In addition to the scientific program, the conference offers a variety of social activities designed to encourage networking, informal discussions, and cultural experiences.
Participants are warmly invited to join the social program, which provides an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues and speakers in a relaxed atmosphere.
The social program at NordiCHI 2026 will include two main events:
- Welcome reception on Monday Oct 5
- Conference dinner on Tuesday Oct 6
And in addition the following events:
- Neural Sync – Human Club Interaction on Saturday Oct 3
- Ghost Walk on Sunday Oct 4
- Industry visit to Sustainable Technology Hub, Wärtsilä, on Wednesday Oct 7
- Tour to the Kvarken Archipelago on Thursday Oct 8
Also, we have two dedicated conference pubs, O´Malleys Irish Pub and Zinc, which will serve as your living rooms during the conference.
For more information, please see below!
Welcome Reception
Join us for the Welcome Reception on the first evening of the conference, following the scientific programme.
Take the opportunity to meet colleagues from across the Nordic region and beyond and build new connections!
A light savoury meal and refreshments will be served during the evening. As a courtesy of the City of Vaasa, all participants will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly.
The reception will take place at Fontana, Vaasa’s largest nightclub, conveniently located in the heart of the city centre. We look forward to welcoming you for an enjoyable evening of networking and socialising.
Date: Monday, Oct 5, 2026
Time: tbc
Venue: Fontana Club, Hovioikeudenpuistikko 15, Vaasa
Dress code: Casual
Included in the registration fee, pre-registration required.
Conference Dinner
Join us for an enjoyable evening of excellent food, great company, and entertainment at the Conference Dinner. This social highlight of the conference offers the perfect opportunity to continue discussions, strengthen professional networks, and enjoy the company of colleagues in a unique setting.
The dinner will be held at Bock’s Corner Village Catacombs, a beautifully renovated 150-year-old brewery cellar that combines historic charm with modern elegance. Located just 2,5 km from the Vaasa city centre. We look forward to welcoming you for a night of fine dining, entertainment, and local hospitality.
Date: Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026
Time: tbc
Venue: Restaurant Bock’s, Gerbyntie 16, Vaasa
Dress code: Smart casual
Included in the registration fee, pre-registration required.
Neural Sync – Human Club Interaction
The local electronic music association 65Hz is organizing the ‘Neural Sync – Human Club Interaction‘ event in the center of Vaasa, headlining DJ Marc Hassenzahl with support from local DJs. Conference visitors are warmly welcome to the party! More info: 65hz.fi
Date: Saturday Oct 3, 2026
Time: tbc
Venue: tbc
Tickets: tbc, sold at the venue
No pre-registration needed.
Ghost Walk
Welcome to Vaasa, a city of ghosts! Where is the ghost route of Vaasa?
What were Madame Moe’s dinner parties like during the prohibition and do the celebrations still go on? Why does nobody want to stay at the government house after office hours? Vaasa Ghost Walk will guide you through these and other mysteries of Vaasa’s history and present.
The walk requires a moderate level of basic fitness and lasts approximately one hour, covering a distance of no more than 3 km. As the walk takes place outdoors, please wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and bring an umbrella or rain jacket if necessary. There are 40 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. You sign up and pay for the walk as part of the conference registration process. If the walk is fully booked, you can join the waiting list by emailing events@certia.fi. You can also modify your registration later to add the walk if spots become available.
Date: Sunday Oct 4, 2026
Time: 19:00-20:00, arrive to the meeting point at the latest 5 minutes before the walk begins
Meeting point: Hovioikeudenpuistikko 18, in front of Hotel Royal Vaasa.
Dress code: according to the weather, outdoor event
Tickets: 20€
Industry visit to Sustainable Technology Hub, Wärtsilä
Did you know that EnergyVaasa is the largest energy technology hub in the Nordic countries and a world leader within different technologies, such as smart electrical solutions, sustainable energy, flexible power generation and digitalisation – to name a few? On Wednesday straight after the the conference you have the possibility to visit one of the EnergyVaasa companies, Wärtsilä, and their Sustainable Technology Hub.
Date: Wednesday Oct 7, 2026
Time: 17:30-19:30 (preliminary time, subject to change)
Departure point: University of Vaasa, main entrance (tbc)
Bus transportation included.
Included in the registration fee, pre-registration required.
Tour to the Kvarken Archipelago – UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
Experience the unique beauty of the Kvarken Archipelago, a Natural World Heritage Site. This guided excursion takes you through the remarkable landscape shaped by the Ice Age, including a visit to the iconic Saltkaret observation tower with its stunning views of the archipelago. The tour includes bus transportation and a delicious lunch. There are 50 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. You sign up and pay for the tour as part of the conference registration process. If the tour is fully booked, you can join the waiting list by emailing events@certia.fi. You can also modify your registration later to add the tour if spots become available.
Date: Thursday Oct 8, 2026
Time: 9.00–13.30
Departure point: City centre (tbc)
Dress code: Comfortable and warm clothing
Tickets: 45 euros
The tour is subject to a minimum of 10 participants.
Outside the official social programme, we invite you to meet other conference participants at popular local pubs O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Zinc Craftbar.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Hovioikeudenpuistikko 21, 65100 Vaasa
O’Malley’s, serving in the heart of the city since 1994, invites you to relax and enjoy yourself – whether you’re stopping by for an afterwork, celebrating with friends, or enjoying our weekly live gigs. Our familiar staff serve you in a cheerful and friendly spirit in our beautifully renovated pub. You’ll find a wide selection of beers, a diverse range of whiskies, and interesting draught options. When hunger strikes, we offer tasty small bites – always with flavor first. Step inside and make yourself at home – you are always warmly welcome here!
O’Malley’s offers special prices for conference participants. By showing your conference pass, you can enjoy Happy Hour prices throughout the entire conference period.
Zinc
Hovioikeudenpuistikko 15, 65100 Vaasa
Zinc will be joining NordiCHI 2026 as a partner bar — a great spot right by the market square for those looking for a cosy atmosphere and a carefully curated selection of craft beers. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of conference activities.
Open daily from mid-afternoon until late, Zinc makes it easy to drop by whenever the conference day winds down.
And for those who prefer cocktails, keep an eye out — there just might be a conference-inspired signature drink on the menu: Pulse.
NordiCHI participants may also discover that showing their conference pass comes with a small added perk.
