FAQ Events

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Each year, the Graduate Institute hosts around 250 lectures, panel debates, conferences and film screenings, featuring well-known personalities from both academia and the world of international affairs, and contributing to public understanding of the major challenges of our time. Upcoming events are featured on the events calendar and you can subscribe to receive event invitations.

Events calendar | Access and parking | Subscribe

 

Entry Information 

How much do your events cost?

All events are free to attend.

Do I need to be a student, staff member or alumnus to attend?

No, our events are open to everyone.

Do I need to register to attend?

In most cases, the event web page will include a registration form. While we generally do not check attendee names on arrival, registering in advance allows us to choose the optimal room configuration for the meeting.

How do I register for an event?

Simply complete the short registration form on the event web page.

Is my place guaranteed?

Our public events are free, un-ticketed events, and admission operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time to avoid disappointment.

Do you let in latecomers?

In most cases we do, space permitting. Please note that admittance to any Graduate Institute public event is always at the discretion of the event manager.

I can no longer attend an event. What should I do?

Please let us know by email as soon as possible. That way we can release the place we’re holding for you. Your courtesy in letting us know you can no longer attend is appreciated, particularly for very popular events.

Can I transfer my seat to someone else?

In most cases, yes. On rare occasions where seats are non-transferable, attendees will be informed of this by email.

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the event is scheduled to start, although for the majority of events those arriving immediately before the start time are still very likely to get a seat. Please note, however, that no guarantees can be made.

Doors to the auditorium usually open around 30 minutes before the start time, depending on audience numbers.

What happens if I arrive late?

In most cases you will be able to enter and take your seat. Please note that for films, we close the doors 15 minutes after the screening begins.

Will I have to queue?

In most cases, no, although there is sometimes a wait for very popular events. Your cooperation in being seated where you are directed by the event stewards is much appreciated.

If the venue is full, can I stand at the back?

No standing is allowed for health and safety reasons. We cannot exceed the legal capacity of the venue so once all the seats are full we unfortunately can’t admit any more guests. At all times, the Institute reserves the right to limit event attendance.

For very popular events, we try to arrange a live-stream and/or video link to an adjoining auditorium.

Can I save a seat for a friend?

Entry is on a first come, first served basis, so it is not possible to save seats once inside the auditorium. If you are waiting for a friend, we ask that you wait outside and then take your seats together.

The event is fully booked - can I still attend somehow?

There is always a possibility of extra space due to no-shows, but entry via this method is not guaranteed. If you are very keen to attend a fully-booked event, you can come to Maison de la Paix where we will indicate if a stand-by line exists.

Security 

What are your security requirements?

In most cases it is not necessary to bring a photo ID to confirm your place on the attendee list, or to pass through any security screening. On those occasions when we do operate security screening, attendees are informed of the particular arrangements (eg necessity to bring photo ID, bag checks, doors closing at a certain time) by email before the event.

Is there a cloakroom?

There is a cloakroom inside the Ivan Pictet auditorium. Please note items are left at the guests own risk.

Getting to Maison de la Paix 

What is the easiest way to get there?

Located in the heart of International Geneva, the Institute is easily reached from Geneva city centre and the main train station by tram number 15 (Maison de la Paix stop) and from the airport. Detailed access information is available here.

At the event 

Can I take photographs or video during the event?

You are welcome to take photos at events but please do not use flash photography inside the auditorium as it is very off-putting for both speakers and the audience. If you take a good photo, why not tweet it and tag @iheid?

If the event is a film screening, we ask you not to film or photograph any part of the event due to copyright law.

Can I ask not to appear in any photos or video from the event?

As these are public events, you may appear in any photos or video footage, without consenting to your image and likeness being captured and used.

Can I report what is said during the event?

In most cases, yes. In some cases the organizer will ask the audience to respect Chatham House rules, where comments can be reported but not attributed to a particular speaker.

Can I speak during the event?

All our events include the possibility for audience participation. We simply ask that you are brief and respectful in your comments.

Can I bring food and drink with me to the event?

No food or drink is permitted inside the Ivan Pictet auditorium or the A2 auditorium. No pets either!

Accessibility 

I have special access requirements, who should I get in touch with about attending the event?

Please contact the event organiser as far as possible in advance. Please note that, while we will always do our best to accommodate access requirements, without prior notification we cannot guarantee admission.

Are your film events subtitled?

If it is a film screening, the film will have English subtitles in most cases.

I'm a wheelchair user, how can I access an event?

We can usually accommodate at least one wheelchair space. Wheelchair spaces should be arranged in advance of the event. Please get in touch directly with the event organiser to arrange this, who will also send you details about the best route to access the building.

Contacting us 

I have a query which you haven't answered above, who can I contact?

You can email us at communication@graduateinstitute.ch If you think there is an important question missing, let us know so we can add it in.

I would like to propose an event - what do I do?

Please email your proposal to communication@graduateinstitute.ch