The WI wouldn’t be the conference it is without a lovely selection of social activities (or opportunities to meet and exchange ideas)! We have planned three events – find more detailed descriptions below:
- Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM: Welcome Reception between the castle and the botanical garden
- Monday, September 15, 2025, from 6:30 PM: ERCIS Reception at the Allwetterzoo Münster
- Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 7:00 PM: Conference Dinner at Jovel
14.09.2025 Welcome Reception
“Castle” and Botanical Garden, seen from the West
The Welcome Reception will take place directly next to the Botanical Garden, behind the iconic Castle. Of course, you can already register for the conference on your way to the reception inside the Castle – and take a glimpse into the building!
15.09.2025 WI in the WIld: ERCIS Reception
WI in the Wild
ERCIS invites you to the zoo! On Monday evening, shuttle buses will depart from Domplatz starting at 6:15 PM to the Münster Allwetterzoo, where you can enjoy cocktails and finger food alongside the zoo animals, hopefully in nice weather! Except for the indoor exhibits, the entire zoo will be open to all guests until around 11:00 PM!
Arrival
Walking: If you’d like to take a 45-minute walk, you can take this route from Fürstenberghaus – it leads beautifully along the north-west side of the Aasee lake, here’s a link to a Google Map. We’ve also marked some points of interest that you can visit along the way: Münster hosts the “Skulpturprojekte” every ten years. Copied from the City of Münster’s website: “Since 1977, world-renowned artists have been gathering for the Skulptur Projekte Münster every ten years to present their artworks created specifically for Münster. Many of the works shown continue to shape the cityscape today. These and other public art pieces make Münster a sculpture city.” By the way, it’s happening again in 2027! Guided Walking Tour: We’re also offering a short guided tour that starts with a city round trip. This means: In addition to the route of the “Walking” option above, you’ll get to see a few extra meters of Münster’s historic city center. More information will be available during the conference. Boat Tour: If you don’t feel like taking a walk, you can shorten the journey and take a boat tour with the “Solaaris“, a solar-powered boat (the net travel time remains the same as the walking option): The trip from the “Aasee terraces” to just outside the zoo takes approximately 30 minutes and costs €7.50. Unfortunately, the last departure is already at 5:00 PM! Bus: There’s also an electric bus (conveniently) that runs if you miss the shuttle bus. Line 14 goes from the LWL Museum (a three-minute walk from Fürstenberghaus) to just outside the zoo entrance. Public transportation within the city is included in the conference ticket. Car: If you prefer to come by car: You can park right in front of the zoo for €5.
Program:
- 6:15 PM: Shuttle buses start departing from the conference venue
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Information points about alpacas, elephants, and co.
- 8:00 PM: Welcome and presentation of the ERCIS Awards
- approximately 11:00 PM: End of the event, shuttle buses will be waiting starting at 10:00 PM
- 🤫 With the conference ticket, you get free admission to the zoo all day!!1!11!
August 16, 2025 Evening Event 🎷 The Great GatsWI – Glamour, Gold & Glitter! ✨
To celebrate the 20th WI conference, we’re going to make it a night to remember – in the style of the Roaring Twenties! We’ll kick off the evening with a formal dinner and a live band that will get us in the mood. Then, we’ll honor the winners of the Best Paper Awards – and after that, it’s time to polish those dancing shoes! The DJ will take over, and the dance floor is all yours.
Dress Code
Whether it’s a flapper dress, a fancy suit, or casual attire – everything is allowed. Of course, we’re especially excited if many of you embrace the GatsWI look – feathers, sequins, and suspenders are explicitly welcome! You can expect glitter, swing, Charleston, drinks, and surprises that will still be talked about in 20 years! So: get into the GatsWI spirit and onto the dance floor!
Start
From 7:00 PM, the doors to the Jovel will be open – the perfect time to arrive, catch up with colleagues, and enjoy your first drink. From approx. 8:00 PM, the program really kicks off.
Shuttle buses will run from 6:30 PM from the Fürstenberghaus straight to the Jovel. Of course, you can also walk, take public transport, or hop on a rental scooter or bike.
In short: all roads lead to the Jovel! 🎉