Geneva Secures SLAS Europe for 2028, 2030 and 2032

Geneva has been confirmed as the host city for the SLAS Europe Conference and Exhibition for three future editions — 2028, 2030 and 2032 — reinforcing Switzerland’s position as a leading hub for innovation in life sciences and technology.

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) has selected Geneva as the venue for its flagship European event, with all three editions set to take place at Palexpo, the city’s largest exhibition and conference centre, conveniently located near the international airport.

The decision represents a significant milestone for Geneva’s meetings industry and underscores the city’s growing reputation as a centre for scientific exchange and technological advancement. The Geneva Convention Bureau played an instrumental role in supporting the bid process, working closely with local partners to bring the conference to Switzerland for the first time.

“SLAS Europe is not just a regional meeting, it’s a global event for advancing science and automation that is anchored in excellence and collaboration,” said SLAS CEO Vicki Loise, CAE, CMP. “With Geneva being a home to so many global scientific and pharma organisations, biotech companies, world class universities and research institutions, it is a natural convening point for our European conference that connects science, technology, and people.”

Founded in 2010, SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is a global, non-profit professional community of more than 20,000 scientists, engineers, researchers, academics, and business leaders from across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, and technology industries. Its mission is to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration that unites scientists, educators and industry professionals to co-create solutions for a healthier world.

Through international conferences, open-access scientific journals and educational initiatives, SLAS provides a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and innovation. The organisation also supports start-ups and emerging scientists through competitions, mentoring programmes and technology showcases that connect academic research with industry application.

“Hosting SLAS Europe underscores Geneva’s ability to attract major international scientific events beyond the traditional medical field,” said Laureline Herde, Business Development Manager at the Geneva Convention Bureau. “This achievement also reflects a truly national effort, with key representatives from across Switzerland, including academic institutions, innovation clusters, and industry partners, coming together to showcase the strength and diversity of the Swiss life sciences and technology ecosystem. It is a success for Geneva, but also for Switzerland as a whole.”

The SLAS Europe Conference and Exhibition will welcome thousands of delegates, researchers and companies from around the world, providing a platform to explore emerging technologies, share breakthroughs and shape the future of automation and innovation in the life sciences.

Amy Wilkinson, CMP, CEM, DES, SLAS Director Global Events & Corporate Partnerships, added, “From a logistics point of view, Geneva is a wonderful place to organize and attend a conference, with its safe, clean, efficient infrastructure and a stunning natural setting that is easy to get to via air or rail – what’s not to like?”

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.