Social Events

Social events may include various receptions throughout the week and of course the tours and excursions as well are a wonderful way to meet and share experiences with other conference participants. The wrap up social event for the week is the Thusday evening beach event.

Monday June 15: City Hall Welcome Reception
6:00 - 8:00 pm, Burgerzaal (City Hall), Coolsingel 40, Rotterdam (Walking Map from the World Trade Center)
The municipality of Rotterdam is hosting a welcome reception at the City Hall for all speakers, participants, exhibitors and partners in the GSDI 11 World Conference and Exposition. Mr Lucas Bolsius, Alderman for Finance, Sport and Outdoors will provide a toast welcoming you to Rotterdam, the beating geo-heart of the world from 15 until 19 June. Snacks and drinks are provided by the Municipality of Rotterdam. While this reception marks the kick off of the conference, please also enjoy the history of the building and the government it represents. The City Hall is one of the very few remaining buildings in Rotterdam that survived the bombings of World War II.

Tuesday June 16: Social with Cash Bar
6:00 - 7:00 Exhibit Hall
After the closing of the last plenary session on the opening day of the conference, an array of drinks will be served (cash bar). Here you can discuss your findings of the day or alternatively take an excursion or dinner cruise.

Wednesday June 17: Poster Forum with Cash Bar
5:30 - 6:30 Exhibit Hall
After the closing of the parallel sessions, poster presenters will be standing by their posters in the exhibition hall to explain their projects. An array of drinks will be served (cash bar). A panel of judges will assess all the entries and winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the end of the hour.

Thursday June 18: Geo Beach Dinner
6:30 bus departure from WTC, 10:30 return
At the end of the conference day on Thursday head back to your hotel to get ready for the beach club. Casual attire is appropriate. At 6:30 pm buses will leave the world trade center (WTC) to bring you to the beach of Hoek van Holland. This is one of the nicest beach clubs in The Netherlands. After drinks, the barbeque should be ready about 8:00 pm offering some great meat-and fish specialties. Of course there will be an unforgettable desert at the end. During the dinner a few announcements and the charity auction will take place. At about 10:30 pm busses will bring you back to the Rotterdam World Trade Center. The beach dinner is a wonderful way of closing an inspiring week with your fellow participants. Dress: casual with perhaps a sweater for the evening.