The ISMD 2026 conference will feature several social events, including:
- Welcome Reception | Monday evening, August 17
- Half-Day Excursion | Wednesday afternoon, August 19
- Conference Banquet | Wednesday evening, August 19
Half-Day Excursions: Shifen Waterfall and Sky Lantern Experience in Pingxi
Take a break from the symposium and join us for a fun half-day trip to Shifen Waterfall and Pingxi, two of northern Taiwan’s best-loved attractions.
We will first visit Shifen Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Taiwan and one of the most scenic natural spots in the area. Surrounded by green hills and walking trails, it is a perfect place to enjoy the fresh air, take in the views, and snap some great photos.
We will then head to Pingxi, a charming hillside town famous for its old railway tracks, local snacks, and sky lantern tradition. There, you will have the chance to write your wishes on a sky lantern and send it into the sky. One of Taiwan’s most iconic and memorable travel experiences.
This excursion is a great opportunity to see a different side of Taiwan, enjoy some beautiful scenery, and share a special cultural experience with fellow participants.

Symposium Banquet
After the excursion, we will take participants directly to the symposium banquet venue in downtown Taipei. When the banquet concludes, shuttle service will be provided back to the hotels in Chungli.
The symposium banquet will be held at Brick Yard Restaurant on Dunhua North Road in Taipei. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere and classic Taiwanese cuisine, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming setting for participants to relax and enjoy an evening together.
The venue has also drawn public attention in recent years because NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has chosen it for gatherings with leaders from Taiwan’s technology industry. Media coverage has described the restaurant as a well-known Taiwanese restaurant with a strong retro style and a menu featuring classic local dishes.
For our symposium, the banquet will provide a great opportunity for participants to experience Taiwanese food and hospitality in one of Taipei’s well-known dining venues.
