Technical Visits

Please register early! Technical visits will be cancelled if they do not reach the minimum number of paid participants by 11 March 2025.

Visit Hera Ambiente’s Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant and the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Ferrara. The WtE plant efficiently converts non-recyclable waste into energy, generating electricity and thermal power, while the MRF is dedicated to sorting and preparing recyclable materials collected through Ferrara’s waste separation programs. Participants will gain insight into the advanced technology and processes used to promote circular economy principles by maximizing material recovery and reducing landfill reliance. Following the technical visit, participants will enjoy a guided tour of Ferrara’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will explore key landmarks such as the Este Castle, the Palazzo dei Diamanti, and the medieval walls that still encircle the city.

Tuesday 29 April 2025
Depart 10:00 | Return 17:00
Level of physical activity Low (walking tour included)
Minimum-Maximum 30-50
Price $120
Price includes lunch and guide.
Special notes Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Hera Ambiente facilities and Ferrera’s city center are accessible to participants with mobility issues.

This technical visit will take participants to CINECA, a leading high-performance computing (HPC) facility in Casalecchio di Reno, Italy. CINECA is involved in various projects concerning impact and risk assessment, sustainability, and scientific computing technologies for national and international scientific communities. The visit will also include a guided tour of the facilities and an introduction to the Leonardo supercomputer at the Technopolo in Bologna.

Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Depart 14:00 | Return 17:00
Level of physical activity Low
Minimum-Maximum 30-50
Price $30
Price includes guide.
Special notes Wear comfortable shoes for walking indoors. CINECA is accessible for participants with mobility issues.

The Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC) in Bologna is a leading research center focused on climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. The CMCC conducts advanced research combining science, policy, and economics to address climate challenges across the Mediterranean region.

The visit to CMCC will be followed by a guided tour of Bologna’s historic center, where participants will explore key architectural and cultural landmarks, including Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio.

Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Depart 10:00 | Return 17:00
Level of physical activity Low (walking tour included)
Minimum-Maximum 15-45
Price $120
Price includes lunch and guide.
Special notes Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The CMCC and the city center are accessible to participants with mobility issues.

Participants will receive an in-depth introduction to the Hydrogen Valley project, exploring its goals in hydrogen energy production, sustainability, and innovation. The visit will demonstrate how renewable energy technologies are being implemented to drive the local economy while addressing global environmental challenges. Experts will explain the role of hydrogen in Italy’s energy transition strategy and provide a tour of key facilities involved in hydrogen production and research.

The tour will also include a guided visit to key cultural and historical landmarks of the city of Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants will gain insights into how cutting-edge renewable energy projects are integrated within the region’s economic and environmental strategies while enjoying the rich history and architecture of Mantua.

Monday, 5 May 2025
Depart 09:00 | Return 17:00
Level of physical activity Low (some walking involved)
Minimum-Maximum 30-50
Price $125
Price includes lunch and guide.
Special notes Wear comfortable walking shoes. These sites are accessible for participants with mobility issues.

about technical visits

Who can register? IAIA25 delegates and their guests can register for technical visits at the same rate.

How do I secure my spot? You must be pre-registered and pre-paid by 10 April. Registrations are processed in the order payment is received.

Can I add a technical visit later? If you have already registered for the conference but want to add a technical visit for you or a guest, contact info@iaia.org with your request; this cannot be done online. Any additions must be made by 10 April.

How many people on each visit? Minimum/maximum numbers are noted in each description. If the visit you choose does not reach the minimum number by 11 March, IAIA HQ will notify you and provide refund information or offer to transfer you to another visit.

Where do we meet? Technical visits depart from the conference venue. Plan to check in for the visit a minimum of 15 minutes prior to noted departure time. Busses will leave on time. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

What if I need to cancel? If you must cancel, the fee will be refunded, less an administrative fee of 25% of the technical visit cost, provided we receive written cancellation notice by 10 April. No refunds will be given after that date.

Liability statement: IAIA, the organizing committee, and the venue will not be responsible for medical expenses, accidents, losses or other unexpected damage to property belonging to conference participants, either during or as a result of the conference and during all tours and events. Participants are strongly advised to arrange their own insurance for health and accident, lost luggage and trip cancellation.

Participants will be required to sign a liability release waiver upon check-in for the visits. See below.

IAIA25 technical visit liability release waiver

I hereby WAIVE AND RELEASE the International Association for Impact Assessment from liability pertaining to my participation in IAIA25 Technical Visits.

I understand and agree that I am releasing not only IAIA, but also IAIA’s officers, agents, and employees. I understand and agree that by signing this Waiver/Release, I am assuming full responsibility for any and all risk of death or personal injury or property damage suffered by me while participating in the IAIA25 Technical Visit.

I understand and agree that this Waiver/Release will have the effect of releasing, discharging, waiving and forever relinquishing any and all actions or causes of action that I may have or have had, whether past, present or future, whether known or unknown, and whether anticipated or unanticipated by me, arising out of my participation in the IAIA25 Technical Visit, except for the acts or omissions of IAIA, its officers, agents, or employees which are found to be negligent by a court of competent jurisdiction.

I understand and agree that this Waiver/Release applies to personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death which I may suffer, even if caused by the acts or omissions of others. I understand and agree that this Waiver/Release will be binding on me, my spouse, my heirs, my personal representatives, my assignees, my children and any guardian for said children.

I confirm that I do not have any physical limitations, medical ailments, or physical or mental disabilities that would limit or prevent me from participating in the IAIA25 Technical Visit.