The 36th ICARUS Convention will take place in Tallinn 27–29 May 2026
From 27–29 May 2026, the National Archives of Estonia and the International Centre for Archival Research are organizing the 36th ICARUS Convention in Tallinn. This year’s theme “Highlighting Heritage, Empowering Knowledge – From Archivists to Everyone” is full of inspiring sessions and opportunities to connect across borders and disciplines, see the programme.
The convention’s opening session is featuring the keynote by renowned Canadian consultant and author Laura Millar on finding “Teachable Moments,” alongside thought-provoking contributions on AI, data governance, and historical databases. Throughout Day 1, we will explore academic collaboration and historical research, learn about innovative digitization projects and advanced technical solutions, highlight cutting-edge tools, large language models, and the evolving role of human expertise in archival work.
Day 2 shifts focus to archival governance and best practices, showcasing international perspectives on cultural heritage ecosystems, cooperation, and information security. This is followed by sessions on advanced technologies and public outreach, where AI meets accessibility, podcasting, and creative ways of bringing archives to wider audiences. In the afternoon, the spotlight turns to education and public engagement, demonstrating how archives can become powerful storytelling tools in classrooms and communities. The day wraps up with community engagement and crowdsourcing, exploring participatory approaches, sustainability, and the impact of civic archives. Additionally, there is the traditional football match taking place for all the inspired attendees!
Finally, Day 3 invites all on-site participants to experience Tallinn’s historic past firsthand with guided tours to the Estonian Maritime Museum and the Vabamu KGB prison cells. As always, the ICARUS Convention promises to inspire, connect, and empower everyone passionate about archives and cultural heritage, offering a rich mix of presentations, case studies, innovative projects, and networking opportunities.
Registration is open until the end of April – just fill in a short form here.
Looking forward to meeting you in Tallinn!