The EFMA Annual Meeting will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, a historic and vibrant city known for its rich culture and warm hospitality. The venue details, including the exact location and logistics, will be provided to participants in advance.
EFMA 2025 Armenia
FAQ's
Practical information for participants travelling to Yerevan and attending the annual meeting.
Participation is by invitation only. Official invitations will be sent directly to selected participants with all necessary details regarding the event, including accommodation and agenda.
A selection of recommended hotels is available under the "Accommodation" section on the website. These hotels offer special rates for meeting participants and are conveniently located near the event venue.
Yes! The meeting features multiple networking sessions, including the Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner, and Coffee Breaks, allowing participants to connect with peers, industry leaders, and experts in the field.
Armenia is a small, mountainous country in the South Caucasus, tucked between Europe and Asia. It’s bordered by Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey—and yes, it’s a whole different world of charm and culture.
It’s *ancient*. Think: one of the first Christian nations in the world, home to countless monasteries, and a land that has survived empires, earthquakes, and everything in between. Every stone tells a story here.
Absolutely. Armenia is one of the safest countries in the region. Locals are warm and welcoming, especially to visitors. You’ll feel at home in no time.
The official language is Armenian, which has its own unique alphabet (and it’s beautiful). But don’t worry—many people, especially in Yerevan, speak English or at least some Russian.
Yes! Younger people and those working in hospitality or shops usually speak English. A smile and a few hand gestures go a long way, too.
Yerevan gets four real seasons. May–June is usually warm and sunny (great for walking!), and October is crisp with golden leaves—hello, sweater weather.
Hospitality is everything. Don’t be surprised if someone invites you home for coffee or insists you try their homemade jam. People here love to connect.
Most Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. It’s one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. Churches here are often ancient and breathtaking.
Yes—cards work in most places in Yerevan, especially restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. But for markets or taxis, cash is always good to have.
The Armenian Dram (AMD). 1 USD is usually around 380-400 drams. You can easily exchange money at banks or exchange points in the city.
Yes and yes! Yerevan has fast, reliable internet. Cafes, hotels, and even some parks have free Wi-Fi.
Yerevan has a metro, minibuses, and buses, but for visitors, taxis or apps like GG and Yandex are way easier—and cheap!
Very! Yerevan is a walkable city, especially in the center. Most places are within 15–20 minutes on foot. Plus, you’ll pass some charming streets on the way.
Start at Republic Square, wander up Northern Avenue, visit the Cascade, and don’t miss the view of Mount Ararat from the top. Add a glass of local wine—perfect day!
The Cascade, Matenadaran (ancient manuscript museum), Vernissage market, Genocide Memorial, and the Opera House are all top picks. And sunset from the Cascade? Magic.
Try the Cascade, Lovers’ Park, Kond neighborhood (for old Yerevan vibes), and the view from Victory Park. Oh—and food pics are a must.
Head to local restaurants like Lavash, Sherep, or Dolmama. Try khorovats (BBQ), dolma, lavash bread, and sweet gata. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you.
Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), khorovats (grilled meat), khash (for the brave), spas (yogurt soup), and lavash. And don't skip dessert—gata is heavenly.
Yes! While meat is big here, many dishes are naturally plant-based. You’ll find vegan-friendly options at modern cafes and traditional dishes like lentil soup and eggplant rolls.
Yes! Armenia’s tap water is clean, fresh, and safe. Some of it comes straight from mountain springs. Fill your bottle at one of the public fountains called *pulpulaks*.
Very! Armenian wine and brandy are legendary. You’ll find local drinks in restaurants, stores, and even some cafes. Don’t miss trying Areni wine.
Look for Viva, Ucom, or Team at any mobile store. For a few dollars, you’ll get plenty of data and stay connected anywhere.
In some places, yes—especially in Yerevan. But it’s still safer to carry a physical card or some cash just in case.
At banks or official exchange points around the city. Rates are usually good, and it’s easy to do on the spot.
Contact your embassy right away. Armenia has embassies from many countries, especially in Yerevan. And let your hosts know—we’ll help however we can.
