CARE 2026
Everything you need to know before we gather in Warsaw.
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Welcome to CARE 2026!
We're so glad you're joining us in Warsaw. This guide covers everything you need to know about registration, the venue, food, sessions, and more. If you have a question that isn't answered here, reach out any time at care@animainternational.org.
We especially recommend the Have Free Time in Warsaw? and Take Care of Yourself sections later in this guide.
Key information
- Dates
- Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 September 2026
- Venue
- Browarna 8, 00-312 Warszawa
- Registration
- Open Thursday–Saturday during the event – bring your Swapcard ticket
- Swapcard
- Use Swapcard to view sessions, book meetings, and check in – download here
- Food
- All conference food is vegan
- Badge
- Please wear your badge at all times at the venue and at the afterparties
- Dogs
- Not permitted inside the venue, per venue regulations
- Contact
- care@animainternational.org
- Download and set up the Swapcard app
- Browse the schedule and bookmark the sessions you want to attend
- Book 1-on-1 meetings with other attendees
- Join the CARE WhatsApp group for informal, in-person coordination
- Check the restaurant discounts and Warsaw attractions later in this guide
- Set your goals for the conference – and be realistic about scheduling time to rest
Registration details
To register and receive your badge, show your ticket at one of the registration points, available from Thursday through Saturday during the event. You'll find your ticket – including your QR code – in the Swapcard app, or in the confirmation email you received, where it's also attached as a QR code.
Open the Swapcard app, go to the “CARE 2026” event, and on the event's home page tap the “My Ticket” button.
If you haven't yet, download the Swapcard app to access the event and stay updated – available for Android, iOS, or in your browser.
Venue information
CARE Conference runs from Thursday to Sunday.
- Location (Thu–Sat)
- Browarna 8, 00-312 Warszawa (map)
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi is available. Collect your individual Wi-Fi code at the registration desk – a separate code is needed for each device.
- Sunday brunch
- Networking & brunch at Komuna Warszawa (map). A tent will be set up in case of rain.
- After parties
- Afterparties start at 20:00.
- Opening hours
- Thursday 14:00–19:00
- Friday–Saturday 8:00–19:00
- Sunday brunch 11:00–16:00
- Venue map
- View the venue map
Programme by day
- Thursday: pre-events, pre-registration, workshops, career fair, networking and after party
- Friday & Saturday: panel discussions, workshops, Engagement and Food System Transformation segments (running all day), networking and after parties
- Sunday: networking brunch at Komuna Warszawa
Accessibility
The venue is accessible for people with disabilities. Lifts are available throughout the building, and there's a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance.
Facilities at the venue
Hygiene products
Pads, tampons, deodorant, creams and other basics are available at the registration desk, and stocked in pink boxes in the toilets closest to the conference rooms.
Luggage storage
Leave your bags at the registration desk. You'll be given a numbered ticket to show when you collect them.
Phone charging
Power outlets are spread throughout the venue, so you shouldn't have to look far.
Coworking spaces
Need a quiet corner to get things done? The venue has coworking spaces where you can work in small groups – mostly around the tables on the 1st and 2nd floors.
Coworking spaces elsewhere in Warsaw
- Wola Park coworking zone – ul. Górczewska 124, 2nd floor. Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 10:00–20:00. Open to everyone, no sign-up. website · map
- Biblioteka Narodowa (National Library) – Al. Niepodległości 213. Mon–Sat 8:30–20:30. website · map
- Dom Kultury Kadr, Antresola – ul. Rzymowskiego 32. Mon–Fri 8:00–21:00. website · map
- Dom w Alejach (Dom Kultury Śródmieście branch) – Al. Jerozolimskie 2. Mon–Sat 9:00–21:00. map
- BNP Paribas coworking zones – free during branch hours, no sign-up; workspace, Wi-Fi and coffee. Marszałkowska 126/134 · Wołoska 9 · Kasprzaka 2.
- Plac Unii Lubelskiej (ING) – free coworking space, open 9:00–17:00. website · map
Where to stay nearby
Hotels we can vouch for
A large group of CARE folks usually stays at these two. Neither is fancy – room quality and standards can vary, so keep expectations realistic.
Other hotels in the area
Hostels & budget options
Plenty of hostels and apartments nearby – Google Maps is a good way to search. The closest hostels:
Note: we haven't personally vetted every hotel and hostel on this list, so it's worth reading recent reviews before booking.
