It is our great pleasure to announce the opening of the registration for the upcoming ICARUS Convention #37 and DTI Conference from 18-20 November 2026 in Břevnov Monastery, Prague.
A joint event carried out by ICARUS, the DTI Alliance, and the National Archives of the Czech Republic, this event not only incorporates the semi-annual ICARUS Convention, but also the annual DTI Conference. Following the three main topics – Digitise – Transform – Inspire – the event spans over 3 days and shall bring together archivists, researchers, cultural heritage professionals and technology experts from all over the globe.
Hosted at the historic Břevnov Monastery, the conference offers a unique opportunity to explore how digital transformation is reshaping archives, archival practice and access to historical information — while creating new opportunities for international collaboration.
Three days. Three perspectives.
DIGITISE — From Digitisation to Transformation | 18 November
The conference opens by looking at the foundations of digital transformation: how can we move from scanning collections to creating meaningful, sustainable and trustworthy digital archives?
Highlights include discussions on scaling digitisation, safeguarding archives at risk, quality and preservation, and building trust in digital archives. A dedicated DTI Lightning Stage will showcase projects from around the world, while workshops and the ICARUS Companies Market provide opportunities for practical exchange.
The day concludes with an informal speakers’ corner, a concert and an evening reception — the perfect setting to meet colleagues and start new conversations.
TRANSFORM — From Archives to Intelligent Data | 19 November
Thursday turns to the technologies and strategies transforming archival work.
Explore AI in the archive, new approaches to archival discovery, knowledge graphs, AI-assisted research and the changing role of the digital archivist. Practical workshops will offer hands-on insights into emerging tools and approaches, including AI-supported research and handwritten text recognition.
A central highlight is the DTI Forum: “From Conference to Collaboration”, where participants will work together on six themes — from digitisation at scale and AI to trust and authenticity, global access, skills development and connecting collections with communities. The aim is clear: to leave Prague not only with new ideas, but with potential projects, partnerships and concrete actions.
The day will continue with opportunities for informal exchange and an evening get-together in Strahov.
INSPIRE — From Collections to Communities | 20 November
The closing day shifts the focus from technology to people.
Sessions explore whose memories are represented in digital archives, how archives can reach new audiences, and how digitised collections can become platforms for participation, engagement and community building.
The conference concludes with “From Ideas to Action”, presenting the six collaborative ideas emerging from the DTI Forum — turning three days of discussion into a shared outlook for the future.
Participants can then discover Prague’s heritage through guided tours, including Břevnov, Strahov and the National Archives, followed by an optional dinner at Strahov Monastery.
Why join?
The ICARUS Convention 37 / DTI Conference Prague 2026 is more than a conference. It is a meeting place for people shaping the future of archives and cultural heritage.
Come to:
- Discover innovative digitisation projects and emerging technologies.
- Explore the practical potential — and challenges — of AI in archival work.
- Discuss authenticity, trust, resilience and responsible digital transformation.
- Exchange experiences with an international community of archival and heritage professionals.
- Collaborate through hands-on workshops and the DTI Forum.
- Connect collections with new audiences and communities.
- Experience professional exchange in the extraordinary historic setting of Břevnov Monastery.
Whether you are an archivist, researcher, cultural heritage professional, digital specialist, technology expert or simply passionate about the future of our shared documentary heritage, we look forward to welcoming you to Prague.
Register Now!
Members of the ICARUS community attend the conference for free. Information about the membership options can be found here.