At ECE 2026, we want your experience to be not only scientifically inspiring, but also enjoyable, memorable, and filled with opportunities to connect with others. We know how intense conference days can be — between sessions, networking, posters, and discussions — so we are preparing a range of fun and informal activities to help participants relax, meet new people, and share a few lighter moments along the way.

Whether you are joining colleagues for a game, expressing your artistic side, or simply exploring the conference centre in a different way, we hope these activities will contribute to the unique atmosphere of ECE 2026.

Scientists are creative too — and ECE 2026 is giving you the perfect opportunity to prove it.

Throughout the conference, participants will be invited to customize their conference bags using a collection of entomology-inspired stamps… let your artistic spirit speak and create a conference bag that truly reflects your personality. Stamps available at the ECE Ink Station.

But this is only the beginning…

Once your bag is ready, the hunt begins! Hidden across the conference centre, our sponsors, exhibitors, and partner stands will host exclusive collectible stamps waiting to be discovered. Explore the venue, meet exhibitors, and try to collect them all as you build your own entomological travel journal throughout the week. To make the challenge even more exciting, some stamps may change locations during the conference, creating new opportunities to discover the venue and interact with our partners and sponsors along the way.

Participants will be free to collect stamps on their bags, notebooks, conference papers, or dedicated activity cards — the choice is yours!

A little creativity, a little exploration, and a lot of insect-inspired fun.

ECE 2026 will also feature a special screening of Caterpillar: The Story of a Survivor, a poetic and visually striking documentary by filmmaker and entomologist Hans Smid, narrated by Louise E. M. Vet. The film offers a fascinating perspective on the hidden lives, resilience, and ecological complexity of caterpillars and their interactions with the world around them.

Blending science, storytelling, and stunning imagery, this screening will provide participants with a unique opportunity to experience entomology through the lens of cinema and visual narration.

Trailer available here: Watch the trailer on Vimeo

Monday 29^th of June – Descartes Theatre

At ECE 2026, your well-being matters just as much as the science. We know that long conference days can be intellectually intense, and we believe that staying active is one of the best ways to remain fully physically and mentally available throughout the week.

To help participants recharge, connect, and experience Tours in a different way, we are preparing a series of optional sport and wellness activities.

Whether you are an early-morning runner, a casual walker, or simply joining us for a morning yoga session before the scientific programme begins, these activities are designed to combine movement, conviviality, and discovery.

All activities are supervised by sports professors from the University of Tours, with the kind support of a member of our local organizing team acting as translator.

Participation is free but registration is required, on a first come, first served basis.

Registration will take place at the conference desk:

Sunday 28 June: 14:00–17:00

Monday 29 June: morning

Session 1 — From Stability to Propulsion (Running)

Tuesday 30 June: 07:45–08:30

• Meet in front of the conference centre
• Max. 15 participants

A gentle activation run to transition from grounded stability to forward propulsion—like a well-coordinated insect taking flight into a new scientific day.

Session 2 — Static Control and Dynamic Balance (Yoga)

Tuesday 30 June & Wednesday 1 July: 07:45–08:30

• Level +1 of the conference centre
• Max. 25 participants
• Mats provided

A mindful session exploring balance, breath, and controlled stillness—because even the most agile insects know the value of pause and alignment.

Session 3 — Assisted Locomotion and Energetic Efficiency (Nordic Walking)

Wednesday 1 July: 07:45–08:30

• Meet in front of the conference centre
• Max. 15 participants

An outdoor exploration of rhythm and efficiency, using poles to enhance posture, propulsion, and energy economy—walking, the insect way.

Whether you choose to run, stretch, or walk, these sessions are designed to help you arrive at the scientific programme refreshed, aligned, and ready to engage fully.

Think you are unbeatable at trivia? Ready to challenge fellow entomologists from across Europe and beyond?

The International Society of Hymenopterists invites all conference participants to join a lively and friendly Trivia Event packed with questions, surprises, and prizes. Whether you are a taxonomist, ecologist, molecular biologist, or simply a curious insect enthusiast, everyone is welcome to participate and try to outsmart the hymenopterists!

The event will begin with a short introduction to the International Society of Hymenopterists before launching into approximately 40 minutes of trivia covering insects, science, general culture, and unexpected facts. Several prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Come for the questions, stay for the atmosphere.

Wednesday 1st of July – Room Chinon

Additional fun and social activities are currently being prepared by the young scientists of the IRBI, who are working hard to bring creativity, surprises, and moments of conviviality throughout the conference.

More information will be announced soon — stay tuned!