Social Programme

A full social and cultural programme will give delegates and accompanying persons a chance to sample the best of Scottish cuisine and to relax in an informal atmosphere with friends from the international hydro community.

Half-day City Excursion, with Lunch

Sunday 15 October

As usual we are organizing a city excursion which will be available for all participants arriving by the morning of Sunday 15 October. This should be booked at the time of registration. This tour will depart mid-morning, to allow for registration at the conference centre and the collection of badges. The group will take a short journey to Port Leith, to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. After viewing the Yacht, participants will travel back to the centre of Edinburgh, where they can view the old town, and Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the King’s residence when he is in Scotland. The group will take lunch together during the tour.

Reception for Chairpersons & Speakers

Sunday 15 October

This year’s dinner for Chairpersons and Speakers, following their briefing at the EICC, will take place a short coach ride away at the stunning Mansfield Traquair. This building is a former Catholic Apostolic church, completed in 1885, today maintained and run by the charitable organization Heritage Portfolio, and used for receptions and weddings. An outstanding feature is the scheme of mural decoration, painted by Phoebe Anna Traquair in the 1890s.

Welcome Reception

Monday 16 October

The Welcome Reception, for all delegates and accompanying persons, will take place in the Grand Gallery of Edinburgh’s splendid National Museum, located a short distance from the EICC. A buffet supper will be served, and there will be music, and a chance not only to explore the splendour of the Gallery, but also to tour two other exhibit halls, one focusing on milestones of Scottish history, and the other on science and technology.

Networking Party in the Exhibition

Tuesday 17 October

After the sessions on Tuesday, we will be holding the traditional networking party in the two exhibition halls at EICC. Refreshments (drinks and snacks) will be provided, and this will provide an informal and leisurely opportunity to tour the exhibition stands and hold discussions with the many international exhibitors. Some companies may choose to welcome delegates in small focused groups to see special demonstrations of new products at their stands.

Farewell Dinner

Wednesday 18 October

The HYDRO 2023 Farewell Dinner will be held at one of Edinburgh’s modern visitor attractions and science centres, Dynamic Earth. The centre (a registered charity) is located in the Holyrood area, beside the Scottish Parliament building. As well as the central hall, where dinner will be served beside a large globe-like structure, there are small interactive exhibition areas which can be visited in small groups during the evening. One includes a real iceberg, others simulate a rainforest and an earthquake, and another provides a deep ocean experience.

HYDRO 2023

  • 16-18 October 2023
  • The EICC, Edinburgh, Scotland
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