Overview
The INSEAD Summer Ball is one of the oldest INSEAD traditions. Expect DJs, performances and music to suit all tastes!
Amplitude
Step into a night shaped by Amplitude
where every moment is designed to amplify connection
elevate energy, and ride the wave of celebration
to its highest peak.
Expect a vibrant fusion of sound, performances
and surprises that magnify the Summer Ball experience,
into something unforgettable.
A night where the INSEAD community pulses as one.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
10:00 pm - 03:30 am CET
The Château de Fontainebleau holds special meaning for INSEAD. It was here, in a wing of this 12th century Château that INSEAD was born half a century ago. Thanks to this link with the Château, the INSEAD Summer Ball will be held in the magnificent rooms that are not normally open to the general public.
The INSEAD Summer Ball is one of the oldest INSEAD traditions. Initially held annually on the last weekend of May, it has now been moved to June and timed to coincide with the Alumni Reunion Weekend for the 5 & 10 year classes of MIM and MBA. Expect DJs, and performances and music to suit all tastes. The Summer Ball is a unique event for all members of the wider INSEAD community: alumni and partners, current students, staff, faculty, friends and families.
MIM'21, as well as MBA classes of '21J&D, '16J&D will reconnect with their former classmates. Join us for a weekend of social & networking events, faculty lectures and updates on the school.
Programme
Leave the forest behind you, and under the moon and the stars, enter the dream to find your escape.
The mirage becomes reality as you pass through the royal gateway.
Cour d’Honneur
Explore the illusions before you enter the Cour d’Honneur. Is it really the famous horseshoe-shaped staircase dating back to the reign of Louis XIII, where Napoleon stepped down from when he bade a final farewell to his Old Guard and went into exile in 1814.
10:00 pm - 12:00 am Main entry into the Château and Ball.
Don't miss the Selfie Point for an oh-so-instagrammable shot with the Château. #INSEADball
Official photographers will be located in the Techno Marquee as well as in the Salle des Colonnes from 10:30 pm to 12:30 am. (Please follow the signs and queue in the dedicated lanes)
03:30 am Don’t miss the Survivors’ photo
Galerie des Cerfs
Take a rest and be royally looked after in the Galerie des Cerfs, a majestic room decorated in Henry IV’s time with bird’s-eye-view pictures of the royal châteaux and their hunting grounds. This vast gallery is also adorned with bronze statues cast by Francesco Primaticcio for François I at Fontainebleau.
10:00 pm – 03:30 am
Enjoy a sumptuous and exquisite stand-up dinner created by our Parisian chefs.
Cour Ovale
Dance your cares away at the Cour Ovale where a special techno marquee will be mounted and transformed into a vibrating discotheque.
Stay tuned, the programme will soon be released.
Salle des Colonnes
Refresh yourself and relax at the Salle des Colonnes, a beautiful room which was originally the royal guests' waiting room for the wedding of the son of King Louis Philippe. Its rich, golden interior blends statuesque twin columns, mirrors and elements of Renaissance style. This room will be your serene chill-out lounge.
10:00 pm – 03:30 am Cool your heels and catch up with old and new friends. A great place to recharge with canapés and drinks.
Food & Drink - All rooms
A stand-up dinner created by our Parisian chefs will be served throughout the evening in all the venues. A mixture of cocktail and buffet serving savoury, sweet, hot, cold, vegetarian, cheese platters and amazing desserts. There will be free-flow drinks and champagne (including fresh and homemade virgin cocktails, sodas, hot beverages). A panini, soup and pasta buffet will also be available near the end of the evening.
As the Ball starts at 10:00 pm, we recommend that you have a light dinner before you arrive.
Please note that due to security reasons, the Ball will end promptly at 03:30 am.
The Survivor's photo will be taken under the marquee at 03:30 am sharp.
Practical Information
Summer Ball Pricing & Cancellation policy
- Early-bird price until 4 May 2026: €360
- Regular price, as of 5 May 2026: €426
- No sales at the gate!
In order to provide you with quality service, INSEAD applies a no refund policy for the Summer Ball.
Tickets
When you register on Eventbrite, you will receive a confirmation email with an e-ticket to present at the Château entrance.
Access your tickets in the Eventbrite app before the event, and add them to your phone's digital wallet for the fastest entry or bring a printed copy.
Tickets are mandatory for entry to the Ball.
Each ticket is personal, non-transferable, and valid only for the named holder.
