Venue
26th IFIP/SOCOLNET Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises
9 minutes
Hybrid Human-AI Collaborative Networks
26th IFIP/SOCOLNET Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises
Porto, Portugal
27-29 October, 2025
Porto, known as Cidade Invicta (invincible city) and one of Europe's oldest tourist destinations, is the second largest city in Portugal, the capital of the Porto district and of the country's northern region.
Its wealth of artistic heritage, Port Wine, open-air leisure spaces and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit this city, whose Historical Centre was designated World Cultural Heritage in 1996. Its natural setting and its meandering streets give it a unique charm.
You can find more information about the city at tourist information offices or here.
Venue
The conference will take place at the historic Edifício Abel Salazar, a beautiful Neo-Classical building in the heart of Porto.
Edifício Abel Salazar
4050-366 Porto, Portugal
History & Architecture
The building that housed the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar which once housed the Medical-Surgical School of Porto and later the Faculty of Medicine was built in the former Largo da Escola Médica, now Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, adjoining the extinct Nossa Senhora do Carmo Convent (Barefoot Carmelites).
Designed by architects Rogério dos Santos Azevedo (1898-1983) and Baltazar Castro (1891-1967) to address the limited facilities of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, it was inaugurated in 1935. It combines the Neo-Classical style in its façade with "Art Déco" inside the building.
The Faculty of Medicine occupied the building until 1960, the year it was transferred to the current facilities in S. João Hospital. In 1975, when the ICBAS was established, the building was occupied by various services and departments of the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Sciences, as well as other university services.
The sharing of facilities continued for several years, during which several improvement works took place, in particular in 1992 after the fire that broke out in the Grand Hall.
In 2012 ICBAS was transferred to a building complex shared with the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, located in rua D. Manuel II, projected by the architect José Manuel Soares.
Accommodation
We would like to recommend that you book your accommodation at an early stage, since Porto is nowadays a very requested European city for short breaks and to ensure you have the best possible place to stay.
Setted in the very centre of Oporto, comprises two buildings, one historical and the other modern, with a sky-blue tiled façade welcoming its guests. The Eurostars Das Artes, surrounded by museums, is situated in the area containing the most prestigious art galleries. It is surrounded by art and culture: just a few minutes away from the Livraria Lello, the Municipal Library and the majestic gardens of the Crystal Palace, the Soares dos Reis Museum and establishments for culture and entertainment like the Casa de Musica, the Rivoli Theatre or the Carlos Alberto Theatre.
The hotel has its own car park, a charmingly beautiful garden, between the two buildings, dominated by the great secret we have inside: the majestic silhouette of a hundred-year-old Camellia tree.
The Exe Almada Porto 4* offers its guests the opportunity to stay in the historical centre of Porto, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In order to conserve the atmosphere and style of the rest of the buildings on the Rua do Almada, the original façades and balconies have been maintained, giving it a charm from another era. The interior has been completely renovated, offering our guests a thoughtful and modern decoration along with all the facilities of a fully renovated 4* establishment.
By choosing the Axis Porto Club Hotel, you will be staying right in the heart of the city, next to Porto City Hall. The Axis Porto Club Hotel has a decor where charm and history are in complete harmony. The Hotel has spacious rooms, some with a privileged view over the emblematic Avenida dos Aliados.
It is part of a centenary building that brings together a set of sculptures related to the history of Futebol Clube do Porto, with the signature of the Porto sculptor Ester Monteiro.
Axis Porto Club is located a 2-minute walk from the Trindade metro station (with a direct connection to the airport) and a 3-minute walk from the remarkable S. Bento station. Porto International Airport is a 20-minute drive away with a direct metro connection from Trindade Station.
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Porto, next to Praça da Ribeira, the Palácio da Bolsa and the Alfândega Congress Centre. You will find a unique environment, with magnificent views, many terraces and charming places. Our restaurants have the best Galician-Portuguese gastronomic offer to enjoy in an exclusive atmosphere, either alone or in good company.
