diff --git a/assets/conference2026.scss b/assets/conference2026.scss
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8623582
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/conference2026.scss
@@ -0,0 +1,429 @@
+// ── scverse conference 2026 ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+// Scoped under .conference-page so it never leaks into the rest of the site.
+
+$conf-accent: $spatialdatablue; // #40a9ff — scverse palette
+$conf-accent-dark: #1c75c4;
+$conf-ink: $greyheader; // #333
+$conf-muted: $greydesc; // #777
+
+.conference-page {
+    color: $conf-ink;
+
+    // ── Hero (landing) ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+    .conference-hero {
+        background-size: cover;
+        background-position: center;
+        color: #fff;
+        text-align: center;
+        padding: 5rem 1.5rem 4.5rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero-inner {
+        max-width: 820px;
+        margin: 0 auto;
+    }
+
+    .conference-badge {
+        display: inline-block;
+        font-size: 0.78rem;
+        font-weight: 700;
+        letter-spacing: 0.14em;
+        text-transform: uppercase;
+        padding: 0.4rem 1rem;
+        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+        border-radius: 100px;
+        margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero h1 {
+        font-size: clamp(2rem, 6vw, 3.6rem);
+        font-weight: 800;
+        letter-spacing: -0.02em;
+        line-height: 1.05;
+        margin: 0 0 1rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero-meta {
+        font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 2.4vw, 1.6rem);
+        font-weight: 600;
+        margin: 0 0 0.25rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero-location {
+        font-size: 1.05rem;
+        opacity: 0.85;
+        margin: 0 0 1.5rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero-subtitle {
+        font-size: 1.05rem;
+        line-height: 1.6;
+        opacity: 0.92;
+        max-width: 640px;
+        margin: 0 auto 2rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-hero-actions {
+        display: flex;
+        gap: 0.75rem;
+        justify-content: center;
+        flex-wrap: wrap;
+    }
+
+    // ── Sub-page header ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+    .conference-pageheader {
+        background-size: cover;
+        background-position: center;
+        color: #fff;
+        text-align: center;
+        padding: 2.75rem 1.5rem 2.25rem;
+
+        h1 {
+            font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 4vw, 2.6rem);
+            font-weight: 800;
+            letter-spacing: -0.02em;
+            margin: 0.35rem 0 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    .conference-eyebrow {
+        font-size: 0.82rem;
+        letter-spacing: 0.06em;
+        text-transform: uppercase;
+        opacity: 0.85;
+        margin: 0;
+
+        a {
+            color: #fff;
+            text-decoration: underline;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ── Buttons ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    .conf-btn {
+        display: inline-block;
+        padding: 0.7rem 1.6rem;
+        border-radius: 6px;
+        font-weight: 600;
+        font-size: 0.95rem;
+        text-decoration: none;
+        transition: all 0.18s ease;
+    }
+
+    .conf-btn-primary {
+        background: $conf-accent;
+        color: #fff;
+
+        &:hover {
+            background: $conf-accent-dark;
+            transform: translateY(-1px);
+        }
+    }
+
+    .conf-btn-secondary {
+        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
+        color: #fff;
+        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
+
+        &:hover {
+            background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ── Sub-navigation ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+    .conference-nav {
+        border-bottom: 1px solid $overline;
+        background: #fff;
+        position: sticky;
