Tentative agenda
A day by day overview of the program in Jerusalem, Southern Israel and Tel Aviv. This agenda is tentative and subject to change.
- Dates
- November 8 to 12, 2026
- Cities
- Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
- Theme
- TECH & AI: Empowering the Cities of Tomorrow
Sunday, November 8
Jerusalem
Check-in upon arrival at the King David Hotel. A historic Jerusalem landmark that has hosted world leaders for decades.
-
9:00 AM
Welcome to Israel
Arrival and check in. Early arrivals can join an optional cultural and historical tour.
-
12:00 PM
Opening Session & Lunch: Cities in the Age of AI
Official opening of the 35th International Mayors Conference, featuring introductions, remarks from Israeli leaders and conference leadership, and presentations from startups exploring how technology and AI are transforming city government.
-
3:00 PM
Depart to Mobileye
-
4:00 PM
Visit to Mobileye: AI and the Future of Mobility
An inside look at Mobileye, the Israeli company at the forefront of autonomous driving technology, exploring how AI is redefining mobility, road safety and urban transportation.
-
6:30 PM
Return to the King David Hotel
Time to rest and dress for the opening gala.
-
7:30 PM
Opening Gala Dinner
A celebratory evening bringing together mayors, diplomats, and distinguished guests in the Grand Hall of the King David Hotel, with the participation of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Monday, November 9
Jerusalem & Southern Israel
Please dress in smart casual and comfortable shoes.
-
8:00 AM
Breakfast at the Hotel At leisure*
-
9:00 AM
Depart to Southern Israel
-
10:00 AM
From Seawater to Supply: Israel’s Water Revolution
A visit to the Veridis desalination plant, where advanced technology transforms seawater into a dependable supply of fresh water, offering lessons in innovative infrastructure and long-term water security.
-
12:00 PM
Lunch
-
1:00 PM
At the Border: A Regional Perspective
A stop at a southern border viewpoint offering firsthand context on the region and the realities and challenges facing its communities.
-
2:00 PM
In Memory: The Nova Festival Site
A visit to the Nova Festival memorial dedicated to the stories of the survivors and families of those killed on October 7.
-
3:00 PM
Return to Jerusalem
-
5:00 PM
Arrival at the King David Hotel
Time to rest and refresh before the evening program.
-
7:00 PM
Tower of David: Jerusalem Through the Ages
A celebrated night spectacular light show bringing 3,000 years of Jerusalem’s history to life on the ancient stone walls.
-
8:30 PM
Dinner Above the Old City
Dinner on the Mamilla rooftop, overlooking the walls of the Old City.
-
9:45 PM
Old City by Moonlight Optional
An optional guided walk through the quiet, lamplit streets of Jerusalem’s Old City and historic landmarks under the night sky.
Tuesday, November 10
Jerusalem & Tel Aviv
Please dress in business attire for the morning program.
-
8:00 AM
Breakfast at the Hotel and Check Out At leisure*
-
9:00 AM
Depart to Yad Vashem
-
9:30 AM
Guided Tour of Yad Vashem
An immersive experience at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center tracing the history and the enduring lessons of the Holocaust.
-
11:00 AM
Ceremony of Remembrance
A solemn commemoration honoring the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
-
12:00 PM
Lunch at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
-
1:00 PM
Depart to Tel Aviv
-
2:00 to 3:30 PM
Check Point: Defending the Digital City
Visit with a global pioneer and leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, examining how cities protect public data, essential services and the trust of their residents. Presentations from Unistream on innovation and youth entrepreneurship.
-
4:30 PM
Check In at The Jaffa Hotel
Luxury hotel in a restored historic landmark, steps from Jaffa’s Old City.
-
6:30 PM
Walking Tour: Old Jaffa and Tel Aviv Optional
A guided walking tour of Old Jaffa and Tel Aviv.
-
8:00 PM
Depart from Hotel
-
8:30 PM
Dinner at Qumran
Dinner at Qumran in the historic Sarona complex, a vibrant center of Tel Aviv’s culinary scene.
Wednesday, November 11
Tel Aviv & Jerusalem
The group travels directly to the President’s Residence. Please dress in formal business attire before departure and bring your passport.
-
8:00 AM
Breakfast at the Hotel At leisure*
-
9:30 AM
Depart to the President’s Residence
-
11:00 AM
Arrival and Security at the President’s Residence
Passport required.
-
12:00 PM
Meeting with the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog
A meeting with the President of the State of Israel at the official residence, featuring an exchange on leadership, community and dialogue across borders.
-
1:15 to 2:30 PM
Lunch
-
2:30 PM
Depart to the Viewpoint
-
3:30 to 4:00 PM
Israel at a Glance: A Panoramic Viewpoint
A commanding view across Israel and its surroundings, revealing the geography, distances and regional realities that shape the country.
-
4:00 PM
Return to Tel Aviv
-
6:00 PM
Return to the Hotel
Time to rest and refresh before the evening.
-
7:30 PM
Dinner & Reflections at The Jaffa Hotel
An intimate dinner featuring remarks by Asaf Zamir, First Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, and an opportunity for participants to share reflections.
Thursday, November 12
Tel Aviv & Ramat Gan
-
8:00 AM
Breakfast at the Hotel and Check Out At leisure*
-
9:00 AM
Depart to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
-
9:30 AM
Startup Spotlight: Darwin
A morning meeting with the Israeli GovTech startup behind a centralized AI governance and operating system specifically engineered for municipalities.
-
10:00 AM
Opening Bell Ceremony at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Attend the official opening of trading at Israel’s financial and innovation hub, celebrating technological advancement and economic growth.
-
10:30 AM
Depart to Alfa AI School
-
11:00 AM
Visit to Alfa AI School with the Mayor of Ramat Gan
Visit and discussion on how cities can lead, educate and equip their communities with the skills to thrive in a world transformed by AI.
-
12:00 PM
Return to The Jaffa Hotel
-
1:00 PM
Lunch at The Jaffa Hotel
-
2:00 to 3:00 PM
Startup Showcase
Israeli startups present emerging technologies and their potential to transform how cities serve their residents.
-
3:00 to 4:00 PM
Closing Session
Shared reflections, key takeaways and next steps for continued cooperation. End of the conference program and farewell to participants.
- * Breakfasts marked At leisure are served at the hotel and covered by the conference organizers.
- All times are local Israel time.
- Dress Code: Smart casual unless otherwise noted. Three events call for different attire: the Opening Gala (cocktail attire), Yad Vashem (business attire), and the meeting with the President (formal business attire).
Questions about the program
Your AJCongress contacts are available by phone or WhatsApp before and during the conference.
Akri Cipa
Assaf Weiss
This is a tentative agenda. All times, visits, meetings and speakers are subject to confirmation and change.