AIPC Annual Conference Practical information

DATE

28 June – 1 July 2026

CONFERENCE VENUE

EUSKALDUNA BILBAO CONFERENCE CENTRE
Address:
Avenida Abandoibarra 4
48011 Bilbao, Spain
Phone:+34 94 4035 000
Website: www.euskaldunabilbao.com

GETTING TO BILBAO

  • By Air: Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main international airport serving the city, with regular flights from major European hubs.
  • By Train: Bilbao is accessible via Renfe long-distance and high-speed train services. The closest station is Abando (Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto), about 10 minutes from the venue by tram or taxi. More information can be found here.

GETTING TO THE VENUE

The Euskalduna complex is in the very heart of the city, just a few minutes from Bilbao's international airport and with excellent connections via road, rail and sea

  • By taxi: The Euskalduna Conference Centre is approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the airport. Approximate fare is 30 EUR.
  • Public transport options (bus A3247 or metro+tram combinations) are also available.
  • By Metro: The metro station is 2 minutes away.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

The Euskalduna complex is walking distance to main hotels. We will share a list of recommended hotels shortly.
AIPC will secure a group rate and dedicated room blocks close to the venue.
Shuttle services may be arranged depending on the selected hotel.
More details to follow – stay tuned!

Hotels Distance from Convention Center Rates Booking method
CATALONIA GRAN VIA BILBAO500m (Within a 10-min walk)235 EUR Single / 250 EUR doubleClick Click here to register. to book your room

DRESS CODE

For the AIPC Annual Conference, including all social programme events

To help you plan:

  • For men: Trousers and a collared shirt are ideal. Jackets and ties are optional.
  • For women: Skirts or trousers paired with a blouse or top are appropriate. Jackets are also optional.
  • Comfort is key – Bilbao late June is typically warm so lightweight and breathable fabrics are encouraged.

There are no strict requirements, and we encourage you to prioritise comfort.

TOURS

Pre- and post-conference tours will be available.
Link to proposals and booking info will be shared shortly.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language of the meeting.

CURRENCY

Spain uses the Euro (EUR).

  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.
  • Cash is still commonly used for smaller purchases.
  • ATMs are available throughout the city.
  • Contactless payment and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) work seamlessly.

WEATHER IN BILBAO

Expect warm summer weather, with daytime temperatures from 23°C to 29°C.
Evenings may be cooler, especially near the river.
Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and a light jacket or sweater for the evening. A small umbrella may come in handy – northern Spain can surprise you with a light drizzle!

ELECTRICITY

  • Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
  • Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko)
  • Bring a European adapter if needed.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 112

HEALTH & SAFETY

Bilbao is considered a very safe city for travelers. That said, here are a few tips to keep everything running smoothly:

  • General Safety: Exercise standard precautions. Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) can occur in busy tourist areas or on public transport—keep your belongings close, especially in the Old Town and on trams.
  • Healthcare: Spain has a high standard of healthcare. Emergency services are reliable and hospitals are well-equipped.
  • Pharmacies: Known as farmacias, they are easily recognizable by a green cross. Most are open during normal business hours, and there’s always a duty pharmacy available after hours (signposted at the door).
  • Travel Insurance: Participants are encouraged to take out appropriate travel and health insurance before departure, especially if traveling from outside the EU.

TIPPING

Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, but it is appreciated for good service:

  • Restaurants: Leaving 5–10% is generous but optional. Locals often round up the bill or leave small change.
  • Cafés and bars: Not expected. If you receive table service and feel the experience was excellent, leaving €1–2 is a kind gesture.
  • Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest euro is sufficient.
  • Hotels: Porters and housekeeping staff may be tipped €1–2 per service/

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR SPAIN

To attend the AIPC Annual Conference 2026, participants may require a visa.  Please refer to the following website: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/spain/

For highlights of previous conferences, please review the programs below:

The 2025 Annual Conference, Shenzen June 22-25
View the conference programme

The 2024 Annual Conference, Costa Rica July 1-3
View the conference programme

The 2023 Annual Conference, Luxembourg, July 16-19
Download the Conference Program

The 2022 Annual Conference, Budapest, Hungary, July 4-6
Download the Conference Program

The 2021 Annual Conference, Lausanne, Switzerland, July 9-14
Download the Conference Program

The 2020 Annual Conference, Paris, France, September 24-25
Download the Conference Program

The 2019 Annual Conference and 61th General Assembly was held in Antwerp, Belgium, June 23-26
Download the Conference Program

The 2018 Annual Conference and 60th General Assembly was held in London, UK, July 1-4
Download the Conference Program

The 2017 Annual Conference and 59th General Assembly was held in Sydney, Australia, July 2-5
Download the Conference Program

The 2016 Annual Conference and 58th General Assembly was held in Nantes, France, July 3-6
Download the Conference Program

Scroll to Top