Public transport
Getting to Warsaw from the airport
Warsaw is served by two airports you're likely to use: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), inside the city, and Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI), about 40 km north. A third, Warsaw-Radom (RDO), uses the “Warsaw” name but sits ~100 km away and isn't practical for the conference.
Download the Jakdojade app or use Google Maps for live routes and timetables – both work in English. Since 1 January 2026, drivers no longer sell tickets, so buy in advance via app, at a machine, or by tapping a contactless card inside the vehicle. If you flag down a street taxi, always ask the price before you set off.
From Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – recommended
About 8 km from the centre, with a train station directly under the terminal. Since the venue is on ul. Browarna, the fastest options often skip the centre entirely:
- Direct by bus – no transfer. Take bus 175, get off at Plac Piłsudskiego, then a ~9-minute walk to the venue.
- Direct by train – no transfer. Take train S2, get off at Warszawa Powiśle, then a ~16-minute walk to the venue.
Easiest check: open Google Maps, enter your location and the venue address (Browarna 8), and let it find the best connection – often a great direct option without knowing any stop names.
Prefer to go via the centre first?
- Train (SKM / Koleje Mazowieckie) – fastest and most reliable. Lines S2, S3, KM run to the centre; ~20–25 min to Warszawa Centralna regardless of traffic. Line S3 stops directly at Warszawa Centralna.
- City bus – line 175 runs via Nowy Świat and Warszawa Centralna; also 188, 148, and night line N32.
- Ticket price – a single 75-minute Zone 1 ticket is 4.40 PLN (2.20 reduced), valid on train and bus. A 24-hour ticket is 15 PLN. (Confirmed current for 2026 – Warsaw has frozen fares.)
- Taxi / Bolt / Uber – roughly 35–50 PLN (varies with traffic; check the app first).
Studying abroad? Foreign students under 26 with a valid ISIC card get 50% off – but only on long-term (weekly/monthly) tickets, not single or 24-hour ones. For a short trip, budget for full-price.
From Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI)
Mostly used by low-cost carriers. About 40 km north, so allow more time. Warsaw's city transport (ZTM) does not serve Modlin.
- Direct bus (FlixBus, Contbus) to Warszawa Centralna: from ~20 PLN with early online booking, roughly 1 hour.
- Train + shuttle bus (KM “Airport Ticket”): train to Modlin station, then shuttle to the terminal. Combined ticket ~22.40 PLN, covers train, shuttle and 75 min on Warsaw transport. Total ~1 h 20.
- Taxi / Bolt / Uber – fastest but most expensive; best value shared with others.
At a glance
| Route | Best option | Time | Cost | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chopin → centre | Train S2/S3/KM | 20–25 min | 4.40 PLN | jakdojade.pl |
| Chopin → centre | Bus 175 | 30–40 min | 4.40 PLN | jakdojade.pl |
| Chopin → centre | Taxi / Bolt / Uber | ~20 min | ~35–50 PLN | Bolt / Uber app |
| Modlin → centre | Direct bus | ~1 h | from ~20 PLN | flixbus.pl |
| Modlin → centre | Train + shuttle | ~1 h 20 | ~22.40 PLN | mazowieckie.com.pl |
Useful links
- Warsaw public transport (fares, EN): wtp.waw.pl
- Route planner: jakdojade.pl
- Train timetables: koleo.pl
- Modlin airport transport: modlinairport.pl
- KM Airport Ticket: lotniskowy.mazowieckie.com.pl
- Taxi apps: Bolt · Uber · FREE NOW
Nearest bus stops
The closest stops to the venue – all a 3–5 minute walk:
- Browarna
- Dobra
- Biblioteka Uniwersytecka
Note: ticket controls are frequent in Warsaw and controllers are unforgiving – always carry a valid ticket. One ticket is valid across all modes within its time window, so you can transfer freely.
Food & restaurants
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments are provided as shown below.
| Provided | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday (brunch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | – | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Lunch | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snacks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refreshments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
All conference food is vegan. Please let us know about any other dietary requirements when registering in Swapcard. If you forgot, email care@animainternational.org. Planning to eat out in the evening? Check nearby options on HappyCow.
Restaurants offering CARE discounts
The restaurants below have kindly offered a discount for CARE attendees. Just mention the code (or show your badge) when ordering.
| Restaurant | Address | Discount | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lokal Vegan Bistro | Krucza 23/m44 | 10% off everything | CARE2026 |
| Momencik | Hoża 41 | 15% off everything | CARE2026 |
| Niedaleko Damaszku | Icchoka Lejba Pereca 2 | 10% off everything | CARE2026 |
| Vege Miasto | Al. Solidarności 60A | 10% off lunch of the day + free lemonade over 30 PLN | CARE2026 |
| Baja (bakery) | Solec 85 | 10% off your entire order | Show badge |
| Manna 2 | Poznańska 2/4 | 10% off all dishes (drinks excl.) | CARE2026 |
| Wege Polka | Kłopot 4 | 10% off everything | CARE2026 |
| Vega | al. Jana Pawła II 36C | 10% off all set menus | CARE2026 |
| Vegamama | Nowolipie 23/5 | 10% off your whole bill | CARE2026 |
| Falafel Żudi | przejście podziemne, al. Jerzego Waszyngtona | 10% off all dishes & sandwiches | CARE2026 |
| NO TU OliDeli | Gen. W. Andersa 30 | 10% off all dishes (drinks excl.) | CARE2026 |
Schedule & Swapcard
You'll find all presentations, workshops and networking opportunities in the Swapcard app. If you haven't yet, download it for Android or iOS, or use the browser version.
To secure your spot in workshops, meetups and other limited-capacity activities, make sure to sign up for them in the app.
For in-person participants we've also created a WhatsApp group for informal conference chat – meet-ups, side events, or anything else you'd like to share. Once you're registered, the join link is available in Swapcard – just tap through from there.
Networking
Our primary focus is fostering strong connections within our community, and we want to give you plenty of opportunities to do that. Explore the participants' list on Swapcard and reach out to anyone who catches your interest – the possibilities extend beyond the conference, so feel free to arrange post-conference meetings or calls. Online participants are just as valuable to connect with as in-person ones.
Networking with Hive
Hive will host networking sessions for participants. Check the schedule and add these to your Swapcard agenda. Not in the Hive Slack community yet? We encourage you to join to keep conversations going after CARE.
CARE afterparties
Join our afterparties, take part in speed meetings – a great way to meet lots of people quickly – and sign up for meetups. Breaks and meal times are also great moments to strike up a conversation. Afterparties start at 20:00: Thursday at Resort (Bielańska 1), Friday & Saturday at Przyjaciele (Wilcza 58a).
What should I wear
- The dress code is casual – wear whatever makes you feel happy and comfortable.
- Mid-September in Warsaw is mild but cooling into autumn: daytime highs of roughly 15–20°C, dropping to around 8–12°C in the evenings. Rain is fairly common, so pack a warm layer and bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
- You may want to bring earphones for using the Swapcard app to listen to sessions and ask questions.
- Not sure about the dress code? Take a look at photos from last year's CARE for inspiration.
Have free time in Warsaw?
Places and attractions you might enjoy during your free time – organised by category. Prices and opening details were accurate at the time of writing; it's always worth checking the website before you go.
Historical treasures
Destroyed by the Nazis in 1944 and rebuilt brick by brick from 1971–1984. Inside: lavish royal apartments, Canaletto's panoramas of 18th-century Warsaw, and two Rembrandt masterpieces. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Warsaw's most beautiful park – 76 hectares of landscaped gardens, ponds and neoclassical palaces. The centrepiece is the Palace on the Isle, a royal summer residence on an ornamental lake. In September the first autumn colours appear.
The 17th-century summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski – one of the finest Baroque palaces in Central Europe. The formal gardens with symmetrical parterres and fountains are among the best maintained in Poland, and far less crowded than comparable Western sites.
Almost entirely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt so faithfully it earned UNESCO status. The Market Square is ringed by colourful burgher houses with café terraces, street musicians, and the famous Warsaw Mermaid at its centre.
One of Warsaw's finest Baroque churches, and home to a remarkable relic: Frédéric Chopin's heart, preserved in a pillar near the entrance. His body is buried in Paris, but his heart was smuggled to Poland and kept here ever since.
Erected in 1644, this 22-metre column is Warsaw's oldest secular monument and the natural starting point for any Old Town walk. King Sigismund III Vasa stands at the top, cross in one hand and sword in the other.