+        top: 0;
+        z-index: 20;
+    }
+
+    .conference-nav-inner {
+        max-width: $maxwidth;
+        margin: 0 auto;
+        display: flex;
+        flex-wrap: wrap;
+        gap: 0.25rem 0.5rem;
+        padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
+        justify-content: center;
+
+        a {
+            color: $conf-muted;
+            text-decoration: none;
+            font-size: 0.92rem;
+            font-weight: 500;
+            padding: 0.4rem 0.75rem;
+            border-radius: 5px;
+            white-space: nowrap;
+
+            &:hover {
+                color: $conf-ink;
+                background: $tilebg4;
+            }
+
+            &.active {
+                color: $conf-accent-dark;
+                background: rgba(64, 169, 255, 0.12);
+                font-weight: 600;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ── Article body ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    .conference-content {
+        max-width: 860px;
+        margin: 0 auto;
+        padding: 2.5rem 1.25rem 4rem;
+    }
+
+    .conference-article {
+        h2 {
+            font-size: 1.5rem;
+            font-weight: 700;
+            margin: 2.25rem 0 0.85rem;
+        }
+
+        h3 {
+            font-size: 1.1rem;
+            font-weight: 700;
+        }
+
+        p,
+        li {
+            line-height: 1.65;
+            color: #444;
+        }
+
+        a {
+            color: $conf-accent-dark;
+        }
+
+        blockquote {
+            border-left: 4px solid $conf-accent;
+            background: $tilebg4;
+            margin: 1.5rem 0;
+            padding: 0.9rem 1.25rem;
+            border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;
+
+            p {
+                margin: 0;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ── Reusable components ─────────────────────────────────────────
+    .placeholder-note {
+        display: inline-block;
+        font-size: 0.9rem;
+        color: $conf-muted;
+        font-style: italic;
+        background: $tilebg4;
+        border: 1px dashed $tilebg2;
+        border-radius: 6px;
+        padding: 0.5rem 0.9rem;
+        margin: 0.5rem 0 1rem;
+    }
+
+    .status-banner {
+        background: rgba(64, 169, 255, 0.12);
+        border: 1px solid rgba(64, 169, 255, 0.4);
+        color: $conf-accent-dark;
+        font-weight: 600;
+        border-radius: 8px;
+        padding: 0.9rem 1.25rem;
+        margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
+        text-align: center;
+    }
+
+    // Key-dates timeline
+    .key-dates {
+        list-style: none;
+        padding: 0;
+        margin: 1rem 0 0.5rem;
+        border-left: 2px solid $overline;
+
+        li {
+            position: relative;
+            padding: 0.6rem 0 0.6rem 1.5rem;
+
+            &::before {
+                content: "";
+                position: absolute;
+                left: -7px;
+                top: 1.1rem;
+                width: 12px;
+                height: 12px;
+                border-radius: 50%;
+                background: $conf-accent;
+                border: 2px solid #fff;
+            }
+        }
+
+        .key-date {
+            display: block;
+            font-weight: 700;
+            color: $conf-ink;
+        }
+
+        .key-event {
+            display: block;
+            color: $conf-muted;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Card / info grids
+    .card-grid,
+    .schedule-grid {
+        display: grid;
+        grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(220px, 1fr));
+        gap: 1rem;
+        margin: 1.25rem 0;
+    }
+
+    .info-card,
+    .schedule-day {
+        background: #fff;
+        border: 1px solid $overline;
+        border-radius: 10px;
+        padding: 1.25rem;
+
+        h3 {
+            margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
+            color: $conf-ink;
+        }
+
+        p {
+            margin: 0;
+            font-size: 0.95rem;
+        }
+    }
+
+    .schedule-day {
