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Accommodation

Transportation

Whether you're arriving from around the corner or from far away, we're here to ensure your SIAW 2026 visit is smooth and enjoyable. Find out how to get to Florence either by car, by train or by plane.

Train

Two companies, Trenitalia and Italo, operate high-speed trains to the main Florence hub, the Santa Maria Novella station (often abbreviated as Firenze S.M. Novella).

If you'd like to comparison shop, Omio and Trainline are both useful.

Car

You will not need a car for SIAW'26, as the city is very walkable and all venues are within walking distance from each other and from the hotels where we are holding rooms. If, however, you choose to drive to Florence, make sure you tell your hotel or apartment host in advance. They will inform you about available parking options and procure a temporary permit for your car to enter the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Area).

Plane

The Florence Airport is connected with multiple flights per day to all major Europan hubs; a fast tramway connects the Florence airport with the city centre in only 15 minutes.

If you don't find a direct connection to Florence, also check Pisa and Bologna. Both cities are within 50-60 minutes of Florence by train, and you will find a broader choice of low-cost airlines as well as direct flights from more cities, such as Dubai and Istanbul.

If you are coming from San Francisco, one option is the direct flight to Rome with ITA Airways (not available every day, but watch for seasonally reinforced schedules) and a comfortable high-speed train ride from Rome to Florence (about 90 minutes).

Coming to Florence a bit earlier? Staying a bit longer? Our content partners at Passione Gourmet have recommended restaurants, bars and coffee shops to satisfy every taste.

PassioneGourmet's logotype, the words 'Passione Gourmet'

CO2 Offsets

Coming soon! Offset the CO2 emissions from your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Italian Stanford Alumni Association is eager to welcome you to Florence in June! Below, you'll discover all the essential information and resources you need to plan and enrich your SIAW 2026 experience. Have additional questions? You are welcome to write to the following email address: SIAW2026@gmail.com

What is SIAW 2026?
SIAW 2026 is a three-day Stanford alumni weekend in Florence (Italy), bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the University for talks, networking, and social events.
When is SIAW 2026?
SIAW 2026 will take place the last weekend of June 2026, to .
Who is invited to SIAW 2026?
The event is open to Stanford alumni, current students, and faculty members, as well as their partners/guests. Friends of Stanford and local guests may also be invited for part of the program, at the discretion of the organizers.
I have studied at Stanford or remotely in a Stanford program, but I do not fulfill the official Stanford Alumni definition. Can I attend?
The event will have a limited number of tickets available for those who have attended programs such as LEAD or the shorter GSB executive programs.
What will the schedule be on SIAW 2026?
The weekend will include keynote sessions, panels, cultural visits, and social events. The program will be published and progressively updated on the event website.
When will registration open?
Registrations and ticket purchase will open in early 2026.
Are tickets/advanced registration required?
Yes. Advance registration and tickets are required, as there is a limited number of seats available for most activities.
How much does a ticket cost?
Prices will be published when registration opens. Purchase your ticket early in order to take advantage of Early Bird pricing.
What does a ticket include?
The main event ticket includes access to plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and official social events listed in the program from Friday in the late afternoon to Saturday night, including Friday and Saturday dinners, Saturday lunch, and coffee breaks on Saturday. The optional activities during the day on Friday and Sunday require an additional fee.
Is accommodation included in the ticket price?
Accommodation is not included in the ticket. We are providing recommendations and preferred rates for short-term apartment rentals and partner hotels (see Accommodation).
I will be graduating and looking for a job in June 2026, or I will have graduated less than 2 years before - I'm still cash-strapped. Can you make it easier for me to attend?
We are asking more senior alumni to sponsor some tickets for new graduates. If we are successful, there will be sharply reduced or free tickets for some recent graduated. If you have graduated from Stanford after June 30, 2024, please write to us at info@SIAW26.com and we will keep you informed as this option materializes.
Thank you. Can you make it even easier?
There is a very limited number of beds (or sofas) available in the homes of Florentine alumni who are available to host young alumni for the weekend. Please write to us at info@SIAW26.com. Please note, you will still need to cover your travel costs.
Will I receive a name tag?
Yes. All registered participants will receive a name badge at check-in, which should be worn at all official SIAW events.
Is there a SIAW 2026 desk for check-in and event information?
Yes. An information and check-in desk will be available during the main event hours. Staff and volunteers will be available to help with questions.
What is the dress code?
Casual or smart casual is good for most of the weekend. You might like to dress up a bit for the evening events.
Is it hot? Will there be air conditioning?
It may well be warm outside! Daily high temperatures in late June in Florence range between 25,5°C (78°F) and 29,4°C (85°F), rarely exceeding 33,8°C (93°F). Daily low temperatures range between 13,7°C (57°F) and 17,2°C (63°F), rarely falling below 10,5°C. The places where we will spend time indoors all have air conditioning, with the exception of the venue for our important but brief opening ceremony, the historical Hall of the Five Hundred at Palazzo Vecchio (which, however, has very thick walls and should not pose a problem).
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Most activities will take place indoors or in covered venues. In case of weather-related changes (e.g., for outdoor events), updates will be promptly communicated.
I have special accessibility needs.
We aim to make SIAW as inclusive as possible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know during registration or by contacting info@SIAW26.com.
Is it possible to participate remotely?
No. This is an in-person event and it will not be livestreamed.
Will SIAW 2026 be held in English, or will there be talks in Italian too?
SIAW 2026 will be held in English only.
I am interested in staying longer than two days. When should I arrive in order to take advantage of the entire program, including optional activities?
Excellent! In this case we recommend that you arrive at least by Thurdsay evening, June 25, and plan to depart late on Sunday, June 28, or even better on Monday, June 29.
I'm arriving one/two/three etc. days in advance. Where should I eat?
We have a full list of recommended places! See Useful links for your stay in Florence.
This is great! Can I make a monetary contribution to the organization of the event?
We would be very grateful if you could support the event. Please contact Stefano Siglienti, President of Stanford Club Italia, at the email shown on the event page on the Stanford Groups platform.
Is there a hashtag for the event?
Use #SIAW26 to tag you social media posts and images related to the occasion.

Team

SIAW 2026 is organized by Stanford Club Italia, with the help and support of Linda Campani at Stanford in Florence and the ideas and contributions of many alumni volunteers. We greatfully acknowledge the support by Destination Florence, created by Fondazione Destination Florence in collaboration with the City of Florence.

  • Stefano Siglienti

    President

    Picture of Stefano Siglienti

  • Federico Pagani

    Vice President and Treasurer

    Picture of Federico Pagani

  • Paola Bonomo

    Board Member and Past President

    Picture of Paola Bonomo

  • Linda Campani

    Spogli Family Director, Breyer Center for Overseas Studies, Bing Overseas Studies Program

    Picture of Linda Campani