#IDF2023 is a unique opportunity for 200 senior leaders from science engagement institutions from ASTC, ASPAC, Ecsite, NAMES, RedPOP and SAASTEC to network and build relationships.
Information for all Networks
- What is the International Directors Forum?
- Key dates
- Programme
- Optional extra activities
- International Directors Forum venues
- Pricing
- Registration
- Accommodation options
- Before you travel
- Travelling around Helsinki
- Accessibility
- #IDF2023 Legacy
- Proof of attendance
Network-specific Information
1. What is the International Directors Forum 2023?
#IDF2023 is a unique opportunity for 200 senior leaders from science engagement institutions from ASPAC, ASTC, Ecsite, NAMES, RedPOP and SAASTEC to network and build relationships. Leaders will hear from prominent speakers from across the globe discussing the challenges of Misinformation and the Planetary Crisis. Participants will then have the chance to share their expertise in seeking solutions and debate the field's response to these contemporary challenges.
2. Key dates
| International Directors Forum + regional meeting | 14-16 November |
| Local Tours and Cultural Experiences | 17 November |
#IDF2023 is an in person only event
3. Programme
The programme takes place 14-16 November with the addition of optional tours on 17 November. Networking moments are included to get to know your colleagues from across the globe.
An excellent group of speakers have already been confirmed - read all about them here
We will update you as more confirmations are made.
Tuesday 14 November #IDF2023
13:00 – 17:00 Regional Network meetings - details to be confirmed by participants own network
18:00 – 21:00 Welcome Reception – Opening and a first opportunity for participants from all Networks to build relationships
A substantial buffet is included at the welcome reception
Wednesday 15 November #IDF2023 - all networks
09:00 - 12:30 Inspiration from speakers from across the globe discussing Misinformation
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch & Networking
14:00 - 17:00 Workshop where we will seek solutions and best practices together
Lunch, coffee and Dinner is included in your ticket. Dinner will be accompanied by an on-topic, surprise performance.
Thursday 16 November #IDF2023 - all networks
09:00 - 12:30 Inspiration from change-makers from different regions and generations with different perspectives on the Planetary crisis.
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch & Networking
14:00 - 17:00 Workshop where participants will work together on two different solutions, choosing the area most interesting to them.
17:00 - Close #IDF2023
Lunch & coffee is included.
4. Optional Extra Activities
For those wishing to stay on to experience what Finnish culture is all about, the team from Heureka have pulled together a programme of extra activities after the forum. Please note there is an additional charge for these activities.
Thursday 16 November - Sauna and dinner at Hanasaari Cultural Centre in Espoo
Located a stone´s throw away from Helsinki, experience a true Finnish sauna and dinner with the beautiful Finnish archipelago just outside the window in a true escape.
18:00-20:00 Guided sauna sessions Separate saunas are provided for ladies and men and participants can wear a towel which will be provided. Participants should bring their swimsuits to cool off in the indoor pool. Separate, but communal, changing rooms are provided for ladies and men.
18:00-23:00 Buffet dinner - Before or/and after their sauna participants can enjoy really good food in an especially nice restaurant upstairs.
Cost: 60 EUR to pay individually on-site.
The Hanasaari Cultural Centre is accessible by Metro with a 1km walk to the venue. Please note: there will be no organised transportation for this activity.
Participants will be contacted to register nearer to the #IDF2023
Friday 17 November 12:00-14:00 - Free walking tours in Helsinki
Participants can choose one of the four following options:
- Finnish Literacy and Literature: Ode, The new Helsinki City Library
- Between East and West: Cold War walking tour
- The Design District: Finnish Museum of Architecture and The Design Museum
- Open Air Museum: Seurasaari
Participants will be contacted to register nearer to the #IDF2023
5. International Directors Forum Venue
The International Directors Forum 2023 is hosted by and will take place at Heureka - The Finnish Science Centre just outside Helsinki in Vantaa
6. Pricing
The registration fee for this unique event is €719,20 including Finnish VAT at 24%
The following payment methods are accepted:
- Pay online at time of registration with VISA, Mastercard or American Express
- Pay via wire transfer/bank transfer
An invoice will be sent for all options
The €15 Carbon contribution Finnish Legacy donation is included in the price.
Please note: the cancellation policy is 50% cancellation until 26 October and no refund from 26 October onwards.
7. Register to attend
Total capacity for the International Directors Forum is 200 participants and tickets have been allocated between the 6 sister Networks.
Members should please apply through their own Network organisation.
8. Accommodation options
The Heureka team recommend and have negotiated deals with the following 2 hotels please book before 3 October to book at the discounted price.
