No conference is complete without the chance to connect with both new and familiar faces. The CIE 2025 Local Organizing Committee has planned a dynamic programme to facilitate networking and interaction beyond the technical sessions. Here’s what’s on the agenda:
Welcome Reception
6 July 2025 | 19:00: Join us for a Welcome Reception at the historic Vienna City Hall. This iconic venue, celebrating the 100th anniversary of its permanent illumination in 2025, will provide a memorable backdrop for an evening of networking and celebration. Designed by Friedrich Schmidt and completed between 1872 and 1883, Vienna City Hall is one of the city’s most splendid landmarks.
Important: The entry to the Welcome Reception is at Lichtenfelsgasse 2. It is the site entry and not the main entry of the Rathaus.
This event is included in the scientific conference ticket.
Tickets for accompanying persons are available at 45,00 EUR, granting access to the Welcome reception only.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to major construction works, several tram lines (1, 2, 71, and D) serving the venue are being partially rerouted. We recommend checking alternative routes, such as the U1, U2, U3, and U4 subway lines. More detailed information can be found here.
We also recommend using the “Wiener Linien” app for real-time public transport updates and for purchasing tickets (including the 7-day pass).
Networking Event for Students
7 July, 2025 | 19:00: Networking Event for Students, CIE Newcomers, and CIE Leadership at the Dschungel Café Fürstenhof, Museumsquartier, Museumsplatz 1/Hof 2, 1070 Wien. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with food and drinks as participants share ideas, exchange experiences, and make new connections.
This event is included in the scientific conference ticket.
Sightseeing Tour
7 July, 2025 | 21:00 | Price: 30,00 EUR
Join us for an exclusive nighttime walking tour through Vienna, limited to 30 participants. The tour is scheduled to begin at approximately 21:15, starting from the Dschungel Café Fürstenhof in the MuseumsQuartier and leading to Rathausplatz. Participants are asked to meet at the Dschungel Café at 21:00, from where the group will depart together.
The Tour walks through the historic city centre, culminating at Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), where participants will see a snippet of a movie as part of the Vienna Film Festival. Here, participants will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the festive illumination of the Rathaus, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025. This light show is kindly provided by MA 34 – Bau- und Gebäudemanagement, offering a rare chance to experience this historic lighting in a unique setting. The speakers are:
- Mr. Ing. Stefan Novotny, City of Vienna, MA 34 (Head of Infrastructure Services, Construction and Building Management)
- Ms. Mag. Iris Podgorschek, PodPod Design, Lead Architect of the new festive lighting for the Vienna City Hall
- Mr. Ing. Wilfried Gröblinger, City of Vienna, MA 34
Learn more about the illumination here.
Gala Dinner
8 July, 2025 | 19:30 | Price: 150,00 EUR
Celebrate with the CIE community at our Gala Dinner, held in a prestigious Viennese venue Wolke 19, located in the Ares Tower. The evening includes a three-course menu planned with live music, providing a perfect setting for networking and socializing. Join us for an unforgettable evening, celebrating achievements in lighting and science within a beautiful and historic atmosphere.
Tickets for accompanying persons are available at 170,00 EUR, granting access to the dinner only.
Second CIE Badminton Tournament
9 July, 2025 | 19:30 | Price: 30,00 EUR
Following its great success at the 2023 CIE Session in Ljubljana, the CIE Badminton Tournament returns in Vienna! Held in a spacious sports hall (Racketworld Vienna) with six courts, this doubles-format tournament welcomes players of all skill levels. It’s a fun and active way to engage with other attendees in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us to see who will take home the title this year!
