The 26th International Conference on Nonlinear Elasticity in Materials was held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 9 to 14 June 2024, returning after thirteen years and nine editions. Hosted by the Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the event maintained its tradition of an informal, interactive setting with 40 participants from 10 countries. The conference covered the elastic nonlinear behaviour of solids and soft matter, looking at theoretical advances, modelling and practical applications in non-destructive testing and geophysics. With a balanced mix of new and returning participants, it showcased the cutting edge of research in the field.