Making connections and having fun at IASP Luxembourg

The IASP 40th world conference held in Luxembourg from 12-15 September was a place for not only learning and growth, but also the perfect environment to create both business and personal connections between delegates. Attendees enjoyed a knowledge-heavy programme designed to aid them in addressing the challenges brought by global megatrends, intertwined with social events, cultural, and technical tours to allow them to disconnect from the morning sessions, network in a more informal setting, and learn about Luxembourg’s history and rising industries.

To start off, IASP Luxembourg attendees enjoyed a refined cocktail at Luxembourg’s Philharmonie. The evening started with warm welcome speeches by Michele Gallo, President of the Board of our host Technoport, IASP CEO Ebba Lund and IASP President Herbert Chen.

Food and drinks made their way through the crowd as IASP Luxembourg delegates met new and old friends alike. The night was accompanied by live music with a saxophonist and some jazz music. The IASP 2023 welcome reception was the perfect start to the programme, leaving people refreshed and excited after travelling to Luxembourg from all over the world.

On night two we headed to Belval, a neighbourhood in Esch-sur-Alzette home to our host, Technoport, whose team designed an eclectic and interactive night for attendees to be amazed at the growth of new technologies, robotics, and space! Delegates enjoyed vintage and new arcade games, varied food stalls, and robot fights as Star Wars’ 501 army navigated through the crowd. An outstanding "Cosmic Party"!

IASP 2023 ended with a grand dinner held at Lux Expo The Box. Starting with a welcome cocktail, guests enjoyed live music from a saxophonist, violinist, and singer-guitarist while enjoying entrees as they were being passed around. Delegates had a chance to continue tightening those connections made at the conference. The new members welcome ceremony was held during the dinner, where IASP President Herbert Chen presented the 40 members that joined in the past year with a trophy to proudly commemorate the beginning of their journey at IASP. The IASP Inspiring Solution Awards winners were also announced, where Krakow Technology Park celebrated their first place, followed by Linköping Science Park in second place and Kyoto Research Park in third place. The dinner finished with guests enjoying the impromptu dance floor, with a DJ setting the mood.

Over the past 40 years the IASP world conference has been a highlight to a lot of IASP members and attendees, and the social events that complete the programme have allowed for connections, collaborations, and friendships as old as the association to be made.