors can revel in the vitality of this bustling town, the delicious smells from the market stalls, the international reach of the cultural events on offer, the elegance of its exclusive boutiques.

Classical music is at home in Bologna as well as the Opera House. Teatro Comunale is one of the most important venue to host top class concerts and recitals. In the warmest months, Bologna’s piazzas and courtyards become the backdrop for these performances, too.

Bologna is a shoppers paradise, catering to all pockets and tastes, from the classical to the latest hip gear stores stock the full range of Italian and international griffes. Galleria Cavour is the reference point for the most exclusive shopping in the city.

Bologna’s unique geographical location makes it a natural crossroads in Italy and Europe and so a natural international commercial hub. As a result, Bologna is at the centre of an extensive and efficient transport network.
Bologna International airport “ Guglielmo Marconi”, the third most important in Italy, handles around 4,8 million passengers and it is connected to all European cities as well as 6 Intercontinental destinations. Major intercontinental destinations via Rome (4 daily flights) or other European cities. Recently extended and refurbished, “Guglielmo Marconi" International Airport is only 7 kilometres from the city centre (about 15 minutes) and from major hotels.
Bologna is a major road and railway bus, extremely well connected with all Italian centres. Its railway station, one of the most important hub for the HS system, is actually undergoing remodelling works to become the new high speed underground rail station and the new metropolitan railway system, according to the design of the Japanese Architect Arata Isozaki.

Bologna is a powerhouse of the Italian economy, boasting famous names in the motor industry like Ducati, Minarelli, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Italjet, Malaguti, Morini and VM, while fashion and business have given the world names like Borbonese, Magli, Les Copains and La Perla.

Bologna and its trade fair facilities “BolognaFiere” is one of the most modern and functional exhibition centres in Europe with a total surface area of 375,000 sqm.
Hotel accommodation is extensive in this city renowned for its hospitality. The city has an age-old tradition of hospitality guaranteeing high-quality hotel accommodation and a wide range of solutions, ranging from charming old-style establishments in the town centre to world famous ultramodern, international hotels.