European Skydiving Symposium 2026 – Register now!
ESS 2026: A New Chapter in Spain
The European Skydiving Symposium (ESS) is back and registration is now open for its highly anticipated sixth edition. Scheduled for February 25–27, 2026, the event moves from its longstanding home in Poland to vibrant Seville, Spain. More than 700 participants from over 30 countries will gather for three action-packed days dedicated to improving safety and strengthening community in skydiving.
What Does ESS Offer?
If you’ve attended ESS before (the conference takes place every two years), you know what’s in store: expert-led safety content, engaging workshops, an expo hall for sponsors, plus evening meetups, film screenings, and hands-on product demos. With Spain’s sunshine and historic atmosphere, this year’s Symposium promises an unforgettable experience for everyone—from newcomers fresh out of AFF training to seasoned instructors with decades in the sport.
Why Attend?
The sport of skydiving is surging in popularity, making the pursuit of knowledge more crucial than ever. The ESS is a unique opportunity to gain insights into tried-and-true safety practices, learn from others’ mistakes, and see fresh perspectives on familiar procedures. The knowledge and connections gained go far beyond what any textbook or dropzone can provide—these three days are truly priceless.
“We believe that community integration within the skydiving world is the most essential element in effectively raising safety standards in the sport,” says Arkadiusz Majewski, ESS organizer, “In 2024 more than 700 participants visited us — from newly jumping students fresh out of AFF to instructors with over 30 years’ experience. Civilian and military, professionals and sport jumpers. ESS is a place where we are all together, and sharing one’s experience — sometimes painful — is part of the process that is the core mission of our Foundation. Avoiding accidents that could have been prevented. Learning from others’ mistakes. Expanding knowledge and awareness in skydiving.”
Bill Booth (UPT) and Flo (Skydive Nation) at ESS 2024
What’s on Offer in the ESS 2026 Program?
Diverse Tracks for Every Skydiver
Each year, the ESS organizers design the conference agenda so that every skydiver finds sessions tailored to their needs. The upcoming edition will feature even more variety, with multiple thematic tracks listed in the Skydiving Symposium mobile app:
- Track for fun jumpers
- Track for tandem instructors
- Track for AFF instructors
- Track for riggers
- Track for dropzone owners and managers
- Military track (new for 2026)
- Track for content creators and marketing (new)
- Dedicated workshops and demonstrations track (new)
Custom Content for Every Experience Level
“Every group in our community requires different presentations,” says Marta Molińska, Director of Agenda & Sponsorship. “If you’re a seasoned AFF instructor or coach, you probably aren’t seeking advice for your first boogie at an unfamiliar dropzone, but you might be interested in topics like fatal accident analysis, the evolution of AFF training, or taking part in Coach-2-Coach sessions. For those approaching their first 100 jumps, there’s a wealth of insights that go beyond the standard AFF curriculum—like guidance on canopy progression, tips to avoid early camera pitfalls, or the critical factors in choosing a reserve canopy.”
Spotlight on Essential Topics
Some issues are relevant to all skydivers, regardless of experience: dual malfunctions, mental health in skydiving, and the risks associated with flying in larger groups. Often, there simply isn’t enough time at the dropzone to cover these topics in depth. ESS makes space for these vital discussions, because in the end, the entire community shares the same risks and goals—everyone’s in the same boat, literally.
If you’re eager for more details, the Skydiving Symposium mobile app already allows attendees to preview the agenda, browse presentation descriptions, and get an early look at the list of speakers and exhibitors. While the program continues to be refined, everything so far suggests an event packed with value and inspiration.
World-Class Speaker Lineup
One way to judge the intellectual standard of ESS 2026 is by looking at the roster of invited speakers, which already features some of the most respected names in the sport:
- Pete Allum, Flight-1
- Kate Cooper-Jensen
- Norman Kent
- Alethia J Austin, SkydiveMag
- Neil Wilcox, UPT
- Ron Bell, USPA
- Maxine Tate, Flight-1
- Angie Aragon, USPA
- Beau Riebe, Performance Designs
- James La Barrie, Beyond Marketing
- Jim Cowan, Flight-1
- Julien Peelman, JYRO
- Dieter Kirsch
- Jasper van der Meer, ToraTora
- Adam Samper, UPT
- Julian Barthel
- Daniel Ossio, Wingsuit Academy
“… and that’s not even the whole list, which now already exceeds 40 names!
Daniel Ossio
Conference and Expo: Expanding the Safety Mission
The European Skydiving Symposium has long centered its mission on sharing knowledge and elevating safety standards in the sport. Complementing this goal, the Expo zone offers a dynamic space where attendees can connect directly with parachute equipment manufacturers, service providers, and dropzone representatives.
Hands-On Experience and Industry Access
At the Expo, visitors can engage with canopy designers, container manufacturers, jumpsuit creators, and the teams behind military training programs. The area offers opportunities to test canopy flight simulators, try on ideal jumpsuits, and purchase tunnel packages at exclusive event prices.
Brands and Innovations on Display
Over 50 brands have already confirmed their presence, including favorites such as Vigil, UPT, Cypres, Burble, Icarus, Performance Designs, SunPath, JYRO, Cookie, Parasport Italia, Alti-2, Option Gravity, Lodie, Vertigen, Flyspot, Windobona, Tunnel Tech, and many others.
Military Parachute Operations
Recognizing the growing importance of defense sectors, the Expo will also feature brands active in military parachute operations, including Flight-1, CPS, Safran Group, BlackHawk Aerospace, BRÜGGEMANN, Airborn Systems, and FIN.
“Organizers of ESS wanted to host another edition in a place where jumping before or after the conference is possible,” says Victor Fernandez Grande, manager of Skydive Spain. “We immediately agreed, because being part of this event is an extraordinary challenge for us, but also a chance to showcase our dropzone to new people. Right after the conference there will be Gear Testing Days, where manufacturers will offer gear to test in the air. We also plan pre-conference events – soon we’ll be ready to share more details.”
Not Just Education and Business: A Multifaceted Skydiving Experience in Seville
Beyond the Conference: Side Events and Attractions
While the core purpose of ESS is knowledge sharing and safety promotion, organizers are enhancing the event with a variety of side activities that make this symposium much more than just a conference. Attendees can look forward to film screenings, including the premiere of the documentary “400” directed by Gulcin Gilbert, as well as a lively after-party hosted by ToraTora.
Interactive and Fun Activities
The event will feature live translation services on the fun-jumping stages, daily lotteries, parachute first aid workshops, round-table discussion sessions, and the exciting Blind Packjob Race. These activities create opportunities for networking, learning, and enjoying the sport in a relaxed atmosphere.
Jumps, Food, and Historic City Charm
This edition of ESS is organized in collaboration with Skydive Spain, a well-known dropzone in Europe celebrated for its sunny weather and numerous international events. Moving the symposium to Sevilla was a deliberate choice, as the organizers wanted a location where participants can easily combine jumping before or after the conference.
Dawid “Zandee” Golab
Register now!
February 25–27, 2026
Registration: https://skydivingsymposium.eu/
Conference venue: Ilunion Alcora Hotel****
So better be quick and snag the cheapest tickets now!
See you in Seville! Blue Skies!
Flo (Skydive Nation)
