Registration, Venue and Accommodation
GECon 2025

Registration

Registration for the conference is done via a separate platform with VDE. Conference fees are the following:

▶ IEEE Members Onsite Participation – $378.00
▶ Non-IEEE Members Onsite Participation – $486.00
Register Now

Conference Venue

Nordakademie, Campus Hamburg

Dockland
Van-der-Smissen-Str. 9
Hamburg
Germany

Social Program

We invite you to participate in our two social activities this year — both of which are already included in the conference fee.

For our social program on Monday, the 21st, you can look forward to a guided boat tour around the Hamburg harbor area, seeing notable sights of Hamburg  — like the Fischmarkt, the Cap San Diego museum ship, the Elbphilharmonie, and the HafenCity — from the Elbe river.

The Conference Dinner will take place at the BLOCK HOUSE Wandsbek. The BLOCK HOUSE is a modern steak house with Hamburg origin. We prepared a selection of dishes for you from which you can pick your own three course menu — Vegan options included.

Public Transport and Commuting to the Venue

Commuting via Landungsbrücken

If you choose a Hotel near Landungsbrücken, we recommend commuting to the venue via harbor ferry (included in the regular public transport fares). For this you need to take the ferry line 62 from pier 3 in the direction of “Finkenwerder” and get off at the next stop at “Dockland (Fischereihafen)”. The ferry offers a very scenic route from the Elbe river and it is impossible to miss the Dockland building when arriving and disembarking. The total trip from the ferry dock to the venue should take less than 15 minutes. You can reach Landungsbrücken via the metro U3, the trains S1 and S3, the bus lines 2 and 111, as well as several ferry lines. To reach the ferry departure area you need to cross over a bridge from the station. To reach the bridge, go up from the trains or down from the metro.

Commuting via Altona

If you choose to travel via Altona station, you can reach the conference venue via Bus line 111 in the direction of “U S Elbbrücken (Baakenwerder Straße)” (departing from Area C) and getting off at “Kreuzfahrtterminal Altona”. The Bus takes about 15 minutes and departs every 20 minutes. You can also walk to the venue from Altona station (about 20 minutes) — please mind the steep slope at the Elbe shore which may cause accessibility issues. You can reach Altona via the trains S1 and S3 a well as several bus lines. Please be aware that the Altona bus hub features several departure areas. You can find the bus hub on the street level outside of the train station (from the regular trains: go up; from regional and distance trains/ICE: go outside past the downward stairs).

Information about Public Transport tickets in Hamburg

There are several public transport providers in and around Hamburg. However, they are all grouped together under the institute known as HVV, or “Hamburger Verkehrsverbund” (“Hamburgian Traffic Union”). Thus you don’t need to worry whether your ticket for the metro (provided by Hochbahn) is valid for a given bus (which may be provided by, e.g., VHH). You can also use the HVV App (Android|Apple) and HVV website as a one-stop-shop for all travel planning in and around Hamburg.

As long as you book a hotel in the actual city of Hamburg (that is, not in Schleswig-Holstein or Lower Saxony), you should be fine with a Public Transport ticket for the area “Hamburg A/B” or “1-2 Ringe” (“1 or 2 rings”). With these tickets you can take any bus, metro (lines starting with “U”), train (lines starting with “S”), or even ferry within the hamburg city area. You can choose from

  • single-trip tickets / “Einzelkarte” (valid for one journey from start to goal),
  • day tickets / “Tageskarte” (valid for any number of journeys on a given day, regardless of direction),
  • or week tickets / “Wochenkarte”.

Be aware that a week ticket not only covers much more time than needed for the conference but also a much wider area than an A/B ticket and is thus a bit more expensive — that is, unless you are staying in Hamburg before or after the conference for a couple of vacation days. A week ticket costs about as much as five day tickets, and a day ticket costs the same as two single-trip tickets. There are also group tickets valid for one to five persons for a day that costs as much as two day tickets. Ticket controls are somewhat rare, but do happen in all modes of transportations, and being caught without a ticket will cost you 60€.