+        border-top: 4px solid $conf-accent;
+    }
+
+    // Sponsor tiers
+    .tier-grid {
+        display: grid;
+        grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(150px, 1fr));
+        gap: 1rem;
+        margin: 1.5rem 0;
+        text-align: center;
+    }
+
+    .tier-card {
+        border-radius: 10px;
+        padding: 1.5rem 1rem;
+        border: 1px solid $overline;
+
+        h3 {
+            margin: 0 0 0.35rem;
+        }
+
+        .tier-price {
+            margin: 0;
+            font-weight: 700;
+            color: $conf-ink;
+        }
+    }
+
+    .tier-diamond {
+        background: linear-gradient(160deg, #e8f4ff, #d3e9ff);
+    }
+    .tier-platinum {
+        background: linear-gradient(160deg, #f3f4f6, #e2e6ea);
+    }
+    .tier-gold {
+        background: linear-gradient(160deg, #fff6dd, #ffedba);
+    }
+    .tier-silver {
+        background: linear-gradient(160deg, #f7f8f9, #eceef0);
+    }
+
+    .tier-tag {
+        margin: 0.4rem 0 0;
+        font-size: 0.72rem;
+        font-weight: 700;
+        letter-spacing: 0.08em;
+        text-transform: uppercase;
+        color: $conf-accent-dark;
+    }
+
+    // Stat highlights
+    .stat-grid {
+        display: grid;
+        grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(140px, 1fr));
+        gap: 1rem;
+        margin: 1.5rem 0;
+    }
+
+    .stat {
+        background: $tilebg4;
+        border: 1px solid $overline;
+        border-radius: 10px;
+        padding: 1.1rem 1rem;
+        text-align: center;
+
+        .stat-num {
+            display: block;
+            font-size: 1.5rem;
+            font-weight: 800;
+            color: $conf-accent-dark;
+            line-height: 1.1;
+        }
+
+        .stat-label {
+            display: block;
+            margin-top: 0.35rem;
+            font-size: 0.85rem;
+            color: $conf-muted;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Sponsorship benefits comparison table
+    table {
+        width: 100%;
+        border-collapse: collapse;
+        margin: 1.25rem 0;
+        font-size: 0.92rem;
+
+        th,
+        td {
+            border: 1px solid $overline;
+            padding: 0.55rem 0.7rem;
+            text-align: center;
+        }
+
+        th:first-child,
+        td:first-child {
+            text-align: left;
+        }
+
+        thead th {
+            background: $tilebg4;
+            color: $conf-ink;
+            font-weight: 700;
+        }
+
+        tbody tr:nth-child(even) {
+            background: #fafbfc;
+        }
+    }
+
+    @media (max-width: 640px) {
+        .conference-hero {
+            padding: 3.5rem 1.25rem 3rem;
+        }
+        .conference-nav-inner {
+            justify-content: flex-start;
+            overflow-x: auto;
+            flex-wrap: nowrap;
+        }
+        .conference-article table {
+            display: block;
+            overflow-x: auto;
+            white-space: nowrap;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/assets/main.scss b/assets/main.scss
index 4c4f39f..a9ffb2f 100644
--- a/assets/main.scss
+++ b/assets/main.scss
@@ -54,6 +54,9 @@ $contentwidthwide: 92%;
 
 $additionalInfoColor: #666666;
 
+// scverse conference 2026 (scoped under .conference-page)
+@import "conference2026";
+
 @font-face {
     font-family: "Inter";
     src: url("fonts/Inter/Inter-VariableFont_slnt,wght.ttf");
diff --git a/content/conference2026.md b/content/conference2026.md
deleted file mode 100644
index beea5d7..0000000
--- a/content/conference2026.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,36 +0,0 @@
----
-title: "scverse conference 2026"
-layout: "conference"
-type: "page"
-url: "/conference2026"
-
-# Conference Details
-label: "Coming soon!"
-conferenceTitle: "scverse conference 2026"
-conferenceDates: "October 12 - 14"
-conferenceLocation: "Copenhagen, Denmark (DTU)"
-subtitle: "Follow us on our channels to learn more details in the coming weeks.<br>We are excited to see you at the third scverse conference in Copenhagen!"