Museums & culture
One of the finest history museums in Europe. Eight galleries tell the story of Jewish life in Poland – from medieval settlers through the thriving prewar community to the Holocaust. Immersive design and extraordinary depth; allow two to three hours.
In August 1944 Warsaw rose against Nazi occupation in one of WWII's largest resistance operations. The uprising lasted 63 days before being crushed. Told through personal testimonies, original weapons, documents, and a haunting aerial film of the destroyed city.
Poland's largest art museum holds over 830,000 objects – from ancient Egyptian pieces and medieval Nubian frescoes to an extensive gallery of 19th-century Polish painting. A solid rainy-day option.
A striking white building by Thomas Phifer and Partners, in deliberate contrast to the Soviet-era Palace of Culture next door. Over 4,300 works shown through rotating thematic exhibitions – no fixed permanent display.
Every Sunday from May to late September, world-class pianists perform Chopin outdoors at the foot of the Chopin Monument. Bring a blanket, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy – one of the most memorable things Warsaw offers.
Dedicated to preserving Poland's communist-era neon signs – the illuminated advertisements that lit up Polish cities from the 1950s to the 80s. Hundreds of restored signs, compact and very photogenic. Moved in 2025 to the 4th floor of the Palace of Culture.
Warsaw's most innovative immersive experience: 11 rooms of large-scale projections, interactive installations and light art across 600 m². Created by Melt Immersive, known for Atelier des Lumières in Paris. The current show explores AI and humanity.
One of Europe's best science museums – genuinely fun for adults, not just kids. Over 450 hands-on exhibits across six themed galleries, plus a planetarium running shows throughout the day. Right on the Vistula riverfront.
Poland's oldest contemporary art institution. No permanent collection – instead ambitious, often provocative temporary exhibitions of Polish and international art. The smaller Zachęta Project Space around the corner is always free.
Walk-through digital art where large-scale projections cover floors, walls and ceilings and respond to your movement. Each room has a different theme – flowing water, blooming flowers, abstract geometry. Allow around an hour.
A museum dedicated to pinball and arcade games – one entry fee, unlimited play on everything from 1970s electromechanical tables to modern machines and classic arcade cabinets. Beer available, enthusiastic staff, very easy to lose two hours.
Tucked into an underground passage of the Warsaw Electronics Exchange, this dense little museum traces computing and gaming from the 1970s to today. Everything is playable – Commodore 64, Atari, Amiga, original Pegasus consoles.
A private museum dedicated to everyday life in communist Poland. Period furniture, household appliances, fashion and propaganda posters recreate typical PRL-era flats and offices.
Modern Warsaw
Stalin's “gift” to Poland, built in 1952–55 and Warsaw's most divisive landmark. Worth going up at least once.
The 53rd floor of Varso Tower – the tallest skyscraper in the EU at 310 m – holds a 360° observation terrace at 230 m with uninterrupted views across the city and the Vistula. The HighGarden lounge on the 49th floor adds an open-air cocktail bar.
The Vistula riverfront has become one of Warsaw's most beloved public spaces – beach bars, food trucks, kayaks and outdoor music in summer. In September the pace slows and crowds thin, but the riverside bars stay open and the sunsets are spectacular.
A free open-air spectacle where dozens of fountains are choreographed to music with synchronised lighting and laser projections. A good option for a warm September evening after dinner in the Old Town.
Warsaw has a rich street art scene, some murals impressive in scale and craft. A self-guided route maps the best works, concentrated in Wola, Praga and Śródmieście – a great way to explore neighbourhoods beyond the tourist centre.
Green escapes
Warsaw's green heart. On a warm September afternoon there's nowhere better to slow down – find a bench by the lake, watch the swans, and let the noise fade. The first autumn colours make it especially beautiful this time of year.
Poland's oldest public park, open to citizens since 1727. Formal French-style avenues, fountains and a sundial create a calm contrast to the busy streets nearby. At the southern edge stands the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
One of Warsaw's best-kept secrets: a rooftop garden atop the University Library with sweeping views over the Vistula and skyline. Over 17,000 plants across dozens of species, and almost never crowded – a short walk from the venue.
Free walking tours
All tours are tip-based (“pay as you want”). Book in advance at freewalkingtour.com/warsaw.
The essential first tour for anyone new to Warsaw – the Old Town, Royal Castle, and the story of the city's wartime destruction and postwar reconstruction.
