Zero Project Conference 2026
#ZeroCon26: First-Time Attendee Guide
Welcome to the Zero Project Conference 2026 (#ZeroCon26)! Here’s everything you need to know for your first conference experience.
Before you arrive
Plan your trip
Visit this page for hotel recommendations with special #ZeroCon26 rates, venue address, transportation, local guides, and accessible sightseeing.
Don't forget!
Remember to bring the ID you used for your registration, and your QR Code to retrieve your UN Ground Pass.
Weather and clothing
In Vienna, February daytime temperatures typically range from 4–6 °C (39–43 °F) with nighttime lows near 0 °C (32 °F), while the venue is warm indoors — wear multiple layers so you can easily adjust.
Wi-Fi and power outlets
Both Wi-Fi and power outlets are available throughout the venue. Please remember to bring a power adapter if needed. Austria uses Type F plugs with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.
Prepare and connect
Pick up your UN Ground Pass early
The conference officially begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. UN Ground Passes can be collected in advance on Monday (February 16) or Tuesday (February 17) to avoid queues. The Pass Office is open on Monday from 10:30-16:00, and Tuesday to Friday from 08:00-16:00.
Conference accessibility
View this dedicated page to learn more about accessibility in sessions and throughout the venue.
Book meetings with participants online
Reach out to other participants and book individual meetings directly via the #ZeroCon26 conference platform.
Create your own schedule
The #ZeroCon26 Agenda features more than 100 sessions in different locations. Use the "My Schedule" feature to keep track of sessions.
Arriving at the Vienna International Centre (VIC)
VIC street address
The street address is Wagramer Straße 5, 1220 Vienna, Austria, with the Visitors Entrance located right next to the "Kaisermühlen/Vienna International Centre" U-Bahn stop (red line).
UN security checks
You will have to pass airport-style security checks to enter the VIC. Security checks open at 07:30 AM. Please allow enough time, especially on Wednesday morning, and note that there is no possibility to store luggage.
M-Building: Reception and info desks
Once you have passed security and picked up your UN Ground Pass, you'll be guided toward the "M-Building". This is where the reception and info desks, as well as all plenary rooms are located.
#ZeroCon26 volunteers
Volunteers will be available throughout the venue to assist with any questions you may have.
Audio Guides for orientation
Produced by UNOV/CMS for participants of the Zero Project Conference 2026.
The audio guides are intended for orientation purposes only. They cover arrival at the VIC by public transport, security and registration at Gate 1, as well as navigation to the M-Building and orientation for each of the plenary rooms.
Key moments and amenities
Coffee, pastries, and informal networking
Wednesday, 18 February 2026 | 08:30 - 10:00
Start your first #ZeroCon26 day at a relaxed pace by arriving early, clearing UN security without a rush, and enjoying coffee and pastries on the Ground Floor while reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new participants.
Remember to join the Opening Ceremony at 10:00 AM on Wednesday in the "M1" plenary room.
Award Ceremony and "Family Photo"
Thursday, 19 February 2026 | 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the #ZeroCon26 Award Ceremony to recognize and celebrate innovative solutions from across the globe and all sectors of society.
Don’t miss the traditional "Family Photo" at the end—a chance to come together and capture the spirit of the #ZeroCon26 community.
Meet the moderators
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Emily Flores: A journalist, disability advocate, and founder of Cripple Media, "the first media platform created by and for young disabled people". Emily launched Cripple Media after recognizing the lack of authentic disability representation in mainstream media.
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Andreas Onea: Paralympic medalist, and TV presenter. From turning to swimming as part of his rehabilitation to competing in five Paralympic Games, Andreas has become a champion for disability confidence in sports and media.
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Yetneberesh Nigussie Molla: A lawyer and disability rights advocate, with a distinguished career spanning NGOs like Light for the World and UNICEF. Yetneberesh's work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Right Livelihood Award.
Food and beverages
For registered conference participants from Wednesday, February 18, to Friday, February 20
Morning Refreshments:
- Complimentary pastries are available in the morning
Lunch:
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Vouchers for a sandwich and bottled water are handed out at the reception desk
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Time: 11:30–13:30
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Where: Served next to the cafés (M-Building) on the Ground and First floors
Evening Buffets:
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Wednesday: Buffet dinner at 19:00
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Thursday: Buffet dinner at 20:15 (after the Award Ceremony)
Beverages:
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Complimentary coffee is available at the Cafés in the M-Building
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Free tap water available throughout plenary rooms and the venue
Other Dining Options (please note that these are not complimentary):
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There is a UN Restaurant at the VIC
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Additional restaurants and food options are available near the Vienna International Centre
Share your experience, connect with a global community
Use the conference hashtag #ZeroCon26!
Download your #ZeroCon26 visual to share on social media
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Remember to add alternative text, here is a suggestion:
Promotional graphic for the Zero Project Conference 2026 with the text “Meet me at #ZeroCon26!” The event focuses on Accessibility, ICT, and Crisis Response and takes place February 18–20, 2026, at the United Nations Office at Vienna. The website zerocon26.zeroproject.org is shown, and the event is invitation-only. The design features Zero Project-green branding and an illustrated globe. -
Tag the Zero Project using the official accounts below: