Social Program

All Congress participants are cordially invited to take part in our social events.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on Thursday, 14th April 2011 in the afternoon. The Ceremony will be followed by a Welcome Cocktail Reception. This event is free of charge to all Congress participants and Accompanying persons, but registration is compulsory. Registrations will only be accepted upon availability.

The Gala Dinner will be held in the prestigious Palazzo Re Enzo, built at the beginning of the 13th century. It combines the fascination of a beautiful monument with state-of-the-art amenities. With its 2,500sqm of usable space, it is the city's principal historical venue for large scale events.

It takes its name from Enzo of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was prisoner here from 1249 until his death in 1272. The palace was built in 1245 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà, which had proven insufficient for the exigencies of the Commune of Bologna. It was therefore initially known as Palatium Novum ("New Palace"). Three years after the palace completion, Enzo was captured by the Guelphs at the Battle of Fossalta, and after a short stay in Anzola he was moved here, where he remained until his death. In 1386 Antonio di Vincenzo finished the Sala dei Trecento ("Hall of the Three-Hundred"), which was to become the city's archive. The last floor was largely renovated in 1771 by Giovanni Giacomo Dotti.

The current Gothic appearance dates from the restoration of 1905 due to Alfonso Rubbiani. On the right of the palace is the access to the chapel of Santa Maria dei Carcerati, where the condemned to death went to. In the first floor was held the Carroccio and the war machines, while in the middle floor were the offices of the praetor and the chapel.

The Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday, 16th April 2011 at 8.30 pm. You will enjoy good meals, wines and first class entertainment while having the chance to meet and catch up with your colleagues from around the world! Further information will be later on provided.

The Closing Ceremony of the Congress will take place in the main hall, on Sunday, 17th April 2011 at 12.00 am.