A moving tour through what was once one of the largest Jewish communities in the world – ghetto boundaries, deportation memorials, and the stories of prewar Jewish Warsaw.
Street art in Praga, communist-era housing estates, and the neighbourhoods where Warsaw residents actually live. Great for people who've already seen the main sights.
Covers the occupation, the Ghetto Uprising of 1943, the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, and the deliberate destruction of the city – visiting key memorial sites with a clarity that's hard to match.
The Palace of Culture, socialist realist housing, and the everyday absurdities of life under the system – told with humour and real insight. A good complement to the war-focused tours.
An adults-only tour through Warsaw's darker chapters – crime, vice, and the stories that don't make the official guidebooks. Entertaining and irreverent.
Sessions
Are sessions recorded?
Panels, Fundraising, and Food System Transformation sessions will be recorded (workshops will not) and streamed via Swapcard. Recorded sessions are marked on the schedule. We'll also post them after CARE on our YouTube channel.
Will I get into every session I want?
Some sessions – especially workshops – have limited capacity due to the nature of the activity. Add any available sessions to your Swapcard schedule and check the app regularly for updates.
Consent: by attending, you consent to being filmed and/or photographed, and to those images potentially being used for marketing or promotion. Contact care@animainternational.org with any concerns about appearing in images or videos.
COVID policy
If you are currently testing positive for COVID – or another infectious illness, like the flu – please don't attend the event.
We do not require masks or testing to attend, but we encourage everyone to take a lateral flow (antigen) test before the conference. Tests will also be available at the registration desk during the event – these check for both COVID and flu.
Please inform anyone you had a one-on-one meeting with.
Lost and found
Lost something during the conference – or found something that isn't yours? Please bring it to, or ask about it at, the registration desk. Our team keeps track of lost items there throughout the event, so it's the first place to check and the first place to hand things in.
Take care of yourself
Meeting new people and having lots of conversations can be tiring. Make sure you take some time out during the conference if you feel your energy levels flagging. You can relax in our chill-out room on Level -1 whenever you need to – we also have a nap room on Level 1. Consider going outside, or up to the venue's rooftop, for some fresh air. If you run into any issues, please tell any of our volunteers, who'll be at the venue and at the registration/help desk.
Emergency numbers
If you ever need emergency services in Poland:
Logistics contacts
For anything conference-related rather than a medical emergency, contact our team directly. If it's urgent: +48 509 977 984.
- Marta Mikita – marta.mikita@animainternational.org
- Laura Gough – laura.gough@animainternational.org
- Magdalena Motylinska – magdalena.motylinska@otwarteklatki.pl
Community liaisons
If you experience any personal or interpersonal problems during the conference, feel free to reach out:
Code of conduct
At CARE we are committed to creating an environment that facilitates learning and productive discussions for all participants. To guarantee that, we ask every participant to follow a few key principles:
- Respect the diversity of opinion. We value critical thinking and constant questioning of our actions. We strive to create space for thoughtful discussions, and accept that thoughtful disagreements are possible.
- Don't be an asshole. Express your opinions in a way that is compassionate and respectful, respecting others' boundaries. At the same time we strive for discussions that challenge our thinking and make us reconsider held beliefs.
- Look out for one another and try to help if you are able to.
- Offensive, disruptive or discriminatory actions or communication (including toward gender identity, sexual orientation, beliefs, race, ethnicity, disability, citizenship or age).
- Unwanted sexual attention, or sexual harassment of any kind.
Communicating in person and online is difficult and prone to assumptions about others' motives or beliefs. We ask you to assume positive intentions and allow space to discuss behaviour or opinions you find troubling. If you're asked to stop a behaviour that's causing a problem for someone, we expect you to stop immediately. By registering to attend, you confirm you'll adhere to this Code of Conduct, which applies at the conference and all related social events.
Link repository
A handy, all-in-one list of the links used throughout this guide.
- Swapcard app
- iOS · Android · Web browser
- Venue map
- View the venue map
- Venue address
- Browarna 8, 00-312 Warszawa · Google Maps
- CARE website
- careconf.eu
- Conference photos
- CARE photos on Flickr
- Jakdojade app
- iOS · Android · Web
Questions?
If you have any questions before or during the event, you can contact us via the Swapcard Contact Organiser button, email the team at care@animainternational.org, or find us at the registration desk on-site.
See you soon – the CARE 2026 team 🩵
