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Location and Travel to the ICAD 2026 hub in Bielefeld, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\nConference Location and Travel Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The city of Bielefeld is located approximately between Cologne and Hamburg, or between Dortmund and Hanover. Long-distance (ICE) as well as regional trains (RE) are running directly to Bielefeld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bielefeld](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/d\/de\/Bielefeld_City.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original\"\n)
\nBielefeld skyline, photo by User Fab on de.wikipedia, Public domain<\/small>\n<\/center>\n\n\n\n
We recommend to travel by train if possible, as this is the mode of transportation with a significantly lower carbon footprint than by airplane. You can reach Bielefeld by train from various directions. From Bielefeld main station you can reach the University Bielefeld by tram line 4 in the direction of Lohmannshof in about 10 minutes. The stop closest to the CITEC building is \u2018Wellensiek\u2019, the second-last stop. If travel by air cannot be avoided, note that both Hanover airport (HAJ) and D\u00fcsseldorf airport (DUS) closeby (~1 \u2013 1.5h by train): DUS is directly connected to a train station (via Sky-Train), with direct non-stop train to Bielefeld, HAJ requires a transit at Hannover central station. Here are further information about travel directions to Bielefeld University<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bielefeld University has about 23,000 students and more than 3,800 employees. The city of Bielefeld has about 330,000 inhabitants and is intersected by the Teutoburg forest. The conference facilities are located 3.5 km west of the central station, on the Campus of Bielefeld University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main conference venue will be at CITEC, the Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology at Bielefeld University<\/a>, in the CITEC building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sonification concert is currently planned to take place in the CITEC\u2019s lecture hall (alternatively in a concert hall in the city center).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a look into the lobby: the conference room to be in the first floor, the open area (right image) providing space for poster sessions, installations and entrance to the lecture hall, in which the concert will take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The campus is well connected via the tram line 4 (Stadtbahn Linie 4), which runs every 10 minutes during daytime, more rarely in the evening. You may have the opportunity to take our Scientists4Future-initiated “climate train” which provides information about sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The central of Bielefeld has many hotels in various sizes and of various price range. However, there are more hotels and hostels in the central city area. These are some possible hotels, but many more are available. From all hotels you can reach the event in 15\u201320 minutes by tram, in approx. 50 minutes by foot and approx. 15\u201320 minutes by bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programme will allow some space for self-organised activities. The network walk in the forest is planned, in case the weather cooperates. Bielefeld is worth extending the stay for some days and enjoy a vibrant city life and surrounding nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conference will be held in Bielefeld University facilities on Campus Nord. The main building is called CITEC \u2013 Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The multi-hub conference (in ICAD-single stream format) requires a synchronized schedule. For that reason the European hub programme extends to the evenings while US programme starts early and extends to the afternoon. For the Bielefeld hub we decided to serve a buffet-style dinner for the days where the programme extends into the later evening. At lunch time, the University cafeteria (Mensa X)<\/a> offers a variety of meals including a salat and vegetable buffet, vegetarian meals and even non-vegetarian offers if needed. As a closer food place alternative, the HSBI cafeteria, right opposite to the CITEC building in less than 50m distance, serves meals and snacks. Follow the Link to the Meal Plan of Mensa X<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barcelona stands as one of Europe\u2019s leading hubs for innovation, creativity, and technology. Known for its unique blend of historic charm and forward-thinking energy, the city offers an inspiring backdrop for global gatherings in the cultural, digital and tech sectors. The city has earned international recognition as a smart city pioneer home to world-class events such as the Mobile World Congress, with a strong ecosystem of startups, research centers, and multinational companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond its professional appeal, the city provides an exceptional quality of life, iconic architecture, renowned gastronomy, and a vibrant cultural scene, all within a compact, well-connected urban environment. From the works of Gaud\u00ed to its dynamic innovation districts, Barcelona seamlessly merges tradition with modernity. Must visit iconic landmarks include La Rambla boulevard, the medieval streets of the Gothic quartet, Casa Batll\u00f3 and La Pedrera Gaudi\u2019s modernist buildings, the vibrant atmosphere of the Barceloneta beach, and the most famous symbol of the city, the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ICAD 2026 Barcelona\u2019s hub will be hosted at Escola Superior de M\u00fasica de Catalunya (ESMUC) located at L\u2019Auditory building, designed by the architect Rafael Moneo (1987-1999).