MODELS 2026 offers more than a high-level technical program. Its social events are designed to create memorable experiences, foster collaborations, and allow participants to discover the unique atmosphere of Málaga. During the conference, attendees will enjoy spaces that combine local culture, Mediterranean charm, and hospitality.

Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

Monday October 5, 2026 from 8:00-8:45 &

Thursday October 8, 2026 from 8:00-8:45

Before the conference sessions begin, start your morning with a relaxing yoga session on the beach as you watch the sunrise. Take some time to stretch, breathe, and enjoy the calm before the day gets underway. All levels are welcome.

The session will take place on El Bajondillo Beach, right in front of the conference hotel: Meliá Costa del Sol.

There are only 30 spots available per day, and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you sign up but later find that you cannot attend, please remember to cancel your registration so that your spot can be made available to someone else.

Sign up for the activity on this link and remember to bring your badge to identify yourself!

Satellite Reception: Silencio Beach Club

Monday October 5, 2026 at 18:00

Located by the Mediterranean sea, Silencio Beach combines the contemporary energy of the Costa del Sol with a privileged seafront setting.

With the sea breeze, Mediterranean cuisine and the spectacular sunsets of Los Álamos, Silencio Beach provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable social experience by the sea. This space reflects the energy and creativity of the city.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There will be two options for getting to the venue: by bus or on foot.

🚶 Walking group: For those who would like to walk, we will meet in front of the taxi stop next to the hotel at 18:00 (see Google Maps location). The walk along the promenade takes 35-40 minutes and is a very beautiful as well as a very popular route among locals, many of whom enjoy it as a leisurely walk. Please, do not forget to bring your ticket and badge.

🚌 Bus group: For those who prefer to take the bus, we will meet at the front door of the hotel at 18:30. Please, do not forget to bring your ticket and badge.

Celebrating women, celebrating everyone

Tuesday October 6, 2026 at 17:45

This event is an opportunity to celebrate women in our community while bringing EVERYONE together in a relaxed and informal setting.

Our mentors will be an important part of the evening. They’ll be looking forward to meet participants, share their experiences, answer questions, and have conversations around career paths, challenges, opportunities, and experiences as women in the field.

The event will take place at the Meliá Costa del Sol Central Bar and Garden. There’s no formal agenda, just some time set aside to relax, have good conversations, and connect.

LGTBIQ+ and allies social gathering

Tuesday October 6, 2026 at 19:30

This event will provide a space to meet, connect, and share experiences with members of the LGTBIQ+ community. The event is an opportunity to get to know others in the conference community, exchange experiences, and have open and informal conversations in a welcoming atmosphere.

The event will take place today at 19:30 at Vanilla Cafe copas - just a 10 minute walk from the Meliá.

Welcome Reception: Hotel Melia Costa del Sol Rooftop

Wednesday October 7, 2026 at 20:00

The Hotel Meliá is an iconic venue and a meeting point for participants. It offers comfort, elegant facilities, and quality service in a convenient location. Participants will enjoy a cocktail dinner overlooking the sea and the Bay of Málaga, while staying at the heart of the MODELS 2026 experience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Once inside the hotel lobby, you can access the rooftop by taking the main elevator in the right-hand tower (when facing the hotel) directly to the top floor.

Please, to be granted access to the event bring your ticket and badge.

Gala Dinner: Hacienda Nadales

Thursday October 8, 2026 at 19:00

Located in a privileged natural setting, Hacienda Nadales is one of the most distinctive venues in Málaga. It has a history dating back to the 18th century and passed through several owners over the years. At the end of the 19th century, the property had largely taken on the form in which it is known today, following a series of testamentary divisions that shaped its boundaries and overall extent.

The palace house of Hacienda Nadales was commissioned by its owner, Tomás Heredia Livermore, around 1870 from the Italian architect Antonio Cipolla. It was built in a historicist style with influences from the Italian Renaissance, featuring a portico with four Ionic columns.

The Garden of San José lies opposite the palace, one of the estat’s true jewels, prized for both its botanical and historical value. Here, exotic species mingle with Mediterranean plants, arranged across different levels, from creeping ground cover to shrubs and smaller trees, all the way up to majestic mature specimens.

Surrounded by gardens, elegant architecture, and panoramic views, it offers an ideal environment to relax and connect with other professionals.

Participants will experience an evening where academic conversations blend with the Mediterranean landscape. At sunset, the venue becomes a perfect setting for networking, new ideas, and lasting relationships.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Buses will be leaving from the front door of the hotel at 19:00. Please be on time and don’t forget to bring your ticket and badge.

Ice-cream treat

All conference long

Málaga is famous for its tradition of delicious, locally made ice cream, so we thought we’d combine sustainability with a little local treat!

As part of our sustainability initiative, we will reward participants with an ice cream if they bring to the registration desk their payment receipts for local buses, metro or commuter trains (cercanías) used to travel from the airport or main train station to the conference area, or if they use these services for their daily journey to the conference (please note that taxi receipts are excluded).

Check the Travel and Transportation Guide that we have prepared here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

With your ice-cream ticket, simply visit Heladería Verde Limón, present your ticket, and enjoy your ice cream! Our opening hours are Monday & Tuesday, 17:00-00:00, and Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00-00:00.