You can buy a ticket in the HVV online shop, the HVV app (Android|Apple), and automated terminals at metro or train stations. It is technically possible to buy tickets from a bus driver in cash, but this is not guaranteed to work out as the drivers only carry a limited amount of change. Tickets bought digitally (via app or online shop) receive a 7% discount.

Please keep in mind that, if you are in possession of a Deutschlandticket, that this ticket covers every public transport option available in Hamburg (except First Class in regional trains).

HVV Maps

Here are two HVV maps for reference:

  • Zone Map (note the blue areas A and B in the middle, which cover the entire city area and more)
  • Train and Metro map (note the green S1, the purple S3, and the yellow U3 lines which connect you to Landungsbrücken and Altona)

Hotels

Hotel Hamburg Hafen

  • Distance to the conference venue: 5 minutes walking to reach Landungsbrücken station
  • Address: Seewartenstraße 9, 20459 Hamburg
  • Costs: from 95€ per night
  • URL: https://www.hotel-hafen-hamburg.de/en/

Motel One Hamburg-Fleetinsel

InterCity Hotel Hamburg Altona

Mövenpick Hamburg

B&B Hotel Hamburg-Altona

Welcome to Hamburg – The Dynamic Venue of GECon 2025

Photo by Niklas Jeromin

Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis where history, culture, and innovation converge. Hosting GECon 2025 in this dynamic city offers attendees an enriching experience, combining academic excellence with the unique charm of Hamburg’s urban landscape.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Hamburg’s rich history is evident in its architectural landmarks and cultural heritage. The Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, and the adjacent Kontorhausviertel with the iconic Chilehaus are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the city’s mercantile past. The Hamburg Rathaus (City Hall), an impressive Neo-Renaissance building, stands as a testament to the city’s political heritage.

Academic Excellence

Hamburg is a hub for education and research, home to esteemed institutions such as the University of Hamburg and the Hamburg University of Technology. The city’s commitment to innovation and knowledge makes it an ideal location for GECon 2025, fostering collaboration among educators, researchers, and industry professionals.​

Cultural Hub

The city’s cultural scene is diverse and vibrant, featuring over 60 theaters, numerous museums, and music venues. The Elbphilharmonie, a modern architectural marvel, offers world-class concerts and has become a symbol of Hamburg’s cultural renaissance. Art enthusiasts can explore the Hamburg Kunsthalle, which houses an extensive collection spanning centuries. Hamburg also features a rich musical scene. (Link to more info).

Culinary Delights

Hamburg’s culinary landscape reflects its maritime heritage and cosmopolitan flair. Traditional dishes like Fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches) and Labskaus are local favorites, and the Franzbrötchen is a local baked delicacy that experiences increasing popularity throughout Germany. The city’s numerous cafes and restaurants offer a range of international cuisines, catering to all tastes (Link to more info).​

Modern Amenities and Infrastructure

Hamburg boasts a well-developed infrastructure, making it easily accessible for conference attendees. The Hamburg Messe und Congress provides state-of-the-art facilities for events and is centrally located, ensuring convenient access to accommodations and city attractions.

Entertainment and Nightlife

The city’s nightlife is renowned, with the Reeperbahn in the St. Pauli district offering a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed evening at a jazz club or an energetic night out, Hamburg caters to all preferences.

Green Spaces and Recreational Activities

Despite its urban character, Hamburg is abundant in green spaces. The Planten un Blomen park provides a serene environment with beautiful gardens and water features, ideal for relaxation between conference sessions. The city’s numerous canals and the Alster Lakes offer opportunities for boating and picturesque walks.​

Exciting Excursions

Beyond the conference, attendees can explore Hamburg’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. From the historic charm of the Altstadt (Old Town) to the modern developments in HafenCity, there’s much to discover. Especially noteworthy is the MiWuLa or Miniaturwunderland (miniature wonderland) — the world’s largest model train exhibition. The city’s proximity to the North Sea also allows for day trips to coastal towns and beaches.​

Join us in Hamburg for GECon 2025, where the city’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and commitment to innovation will provide an inspiring backdrop for an unforgettable conference experience.