Guests without a valid ticket will be refused entry -- strictly no sales at the gate!
Dress code
The dress code for the event is 'black tie and evening dress' or national costume.
For men, it means wearing a tuxedo or equivalent attire.
For women, it entails wearing an evening gown. You might choose a floor-length dress, an elegant cocktail dress, sophisticated separates or even a smart pantsuit.
However, this is not mandatory. Men have come in black suits (with tie) and women in cocktail dresses. The idea is that this is a prestigious formal event…which means no jeans, T-shirts, casual dresses and definitely no sneakers.
Cloakroom
Fontainebleau in June can be quite chilly, and it may even rain! A cloakroom is available in Cour Ovale, for you to leave your jackets, shawls, umbrellas and shoes should you wish. We recommend that ladies wear flat/comfortable shoes to go from the entrance of the Château to the Ball venue because of the cobblestone paths. You can then change into fancier shoes.
For your own safety, please do not take off your shoes to dance, as there is a risk of broken glass from breakages. Should you need to, a limited number of slippers are available at the Cloakroom for your use.
Getting there
Château de Fontainebleau
77300 Fontainebleau
For more information on the Château de Fontainebleau, its history and its location, visit the official website.
Entrance to the Ball is via the Cour d’Honneur (main entrance of the Château). Here is a map of the Château.
The Château is a historical monument. Note that, for security reasons, smoking is strictly prohibited in all the rooms in the Château and in the Marquees. Smoking is only permitted in specially designated outdoor smoking areas.
Children are not allowed at the Ball. Entry is reserved for 18 years and above.
Transportation
Due to limited parking spaces at the venue, we do not encourage you to drive. We recommend that you take one of the following modes of transportation to ensure a hassle-free evening:
There are options to drinking and driving!
Taxis, trains, buses - We have them all!
But if you have to drive - don't drink, be smart, drive safe!
Shuttle service - in and around Fontainebleau
At 03:45 am, two buses will leave promptly from the main entrance of the Château and will stop at the train station or at the Mairie (town hall) of each village.
Bus 1 leaving at 03:45 am will run to: Thomery, Moret-sur-Loing/Veneux-les-Sablons, La Grande Paroisse, Villecerf, Montigny-sur-Loing, Bourron-Marlotte
Bus 2 leaving at 03:45 am will run to: Ury (Novotel), Arbonne, St Martin-en-Bière, Fleury-en-Bière, Chailly-en-Bière, Barbizon, Macherin
Due to security reasons, the Ball will end promptly at 03:30 am.
Special taxi fares
Need a drop-off at the Château to go to the Ball?
Need a lift to drive you home?
Book a taxi: +33 677 941 006 or the online booking website.
Taxis will be available from midnight onwards at the main entrance of the Château, and will apply the negotiated taxi fares below:
€15: In town and Fontainebleau/Avon train station
€30: From/to nearest villages (Bourron-Marlotte, Recloses, Bois-le-Roi, Samois-sur-Seine, Vulaines-sur-Seine, Héricy, Champagne-sur-Seine, Montigny-sur-Loing, Moret-sur-Loing, Veneux-les-Sablons, Barbizon, Macherin, St Martin-en-Bière)
€40: From/to other surrounding villages (Nemours, Ury, Arbonne, Fleury-en-Bière, Chailly-en-Bière, Villecerf, Villemer)
Parking
If you wish to drive, please park at the Parking Château, rue de Ferrare (in front of the Château de Fontainebleau).
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
Photography and Videography
By registering for this event, I hereby grant permission to INSEAD and its partners the rights of my image and/or image of my underage child/children attending the event, in video or still, and of the likeness and sound of my/our voice(s) as recorded on audio or videotape, without payment or any other consideration. I understand that these images and recordings may be edited, copied, exhibited, published or distributed, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of these images or recordings. Photographic, audio or video recordings may be used for any use including but not limited to: livestreaming, online videos, presentations, media and social media, news (press), and INSEAD websites. By registering for this event, I and all members of my registration group accept to be photographed, filmed, and recorded during the event; acknowledge that these images and recordings may be used as noted above; and release any and all claims against INSEAD and its partners utilizing this material.
If you prefer that you or any member of your registration group not be photographed or recorded during the event, or if you would like us to delete your photos, please contact [email protected].
