EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026

EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026

General Information

After the great experience of hosting the INORMS Congress in 2025, we’re excited to return to our Annual EARMA Conference — bringing our community back together for a classic edition filled with learning, networking, and inspiration.

The EARMA Conference 2026 will take place in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from 5–7 May 2026. This page provides all the essential information to help you plan your participation, including the conference schedule, venue details, and key practical guidance. It will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.


📅 CONFERENCE OVERVIEW 
The EARMA Conference 2026 spans three exciting days of professional development, networking, and community-building:

Monday May 5: Pre-Conference Day & Welcome Reception
Arrival and check-in day. In the evening, join us for our Welcome Reception at the conference venue: a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet new faces before the main programme begins.

Tuesday May 6: Conference Day 1 & Conference Dinner
The full conference programme kicks off, including parallel sessions, keynotes, workshops, and networking opportunities. In the evening, join us at the iconic Werkspoorkathedraal for the Conference Dinner.

Wednesday May 7: Conference Day 2
The programme continues with another full day of engaging sessions. The event will close in the afternoon with a plenary and farewell.

More detailed information about the programme and session scheduling will be released closer to the event.


🏛️ CONFERENCE VENUE: JAARBEURS
The EARMA Conference 2026 Programme will be held at Jaarbeurs on May 6-7, one of the largest and best-connected conference centres in the Netherlands. Conveniently located next to Utrecht Central Station, Jaarbeurs is just a short walk from major hotels, restaurants, and public transport links. Please note that access to the conference venue is through the Beatrixgebouw entrance. 

Address: Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521 AL Utrecht
Website: www.jaarbeurs.nl

How to get there:

The Jaarbeurs Conference Centre is located directly next to Utrecht Centraal Station, making it easily accessible on foot. Here's how to reach the venue from the station:

  • Arrive at Utrecht Centraal Station: Whether you're coming from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport or elsewhere in the Netherlands, your train will most likely stop at Utrecht Centraal, the country’s largest and best-connected train station.

  • Follow signs for “Jaarbeurplein”: Inside the station, look for signs marked “Jaarbeursplein”. This directs you to the western exit of the station, which leads directly to the Jaarbeurs complex.

  • Exit the station through the Jaarbeurs exit: Once through the barriers, you’ll walk down a wide corridor and exit the station. You should see a large open square in front of you, often with food trucks, bike parking, and signs for the Jaarbeurs.

  • Walk straight toward the Beatrixgebouw: As you exit, the Beatrixgebouw is the first major building on your left, marked by clear signage. You will find the Beatrixgebouw around the corner, this is the main entrance for the EARMA 2026 Conference.

  • Distance and Time: The walk from your train platform to the Beatrixgebouw entrance typically takes 5–8 minutes, depending on your pace.

If you're already in the city, the venue is easily accessible by bike or on foot. Utrecht is a compact and well-connected city, making it easy to get to the conference even without public transportation. Whether you're staying nearby or exploring the city before the event, you'll find the Beatrixgebouw entrance in Jaarbeurs just a short walk or ride away.

  • On Foot: If you're staying in the city centre, the walk to the Beatrixgebouw entrance at Jaarbeurs takes around 10–15 minutes. Simply head toward Utrecht Centraal Station and follow signs for “Jaarbeursplein”. Once outside the station, you'll find the Beatrixgebouw to your left.
  • By Bike: Utrecht is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated cycle paths leading straight to the Jaarbeurs. You can park your bike in the designated bike parking areas near the Beatrixgebouw entrance. Look for blue “P fietsen” signs or use Google Maps' cycling directions to plan your route.

If you're staying outside the city center or prefer not to walk or cycle, Utrecht's public transport system is an excellent option. Frequent buses and trams connect all parts of the city with Utrecht Centraal Station, which is right next to the conference venue. From there, it's just a short walk to the Beatrixgebouw entrance. We recommend using Google Maps or the 9292 app to check real-time public transportation options.

  Utrecht Station Sign + Entrance Photo                                                                            


🥂 WELCOME RECEPTION
We warmly invite all registered participants to join us for the Welcome Reception on the evening of Monday May 5 at Jaarbeurs, the main conference venue. This gathering is the perfect way to ease into the conference, meet fellow attendees, and enjoy some drinks and light refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.


🍽️ CONFERENCE DINNER
The Conference Dinner will take place on the evening of Tuesday May 6 at the Werkspoorkathedraal, one of Utrecht’s most striking industrial heritage venues. Located in the city’s creative quarter, this former factory has been transformed into a vibrant space for cultural and professional events.

Address: Tractieweg 41, 3534 AP Utrecht
Website: www.werkspoorkathedraal.nl

How to get there:

  • By Sprinter (local train): A Sprinter is a type of local train operated by NS (Dutch Railways). Take a Sprinter from Utrecht Centraal Station to Utrecht Zuilen — it’s just one stop and takes about 3 minutes. From Utrecht Zuilen Station, it's a 10-minute walk to the venue. Tickets can be purchased via the NS App, ticket machines at the station, or by checking in with an OV-chipkaart (public transport card), a contactless debit/credit card, or a smartphone with contactless payment enabled. This is our recommended option.
  • By bike: Cycling from the city center or the conference venue takes approximately 10 minutes. Bike parking is available on-site.
  • By public transport (bus): Several bus lines run from Utrecht Centraal to the area near the Werkspoorkathedraal. Use the 9292 app or Google Maps to find the best route in real time.
  • By taxi or rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Bolt are widely available and can drop you off directly at the venue.

Please note: This year, EARMA will not provide shuttle buses to the Conference Dinner, as the venue is easily accessible from both the city center and the conference venue. We recommend checking your route in advance using Google Maps, 9292.nl, or the NS App, which offer real-time travel updates and step-by-step directions.