-
-# Design Options
-backgroundImage: "/img/events/2026_10_conference_bg.jpg"
-# backgroundImage: "/img/events/2026_10_conference_bg_pattern.png"
-highlightColor: "#3b82f6"
-
-# Action Buttons
-buttons:
-  - name: "Read Conference 2025 Highlights"
-    url: "/blog/2025-conference-summary/"
-  - name: "Join scverse Zulip"
-    url: "https://scverse.zulipchat.com/"
-
-# Social Links
-socialLinks:
-  - name: "X / Twitter"
-    url: "https://x.com/scverse_team"
-  - name: "Bluesky"
-    url: "https://bsky.app/profile/scverse.bsky.social"
-  - name: "LinkedIn"
-    url: "https://linkedin.com/company/scverse"
-  - name: "Zulip"
-    url: "https://scverse.zulipchat.com/"
----
diff --git a/content/conference2026/_index.md b/content/conference2026/_index.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b098a97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/_index.md
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
++++
+title = "scverse conference 2026"
+url = "/conference2026"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 1
+
+# Hero
+label = "Save the date"
+conferenceDates = "October 12 – 14, 2026"
+conferenceLocation = "DTU, Copenhagen, Denmark"
+backgroundImage = "/img/events/2026_10_conference_bg.jpg"
+subtitle = "The third scverse conference brings together the single-cell and spatial omics community — developers, researchers, and users of the scverse ecosystem — for three days of talks, posters, workshops, and collaboration."
+
+# Call-to-action buttons (first is primary)
+[[buttons]]
+name = "Register (opens soon)"
+url = "/conference2026/registration/"
+[[buttons]]
+name = "Call for proposals"
+url = "/conference2026/call-for-proposals/"
+
+# Key dates timeline (placeholder — to be confirmed)
+[[keyDates]]
+date = "Spring 2026"
+event = "Registration & call for proposals open"
+[[keyDates]]
+date = "Summer 2026"
+event = "Abstract & travel-grant application deadline"
+[[keyDates]]
+date = "Summer 2026"
+event = "Notification of abstract & travel-grant decisions"
+[[keyDates]]
+date = "Early autumn 2026"
+event = "Early-bird registration ends"
+[[keyDates]]
+date = "October 12 – 14, 2026"
+event = "scverse conference 2026 — Copenhagen"
++++
+
+## About the conference
+
+scverse® is a consortium of foundational, community-developed tools for the analysis of omics data in the life sciences — including [AnnData](/packages), [scanpy](/packages), [muon](/packages), [scvi-tools](/packages), and [SpatialData](/packages). The annual scverse conference is where this community meets in person.
+
+After Munich (2024) and Stanford (2025), the **third scverse conference** comes to Europe — hosted at the **Technical University of Denmark (DTU)** in **Copenhagen**, on **October 12 – 14, 2026**.
+
+Expect keynote talks, contributed talks and posters, hands-on workshops and tutorials, and plenty of time to connect with the people building and using the scverse ecosystem.
+
+> **Details for 2026 are still being finalised.** Speakers, the full program, registration, and deadlines will be announced in the coming months. Follow us on [Zulip](https://scverse.zulipchat.com/), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/scverse.bsky.social), [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/scverse), or [X](https://x.com/scverse_team) to stay up to date.
+
+Questions? Email us at [conference@scverse.org](mailto:conference@scverse.org).
diff --git a/content/conference2026/call-for-proposals.md b/content/conference2026/call-for-proposals.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ca835e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/call-for-proposals.md
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
++++
+title = "Call for proposals"
+url = "/conference2026/call-for-proposals"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 5
++++
+
+## Share your work
+
+The scverse conference program is built with the community. We welcome submissions from researchers, developers, and users across the single-cell and spatial omics ecosystem. Submission types include:
+
+<div class="card-grid">
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Talks</h3>
+    <p>Present your research, tool, or method as a contributed talk. Selected abstracts are scheduled across the main program.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Posters</h3>
+    <p>Share work in progress and connect with the community during dedicated poster sessions.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Workshops & tutorials</h3>
+    <p>Propose a hands-on session teaching a tool, workflow, or technique from the scverse ecosystem.</p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+## How to submit
+
+The submission portal and guidelines will open with registration. Abstracts will be reviewed by the program committee, and submitting an abstract also makes you eligible to apply for a [travel grant](/conference2026/registration/#travel-grants).
