Social Event & Gala Dinner - IEEE SWC 2026 | IEEE Smart World Congress 2026

Date & Time

Wed, 9 Sept 2026

Starts at 20:00 CEST

Location

Villa Rendano

Via San Triglio, 21 – Cosenza

Transfers

Shuttle at 18:30

Outside Aula Magna

Support

Front Desk Team

Registration lobby for info

Questions & Assistance? Ask at the Conference Front Desk!

The shuttle bus will pick up participants at 18:30 from outside the Aula Magna (University of Calabria Congress Center) to take everyone to Villa Rendano. For any questions, timetable confirmations, dietary requirements, or assistance, please stop by the Conference Front Desk / Registration Desk located in the congress center foyer. Our staff will be delighted to assist you.

Contact Team

Historic Venue & Cultural Landmark

Villa Rendano: History, Elegance & Panoramic Beauty

The IEEE SWC 2026 Social Event will be celebrated in the magnificent setting of Villa Rendano (villarendano.it ↗), one of the most prestigious historic residences in Cosenza, Calabria.

Built in 1891 by the world-renowned concert pianist and composer Alfonso Rendano (inventor of the independent third pedal on the piano), the villa stands proudly atop the scenic Colle Triglio, overlooking the historical center of Cosenza, the convergence of the Crati and Busento rivers, and the Norman-Swabian Castle.

Characterized by a refined Tuscan and Florentine Renaissance Revival architectural style, the residence boasts splendid frescoed ceilings, Pompeian decorative motifs, an imposing grand staircase, and the legendary Sala della Musica. Lovingly preserved and revitalized by the Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani, Villa Rendano is today both a vibrant cultural center and home to Consentia Itinera, a cutting-edge multimedia museum honoring the rich cultural heritage of Cosenza.

Tuscan Renaissance Architecture Original 19th-Century Frescoes Historic Sala della Musica Consentia Itinera Multimedia Museum Panoramic City & Castle Views

Colle Triglio, Cosenza

Photo: Villa Rendano Facciata e Giardino by Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani

Villa Rendano & Its Historic Gardens

Panoramic estate overlooking ancient Cosenza and the Crati river valley. Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage for its historical and artistic value.

Atmosphere & Spaces

Explore Villa Rendano

A visual tour of the halls, historic salons, frescoes, and gardens that will host our conference banquet and evening social gathering.

Sala della Musica

Photo: Sala della Musica by Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani

The Grand Music Hall (Sala della Musica)

The heart of Alfonso Rendano's artistic home, featuring his beloved grand piano, ornate chandeliers, and painted ceilings where legendary concerts and musical gatherings took place.

Gala Dinner & Reception

Photo: Serata a Villa Rendano by Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani

Gala Dinner & Social Gathering

Experience an unforgettable evening of networking, authentic Calabrian gastronomy, and refined Italian hospitality under the stars in the historic estate.

Piano Nobile Salons

Photo: Salone Piano Nobile by Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani

Noble Floor (Piano Nobile)

Elegant interconnected reception chambers arranged around the central staircase, preserving historic mirrors, antique furnishings, and intricate Pompeian-style ceiling murals.

Artistic Details

Photo: Dettaglio Affreschi by Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani

Neoclassical Frescoes & Artistic Motifs

Meticulously restored nineteenth-century decorative cycles depicting allegorical figures, pastoral landscapes, and floral garlands celebrating Mediterranean art and culture.

Image Sources & Attribution: All images of Villa Rendano, its historical halls, frescoed ceilings, and gardens are courtesy of Fondazione Attilio ed Elena Giuliani – Villa Rendano (villarendano.it).

Hassle-Free Transit

Shuttle Bus Service & Logistics

Complimentary coach transfers are arranged for all conference attendees between the University of Calabria and Villa Rendano.

Outbound Shuttles (To Villa Rendano)

Departure from Conference Venue

Pick-up Location: Outside Aula Magna, Conference Congress Center ("Beniamino Andreatta" Center), University of Calabria, Rende.
Departure Time: The shuttle bus will pass at 18:30 on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Arrival: Drop-off right at the entrance of Villa Rendano on Colle Triglio in time for the 20:00 welcome aperitif.

Please be outside the Aula Magna promptly before 18:30. For any questions or assistance, please consult the Conference Front Desk / Registration Desk.

Return Shuttles (To Venue & Hotels)

End-of-Evening Return Service

Pick-up Location: Villa Rendano Main Gate (Cosenza).
Return Waves: Staggered departures will commence starting from 22:45 through the conclusion of the evening.
Destinations: University campus bus terminal and primary conference partner hotels in Rende and Cosenza.

Return shuttle boarding times will also be announced during the banquet so attendees can plan their departure comfortably.

Have Questions Regarding Shuttles or Access?

Feel free to visit the Front Desk at the Conference Center any time during conference hours, or contact the organizing committee.

Contact Support

Evening Schedule

Program of the Evening

Wednesday, 9 September 2026 · A celebration of research, friendship, and regional culture.

18:30

Boarding

Shuttle Bus Departure Outside Aula Magna

The shuttle bus will pass at 18:30 outside the Aula Magna (University of Calabria Congress Center) to transport attendees directly to Villa Rendano.

20:00

Arrival

Welcome Aperitif in the Panoramic Gardens

Arrival at Villa Rendano on Colle Triglio. Guests are welcomed with an aperitivo and regional delicacies while enjoying twilight views over Cosenza and the Norman-Swabian Castle.