Frequently Asked Questions
Practical information about the International Conference on Advances and Innovations in Soft Soil Engineering in Delft, the Netherlands.
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Welcome reception: Sunday 23 August, 16:30–18:30, Hortus Botanicus Delft
Conference basics
What is Soft Soils 2026?
Soft Soils 2026 is the International Conference on Advances and Innovations in Soft Soil Engineering. It brings together researchers, engineers, consultants, contractors, policymakers and students from around the world.
When does the conference take place?
The main programme runs from Monday 24 through Wednesday 26 August 2026. The welcome reception takes place on Sunday 23 August from 16:30 to 18:30 at Hortus Botanicus Delft.
Where is the conference venue?
TU Delft Aula Conference Centre, Building 20, Mekelweg 5, 2628 CC Delft, the Netherlands.
What is the official conference language?
The official conference language is English.
Who should attend?
The conference welcomes researchers, academics, geotechnical and civil engineers, consultants, contractors, government professionals, infrastructure stakeholders, PhD candidates and MSc students.
Registration and payment
How do I register?
Register through the official Soft Soils 2026 registration page. Select the appropriate ticket and complete the requested information.
Which registration categories are available?
- MSc Student
- PhD Student
- Regular Participant
- ISSMGE Member
- Business Partner One-Day Registration (Tuesday only)
- Accompanying Person
Proof of status is required for student and member rates.
What is included in full registration?
- Conference sessions and keynote lectures
- Conference materials and digital proceedings
- Coffee breaks and lunches on the conference days
- The Sunday welcome reception
The conference dinner is included for regular participants and ISSMGE members. MSc and PhD student registrations do not include the dinner, but an optional dinner ticket is available.
What does the Business Partner One-Day Registration include?
This ticket is valid on Tuesday only and includes the full Tuesday programme and the conference dinner reserved for business partners.
What is the early-bird deadline?
The early-bird deadline is 29 May 2026. Ad-hoc registration tickets are not eligible for the early-bird discount.
When is my registration confirmed?
The initial account and registration-summary emails do not by themselves confirm your place. Your registration is confirmed once payment has been received and processed. Your confirmation letter will then be available in your personal area.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations received on or before 30 June 2026 are eligible for a refund minus a €100 handling fee. Refunds are processed within 30 days. Bank and currency-conversion fees remain the participant's responsibility. No refunds are issued after 30 June 2026.
Can I transfer my registration?
Yes. You may appoint a replacement participant without a substitution fee. Send the replacement participant's name and contact details to softsoils2026@tudelft.nl as soon as possible.
Are travel and accommodation costs refundable by the conference?
No. Soft Soils 2026 is not responsible for travel or accommodation costs. Choose refundable bookings where possible and check your provider's cancellation conditions.
Programme, papers and speakers
Where can I find the programme?
The detailed online programme lists the programme by day. Open a technical session to see presentation titles and authors. Check it again shortly before travelling in case of changes.
Where are papers submitted?
Conference contributions are submitted through the ISSMGE Conference Review Platform in both .docx and .pdf format. Dryfta is used for conference registration, confirmation documents, programme information and networking.
Will accepted work be published?
Accepted full papers will be published in the conference proceedings indexed in Scopus. Accepted extended abstracts will be published with open access on the ISSMGE website.
Where can speakers find presentation instructions?
Speakers should consult the Speaker Information page and follow the latest instructions published there.
Venue, travel and accommodation
How do I travel from Schiphol Airport to Delft?
Trains run from Schiphol Airport to Delft throughout the day. Some are direct; others require a change in Leiden. Consult the NS journey planner for current routes and times.
How do I reach the venue from Delft Central Station?
Travel by bus, taxi or OV-fiets. Bus 40 towards Rotterdam Centraal and bus 69 towards TU Delft stop near the Aula. Construction may affect services, so check current travel information and allow extra time.
Is parking available?
Conference participants will receive a QR code for free parking during the event. Spaces are limited and subject to availability. Follow the latest instructions from the organisers and TU Delft Campus.
Where should I stay?
The accommodation page lists preferred WestCord hotels and other hotels in Delft. Preferred WestCord hotels offer guests a 10% benefit, subject to the stated booking conditions. Book early because Delft is busy in summer.
Photography during the conference
Will photographs be taken?
Yes. Official photographs will be taken exclusively by the organisers and authorised conference staff. A selection will be displayed in the foyer on each conference day.
What should I do if I do not want to be photographed?
Collect a red lanyard at the registration desk and wear it visibly throughout the conference. It tells official photographers that you do not want to appear in photographs.
Photographers will also check the backgrounds of group and room photographs. If you nevertheless appear in an image, contact the registration desk. The organisers will remove the image from the foyer overview and exclude it from further use.
Who may take official conference photographs?
Only organisers and authorised conference staff may take official conference photographs. They are briefed to respect black lanyards and requests from participants.
Where can I ask for help during the event?
Visit the registration desk for practical assistance, including questions about badges, photographs and on-site arrangements.
Visa and entry requirements
Do I need a visa?
Requirements depend on your nationality and country of residence. You are responsible for checking whether you need a Schengen visa. Begin the application process as early as possible.
Who can receive an invitation letter?
An official invitation letter is available to participants who have completed registration and paid in full, or who have received approval from the organisers. The letter supports a visa application but does not imply financial support.
How do I generate my visa invitation letter?
Log in to your Dryfta account, select your name in the top-right corner, open My Profile, go to your dashboard and select Generate Visa Letter. Complete all required fields exactly as shown in your passport.
Can the organisers contact an embassy for me?
No. The organisers cannot contact embassies or consulates on a participant's behalf and cannot influence visa decisions.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Contact the conference secretariat promptly and provide official documentation of the rejection. Under the published visa policy, registration may then be cancelled and the fee refunded minus a €50 administration fee.
The Netherlands and Delft
What currency is used?
The currency is the euro (€). Card and contactless payments are widely accepted, although some businesses prefer debit cards. Carrying more than one payment option is advisable.
What is the emergency telephone number?
Call 112 for police, fire or ambulance assistance in an emergency.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and a Type C/F adapter if required. The Dutch power supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Platform and contact
What is my Dryfta account used for?
Your account is used for registration, confirmation documents, programme updates and participant networking. Keep your username and password so you can return to your personal area.
Scientific programme and papers
Registration and payments
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