General Information

The congress venue is the ETEC Building at the University at Albany:

ETEC Building
University at Albany, SUNY
1220 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12203, United States

ETEC is a modern, state-of-the-art facility on UAlbany’s uptown campus, hosting research, education, and innovation under one roof. It offers flexible lecture halls, seminar rooms, ample lobby space for networking, as well as WiFi and on-site services such as restrooms and parking.

Further directions and campus maps are available on the University at Albany website.

By Air
The nearest airport is Albany International Airport (ALB). It is located roughly 10–12 km (6–7 mi) from the UAlbany uptown campus, corresponding to about 10–15 minutes by taxi or rideshare, depending on traffic.

• Taxi / rideshare: Taxis as well as ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are available at the airport; the ride to the campus is typically around 10–15 minutes.
• Public bus: Local bus services connect the airport with the university area and downtown Albany; total travel time is usually around 30–40 minutes, depending on the route.

By Train
Albany is served by Amtrak via the Albany–Rensselaer Station, located across the Hudson River from downtown Albany. From the train station, it is approximately 15–20 minutes by car to the UAlbany uptown campus, depending on traffic. Frequent trains run from New York City and other major cities in the region.

By Long-Distance Bus
The Albany Bus Terminal in downtown Albany is served by several regional and national bus companies. From the bus terminal, it is roughly 10–15 minutes by car to the UAlbany uptown campus.

By Car
Albany is conveniently located at the intersection of the I-87 (north–south) and I-90 (east–west) interstate highways. The UAlbany uptown campus is accessed from Washington Avenue; follow signs to the main campus entrance and visitor parking (Collins Circle), then to the ETEC Building. Detailed driving directions and campus maps are available on the University at Albany website.

Parking for conference participants will be provided free of charge. 

• ETEC Building: Please park in the ETEC parking lot, anywhere except where the signs indicate reserved spaces for specific individuals or groups.
• For the conference dinner (taking place in the Campus Center Ballroom): Please park in the Dutch Faculty/Staff parking lot, anywhere except where the signs indicate reserved spaces for specific individuals or groups.

Within Albany, participants can move between the campus, hotels, and downtown using:

• Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Lyft), widely available.
• Local buses operated by the regional transit authority, with routes serving the university area, malls, and downtown.
• Walking from the recommended hotels (see below), which are all within walking distance of the ETEC Building.

More detailed information on specific bus lines and stops will be added as the conference approaches.

We have reserved a limited number of rooms for ICOB participants at the following hotels. Participants book independently and are responsible for their own reservations and payments.
Distances given below are approximate and refer to the walking distance to the ETEC Building.

Booking Deadline: Hotel booking deadline at a discounted rate is February 17, 2026.

Stay Dates: Dates of the stay can be adjusted.

  
Hilton Garden Inn Albany / SUNY Area 1389

• Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
• Located directly across from the main campus of the State University of New York at Albany and close to major highways. The hotel offers spacious rooms with microwaves and refrigerators, an on-site restaurant (Great American Grill), a 24-hour convenience store, and other business and leisure amenities.
• Distance to ETEC (walking): approx. 1.1 km (0.7 mi) – about 16 minutes on foot
• Indicative rate for ICOB 2026 participants: USD 120 + tax per night Courtyard by

Courtyard by Marriott Albany Thruway

• 1455 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206, US
• Hotel near the University at Albany with comfortable rooms featuring microwaves and LCD televisions. The property offers complimentary wired and wireless internet, a restaurant and coffee shop, and a bar/lounge. Additional amenities include a fitness center and business services.
• Distance to ETEC (walking): approx. 1.5 km (0.9 mi) – about 21 minutes on foot
• Indicative rate for ICOB 2026 participants: USD 149 + tax per night

Hampton Inn Albany–Western Ave / University Area

• 1442 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203, US
• Located along Western Avenue near the University at Albany, this hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary WiFi, and a complimentary on-the-go breakfast. It also provides meeting space, free self-parking, and easy access to nearby shopping (e.g., Crossgates Mall).
• Distance to ETEC (walking): approx. 2.1 km (1.3 mi) – about 29 minutes on foot Distance to ETEC (by car): approx. 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic
• Indicative rate for ICOB 2026 participants: USD 139 + tax per night

Tax Exemption: If eligible, some hotels may honor tax exemption upon presentation of the appropriate forms at check-in. Please clarify eligibility and procedures directly with the hotel when booking.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring that they meet the U.S. entry and visa requirements applicable to their nationality.
• Many visitors will require either a visa or ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Please check the latest information provided by the U.S. authorities well in advance of your trip.
• If you need an official invitation letter for visa purposes, please refer to the registration information or contact the congress management as indicated in your registration confirmation.

  We strongly recommend that you start the visa process as early as possible.

In March, Albany typically experiences late-winter / early-spring conditions:

• Average daytime highs around 7 °C (mid-40s °F)
• Average nighttime lows around –3 °C (mid-20s °F)

Weather can be variable, with the possibility of rain or light snow. We recommend:

• Layered clothing, including a warm jacket or coat
• Water-resistant shoes suitable for short walks between hotels and campus
• A hat, scarf, and gloves if you are sensitive to cold

At the ETEC Building, participants can expect:

• Modern lecture halls and seminar rooms
• Lobby and foyer areas for networking and poster viewing
• Restrooms and seating areas
• WiFi access (details will be provided on site or in the conference materials)
• Nearby options for coffee and snacks on or near campus

Information on on-site registration, badge pick-up, cloakroom, and catering during the congress (coffee breaks, lunches, and social events) will be made available closer to the event as part of the detailed program and participant information.

In case of any life-threatening emergency, please dial 911 (police, fire, ambulance – throughout the United States).

Further information on local medical facilities and campus safety contacts will be provided in the conference materials and on site.