Menu by Event

Following the Opening Ceremony, join colleagues from around the world as we officially welcome you to IUCr2026. This relaxed, cocktail-style reception is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new collaborators, and celebrate the beginning of an exciting week of science.

Enjoy chef-attended action stations, a selection of Canadian cheeses and locally cured meats, and a variety of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres showcasing regional flavours. Your registration includes one complimentary drink ticket for the Opening Reception, with additional beverages available for purchase at the cash bar.

Menu Highlights

Chef Action Stations

• AAA Alberta Rib Eye Roast (DF)

• Mushroom Wellington (DF, V)

Passed Hors d'Oeuvres

• AAA Alberta Beef Tenderloin Tartare (GF, DF)

• Crisp Nori Cones (DF, V, VE)

• Truffle Arancini (GF, V)

• Sundried Tomato Croquettes (V)

Canadian Pairing Board

• Selection of Canadian cheeses (V)

• Locally cured meats

• Marinated olives (GF, DF, V, VE)

• Saskatoon berry jam (GF, DF, V, VE)

• Artisan breads, crostini, and crackers (Gluten-free crackers available)

Dessert

• Assorted Stampede Signature Cookies (V)

Beverages

• One complimentary drink ticket is included with your Congress registration.

• Cash bar available for additional beverage purchases.

Join fellow students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career professionals for an evening of networking in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Meet peers from around the world, expand your professional network, and enjoy great conversation over a selection of shareable appetizers and desserts. Your Congress registration includes one complimentary drink ticket for this event, with additional beverages available for purchase at the cash bar.

Menu Highlights

• Fire-Grilled Cajun Chicken Flatbread - Smoky Cajun-spiced chicken with whipped blue cheese, charred corn salsa, pickled red onion, and sweet chili honey drizzle.

• Charred Pepper & Burrata Caprese Flatbread (V) - Flame-roasted sweet peppers, creamy burrata, basil pesto, baby arugula, and balsamic reduction.

• Chef's Poutine Bar (GF, V) - A Canadian favorite featuring crispy fries, cheese curds, rich gravy, and assorted toppings.

• Short Rib Sliders (GF) - Tender braised Alberta short rib served on soft slider buns.*

• Mini Stuffed Artisan Donuts (V) - Assorted Wildberry, Caramel, and Chocolate filled donuts.

Beverages

• One complimentary drink ticket is included with your Congress registration.

• Cash bar available for additional beverage purchases. Cash bars accept both cash and major credit cards, with tap/contactless payment preferred for the fastest service.

Expand your professional network and connect with fellow students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career scientists during an evening of engaging discussions and interactive speed networking. Whether you're seeking new collaborations, career advice, or simply the opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, this event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to build lasting connections while enjoying light refreshments.

Menu Highlights

• Fire-Grilled Cajun Chicken Flatbread - Smoky Cajun-spiced chicken with whipped blue cheese, charred corn salsa, pickled red onion, and sweet chili honey.

• Truffle Forest Flatbread (V) - Wild mushroom ragoût, Yukon Gold potatoes, truffle cream, aged Pecorino, and thyme.

• Alberta Short Rib & Onion Jam Flatbread - Braised Alberta short rib with onion jam, white cheddar, crispy leeks, and horseradish crème fraîche.

• Charred Pepper & Burrata Caprese Flatbread (V) - Roasted sweet peppers, creamy burrata, basil pesto, baby arugula, and balsamic reduction.

• Chef's Poutine Bar (GF, V) - A Canadian favourite featuring crispy fries, cheese curds, rich gravy, and a selection of toppings.

Beverages

• Assorted soft drinks.

Complimentary refreshments are provided exclusively for attendees registered for the workshops taking place during that break period.

Menu Highlights

Choose from:

• Chicken Bacon OH Ranch Sandwich (DF) - Grilled chicken breast with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and dill ranch mayonnaise.

• Saddlebag Delight Sandwich (V) - Goat cheese, provolone, roasted red pepper spread, sundried tomatoes, artichokes, arugula, and balsamic crema.

