Social Programme
For delegates at the 38th IGC we will have several scheduled social events. We plan to hold the welcome civic drinks reception, sponsored by the City of Glasgow, following the Opening Ceremony. During the Congress there will of course be the Congress Dinner – held in an iconic Glasgow venue, and a geo-film festival held in the Clyde Auditorium in the Armadillo. But we also plan two special Scottish events – a pre-conference golf tournament and a mid-Congress ceilidh (pron – kay-lee: traditional evening of music and participatory dancing).
Apart from these congress activities, Glasgow and Scotland offer unrivalled opportunities for visits and excursions during and around the 38th IGC. The city was in Time Out’s top five global city breaks for 2022. It has world famous museums and galleries, including the recently refurbished Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. For something a little different, why not visit the Museum of Piping, the Scottish Football Museum, or follow the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail – in the footsteps of the pioneering Glaswegian architect, designer and artist. You can also take in live music in one of Glasgow’s bars. August sees the start of the professional football season in Scotland – so why not take in a game?
Find out more from the Visit Glasgow website >
Our dates for the 38th IGC coincide with the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe – just 45 minutes away by train. The Festival is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture in the world, and commuting from Glasgow is an ideal way to enjoy it. Together with the IGC, it makes for a great way of combining exciting science with top entertainment – fun for all the family.
And then there’s all the rest that Scotland has to offer – golf, castles, whisky tours, fantastic walking. The Highlands are on Glasgow’s ‘doorstep’, and Loch Lomond is only forty minutes away by train or bus. Take a day cruise down the Firth of Clyde to its islands, including Arran. Many of the Munros (Scotland’s peaks over 3000 feet – or 914 m) are accessible by public transport from Glasgow – for a day’s adventure! Or why not take a journey up the West Highland Line, regularly voted one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys. An early start can get you over and back in a day to the west coast port of Mallaig, facing the Hebridean islands of Rum and Skye – travelling over the Glenfinnan viaduct, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films.
Not only will there be great opportunities for self-organised activities, as part of the IGC we will offer, through external providers, exceptional single and multi-day tours, especially geared towards those accompanying Congress delegates. There will also be tourist information and support available on site at the Congress.