Social Programme

Welcome Cocktail

Thursday, 4 June 2026 (19:00-23:00)
Oslo Opera House, The Foyer 

One of Oslo’s most distinctive cultural landmarks is to host the EELA 2026 Conference Welcome Cocktail — a building whose angular structure rising from the Oslofjord has become known worldwide.
Designed by Snøhetta as an accessible public space — including its walkable roof — the Opera House creates a unique link between the city and the surrounding fjord landscape.  
The spacious, glass-fronted foyer offers beautiful views of the waterfront and provides an elegant, inviting setting to meet fellow participants and begin the evening. 

No transfer is provided: The Welcome Cocktail venue is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Clarion Hotel the Hub (the Conference venue).  

Tickets: included in the registration fee for all delegates 

Location: Oslo Opera House, the foyer of the building 

Address: Den Norske Opera & Ballett, Kirsten Flagstads pl. 1, Oslo 

Dress: Business attire

Gala Dinner

Friday, 5 June 2026 (19:30-00:30)
Oslo City Hall 

Oslo City Hall (“Oslo Rådhus”) is an impressive red-brick functionalist landmark that serves as the seat of the city council and municipal administration.  Various events and ceremonies take place in the building, notably the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which takes place every December. 
Before dinner, the Welcome Drinks are to take place on the first floor, in the ceremonial reception rooms such as the Festgalleriet (“Ceremonial Gallery”), known for its tapestries and historical motifs. 
The Gala Dinner will be held on the ground floor in the grand Rådhushallen (Main Hall), a soaring space adorned with monumental murals by Henrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen. 
After dinner, the after-party will return upstairs to the first-floor halls offering a festive and welcoming atmosphere for the rest of the evening.

Important: Guest and luggage security screening will be required on entry.  

Transfer: Transfer from Clarion Hotel the Hub (the Conference venue) to the City hall and return transfer to Clarion Hotel the Hub will be provided. The schedule would be notified at a later stage. Alternatively the walking distance is approximately 15 minutes.

Tickets: included in the registration fee for all delegates 

Location: Oslo City Hall  

Address: Rådhusplassen 1, Oslo

Dress: Formal attire

Morning Jogging

Saturday, 6 June 2026 (07:30-8:30)

EELA’s traditional Saturday morning run.  Meet in the reception at Clarion Hotel The Hub for a run round Oslo city centre, ending back at The Hub in time to change for the Plenary session.  This is an informal, unsupervised run, but a person who knows Oslo will be happy to show you the route.

Meeting Point: Clarion Hotel The Hub reception

Afternoon Swim & Sauna Session

Fully booked

Saturday, 6 June 2026 (15:45-17:00)

Urban sauna culture has taken Oslo by storm, and Oslo’s fjordside saunas are located along the harbour promenade, right in the heart of the city centre. Join us for a quick fjord-swim, (led by Therese Ljosdahl) followed by a sauna session on one of Oslo’s Architect-designed saunas.

Note that swimming in the fjord far away from the sauna’s is not advisable due to boat traffic, so the actual swimming session will be quite short.

Please bring swimwear, and a towel. Cap and goggles are optional.
Changing rooms, showers and lockers are available on site.

Meeting Point: Entrance to Sukkerbiten Sauna