• Vegan Blue Zone Wrap (DF, V, VE) - Marinated portobello mushrooms, fresh greens, tomatoes, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and white balsamic vinaigrette.

Served with:

• Classic Caesar Salad

• Mediterranean Garden Salad (GF, DF, V, VE) - Mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

• Chocolate Chunk House-Baked Cookie (V)

Complimentary refreshments are provided exclusively for attendees registered for the workshops taking place during that break period.

Menu Highlights

Choose from:

• Brown Derby Cobb Bowl (GF) - Grilled chicken, mixed greens, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, aged cheddar, hard-boiled egg, blue cheese, and Greek yogurt ranch dressing.

• Vegan Blue Zone Bowl (GF, DF, V, VE) - Marinated portobello mushrooms, fresh greens, tomatoes, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, pickled red onions, and red wine vinaigrette.

Served with:

• House-Baked Cookies (V) - Choose from Oatmeal Raisin or Chocolate Chunk.

A complimentary lunch is included each day with your Congress registration and is served during the scheduled lunch break. Designed with flexibility in mind, lunches are conveniently packaged so you can enjoy them in the Exhibit Hall while networking with colleagues, take them to one of the many seating areas throughout the BMO Centre, or grab your lunch and continue exploring the Congress at your own pace.

Whether you're discussing the morning's presentations, visiting the poster sessions and exhibits, or simply taking a well-earned break, lunch provides an opportunity to recharge before the afternoon scientific program begins.

Menu Highlights

• Ranger's Beef Sandwich - Slow-cooked Alberta beef brisket with cheddar, pickled onions, coleslaw, and smoky barbecue sauce.

• Chicken Banh Mi (DF) - Hoisin-marinated chicken with pickled vegetables, garlic aioli, cilantro, and jalapeño.

• Austin Texan Vegan Wrap (DF, V, VE) - Grilled tofu, fresh vegetables, pineapple, mango salsa, and cilantro-lime dressing.

• Mediterranean Garden Salad (GF, DF, V, VE) - Mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

• Chocolate Chunk House-Baked Cookie (V)

Menu Highlights

• Brown Derby Cobb Bowl (GF) - Grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, blue cheese, and fresh greens.

• Mexican Fiesta Bowl - Marinated grilled steak, black beans, roasted peppers, pico de gallo, Cotija cheese, and crème fraîche.

• Vegan Blue Zone Bowl (GF, DF, V, VE) - Portobello mushrooms, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and red wine vinaigrette.

• Triple Chocolate House-Baked Cookie (V)

Menu Highlights

• Chicken OH Ranch Sandwich (DF) - Herb-seasoned chicken with lettuce, tomato, onion, and dill ranch mayo.

• Ranger's Beef Sandwich - Slow-cooked Alberta beef brisket with cheddar and barbecue sauce.

• Vegan Blue Zone Wrap (DF, V, VE) - Portobello mushrooms, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and white balsamic vinaigrette.

• Udon Noodle Salad (DF, VE) - Chilled noodles with crisp vegetables and ginger-tamari vinaigrette.

• Oatmeal Raisin House-Baked Cookie (V)

Menu Highlights

• Mexican Fiesta Bowl - Marinated grilled steak with black beans, roasted peppers, Cotija cheese, and pico de gallo.

• Santorini Bowl (GF) - Grilled chicken, feta, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and Greek vinaigrette.

• Vegan Blue Zone Bowl (GF, DF, V, VE) - Portobello mushrooms, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and red wine vinaigrette.

• Chocolate Chunk House-Baked Cookie (V)

Menu Highlights

• The Italian Job Sandwich - Calabrese salami, capicollo, jalapeño jack cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and red pepper spread.

• Chicken Banh Mi (DF) - Hoisin-marinated chicken with pickled vegetables, garlic aioli, cilantro, and jalapeño.

• Vegan Blue Zone Wrap (DF, V, VE) - Portobello mushrooms, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and white balsamic vinaigrette.

