The Danish Group of IABSE, has the great pleasure to invite the international structural engineering community to join us at the IABSE Symposium 2026 in Copenhagen.

The theme of the Symposium, “Bridging Advanced Technologies – Structural Innovation,” serves as a call for all engineers, young & curious as well as ambitious & experienced to come together. We encourage all of you to share papers on R&D projects, your lessons learned and real case studies. And as we often learn most from the difficult times, where things did not go as planned, we ask you to be brave and also share the hard learned lessons.

The Symposium will provide a unique opportunity to share knowledge, learn from the experience of others and together set a new agenda for the future.

Denmark is a nation of Bridge Builders and Copenhagen is the perfect location for an International Symposium of the engineering community. A location which combines the old culture and heritage with innovative modern architecture. A clean and green city with sustainability in focus on all aspects, from urban development to gastronomy and transportation.

Copenhagen currently ranks 2nd in the Global Destination Sustainability Index and aims to become one of the world’s first carbon neutral capital cities. So come to Copenhagen, enjoy a free kayak-tour and collect plastic and other waste from the water whilst seeing the many bridges from beneath, or go Green on a bike ride whilst enjoying spectacular bridges and buildings. Copenhagen is the most bike-friendly city in the world.

We are excited to welcome old friends back to Copenhagen and even more excited to meet new friends from around the world in our wonderful city. We look forward to welcoming you to Copenhagen, Denmark, in April 2026 and to learn from your experience. Be brave.

Warm regards,

Barbara MacAulay

Chair of the Organising Committee

Motivation

The construction industry is responsible for a substantial part of the global CO2 emissions, and the sector’s traditional technical solutions are not sufficient to reduce emissions to the level set by the UN sustainability goals. At the same time, expanding and maintaining the built environment worldwide is crucial for achieving balanced living conditions, which is essential for the development of a socially sustainable global society. This presents a dilemma between environmental and social sustainability and calls for fundamental changes in the way the construction industry design, construct and maintain buildings and the civil infrastructure. To facilitate discussions on these urgently required changes of paradigms, the IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 will have a focus on how structural innovation based on advanced technologies can provide answers to the most important question of our time for the structural engineering profession: How can we expand and develop the built environment for the benefit of society, while at the same time preserving resources and possibilities for the future generations? Within this frame, we invite all engineers and researchers to submit abstracts within the six themes listed on the next page.

Format of symposium

We believe that a diverse combination of young & curious as well as ambitious & experienced participants is the recipe for a successful and interactive conference. Therefore, in addition to traditional keynote speeches and session presentations, the conference will also feature invited presentations and panel discussions/master classes, where leading experts will tackle current challenges and dilemmas in the field of structural engineering. This format aims to foster dynamic interaction between the younger and the experienced participants.

Furthermore, a design/scientific competition for engineering students will be organized and special events for young engineers will be held throughout the conference.

About Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is situated on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It is seamlessly connected to Malmö, Sweden, via the iconic Øresund Bridge. At the heart of the city lies Indre By, the historic center, which includes Frederiksstaden—an 18th-century Rococo district home to the royal Amalienborg Palace. Nearby, you’ll find Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by lush gardens and housing Denmark’s crown jewels.

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Copenhagen retains a small-town charm. It is compact, safe, and eco-friendly, featuring extensive green spaces and a harbor so clean you can swim in it. The city’s world-renowned bike culture, modern metro system, and excellent infrastructure make it effortlessly accessible.

Danes rank among the happiest people in the world, and in Copenhagen, it’s easy to see why. The city blends royal heritage, contemporary architecture, and rich cultural experiences with a commitment to sustainability and an acclaimed culinary scene. From the impressive art collections at Glyptoteket to the striking architecture of the Black Diamond library and captivating performances at the Royal Theatre, there is no shortage of cultural attractions.

History enthusiasts can explore the Amalienborg Museum, housed in the Danish royal family’s residence, or take guided city walks to uncover Copenhagen’s fascinating past. Museums such as the National Museum and Copenhagen Museum offer deeper insights into Danish history and heritage.

For a more leisurely experience, wander along the city’s picturesque cobblestone streets or take an idyllic canal tour for a unique view of Copenhagen from the water. End your day with a magical evening at Tivoli Gardens, where enchanting lights, nostalgic rides, and charming gardens create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Copenhagen truly offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern living—an inviting destination for every traveler.

The official guide to Copenhagen : https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/

Top attractions in Copenhagen: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/activities/top-attractions-copenhagen

Map

VENUE

Tivoli Congress Center

Arni Magnussonsgade 2, 1577 Copenhagen V.

At Tivoli Congress Center, designed by Kim Utzon Architects, the impressive Tivoli Congress Hall offers capacity for up to 2,500 participants at one event, but it is also ideal for exhibitions or trade show activities. An additional 23 meeting facilities and two auditoriums of varying sizes can be combined in countless ways to meet every requirement for events of up to 4,000 people, and our impressive foyer makes the perfect setting for your exhibition, fashion show or reception.

Tivoli Congress Center is located under the same roof as Tivoli Hotel and offers 679 hotel rooms and suites, two restaurants, fitness centre and a large swimming pool. Additional accommodation is available at the next door hotel Wakeup Copenhagen The location in the heart of Copenhagen offers you direct access to shopping, amusements, museums, world-famous architecture and surrounding nature with minimal transportation time.