1. Sokos Original Hotel Vantaa, a short 6 minute walk from Heureka and right next to the local train station Tikkurila.
- Negotiated rate: 135 EUR / 1 person room Standard or 155 EUR / 2 persons room Standard - breakfast included
- There might be some lively night events, so rooms from upper floors recommended.
- Reservations: Sokos Hotels Sales Services telephone +358 300 870 000 or online www.sokoshotels.fi - Please use discount code BIDF23
2. Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, downtown Helsinki next to the railway station, a 30 minute train journey to Heureka
- Negotiated rate: 175 EUR / 1 person room Standard or 195 EUR / 2 persons room Standard - breakfast included
- Reservations: Sokos Hotels Sales Services telephone +358 300 870 000 or online www.sokoshotels.fi - Please use discount code BIDF23
The following hotel is recommended, but there is no #IDF2023 discount code
3. Glo Hotel Kluuvi, 5 minutes from the railway station in Helsinki, a 30 minute train journey to Heureka
- Approximate rate: 140 EUR/ 1 person room - breakfast included
- Reservations: Telephone +358 10 3444400 or online kluuvi@glohotels.fi
A general list of hotels in the area can be found here
9. Before you travel
The Visit Finland website contains lots of useful information about the "Happiest country in the world"
Up to date Covid information for Finland can be found here
November is as a chilly and rainy month with an average maximum daytime temperature of 2.0°C (35.6°F) and lows of -0.6°C (30.92°F). The days are short and whilst it will be cozy inside when you are outside we recommended waterproof winter clothes, hats, mittens and proper non-slip shoes.
Are you interested to learn more about Finland before you travel? Check out these helpful websites:
10. Travelling around Helsinki & Vantaa
Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced in Finland
- Airport to Tikkurila (nearest station to Heureka, 5 minute walk)
By train - every 10 minutes, takes 25 minutes. Cost at time of publication 3,10€
By taxi - takes about 25 minutes. Cost at time of publication 30€
- Airport - Helsinki City Centre
By train - every 10 minutes, takes 45 minutes. Cost at time of publication 4,10€
By taxi - takes about 40 minutes. Cost at time of publication 40€
- Helsinki City Centre - Heureka
By train - every 10 minutes (fastest ones are D, R and Z take 19 minutes). Cost at time of publication 4,10€
More information on local transport can be found here
11. Accessibility
Information about accessibility at Heureka, the #IDF2023 location is available here
12. #IDF2023 Legacy
We are pleased to announce that a donation of €15 per participant will be made to the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation an organisation which buys and permanently protects forests. Donations from the International Directors Forum will enable the purchase of 3000m2 of forest.
13. Proof of attendance
Participants requiring a proof of attendance certificate should email us stating your full name, organisation and country and you will be issued with a signed certificate.
Network-specific information
1. ASPAC
- Members of ASPAC can find full details of how to attend the IDF via this link
- ASPAC CEO members are welcome to register their interest in attending directly via this pre-registration form
- Should a CEO not be able to attend but wishes to send a deputy, please contact the team via this email before you pre-register.
2. ASTC
- Members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) may request registration details by emailing IDF@astc.org
- Please include the name and contact details for the chief executive who would like to register for the event.
- Registration is limited and will be provided to member chief executives on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Ecsite
Registration opens 28 March
- Each full Ecsite member key contact has received an invitation email. If you're organisation has not received one, please contact us communications@ecsite.eu to request a registration link
- Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- When our allocation of 45 places is taken, we will start a waiting list should additional places become available.
- If you have secured a ticket, you will be issued a unique code with link to then complete your registration.
- Potential participants on the waiting list will also be notified of this status.
Attendance Conditions:
- Ecsite welcomes one CEO/C level Director per Full member institution
- Please note the Ecsite 2023 membership fee must be paid before registration
- Places are only secured when full payment has been made
Regional meeting: Ecsite will hold its regional meeting on 14 November from 13:00 - 17:00 focussing on the Ecsite Environmental Emergency Action
Ecsite Contacts:
Registration & Payment - Anne & Florence (info-at-ecsite.eu)
Communications - Nicola & Roxanne (communications-at-ecsite.eu)
4. NAMES
- Members of the North Africa and Middle East Science centers network (NAMES) may request registration details by emailing namesnetwork@bibalex.org
- Please include the name and contact details of the chief executive who would like to register for the event.
- Registration is limited and will be provided to member chief executives on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A member chief executive could nominate an alternative for them from among the member institution senior directors
5. RedPOP
- Members of the Network for the Popularization of Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (RedPOP) may request registration details by emailing: idf.redpop@gmail.com
- Please include the name and contact details of the chief executive who would like to register for the event.
- Registration is limited and will be provided to member chief executives on a first-come, first-served basis.