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Catalonia College of Music, ESMUC, is a higher education music school with an international faculty and student body, founded in 2000. With more than 900 students per year, it includes departments for classical and contemporary music, early music, jazz and popular music, traditional music, musicology and ethnomusicology, theory and composition, music education, music business, and sonology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ICAD 2026 conference will take place at ESMUC<\/a> orchestra room, located inside L\u2019Auditory building, C\/Padilla 155, 08013, Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By train:<\/strong> The station is located inside the city and served by TMB<\/a> metro and bus: 2.90\u20ac\/trip (city general fare).<\/p>\n\n\n\n By plane:<\/strong> From the airport to city center:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> Check the travel cards and Visit Barcelona <\/a>bundles: 18.90\u20ac\/5 days all included <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting to ESMUC<\/strong> From Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport (metro)<\/strong> From Barcelona Sants train station (metro)<\/strong> There are plenty of good accommodation options in Barcelona, from budget hostels to business-friendly hotels. Below you can find a list of hotels near ESMUC. We recommend booking in advance as Barcelona is a very touristy city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The US ICAD 2026 hub will be located in the CRAIVE-Lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Technology Park, which is 4 miles south of the main campus (https:\/\/techpark.rpi.edu\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CRAIVE-Lab is adjacent to a 4-mile hiking trail system: https:\/\/hudsontaconic.org\/2025\/10\/03\/rensselaer-tech-park-trails\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n By train<\/strong>: Train Station<\/strong> By plane<\/strong>: There is a dedicated bus route between the RPI Techpark and Downtown Troy that runs on weekdays during the daytime: https:\/\/www.cdta.org\/schedules-route-detail?route_id=224<\/a>. We will also help coordinate carpooling for participants who need rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CRAIVE-lab is a 360-degree, 39\u2019x32\u2019 visual and audio projection room\/space that was built with support from the National Science Foundation. It hosts a 128-channel wave-field synthesis system and an 8-projector video system with front-projection onto a micro-perforated screen to achieve high acoustic fidelity. It can host up to 49 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CRAIVE-Lab facility also has several break-out rooms and a large lobby that can be used for workshops and additional presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several hotels exist in downtown Troy, including the Best Western Plus Franklin Inn and the Hilton Garden Inn. Participants should be aware that the Saratoga Race Track Season is still on during the ICAD 2026, and early booking is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Western Plus Franklin Inn Hilton Garden Inn Troy https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/albtygi-hilton-garden-inn-troy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Troy, NY is located north of New York City (160 miles), south of Montreal (215 miles), East of Buffalo (300 miles), and West of Boston (170 miles). The Adirondack Mountains are part of one of the largest Nature Parks in the Northeast, and Lake Placid (135 miles away) hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1932 and 1980). Visiting Niagara Falls (300 miles) is a popular option, and the Cohoes Falls are very close by (5 miles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Capital District consists of Albany, Troy, and Schenectady as major cities with historic downtowns. There are several nature preserves nearby, including the Albany Pine Bush Preserve<\/a>, Peebles Island State Park<\/a>, and the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several dining and bar options in historic downtown Troy:Local Transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Current departure times for the Bielefeld tram can be found here<\/u><\/a>. Please note that tickets must be purchased before entering the tram. An overview of ticket options can be found here<\/u><\/a>. The moBiel You app can be downloaded here<\/u><\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
If you want to travel by bike, you can book a ride via the meinSiggi app which can be downloaded here<\/u><\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
You can request a taxi by calling +49 (0)521 97111 (BIETA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You can rent an e-scooter via the Dott app which can be downloaded here<\/u><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nConference Facilities <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Universit\u00e4t](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Universit%C3%A4t_Bielefeld_Luftaufnahme_Juni_2022.jpg\/960px-Universit%C3%A4t_Bielefeld_Luftaufnahme_Juni_2022.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=thumbnail\"\n)
