ib2mac 2028 · 19th Edition
19th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference
Dates
18 to 21 June 2028
Location
Guimarães, Portugal
Venue
Centro Cultural Vila Flor
Audience
Researchers & Industry
Dates
18 to 21 June 2028
Location
Guimarães, Portugal
Venue
Centro Cultural Vila Flor
Audience
Researchers & Industry
The International Brick and Block Masonry Conference (IB2MAC) is a global event designed to bring together masonry researchers and professionals, representatives from the masonry industry and regulatory bodies, construction experts, and educators. It offers a distinctive forum for exchanging ideas, fostering professional connections, and exploring emerging trends, innovations, and challenges in masonry research and practice. Since the inaugural edition held in 1967 in Austin, Texas, the conference has been organized 16 additional times in various countries around the world.
The conference will take place at the Centro Cultural Vila Flor (CCVF) in the historic city of Guimarães, Portugal. CCVF is a distinguished cultural and events centre combining modern facilities with the restored Palácio Vila Flor, an 18th-century palace and its scenic gardens, in the heart of Guimarães’ UNESCO-listed historic centre.
CCVF offers excellent infrastructure for conferences and academic gatherings, including two auditoria with capacities of approximately 800 and 200 seats, multiple meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, a café-concert, a restaurant and supporting foyers and technical facilities. These versatile spaces are well suited for plenary sessions, parallel sessions, poster areas, breaks and social events.
Guimarães is a city rich in culture and history, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Its well-preserved medieval centre, charming streets, museums, monuments and vibrant cultural life make it an inspiring and pleasant setting for international meetings. Porto and Douro valley Port wine region can be reached easily for a day trip.
The city and CCVF are easily reachable from major Portuguese cities such as Porto and Lisbon. Guimarães less than 1-hour journey by road from Porto Airport (Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro) by car or bus, which is one of Portugal’s main international airports. Porto Airport offers direct flights to more than 135 international destinations.
Egypt
AlgeriaUSA
FranceItaly
IndiaUKUKCanadaGermanyCanadaSpainGermanyItaly
Greece
Chile
PeruCanadaUSAUSAIndiaGreece
MexicoItalyItalyItalyItalyBrazil
DenmarkItalyPolandThe Netherlands
Czechia
New ZealandSpain
Colombia
Sri Lanka
Hungary
SwitzerlandCanada
PakistanUKSpainItalyItalyGreece
Croatia
RomaniaAustraliaUSA
IranUSA
SwedenBelgiumCanadaUSAFrancePeruThe NetherlandsThe NetherlandsIndiaItalyItalyUKAustralia
NorwayGermanyUK
SloveniaChina
JapanGuimarães is a historic city in the Minho region of northern Portugal, often referred to as the “birthplace of Portugal”. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre and surrounding Couros zone are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to their remarkable urban fabric and traditional architecture.
Guimarães offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern business hotels to historic pousadas, boutique hotels and apartments. Most options are within a short walk or a brief taxi ride from the historic centre and typical conference venues. Special hotel arrangements will be announced in time. A broad selection of other hotels, guesthouses and apartments is available on the usual booking platforms. We recommend booking early, as Guimarães is a popular destination.
Discover how to reach Guimarães from Porto Airport and other major Portuguese cities, with practical information on transport connections, local mobility and nearby destinations. From direct airport buses and train links to taxis, ride-sharing services and walkable historic streets, this section provides everything delegates need to plan their journey and explore the city comfortably during the conference.
