Social Events

Social Programme

The Social Programme has long been an integral part of this conference series, both during and after the conference itself. The conference organisers take great care to ensure that partners accompanying delegates feel part of the community and have fun.

Conference delegates often regret later that they were too busy to notice their surroundings. There is a tour programme for the following weekend, which will give you the opportunity to see something of Bologna and appreciate the wonderful Italian countryside. Another benefit is that you can take advantage of cheap APEX flights, by staying over a Saturday night, and many hotels offer reasonable weekend rates. During the three days of the conference there is a full programme of tours, so why not take advantage of amazing Italy and make e-2003 a really valuable and enjoyable break for you and your partner.

Gala Reception

The e-2003 organisers are pleased to announce that a Gala Reception sponsored by the Municipality of Bologna will be held on Thursday 23 October. This event will be held in the atmospheric surroundings of a 16th Century Villa in the heart of the Emilia-Romagnan countryside.

Partners' Programme

Partners may attend any buffet luncheon and the Gala Reception at special prices that are heavily subsidised to less than half price by the eChallenges consortium: 10 Euro for each lunch and 30 Euro for the Gala Reception. In addition they may book for a number of tours arranged especially for them by Convention and Travel, the official site agents where representatives will be taking bookings on line or at the conference secretariat area during the event.

Wednesday 22 October

Wednesday morning - Bologna Old Town walking tour

A walk through the streets of Bologna, with its wealth of old brick palaces and porticoed squares, to visit some of its most beautiful and famous sites including: Piazza del Nettuno, Basilica di San Petronio, Il Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, Piazza Santo Stefano, Le Due torri. The tour lasts three hours and is Free of Charge.

Wednesday afternoon - Bologna City museums walking tour

Working your way through the jungle of red terracotta tiled rooves and balconies radiating from this great central square of Piazza Maggiore, the afternoon will be spent visiting the city's museums such as the Museo Morandi, Museo Civico Archeologico and the Palazzo del Comune. A book of daily tickets will be issued, which allows the entrance to other municipal museums too. The trip lasts 3 hours and costs 15 Euro which includes entrance fees.

Thursday 23 October

Imola and Dozza

You will travel by bus to the Mediaeval town of Dozza renowned for its painted walls. After having visited the town you will have the chance to experience the Sommelier guided wine tasting tour in the "Regional Wine-Cellar of Emilia-Romagna" located in the cellars of the Fortress. The tour continues to the ancient Roman colony of Imola, with its unique Medieval, Renaissance and 18th Century features - Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Tozzoni, San Domenico church. The trip lasts 7.5 hours and costs 28 Euro which includes all entrance fees.

Friday 24 October

Friday morning - Traditional Emilia-Romagnan Cookery Course

Some of the most famous worldwide Italian dishes originate in the region of Emilia Romagna, just think of spaghetti bolognese, tortellini, lasagne, etc.. This course brings you on a gastronomic tour of the region which starts with a traditional Breakfast tasting, followed by practical cookery lessons with an expert chef. You will then have the chance to taste the results of your culinary experience over lunch. All participants will be presented with a recipe book and certificate. The course costs 66 Euro and lasts 4 hours.

Friday afternoon

Participants may choose from two options during the afternoon

Ferrara

This magnificent renaissance city is not to be missed as it is said to be one of the most beautiful in the region. The bus trip takes you on a visit to the city's most historical sites including the city walls and the Po river. Ferrara has been classified by Unesco as a world heritage site. The trip lasts 3.5 hours and costs 15 Euro.

Bologna Old Town walking tour

A walk through the streets of Bologna, with its wealth of old brick palaces and porticoed squares to visit some of its most beautiful and famous sites including: Piazza del Nettuno, Basilica di San Petronio, Il Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, Piazza Santo Stefano, Le Due torri. The tour lasts three hours and is Free of Charge.

All tours start from Piazza Nettuno, are accompanied by an English-speaking guide and include many entrance fees (unless otherwise stated).

Post conference social programme

Saturday 25 October

Florence

Travel by bus to the famous city of Florence in Tuscany. An English speaking guided tour of the Uffizi gallery followed by a typical Tuscan lunch in a traditional Florentine restaurant. The afternoon will be dedicated to a walking tour around the most famous sites of the city, including Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, il Duomo, il Campanile di Giotto, Basilica di Santa Croce. The trip lasts approximately 10 hours and costs 60 Euro.

Sunday 26 October

Sunday Morning - Maranello - Ferrari Museum

Even if you are not a motor racing fan a trip to the world famous town of Maranello home, to the Ferrari is an absoulte must for visitors. A Bus tour will take you to a visit to the Ferrari Museum where you can see images, films and real examples of Ferrari cars since its foundation to present day, including the Formula 1 cars. The trip lasts 5 hours and costs 25 Euro which includes the guided bus trip and the guide in the museum and gallery.

Tours start from Piazza Nettuno, are accompanied by an English-speaking guide and include most entrance fees but not lunch unless stated.