In addition to the scientific conference program, IWCN 2029 will offer a social program that provides participants with special insights into Dortmund and the wider Ruhr region.

The activities connect important locations throughout the city with themes such as industrial heritage, structural transformation, sports, urban development, and regional identity. They also provide opportunities to meet other participants and continue scientific discussions in an informal setting.

The social program outlined below is preliminary and subject to change. Activities, dates, times, locations, transportation arrangements, and other details may be revised as conference planning progresses.

Tuesday, May 29, 2029
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Followed by the Welcome Reception at 7:00 p.m.

An exclusive guided tour of Signal Iduna Park will take place on Tuesday, May 29, 2029.

The stadium is much more than a sports venue: it is an emotional landmark of Dortmund and one of the defining symbols of the Ruhr region. In a region strongly shaped by its industrial history, soccer has a particular cultural significance and connects the past, the present, and regional identity.

As the home of Borussia Dortmund, Signal Iduna Park is known internationally for its distinctive atmosphere, particularly during major domestic and international matches. With more than 81,000 seats, it is one of the largest soccer stadiums in Europe. The famous “Yellow Wall” is an especially powerful symbol of unity, passion, and regional belonging.

The guided tour will offer participants a special look behind the scenes of the stadium. The program is expected to include access to selected seating areas, the locker rooms, and the players’ tunnel.

The guided tour will be followed at 7:00 p.m. by the official IWCN 2029 Welcome Reception, held directly at the stadium.

The unique atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park provides an ideal setting to meet other participants, establish new connections, and begin the conference together.

Complimentary bus transportation will be provided for all registered participants.

The bus will take participants from the conference venue at Dortmunder U to Signal Iduna Park. After the Welcome Reception, return transportation to the designated conference hotels will be provided.

Thursday, May 31, 2029
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Followed by the Workshop Dinner at 7:00 p.m.

On Thursday, May 31, 2029, participants are invited to join an excursion exploring Dortmund’s structural transformation.

The tour will provide insights into the development of the Ruhr region from an area shaped by coal, steel, and heavy industry into a modern center of business, science, technology, and innovation.

The excursion will focus on the area around Phoenix Lake.

Where blast furnaces and the facilities of a major steelworks once dominated the urban landscape, a vibrant waterfront district has emerged. Phoenix Lake is one of the most visible examples of urban renewal in Dortmund and demonstrates how former industrial sites can be redesigned and integrated into contemporary urban development.

The excursion will also include the Phoenix West area.

Here, historic industrial structures are combined with modern technology and innovation infrastructure. The site represents Dortmund’s structural transformation particularly well: its industrial heritage remains visible while new spaces for research, technology, business, and science continue to develop.

The excursion will be followed at 7:00 p.m. by the official Workshop Dinner at the historic Hörde Castle, located directly beside Phoenix Lake.

The dinner will provide another opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections, and experience one of Dortmund’s most distinctive urban redevelopment areas.

Private bus transportation will be organized for the excursion and Workshop Dinner.

The bus will pick up participants at the conference venue, accompany the group to the excursion stops, and continue directly to the dinner venue. Return transportation to the designated conference hotels will be provided after the event.

All social program activities are included in the conference registration fee.

Participants who would like to bring an accompanying guest to one or more activities should indicate this during registration. Further information about availability, additional fees, and registration for accompanying guests will be published once confirmed.

The program, routes, access arrangements, and transportation times are preliminary and subject to change.

Final meeting points, departure times, accessibility information, and organizational details will be communicated to registered participants before the conference.