There are quality clinics and hospitals in Yerevan, with English-speaking doctors. Your hosts can guide you to trusted places if you need help.
Think: handmade crafts, Armenian brandy, dried fruits, spices, traditional jewelry, ceramics, or a piece of handwoven carpet. All made with love.
Absolutely! There’s always something happening—wine festivals, concerts, exhibitions. Ask us what's on while you're here—we'll keep you in the loop.
With open arms. Expect smiles, genuine interest, and maybe even an invite to someone’s home. You’re not just a guest—you’re family.
Yes—be respectful in churches, dress modestly if visiting religious sites, and always accept offered hospitality (even if it’s just tea). Oh, and Armenians *love* good conversation.
Most are open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Check online or ask us before you go—we’ll help you plan.
Definitely. Armenia is small but packed with nature and history. Places like Dilijan, Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan are all stunning and easy day trips from Yerevan.
Even 2–3 days give you a solid taste, but trust us—you’ll wish you had more. Yerevan has layers, and every visit uncovers something new.
Armenian summers are warm, sunny, and dry — and June is one of the best times to visit. From June 25 to 27, expect clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and daytime temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C (that’s 82°F to 93°F). Evenings are pleasantly cooler, perfect for walks, open-air cafes, and enjoying Yerevan’s vibrant atmosphere.We recommend bringing light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat — and perhaps a light jacket for the evening breeze.
It’s ancient — and alive.Armenia isn’t just one of the oldest countries in the world — it’s a place where history breathes through mountains, stone crosses, village rituals, and the ringing of monastery bells.In 301 AD, Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion — a defining moment that shaped its culture, identity, and collective soul.Tucked into the Caucasus mountains, Armenia has stood at the crossroads of empires — Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, Russian — enduring wave after wave, sometimes fighting, sometimes creating, but always remaining true to itself.The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, became more than a writing system — it became the guardian of a people’s memory. You’ll find it in churches, carved in stone, taught in schools, and carried across the world by the Armenian diaspora.In the Middle Ages, Armenia was a center of culture and scholarship, with monasteries and manuscript libraries that nurtured philosophy, science, theology, and art — much of which continues to amaze the world today.In 1991, Armenia regained its independence. Since then, it has been rebuilding, reimagining, and rediscovering itself — walking toward the future with the weight and wisdom of thousands of years behind it.Armenia’s history is a vast symphony of struggle, creativity, and identity as steady as its mountains.Here, every stone truly tells a story.
Armenian culture is one of the oldest, richest, and most resilient in the world. Rooted in millennia of history and shaped by mountains, monasteries, and memory, it’s a culture that’s deeply spiritual, artistically expressive, and proudly communal.
Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, and the Armenian Apostolic Church remains central to cultural life. Ancient monasteries dotting the landscape aren’t just architectural marvels — they’re living symbols of spiritual continuity, national survival, and cultural pride.
The Armenian alphabet, invented in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, is more than a tool for communication — it’s a pillar of national identity. Armenian literature, from medieval manuscripts to modern poetry, has helped preserve the soul of the nation through centuries of upheaval.
To be invited into an Armenian home is to be embraced like family. You’ll be offered homemade food, fruit, coffee (and probably brandy), whether you’re hungry or not — refusing is almost impossible. Generosity is not a gesture; it’s an expectation.
From ancient duduk melodies to energetic traditional dances like kochari, Armenians celebrate joy, sorrow, and togetherness through music. You’ll hear folk songs that echo from the mountains and modern adaptations that connect generations.
Armenian cuisine is a rich blend of local traditions and regional influences. Think lavash (UNESCO-listed flatbread), dolma, khorovats (barbecue), and endless herbs and seasonal ingredients. Meals are long, loud, and full of conversation — food is meant to be shared.
From ancient khachkars (cross-stones) carved into rock to modern painters, sculptors, and filmmakers, creativity pulses through Armenian life. Yerevan, the capital, is filled with galleries, street art, and a youthful creative energy.