+
+<div class="placeholder-note">Submission portal and deadlines to be announced.</div>
+
+Questions about submissions? Email [conference@scverse.org](mailto:conference@scverse.org).
diff --git a/content/conference2026/code-of-conduct.md b/content/conference2026/code-of-conduct.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad0e46b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/code-of-conduct.md
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
++++
+title = "Code of Conduct"
+url = "/conference2026/code-of-conduct"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 8
++++
+
+This code of conduct was developed for the scverse conferences. For more details, see the full [scverse Code of Conduct](/about/code_of_conduct).
+
+## Our pledge
+
+We as members, contributors, and leaders pledge to make participation in our community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, visible or invisible disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, caste, color, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.
+
+We pledge to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy community.
+
+## Examples of unacceptable behavior
+
+Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
+
+* Making comments in chats, to an audience or personally, that belittle or demean another person
+* Sharing sexual images online
+* Harassing photography or recording
+* Sustained disruption of talks or other events
+* Unwelcome sexual attention
+* Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
+
+Intimidation and bullying include, but are not limited to:
+
+* Aggressive or browbeating behavior directed at someone during a public presentation
+* Mocking or insulting another person's intellect, work, perspective, or question/comment
+* Making reference to someone's gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, or other personal attributes in the context of a scientific discussion
+* Deliberately making someone feel unwelcome
+
+## Enforcement
+
+Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund.
+
+Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related online activities.
+
+## Reporting
+
+If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone.
+
+You can make a report either personally or anonymously. Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior may be reported to the community leaders responsible for enforcement at [steering-council@scverse.org](mailto:steering-council@scverse.org). All complaints will be reviewed and investigated promptly and fairly.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/organizers.md b/content/conference2026/organizers.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05a6c13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/organizers.md
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
++++
+title = "Organizers"
+url = "/conference2026/organizers"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 9
++++
+
+## Organizing committee
+
+The scverse conference 2026 is organised by members of the scverse community together with our local hosts at DTU, Copenhagen. The full committee will be listed here soon.
+
+<div class="placeholder-note">Organizing committee to be announced.</div>
+
+## Get involved
+
+The conference is a community effort. If you would like to help organise, volunteer during the event, or host a satellite session, reach out to us at [conference@scverse.org](mailto:conference@scverse.org).
+
+You can also learn more about the people behind scverse on the [People](/people) page and about the project on our [About](/about) page.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/registration.md b/content/conference2026/registration.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2669c25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/registration.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
++++
+title = "Registration"
+url = "/conference2026/registration"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 4
++++
+
+<div class="status-banner">Registration opens soon — dates to be announced.</div>
+
+## Registration
+
+Registration for scverse conference 2026 will open in the coming months. Ticket tiers, pricing, and deadlines will be posted here. Capacity is limited, so we recommend registering early once registration opens.
+
+Sign up for announcements via [Zulip](https://scverse.zulipchat.com/) or follow us on social media so you don't miss the opening date.
+
+## Travel grants
+
+We are committed to making the conference accessible to as many people as possible. As in previous years, we plan to offer **travel grants** to help cover registration, accommodation, and travel.
+
+Priority is given to applicants who have submitted an abstract and are in financial need — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, underresourced institutions, or low- and middle-income countries. Application details and deadlines will be announced together with registration.
+
+## Childcare & accessibility
+
+We aim to support attendees with caregiving responsibilities and accessibility needs. If you have specific requirements, please reach out to [conference@scverse.org](mailto:conference@scverse.org) and we will do our best to accommodate.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/schedule.md b/content/conference2026/schedule.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b6f5f7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/schedule.md
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
++++
+title = "Schedule"
+url = "/conference2026/schedule"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 3
++++
+
+## Program at a glance
+
+The detailed program will be published closer to the event. The conference runs over three days at DTU, Copenhagen.