How to get to the Venue

The congress center is located in the city centre. You can take the train direct from Copenhagen Airport Terminal 3 on track 2 to Copenhagen. Get off at Copenhagen Central Station and walk to the hotel, which is within 8-10 minutes walking distance.

You can also get a train on tracks 11 and 12 at Central Station that will take you to Dybbølsbro Station. Tickets from the airport to Copenhagen Central Station are also valid on the bus, metro and S-train. Total travel time is approx. 25 minutes. Tickets valid for all public transport can be bought in the airport Terminal 3 or from machines at the metro station. You need a 3 zone ticket per trip from/to the airport. Taking a taxi from the airport will cost approx. DKK 280. All taxis are metered and accept all major international credit cards.

General Information

Local Transportation

The Metro train from Copenhagen Airport offers you a direct train every 4-6 minutes to the city centre of Copenhagen and will take approximately 14 minutes. Please check www.m.dk and www.rejseplanen.dk for further information.

Banks

Normal banking hours are from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs. Monday to Friday. On Thursday banking hours are extended to 18:00 hrs. Extended banking facilities are available at Copenhagen Central Railway Station 7 days/week between

07:00 and 21:00 hrs.

There are ATMs usually located in connection with a bank branch, which accept a variety of international credit cards. The cards accepted are indicated on the dispenser.

Currency and money exchange

The currency in Denmark is Danish Kroner (DKK). 1 Euro is approx. 7,45 DKK and 1 USD is approx. 6,68 DKK as per August 2024.

Most shops and restaurants accept Euro, but at a higher rate. Credit cards are widely accepted – also in taxis.

Tips

Tips are always included in the prices given in taxis and restaurants in Denmark. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.

Letter of Invitation

The congress organisation will be pleased to send a formal letter of invitation to delegates requesting an invitation letter for visa purposes.

It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential delegates to raise funds or to obtain a visa. This does not imply a commitment from the congress organisers to provide any financial support.

For more information, please contact DIS Congress Service.

Passport and visa

The entry formalities for the Kingdom of Denmark vary according to the country of origin. There are no visa requirements for EU passport holders.

Other congress delegates are asked to address enquiries about entry and vaccination requirements to the travel agent or to the local Danish Embassy / Consulate / Representation in the home country.

All foreign citizens must be the holder of a valid passport.

Further information can be obtained on www.um.dk/en

Climate

In April the weather can change a lot with an average temperature around 7 degrees. An umbrella may be useful. For more information, please see: www.dmi.dk/en/vejr/

Liability and Insurance

Participants are requested to arrange for their personal travel and health insurance. Neither the Organisers nor the Congress Secretariat will assume any responsibility whatsoever for damage or injury to persons or property during the congress.

Emergency Services

Police - Ambulance - Fire Brigade * Dial 112.

Official language

The official working language at the congress is English and no translation is offered.

Smoking ban

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and restaurants in Copenhagen. The congress is a no-smoking event and smoking is not permitted at the venue.

Shops

The shops are open from 09:00/10:00 to 18:00/19:00 hrs. Monday through Thursday and

09:30/10:00 to 20:00 on Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturday/Sunday.

Electricity supply

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts A/C, 50 Hz cycle. Outlets are of the two round pin type.

Changes

The Organisers reserve the right to adjust or change the programme as necessary.

For further information about Copenhagen, please visit: www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen-tourist

accommodation

Hotel rooms at special conference rates have been prebooked for the participants in Tivoli Hotel and Wakeup Copenhagen.

Tivoli Hotel ****

Arni Magnussons Gade 2, 1577 Copenhagen V

Wakeup Copenhagen Hotel C. Niebuhrs Gade **+

(next to Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center) Carsten Niebuhrs Gade 11, 1577 Copenhagen V

CABINN Copenhagen **

Arni Magnussons Gade 1, 1577 Copenhagen V

Tivoli Hotel is only 15 minutes’ walk from the popular Tivoli Gardens and the city centre of

Copenhagen with its many attractions. The hotel’s 679 rooms have air-conditioning, satellite TV and free wireless internet. The décor in some of the rooms is inspired by themes from the historic Tivoli Gardens. The 12th-floor Sky Bar (Sticks ‘n’ Sushi) offers city and waterfront views. Facilities include Tivoli Brasserie, MASH Penthouse Restaurant, a special children’s area and a gym. The Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center is designed by Danish architect Kim Utzon. Parking facilities available for a fee.

This modern hotel offers good-value accommodation in Copenhagen, only 15 minutes’ walk from attractions such as the Tivoli Gardens and the shopping street, Strøget. The 510 rooms at Wakeup Copenhagen have air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, a small work desk and bathroom with shower. Please note that all rooms have one 160 cm wide double bed (no twin beds) and are non-smoking. The 13-floor building is designed by Danish architect Kim Utzon. Facilities include a large breakfast restaurant, business centre, free WiFi and parking for a fee.

CABINN Copenhagen Hotel was built in 2019 and is centrally located close to the harbour front and the hip MeatpackingDistrict. All 1202 rooms have a private bathroom, TV, free WiFi and a kettle including free tea and coffee. The hotel has a breakfast restaurant and a lift to all floors, including the underground car park (fees apply). Smoking is not allowed in all indoor areas.