After being fully refurbished in the first half of 2021, it is now reopening its doors with a fresher, brighter and fully rejuvenated image.
It is located in the theatre district, right in the historical centre of the city, in Rua Sá da Bandeira. Next to the entrance, but with its own access, the Il Basilico restaurant offers Italian comfort food flavours in the bruschettas, tortelloni, pizzas and risottos that find their way to the tables.
The 74 rooms offer a contemporary, natural and comfortable style.
Featuring free parking and a restaurant, Casa De Vilar Hotel Porto offers accommodation in Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos district, 1.4 km from Bolsa Palace. The venue is located less than 1.3 km from Clerigos Tower. The hotel is located next to Almeida Garrett Library.This property is a short drive away from Ribeira Square.
ibis Porto Centro Mercado Do Bolhao is a totally renovated and it is a classified building at the historic center of Porto. Close to the main sights and to the Bolhao Market, shopping area. Exponor and Europarque business center are also nearby. This is why it is an ideal hotel for those who need to visit the city for work or pleasure. The hotel has 89 rooms of the innovative Plaza concept for those who don't know it.
ibis Porto Centro Mercado do Bolhão, the hotel is located a few meters from the famous Bolhão Market. Located in the center of Porto and in a walking distance from the city key attractions like Santa Catarina, Trindade and S. Bento train station. Direct subway from Sá Carneiro Airport.
Full of history and stories, the Hotel Moov Porto Centro is right in the heart of Porto’s historic centre. Its Art Déco building was home to the Hospedaria and the Café Águia D’ouro, where in 1908 was born one of the greatest movie theaters of that time.
It was exactly that that inspired the decor of the hotel and all spaces, in order to restore its glory and homage to the building and its history.
Discover Porto
Discover recommended restaurants and tourist activities during your stay in Porto.
Restaurants
A curated list around the conference venue.
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€Casa GuedesFamous for pork sandwich with Serra cheese — casual, local favorite. -
€Café SantiagoIconic spot for a francesinha that's hearty and authentic. -
€GazelaFamous for cachorrinhos (hot dogs), a Porto institution near Batalha. -
€€Adega São NicolauTraditional Portuguese dishes by the river. -
€€AntunesClassic Portuguese comfort food near Trindade. The roast pork is a highlight. -
€€éLeBê BaixaModern Portuguese cuisine in the heart of Baixa district. -
€€Tapabento (São Bento)Creative tapas and seafood near São Bento station. Book ahead. -
€€Time Out Market PortoFood hall with local vendors, live music, and diverse dining options. -
€€€DOP by Rui PaulaContemporary Portuguese cuisine in a refined setting. -
€€€Enoteca 17.56Wine bar and restaurant with Douro views in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Tourist activities
Top picks to explore the city around the conference.
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Cálem Cellars — Guided Tour & Premium TastingStep into Cálem Cellars and discover the history of Port wine since 1859. Ends with a tasting of White Dry, Late Bottled Vintage, and 10-Year-Old Tawny.From 22 €1–2 h -
Cálem Cellars — Fado in PortoGuided lodge visit with wine tasting (Fine White and 10-Year-Old Tawny), followed by an authentic Fado performance.From 28 €1–2 h -
Douro Bridges Cruise (6 Bridges)Sail a typical Rabelo boat along Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and enjoy views over the six iconic bridges. Online bookings often have a discount.Website Multiple boarding locationsFrom 18 €50 min -
Porto – Pinhão – Porto Cruise (with Winery Visit)Full-day journey through the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards, including a visit to a renowned winery with tasting.Website Multiple boarding locationsFrom 89 €Full day -
Cityrama Gray Line — Basic Porto (24h Hop-On Hop-Off)Explore Porto, Gaia, and Matosinhos in 24 hours across three panoramic bus lines. Includes app with live tracking, Wi‑Fi, and complimentary Port wine tasting.From 27 €24 h -
Porto Essential Walking TourGuided introduction to Porto’s landmarks and historic neighborhoods — ideal first-time overview through downtown and Ribeira.From 19 €Walking tour