+
+<div class="schedule-grid">
+  <div class="schedule-day">
+    <h3>Day 1 — Mon 12 Oct</h3>
+    <p>Welcome, keynote, contributed talks, and an evening poster session and reception.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="schedule-day">
+    <h3>Day 2 — Tue 13 Oct</h3>
+    <p>Keynotes, contributed talks, lightning talks, and community discussions.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="schedule-day">
+    <h3>Day 3 — Wed 14 Oct</h3>
+    <p>Hands-on workshops and tutorials, satellite sessions, and closing remarks.</p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="placeholder-note">Full schedule to be announced.</div>
+
+## Workshops & satellite sessions
+
+As in previous years, the conference includes hands-on workshops and tutorials on the scverse ecosystem and satellite sessions hosted by partners. Topics and sign-up details will be shared with the full program.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/speakers.md b/content/conference2026/speakers.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec4881e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/speakers.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
++++
+title = "Speakers"
+url = "/conference2026/speakers"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 2
++++
+
+## Keynote speakers
+
+Our keynote line-up for scverse conference 2026 will be announced soon. Past conferences have featured leading voices from across single-cell and spatial biology, machine learning, and open-source scientific software.
+
+<div class="placeholder-note">Speakers to be announced — check back soon.</div>
+
+## Contributed talks & posters
+
+A large part of the program is built from the community. Selected contributed talks and posters are chosen from submitted abstracts — see the [call for proposals](/conference2026/call-for-proposals/) for how to take part.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/sponsors.md b/content/conference2026/sponsors.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d683526
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/sponsors.md
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
++++
+title = "Sponsors"
+url = "/conference2026/sponsors"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 6
++++
+
+## Partner with scverse
+
+scverse® builds the foundational, interoperable open-source tools for single-cell and spatial omics — including **Scanpy, AnnData, squidpy, and scvi-tools** — used by labs worldwide and described in journals such as *Nature Biotechnology*. scverse is a non-profit, fiscally sponsored project of [NumFOCUS](https://numfocus.org/project/scverse).
+
+The annual scverse conference sits at the **intersection of academia and industry**, bringing together developers, academic labs, and researchers at every career stage. Your sponsorship funds the community directly — travel grants, fee waivers, and free tools, not shareholders.
+
+<div class="stat-grid">
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">6,000+</span><span class="stat-label">citations of the Scanpy paper</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">100M+</span><span class="stat-label">cells handled in a single analysis</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">100+</span><span class="stat-label">open-source contributors</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">NumFOCUS</span><span class="stat-label">sponsored, alongside NumPy &amp; pandas</span></div>
+</div>
+
+## Why sponsor
+
+<div class="card-grid">
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Thought leadership</h3>
+    <p>Take the stage with a sponsor talk in front of the people defining the field — the same stage that has hosted Genentech, Helmholtz, Mount Sinai, NVIDIA Ventures, CZ Biohub, and Anthropic.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Talent attraction</h3>
+    <p>Meet your future hires: a high concentration of early-career researchers from across the globe — the next generation of computational biologists. Sponsor-funded grants put you in front of them first.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Brand &amp; open science</h3>
+    <p>Align your brand with the open-source maintainers whose tools sit at the core of modern biology, and back a community-driven, non-profit mission with global reach.</p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+**Who's in the room:** grad students & postdocs · PIs & senior academics · industry scientists (biotech & pharma R&D) · open-source tool developers · computational & ML data scientists.
+
+## A growing, international community
+
+<div class="stat-grid">
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">2</span><span class="stat-label">editions held</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">350+</span><span class="stat-label">attendees at Stanford 2025 (in person + online)</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">17</span><span class="stat-label">countries represented in Munich 2024</span></div>
+  <div class="stat"><span class="stat-num">140+</span><span class="stat-label">posters across the two editions</span></div>
+</div>
+
+- **2024 · Munich** — inaugural edition: 170+ attendees from 17 countries, 6 keynotes, 13 talks, 14 workshops, 51 posters.
+- **2025 · Stanford** — sold out a month early: 250 in person + 100 online, 4 keynotes, 15 talks, 90 posters, 3 parallel workshops.
+- **2026 · Copenhagen** — coming to Europe: 3rd edition at DTU, 12–14 October. Your opportunity to partner.