• Mediterranean Garden Salad (GF, DF, V, VE) - Mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

• House-Baked Cookie (V)

Menu Highlights

• Brown Derby Cobb Bowl (GF) - Grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, blue cheese, and fresh greens.

• Mexican Fiesta Bowl - Marinated grilled steak with black beans, roasted peppers, pico de gallo, Cotija cheese, and crème fraîche.

• Vegan Blue Zone Bowl (GF, DF, V, VE) - Portobello mushrooms, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and red wine vinaigrette.

• Triple Chocolate House-Baked Cookie (V)

Poster Session Receptions are a highlight of the Congress, bringing attendees together each evening to explore the latest research, connect with presenters, and network with colleagues from around the world. A rotating selection of chef-prepared hors d'oeuvres will be served alongside a cash bar, creating a relaxed and welcoming setting to continue the day's scientific discussions. Vegetarian (V), Vegan (VE), Gluten-Free (GF), and Dairy-Free (DF) options are available throughout the week.

Menu Highlights

• Brie & Cranberry Baguette Bites (V) - Creamy brie with cranberry chutney on toasted baguette.

• Truffle Arancini (GF, V) - Crispy risotto balls infused with truffle.

• Sweet-Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers (GF, DF) - Grilled chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze.

• Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls (V) - Julienned vegetables served with plum sauce.

• Mini Duck Confit Puff Pastries - Flaky pastry with duck confit and orange-hoisin glaze.

Beverages

• Cash Bar

Take a break between sessions to explore the latest research, meet fellow attendees, and enjoy a casual reception in the poster hall. This evening features a comfort-food inspired menu paired with a cash bar.

Menu Highlights

• Cheese Pizza (V)

• Pepperoni Pizza

• Hawaiian Pizza

Beverages

• Cash Bar

Wrap up another day of scientific discovery with an assortment of chef-prepared hors d'oeuvres while visiting the poster exhibits and networking with colleagues from across the crystallographic community.

Menu Highlights

• AAA Alberta Beef Tenderloin Tartare (GF, DF) - Hand-cut Alberta beef with Dijon, capers, and crispy potato.

• Brie & Cranberry Baguette Bites (V) - Creamy brie with cranberry chutney.

• Truffle Arancini (GF, V) - Crispy truffle risotto balls.

• Sweet-Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers (GF, DF) - Grilled chicken with sweet and spicy glaze.

• Vegetable Samosas (DF, V) - Traditional vegetable samosas served with tamarind sauce.

Beverages

• Cash Bar

As the final Poster Session held alongside the Exhibit Hall, this reception offers another opportunity to engage with presenters, visit exhibitors, and continue conversations with colleagues while enjoying a selection of light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. A cash bar will be available throughout the reception.

Menu Highlights

• Crisp Nori Cones (DF, V, VE) - Sushi rice and fresh vegetables in crispy nori.

• Sweet-Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers (GF, DF) - Grilled chicken with sweet and spicy glaze.

• Vegetable Samosas (DF, V) - Traditional vegetable samosas with tamarind sauce.

• Salmon Croquettes - Crispy salmon croquettes served with spicy dill sauce.

• Sundried Tomato Croquettes (V) - Crispy Mediterranean-style tomato croquettes.

Beverages

• Cash Bar

Join us for the final Poster Session Reception of the Congress as we celebrate another outstanding day of scientific exchange. Enjoy a selection of chef-prepared hors d'oeuvres while connecting with presenters and colleagues before the Closing Rodeo later in the evening. A cash bar will be available throughout the reception.

Menu Highlights

• AAA Alberta Beef Tenderloin Tartare (GF, DF) - Hand-cut Alberta beef with Dijon, capers, and crispy potato.

• Brie & Cranberry Baguette Bites (V) - Creamy brie with cranberry chutney on toasted baguette.

• Truffle Arancini (GF, V) - Crispy risotto balls infused with truffle.

• Sweet-Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers (GF, DF) - Grilled chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze.

• Vegetable Samosas (DF, V) - Traditional vegetable samosas served with tamarind sauce.

Beverages

• Cash Bar