Welcome reception
Venue: Congress venue
Centre International de Conférences de Genève (CICG)
17 rue de Varembé, 1202 Geneva
Date: Monday 31 August
Time: 17:30 - 19:00
The ECCB2026 conference participants are warmly invited to the Welcome reception at the conference venue.
Light refreshements will be served.
Pre-registration required (via the registration form).
Conference party
Venue: Le Cercle des bains
Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10,
1205 Geneva
Date: Tuesday 1 September
Time: 18:00 - 00:00
Tickets: CHF 80
Join us for the Conference Dinner at the Cercle des Bains, a nice evening with good company!
The Cercle des Bains is an old industrial-era building turned art & culture space, now part of Geneva’s creative quarter.
How to get there: from CICG, take tram 15 (direction Plainpalais / Acacias / Lancy - check direction on the stop) and get off at “Stand”. From there, Cercle des Bains is a short walk away.
Dress code: no formal dress code
Social gathering at le Cormoran
Continue the evening in a relaxed and lively atmosphere at le Cormoran, a unique lakeside venue offering a vibrant yet laid-back setting. Join fellow conference participants to unwind after the first day of sessions and activities, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take in the scenic surroundings while engaging in informal networking.
Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Time: 19:00 – 23:00
Tickets: free registration via the main conference website (first-come, first-served)
The first 100 registered participants will receive a voucher redeemable for a drink. After voucher capacity is reached, all conference attendees are still warmly welcome to join and enjoy the evening.
How to get there: le Cormoran, Geneva
Image: Pierre Albouy / Ville de Genève
The Geneva chocolate crawl
Beyond its reputation for precision horology and international diplomacy, Geneva guards a sweeter secret. Discover the city’s renowned chocolatiers through a curated chocolate crawl experience in small groups across the city centre.
Date: Monday 31 August
Time: from 17:00
Tickets: free registration via the main conference website (first-come, first-served)
Participants will receive a Choco-pass and map for a self-guided exploration of selected chocolate boutiques, sampling creations from some of Geneva’s finest chocolatiers. The experience concludes at the Spoon Food Hall for networking, refreshments, and dinner.
Choco-pass validity: until Tuesday at 17:00
How to get there: meeting details will be shared with registered participants closer to the conference date
Dress code: comfortable walking shoes recommended
Morning yoga by the lake
Begin your conference day with a refreshing morning yoga session by Geneva’s lakeside. Surrounded by calm waters and mountain views, these guided sessions offer a peaceful moment to stretch, breathe, and recharge before the scientific programme begins.
Dates: Tuesday 1 September & Wednesday 2 September
Time: 07:00 – 08:00
Tickets: free registration via the main conference website (first-come, first-served)
Open to all levels, the sessions are designed to gently awaken the body and mind, helping you start the day feeling focused and energised. Certified instructors will guide participants through accessible movements and relaxation exercises suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Location: lakeside (exact meeting point will be shared with registered participants closer to the conference date)
Dress code: comfortable sportswear recommended
Discover Geneva with city guided tours
Take the opportunity to explore Geneva beyond the conference venue through a selection of guided thematic tours. From historic streets and hidden passages to international diplomacy and watchmaking heritage, these walks offer unique perspectives on the city’s culture, history, and global influence.
Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Time: 17:45 – 19:30 (in English)
Tickets: free registration via the main conference website (first-come, first-served)
Led by professional guides, each tour highlights a different facet of Geneva, allowing participants to discover the city through stories, landmarks, and local insights while enjoying a relaxed walk through the city.
All tours conclude at the Spoon Food Hall, where participants can continue the evening with fellow conference attendees.
Available Tours
Geneva: A Game of Love and Chance
Geneva, Home of Fine Watchmaking
Geneva’s Secrets
Humanitarian Geneva: Red Cross
International Geneva
Treasures of the Old Town
Women of Geneva
Meeting point: detailed instructions will be shared with registered participants closer to the conference date
Dress code: comfortable walking shoes recommended
Social programme
ECCB 2026 is not just about cutting-edge computational biology. It's also about connecting, exploring, and enjoying the city of Geneva with your peers! ECCB social programme brings together participants from all over the world in relaxed and inspiring settings. Whether you want to continue a scientific chat over coffee, meet new colleagues, or simply unwind and have fun, there is something for everyone.
Highlights of the social activities include: