The social programme
The 2022 programme included an opening reception, a formal dinner and a guided tour of historic places. These events gave delegates a less formal setting for meeting people from other countries and other parts of the hydrogen chain.
Istanbul is well suited to a social programme. The historic peninsula, the Bosphorus and the lively districts around Taksim are all within reach of the congress centre, and the city offers a wide range of food, music and architecture.
Ways to spend a free afternoon
Historic peninsula
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern sit close together and can be visited on foot.
Bosphorus
A ferry trip or a walk along the waterfront shows the city from the water and links the European and Asian sides.
Beyoglu and Galata
Cafes, galleries and the Galata Tower make this a good area for an evening walk and a view over the city.
Princes Islands
A slower day trip by ferry, with quiet streets and a break from the traffic of the centre.
The host city page has a longer guide to Istanbul. The conference format page explains how the social programme fitted into the week.