The welcome reception provides a great opportunity to discuss with colleagues and to share ideas. The welcome reception will take place on Wednesday in the foyer of the Atlantic Congress Hotel. The Atlantic Congress Hotel Essen is a superior business hotel in the district Rüttenscheid in Essen. The hotel is located directly next to the beautiful Gruga Park, which offers a perfect surrounding to take a stroll and relax in an oasis of calm. Enjoy a memorable evening with drinks and snacks over inspiring discussions.

Since REFSQ 2017 takes place rather early this year, we are lucky to be able to visit the yearly spectacular light show in the neaby Gruga Park. The park will be illuminated by thousands of lights to show flowers, trees and custom-made objects in a new perspective, creating a fascinating atmosphere. Besides the illuminations, shadow plays and video projections also fascinate the visitors and invite the guests to become part of the light show.

So we invite you to join us on a stroll trought the park to experience the light show. We will meet in front of the Atlantic Hotel at 6 pm and end our stroll at the dinner venue at 7 pm. Make sure to bring your badge as this is your entrance ticket to the park.

It is also possible to take a stoll through the light show on your own (only on Wednesday). Please show your badge at the entrance

After visiting the Gruga light show we will enjoy an exquisite conference dinner at Gruga Park’s Orangerie. Built in 1987 and rated as a masterpiece of glass dome architecture, the light flooded Orangerie offers an amazing view on the park. Under one of three glass domes, you can enjoy culinary specialties in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Besides its culinary highlights, changing art exhibitions and a miniature world about industrial culture are located at Orangerie as well. Of course there will be a band, who will entertain you throughout the evening. Beware: there will be dancing! :)