Millions of Armenians live outside Armenia, yet maintain strong cultural ties through language, music, traditions, and causes. This global network has enriched Armenia with new perspectives while preserving ancient roots.
Today’s Armenia is a country where centuries-old rituals coexist with tech startups, fashion brands, electronic music festivals, and bold contemporary art. Young Armenians are redefining what it means to be Armenian — without forgetting where they came from.
Most Armenians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions, dating back to the early 4th century. Many churches in Armenia are ancient, carved into cliffs or perched on mountain tops — places of quiet beauty and deep spiritual meaning.At the same time, Armenia is known for its religious tolerance. People of different faiths — including Catholics, Protestants, Yezidis, Jews, and Muslims — live here peacefully and are respected. Freedom of religion is a core value, rooted in centuries of coexistence.
The Armenian Dram (AMD).1 EUR is usually around 410–430 drams. You can easily exchange money at banks or licensed exchange points throughout the city. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for small purchases or taxis.
Even 2–3 days in Yerevan will give you a rich first taste — history, art, food, and unforgettable views. But be warned: you’ll leave wanting more.Because Yerevan isn’t just a city you “see” — it’s a city you feel, breathe, and slowly unfold. With each visit, it reveals a new layer — a tucked-away courtyard, a jazz melody drifting from a basement bar, a centuries-old church hidden between Soviet buildings, or a grandmother selling fresh herbs at dawn.Some say a lifetime isn’t enough to witness all of Yerevan’s quiet poetry, hidden corners, and evolving soul.And once it gets under your skin — and it will — you’ll find yourself dreaming of coming back again and again.
Start your morning at Republic Square, the heart of the city, where classical architecture meets Soviet grandeur. Grab a strong Armenian coffee from a nearby café and watch the city come alive.Stroll up the elegant Northern Avenue, lined with boutiques, fountains, and street musicians, leading you straight to Opera House — a cultural gem. From there, walk toward the Cascade Complex, a giant outdoor staircase adorned with modern art. Climb (or take the escalator inside) to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat on the horizon.Take a midday break at a local restaurant and try traditional dishes like khorovats (Armenian BBQ), dolma, or ghapama (stuffed pumpkin), and don’t forget a glass of Armenian wine or apricot vodka.In the afternoon, visit the History Museum of Armenia or the Sergei Parajanov Museum for a glimpse into Armenia’s rich artistic soul. If you're curious about spirituality, stop by Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, the largest Armenian church in Yerevan.As the sun begins to set, walk through the Vernissage outdoor market, where you can browse handmade crafts, carpets, ceramics, and antiques — a perfect place for meaningful souvenirs.End your evening in Saryan Street, Yerevan’s cozy “wine street,” where you can enjoy a glass of local wine under fairy lights and toast to a day well spent in one of the world’s oldest cities.
Yerevan is a city of layers — ancient and modern, quiet and vibrant — and there’s truly something for everyone here.Start with The Cascade, a massive open-air staircase filled with sculptures and fountains. Climb to the top (or use the indoor escalators!) for a stunning city view with Mount Ararat in the distance, especially magical at sunset.Visit the Matenadaran, home to thousands of beautifully preserved ancient manuscripts — a paradise for lovers of history, calligraphy, or sacred texts.Explore Vernissage, the open-air market where you’ll find handmade crafts, traditional carpets, vintage jewelry, art, and souvenirs with soul.For a deeper look into Armenia’s past, head to the Genocide Memorial and Museum — a powerful, peaceful space that invites reflection and remembrance.Take a stroll around the Opera House and Swan Lake, a cultural hub surrounded by leafy parks and cozy cafes — perfect for people-watching or catching a live performance.If you're into art, don't miss the Sergei Parajanov Museum, a whimsical, brilliant tribute to one of Armenia’s most visionary artists.Yerevan also has trendy wine bars, hidden jazz clubs, cutting-edge galleries, and family-friendly parks — whether you're into architecture, food, history, or nightlife, you'll find your corner here.