University of Calabria

Hosting IEEE SWC 2026 at the Largest Residential Campus in Italy

The "Beniamino Andreatta" Convention Center

The IEEE Smart World Congress 2026 will take place at the prestigious "Beniamino Andreatta" Convention Center at the University of Calabria. As the architectural and cultural hub of the campus, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to host international conferences, symposiums, and academic events of all scales.

The venue includes the impressive Aula Magna, a large auditorium equipped with advanced audio-visual technology, ideal for keynote speeches. It also offers a versatile set of modular meeting rooms for parallel sessions and workshops. The spacious foyers provide an excellent setting for networking, poster sessions, and exhibitions, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees.

Venue Highlights

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Modern Facilities

Fully equipped auditorium and modular breakout rooms.

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Smart Connectivity

High-speed Eduroam Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

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On-Site Catering

Integrated dining areas for coffee breaks and lunches.

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Walkable Campus

Hotels and residences within walking distance.

University of Calabria Campus View
Photo: University of Calabria Campus
Ponte Pietro Bucci
Photo: Ponte Pietro Bucci
University of Calabria Walkway
Photo: University of Calabria Campus

About University of Calabria

A City of Science and Knowledge

Founded in 1972, the University of Calabria (UNICAL) stands out as a unique institution within the Italian academic landscape. It is the country’s largest and most significant residential campus, inspired by British and American university models and designed to foster a vibrant, immersive learning environment.

The campus is defined by its iconic architectural landmark: the "Ponte Pietro Bucci", an elevated structure extending for more than 1.3 kilometers. This remarkable bridge connects 14 departments as well as libraries, cultural spaces, theaters, and student facilities—creating both a physical and symbolic link across disciplines including Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, and Economics.

Surrounded by Mediterranean hills and designed as an integrated living-learning ecosystem, UNICAL combines academic excellence with modern infrastructure, offering students and researchers an ideal environment for study, innovation, and collaboration.

27k+

Students

200ha

Green Campus Area

Discover Rende, Cosenza & The Beauty of Calabria

UNICAL is located in the hills of Rende, just a short distance from the historic city of Cosenza. This strategic setting offers a unique blend of Mediterranean climate, cultural heritage, and contemporary innovation. Attendees will find themselves in a region where mountains meet the sea, offering rich opportunities for exploration and discovery.

City of Rende
Photo: Rende by Fernando Santopaolo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
City of Rende

Home to UNICAL, Rende offers a fascinating contrast between its modern university area and the ancient medieval village perched on the hill.

Cosenza Norman Castle
Photo: Old town of Cosenza by Giorgio Grano (CC0 1.0)
Historic Cosenza

Just minutes from campus lies the "Athens of Calabria." Explore the historic city center, the open-air MAB art museum, and the majestic Norman-Swabian Castle overlooking the city.

Sila National Park
Photo: Cecita Lake by Greco Antonella Francesca (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sila National Park

A short drive away is the "Green Lung of Europe". The Sila plateau offers pristine lakes, ancient pine forests, and pure air, providing a refreshing escape into nature.

Pollino National Park
Photo: Mount Pollino by Luca Raimondi (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Pollino National Park

Italy's largest national park and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Famous for the ancient Bosnian Pine (Pino Loricato) and breathtaking mountain landscapes ideal for hiking.

Calabrian Coast
Photo: Calabria Coastline Photo by Fabio Spano (Unsplash)
Stunning Coastlines

Calabria boasts 800km of coastline. From the Tyrrhenian cliffs to the Ionian beaches, attendees can easily reach breathtaking seaside locations like Paola or Diamante.

Arco Magno San Nicola Arcella
Photo: Arco Magno by Simone Ruggiero (Unsplash)
Arco Magno

Located in San Nicola Arcella, this majestic natural rock arch frames a hidden bay with crystal-clear waters, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in Southern Italy.

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