+
+## Sponsorship tiers
+
+<div class="tier-grid">
+  <div class="tier-card tier-diamond"><h3>Diamond</h3><p class="tier-price">€15,000</p><p class="tier-tag">Most visible</p></div>
+  <div class="tier-card tier-platinum"><h3>Platinum</h3><p class="tier-price">€7,500</p></div>
+  <div class="tier-card tier-gold"><h3>Gold</h3><p class="tier-price">€5,000</p></div>
+  <div class="tier-card tier-silver"><h3>Silver</h3><p class="tier-price">€2,000</p></div>
+</div>
+
+| What's included | Diamond | Platinum | Gold | Silver |
+| --- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
+| Top billing & premium logo placement | ✓ | – | – | – |
+| Speaking slot — a talk at the conference | ✓ | – | – | – |
+| Sponsor booth at the conference | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
+| Sponsored early-career travel grants (with recognition) | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
+| Opt-in attendee list (name, email, job title, company) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
+| Logo & branding on attendance certificate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
+| Acknowledgement at opening & closing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
+| Social media sponsor announcement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
+| Dedicated sponsors page with profile | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
+| Conference passes | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
+| Discount on additional passes | 30% off | 15% off | – | – |
+
+*All amounts in EUR.*
+
+## Beyond the tiers
+
+The tiers are a floor, not a ceiling. Want to give more than Diamond, or shape something specific? We'll build a **custom or founding-partner package** — uncapped contributions, co-branding, and multi-year partnerships.
+
+You can also add **à la carte** items on top of any tier: early-career travel grants, a workshop / tutorial track, the networking social, coffee & catering, D&I scholarships, or recording & livestream.
+
+## Past sponsors
+
+Past scverse conference sponsors include the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, CZ Biohub, 10x Genomics, Altos Labs, Immunai, Boehringer Ingelheim, Tahoe, Somite, TileDB, LatchBio, and Data Intuitive.
+
+## Start the conversation
+
+Our 2025 conference sold out more than a month in advance, so we encourage interested sponsors to reach out early. Email us at [conference2026@scverse.org](mailto:conference2026@scverse.org) to request the full sponsorship prospectus and discuss a partnership.
diff --git a/content/conference2026/travel.md b/content/conference2026/travel.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..56a1a76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/conference2026/travel.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
++++
+title = "Venue & travel"
+url = "/conference2026/travel"
+type = "conference2026"
+weight = 7
++++
+
+## Venue
+
+The conference is hosted at the **Technical University of Denmark (DTU)**, just north of Copenhagen. The exact buildings and rooms will be confirmed closer to the event.
+
+<div class="placeholder-note">Detailed venue, room, and map information to be announced.</div>
+
+## Getting to Copenhagen
+
+<div class="card-grid">
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>By air</h3>
+    <p>Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main international gateway, well connected across Europe and beyond, with a direct metro and train link to the city centre.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>By train</h3>
+    <p>Copenhagen is connected by rail to the rest of Denmark, Sweden (via the Øresund Bridge), and continental Europe.</p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="info-card">
+    <h3>Local transport</h3>
+    <p>Copenhagen has an excellent public transport network of metro, trains, and buses. DTU is reachable by regional train and bus from the city centre.</p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+## Accommodation
+
+A list of recommended hotels and student-friendly options near the venue and city centre will be published ahead of registration.
+
+## Visas
+
+Denmark is part of the Schengen Area. If you require a visa to travel, please plan ahead — we can provide invitation letters for registered attendees on request to [conference@scverse.org](mailto:conference@scverse.org).