INSEAD's Alumni Code of Conduct
INSEAD has taken extensive measures to ensure that your event occurs in the best possible circumstances. By enrolling for this event, you confirm your comprehension of the INSEAD Alumni Code of Conduct and commit to treating all members of the INSEAD community with courtesy and esteem. You also agree to uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all your interactions with community members. We sincerely appreciate your consideration and respect for our staff.
Data Protection
Our Data Protection Notice explains how INSEAD uses your personal data and your rights.
Accommodation
Unfortunately, local hotels no longer allow INSEAD to pre-book rooms for the reunions or other events. However, the hotels are pleased to receive individual room requests directly from alumni. Please feel free to contact your preferred hotel as soon as possible to secure your booking now.
For additional bed-and-breakfast places, you can consult the local tourism office. Do book early as spaces are limited.
FAQs
Question: Where do I buy tickets?
Answer: Tickets can be purchased through our easy online system on Eventbrite. This system is dedicated to Alumni, current participants (MBA, EMBA, PhD, Executive Education programmess), Staff, and Faculty.
Q: Where and when can I collect my tickets?
A: When you register on Eventbrite, you will receive a confirmation email with an e-ticket to present at the Château entrance.
Access your tickets in the Eventbrite app before the event, and add them to your phone's digital wallet for the fastest entry or bring a printed copy.
Tickets are mandatory for entry to the Ball.
Each ticket is personal, non-transferable, and valid only for the named holder.
Guests without a valid ticket will be refused entry -- strictly no sales at the gate!
Q: What happens when the online registration is closed?
A: A wait-list will be opened and we will get back to you should we get cancellations. If a ticket becomes available, you will be contacted automatically with further instructions on how to purchase your ticket. No further action is required.
Strictly no sales at the gate!
Q: What does the ticket price include?
A: The price includes a full stand-up dinner (mixture of cocktail & buffet formats), champagne & free flow drinks all night long, exciting entertainment and special surprises to make this a memorable evening!
Q: What about dietaries?
A: Managing allergies, dietary, or religious requirements for each of the 1,500 guests is a challenge! That's why we are proposing a stand-up dinner where each guest can carefully choose from a large selection of food (all plates will be labelled). There will be something for everyone: savoury, sweet, hot, cold, vegetarian, gluten-free, cheese platters, and amazing desserts. We haven't forgotten the panini/pita, soup, and risotto/pasta buffet at the end of the evening, either.
The same process applies to drinks, as we know some of you may not drink alcohol. Free-flowing drinks will be served all night long, including champagne, wines, beers, hard liquor, as well as fresh and homemade virgin cocktails, sodas, water stations, and hot beverages.
Should you have any severe food allergy, please do contact us at [email protected].
Q: Are friends invited?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to share this night with your friends. Tickets will be sold online on a 'first-come, first-served' basis. Therefore, purchasing your tickets early is highly advisable.
Q: Do I need a date for the ball?
A: No. The Summer Ball is a celebration of friendship - we encourage you to come with your group of friends.
Q: Where can I stay?
A: Local hotels no longer allow INSEAD to pre-book rooms for the Reunion Weekends, the Summer Ball, or any other events. However, the hotels are pleased to receive individual room requests directly from alumni. Please feel free to contact your preferred hotel as soon as possible to secure your booking now. For additional bed-and-breakfast places, you can consult the local tourism office. Do book early as spaces are limited.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code for the event is 'black tie and evening dress' or national costume.
For men, it means wearing a tuxedo or equivalent attire.
For women, it entails wearing an evening gown or cocktail dress. You might choose a floor-length dress, an elegant cocktail dress, sophisticated separates, or even a smart pantsuit.
However, this is not mandatory. Men have come in black suits (with tie) and women in cocktail dresses. The idea is that this is a prestigious formal event…which means no jeans, T-shirts, casual dresses and definitely no sneakers.
Q: Is there only ballroom dancing at the Ball?
A: Not at all! Alumni and MBA student DJs, as well as professional DJs will entertain you with a variety of pop and house music.
Q: Can I bring along my children?
A: Only if they’re over 18! For security reasons, children under the age of 18 are NOT authorized to attend the Summer Ball. The space is crowded and definitely too noisy for young kids.
This is the reason why the Summer Ball Committee and the INSEAD Security Department decided a few years ago NOT to allow children at this particular event as it is not a suitable place for them.
We can provide you with a list of babysitters, please contact us if you wish to receive a copy of this list. Any arrangements are to be made directly with the babysitter. Parents and babysitters must deal directly with each other for all questions of scheduling, availability and payment.
