Venue
Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business
The conference will be held at the Graduate School of Business at Nazarbayev University in Astana. Nazarbayev University is Kazakhstan's leading research university, located in the modern administrative district of the capital city.
Getting there
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) serves Astana and is located approximately 15 km from the city center. The airport has direct connections to major cities including Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Seoul, Beijing, and Moscow, as well as domestic flights from Almaty and other Kazakh cities. Air Astana and FlyArystan are the main carriers.
The airport is connected to the city center by bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. A taxi to central Astana or Nazarbayev University takes approximately 20–30 minutes and costs around 2,000–3,000 KZT (approximately $4–6 USD). Yandex Go and inDrive are popular ride-hailing apps in Kazakhstan.
For travellers from Europe and North America, Istanbul is the most common transit hub. Turkish Airlines operates daily direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Astana. The flight time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Download the Yandex Go app before arriving — it works like Uber and is the most reliable way to get around Astana. The app supports English and payment by international credit cards.
Accommodation
Astana has a wide range of hotels at various price points. The city's modern district near Nazarbayev University offers several international-brand hotels within easy reach of the conference venue.
Local transportation
Yandex Go and inDrive are widely used and affordable. Rides within the city typically cost 500–1,500 KZT ($1–3 USD). This is the most convenient way to get around Astana.
Astana has an extensive bus network. Payment is by contactless bank card or transit card. Single fares are approximately 150 KZT.
The modern district of Astana around Nazarbayev University features wide boulevards and is walkable in good weather, though distances between landmarks can be significant. The city is spread out compared to older Central Asian cities.
Practical information
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). As of 2026, approximately 480 KZT = 1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available. Currency exchange offices operate at the airport and throughout the city.
Kazakh and Russian are the official languages. English is spoken at international hotels and at the university, but less commonly elsewhere. Having a translation app on your phone is helpful for navigating taxis, shops, and restaurants.
Late August in Astana is warm, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F) and cooler evenings around 15°C (59°F). The weather is generally dry and sunny. Light clothing for the day with a jacket for evenings is recommended.
Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including the US, EU member states, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, for stays of up to 30 days. Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan for the latest visa requirements for your nationality.
Kazakhstan uses European-style Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz). Visitors from North America, UK, and Australia will need an adapter.
Wi-Fi will be available at the conference venue. International SIM cards with data plans can be purchased affordably at the airport or at Beeline, Kcell, or Tele2 shops throughout the city.
Emergency: 112 · Police: 102 · Ambulance: 103 · Fire: 101
About Astana
Astana, Kazakhstan's capital since 1997, is one of the youngest capital cities in the world. The city is known for its striking futuristic architecture, including the Bayterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre (designed by Norman Foster), and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Situated on the vast Kazakh steppe along the Ishim River, Astana offers a unique blend of modern ambition and Central Asian culture.
For those with extra time, the EXPO 2017 site (now the Astana International Financial Centre), the National Museum of Kazakhstan, and the Hazrat Sultan Mosque — one of the largest mosques in Central Asia — are all worth visiting. The city's restaurant scene features Kazakh cuisine alongside international options, with traditional dishes like beshbarmak, manty, and lagman widely available.