diff --git a/layouts/conference2026/baseof.html b/layouts/conference2026/baseof.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2930d03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/layouts/conference2026/baseof.html
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+<!doctype html>
+<html lang="en">
+  <head>
+    {{ partial "head" . }}
+  </head>
+  <body>
+    <header>
+      {{ partial "header" . }}
+    </header>
+    <div id="wrapper">
+      <div id="content">
+        <div class="conference-page">
+          {{ block "hero" . }}{{ end }}
+          {{ partial "conference-nav" . }}
+          <div class="conference-content">
+            {{ block "main" . }}{{ end }}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+    {{ partial "footer" . }}
+  </body>
+</html>
diff --git a/layouts/conference2026/list.html b/layouts/conference2026/list.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..367f355
--- /dev/null
+++ b/layouts/conference2026/list.html
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+{{ define "hero" }}
+  <section
+    class="conference-hero"
+    style="background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(10,20,40,0.55), rgba(10,20,40,0.7)), url('{{ .Params.backgroundImage | default "/img/events/2026_10_conference_bg.jpg" }}');"
+  >
+    <div class="conference-hero-inner">
+      {{ with .Params.label }}<span class="conference-badge">{{ . }}</span>{{ end }}
+      <h1>{{ .Params.conferenceTitle | default .Title }}</h1>
+      <p class="conference-hero-meta">{{ .Params.conferenceDates | default "October 12 – 14, 2026" }}</p>
+      <p class="conference-hero-location">{{ .Params.conferenceLocation | default "Copenhagen, Denmark" }}</p>
+      {{ with .Params.subtitle }}<p class="conference-hero-subtitle">{{ . | safeHTML }}</p>{{ end }}
+      {{ with .Params.buttons }}
+        <div class="conference-hero-actions">
+          {{ range $i, $b := . }}
+            <a
+              href="{{ $b.url }}"
+              class="conf-btn {{ if eq $i 0 }}
+                conf-btn-primary
+              {{ else }}
+                conf-btn-secondary
+              {{ end }}"
+              >{{ $b.name }}</a
+            >
+          {{ end }}
+        </div>
+      {{ end }}
+    </div>
+  </section>
+{{ end }}
+
+{{ define "main" }}
+  <article class="conference-article">
+    {{ .Content }}
+
+    {{ with .Params.keyDates }}
+      <h2 id="key-dates">Key dates</h2>
+      <ul class="key-dates">
+        {{ range . }}
+          <li>
+            <span class="key-date">{{ .date }}</span>
+            <span class="key-event">{{ .event }}</span>
+          </li>
+        {{ end }}
+      </ul>
+      <p class="placeholder-note">Dates are indicative and will be confirmed soon.</p>
+    {{ end }}
+  </article>
+{{ end }}
diff --git a/layouts/conference2026/single.html b/layouts/conference2026/single.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c50e70d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/layouts/conference2026/single.html
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+{{ define "hero" }}
+  {{ $section := .Site.GetPage "/conference2026" }}
+  <section
+    class="conference-pageheader"
+    style="background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(10,20,40,0.55), rgba(10,20,40,0.7)), url('{{ $section.Params.backgroundImage | default "/img/events/2026_10_conference_bg.jpg" }}');"
+  >
+    <div class="conference-hero-inner">
+      <p class="conference-eyebrow">
+        <a href="/conference2026/">scverse conference 2026</a> · October 12 – 14 · Copenhagen
+      </p>
+      <h1>{{ .Title }}</h1>
+    </div>
+  </section>
+{{ end }}
+
+{{ define "main" }}
+  <article class="conference-article">
+    {{ .Content }}
+  </article>
+{{ end }}
diff --git a/layouts/partials/conference-nav.html b/layouts/partials/conference-nav.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7cc371a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/layouts/partials/conference-nav.html
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+{{- $current := .RelPermalink -}}
+{{- $section := .Site.GetPage "/conference2026" -}}
+<nav class="conference-nav">
+  <div class="conference-nav-inner">
+    <a href="{{ $section.RelPermalink }}" {{ if eq $current $section.RelPermalink }}class="active"{{ end }}>Overview</a>
+    {{- range $section.Pages.ByWeight }}
+      <a href="{{ .RelPermalink }}" {{ if eq $current .RelPermalink }}class="active"{{ end }}>{{ .Title }}</a>
+    {{- end }}
+  </div>
+</nav>