<\/a>
\nBielefeld University, photo by LukeLER, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/small>\n<\/center>\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-Bielefeld-CITEC.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"CITEC](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-Bielefeld-CITEC-Lobby.jpeg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-Bielefeld-LectureHall.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Klimabahn\"](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6-Bielefeld-Klimabahn.jpg\")
Accommodation for Participants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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https:\/\/hrewards.com\/de\/steigenberger-hotel-bielefelder-hof<\/u><\/a>
Am Bahnhof 3, 33602 Bielefeld<\/li>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/all.accor.com\/hotel\/B8G6\/index.de.shtml<\/u><\/a>
Niederwall 31-35, 33062 Bielefeld<\/li>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.comfort-garni.de\/<\/u><\/a>
Bahnhofstra\u00dfe 32, 33602 Bielefeld<\/li>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/all.accor.com\/hotel\/B0Q9\/index.de.shtml#<\/u><\/a>
Am Johannisberg 5, 33615 Bielefeld<\/li>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.hotel-bb.com\/de\/hotel\/bielefeld-city<\/u><\/a>
Europaplatz 2, 33613 Bielefeld<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nSocial Activities <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Conference Venue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de\/typo3temp\/assets\/_processed_\/0\/c\/csm_WarmesBuffet_e139be7631.webp\")
\nFood trays at Mensa X, by Studierendenwerk<\/small>\n<\/center>\n\n\n\nTravel and Location to the ICAD 2026 Hub ESMUC, Barcelona, Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Barcelona<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Panoramic](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1-Barcelona-panorama.jpg\")
Panoramic views of the city from the Fabra Observatory. \u00a9AGRiber<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-Barcelona-ESMUC.jpg\")
Photo of Barcelona\u2019s 22@ Innovation district. \u00a9AGRiber<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-Barcelona-auditory-building.jpg\")
L\u2019Auditory building, main access. \u00a9AGRiber.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"ESMUC](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-Barcelona-ESMUC-orchestra-room.jpeg\")
ESMUC orchestra room. Third floor. \u00a9ESMUC<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\nTravelling to Barcelona<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Barcelona Sants is the main rail hub of the city. It operates medium-distance, long-distance, and high-speed train services, connecting the city of Barcelona with major national and international destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat international airport is located 15km southwest of the centre of Barcelona, offering direct flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The conference venue is easily accessible by public transport. ESMUC, inside L\u2019Auditory building, is a 2-minute walk from\u00a0Marina metro station (L1)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside the airport T1 or T2 terminal, follow signs to the metro station:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Inside Sants station, follow signs to the metro station:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Travel and Location to the ICAD 2026 Hub Troy\/NY, USA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conference Location and Travel Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"CRAIVE-Lab\"](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CRAIVE-Lab_outside_2026-05-22b-1024x302.jpg\")
Traveling to Troy\/NY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The closest train station is Albany\/Rensselaer with good connections to New York City and further connections to Montreal and Chicago. Taking an Uber or Lyft ride is probably the easiest way to get to Troy (9 miles away).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Albany-Rensselaer, New York
525 East Street
Rensselaer, NY 12144-2310<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The closest airport is Albany (ALB), reachable via Uber or Lyft from Troy (10 miles away). For international flights, it is sometimes easier\/cheaper to fly into New York City and then take the Amtrak train up to Troy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLocal Transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conference Facilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"CRAIVE-Lab\"](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CRAIVE-Lab-1024x240.jpg\")
![\"CRAIVE-Lab](\"https:\/\/interactive-sonification.org\/icad2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CRAIVE_breakout_room-1024x347.jpg\")
Lodging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One Fourth Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518-274-8800
https:\/\/www.franklinsquareinn.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
235 Hoosick Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518-272-1700<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurants-g48739-Troy_New_York.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n