Prague Congress Centre: An Icon of International Meetings

Prague, the heart of Europe and the fifth most sought-after MICE destination in the world, hosted 5,100 events last year. The most significant ones take place at the Prague Congress Centre (PCC), an icon of Prague’s congress industry with unique views of the romantic city and top-notch facilities for even the most prestigious events.

Events are a catalyst for long-term changes that transform cities and society as a whole. They bring new ideas, promote innovation and strengthen international knowledge sharing and research projects. This is confirmed by Lenka Žlebková, PCC CEO: “Every international congress in Prague means thousands of new contacts between experts, opening the way to new friendships and collaborations and leading to important advances in science and research. Congresses also shape the image of Prague as an attractive and innovative city. I am proud that we at the PCC are part of this.”

Prague: An Exceptional Congress Destination

In 2024, Prague cemented its place among the world’s absolute best, ranking 5th in the ICCA rankings. It dominates the European continent, where it ranks higher than Paris, London and Madrid. Its success is based not only on its professional facilities and competitiveness, but also on the atmosphere that makes every event an exceptional experience. The romantic historic city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, diverse cultural and gastronomic offerings and a high level of security rank it among the destinations with the highest ‘delegate experience’. Its accessibility is also an advantage – Václav Havel Airport is only 30 minutes from the city centre, visitors have access to an extensive public transport network, and there is a wide range of hotel accommodation, including the Holiday Inn Prague.
 

St. Nicholas Church, a baroque landmark in Prague’s Malá Strana district

Prague Congress Centre: A Prague Icon With A 45-Year Tradition And A Global Reputation

The PCC, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year, is the leading MICE venue in Prague and the country. Its reputation is also confi rmed by the prestigious events that have taken place at the centre under extraordinary security measures – from the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank 2000 to the NATO summit 2002 and the Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform 2023. “However, we also host less formal events aimed at education and networking. An example is the recent ICCA Workshop, which connects associations with organisers and host destinations. It is precisely such meetings that prove that our role goes far beyond simply renting out space. Whether it is this year’s ICCA workshop, the 27th World Road Congress 2023 or the NATO summit, all these events have one thing in common – we can offer top-class, inspiring facilities and maximum security,” says Žlebková.

Participants Of The ICCA Workshop At The Prague Congress Centre

The PCC offers its visitors 70 halls and lounges with a capacity of up to 10,000 participants, unique brutalist architecture, unforgettable interior design and panoramic views of Prague Castle and the historic city centre. The immediate vicinity of the four-star Holiday Inn Prague hotel provides guests with comfortable facilities with more than a thousand parking spaces and charging hubs for electric cars. Thanks to its location directly on the metro line, you can be in the city centre within ten minutes. Top-notch AV services, LED walls, streaming solutions for hybrid events and complete 5G network coverage help to make your event perfect.

Last year alone, a quarter of a million visitors passed through the PCC as part of 203 events – benefiting hotels, restaurants, taxi services, cultural institutions and retailers. “The events we host have the potential to take not only our centre but also the entire city a step further. Every crown invested in a congress returns many times over to Prague and its residents – not only economically, but also in terms of the city’s image and prestige,” says Žlebková, explaining the positive effect of events on the city. Thanks to major events such as the 27th World Road Congress, which attracted more than 40 ministerial delegations and over 4,000 delegates from 121 countries, the city is perceived as a modern metropolis where business meets innovation and culture. And the PCC plays a key role in this.
 

The Connection Between PCC And Prague: A Sustainable Event And An Unforgettable Experience

The PCC offers sustainable venues and green solutions, which are one of the most important selection criteria in the MICE industry today. Zero waste events combine digital tools instead of printed materials and local catering with an emphasis on seasonality and waste minimisation. “We offer our clients facilities that allow any event to take place with the least possible impact on the environment. It is not just a label, but concrete steps – whether it is energy savings, the use of local resources, or a zero-waste approach,” emphasises Žlebková.

Thanks to the 2016 Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) project, it will save over €10 million and reduce CO₂ emissions by 83,000 tonnes – equivalent to 1,740 hot-air balloons. Since 2023, the PCC has been measuring the carbon footprint of its events, installing 7,000 m² of photovoltaics and purchasing green energy to achieve zero emissions. The centre continues to invest in 2025: new, more economical escalators with ionisation technology ensure a higher standard of hygiene; drinking fountains save on plastic packaging; and drones wash the monumental building with a glass surface area of 4,000 m², saving significant time, money and energy.

Part of the ESG philosophy is also caring for the surrounding area. This is symbolised, for example, by the Crossroads mural on the centre’s façade, which was created in collaboration with the residents of Prague 4 and became part of the ART District Vyšehrad project. PCC thus cultivates not only its internal environment, but also develops public space, just as Prague’s international attractiveness strengthens the importance of the PCC. “Prague and the PCC work in harmony, which gives events a unique dimension. Every organiser and their guests can see for themselves that this combination provides a space for inspiring meetings between world leaders from a wide range of fields and creates moments that are not easily forgotten,” Žlebková concludes.

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