ECR 2026 Transforms Vienna into an Immersive World of Radiology

© Austria Center Vienna | Manzano Images

The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2026 once again transformed Vienna and the Austria Center Vienna into a fully immersive world of radiology this March.

Scientific excellence, technological innovation, and global exchange were not only showcased but brought vividly to life through a carefully crafted spatial experience – turning the congress into a dynamic environment where knowledge transfer and interaction became immediately tangible.

With 22,418 participants from 121 countries and more than 220 exhibitors, ECR reaffirmed its status as a leading international hub for the radiology community. Blending scientific dialogue with cutting-edge technology, the congress also continued its long-standing contribution to Vienna’s economy – supporting sectors from hospitality and transport to the city’s global visibility.

Visual immersion: when knowledge sharing becomes a spatial experience

ECR 2026 highlighted how modern international congresses enable meaningful knowledge exchange and networking: through high-quality, cinematic content that transforms learning into a multisensory and highly engaging experience. The congress theme, “Rays of Knowledge,” was seamlessly integrated throughout the venue, creating a coherent and continuous narrative across all spaces.

“ECR 2026 surpassed itself once again in its overall staging. Arriving at the congress often feels like stepping into a world of its own,” says Susanne Baumann-Söllner, Director of the Austria Center Vienna. “What convinces international guests is the on-site experience. The more compelling it is, the higher the attendance – benefiting not only the congress itself, but Vienna as a business and scientific location.”
 

© Austria Center Vienna | Manzano Images

From the opening show to the plenary lecture: staging at all levels

The architecture of the Austria Center Vienna, with its five interconnected levels, adaptable halls, and versatile meeting spaces, provided the ideal foundation for this immersive approach. It enabled a seamless visitor journey, where exhibition areas, networking zones, and scientific sessions flowed naturally into one another, forming a cohesive experiential landscape.

From the outset, the congress set a powerful tone. The spectacular Opening Ceremony “LIGHT” delivered a memorable experience, featuring live performances by internationally renowned artists and visually interpreting the congress theme with striking dramaturgy. Meanwhile, the Plenary Lectures presented cutting-edge scientific insights on a grand and impactful stage.

A key highlight of the spatial concept was the polySTAGE in the entrance hall. Comprising 52 LED panels alongside additional digital surfaces, it acted as a powerful visual focal point, shaping the atmosphere of the central arrival area and reinforcing the immersive character of the event.

ECR fully leveraged the capabilities of the Austria Center Vienna. Through precise content choreography and tailored technical solutions, programme elements, wayfinding, and live moments were seamlessly interwoven, resulting in a consistent and deeply engaging congress experience.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.