Paris has emerged from a demanding summer with a familiar lesson for the business events industry: major events can do more than attract audiences. They can reshape visitor flows, strengthen destination visibility and generate measurable effects well beyond the event itself.

That dynamic was particularly evident during the 2026 summer season, as Paris welcomed the Esports World Cup for the first time. Held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 6 July to 20 August, the tournament brought the world’s elite esports competitors to the French capital, selling 175,000 tickets and generating two million cumulative visits across its competition venues.

The event also demonstrated the international reach that a major sporting property can bring to a destination. The Esports World Cup attracted 850 million viewers worldwide and generated 440 million hours watched, while the League of Legends tournament reached a peak audience of 4.3 million. For Paris, the impact extended into the surrounding destination: hotels in districts close to Porte de Versailles recorded occupancy 2.9% higher than the previous year, 3.7 percentage points above the average for Paris proper.

International visitor numbers around Porte de Versailles also rose by 3.1%, with particularly strong increases from the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Germany and the United States. The figures offer a compelling illustration of the way major events can redistribute activity across a city, creating demand in areas that might otherwise sit outside the main tourist circuits.

The esports tournament was not an isolated example. Throughout the summer, Paris continued to use a broad programme of cultural, sporting and public events to reinforce its appeal. La Caverne du Pont Neuf, the monumental installation by artist JR, attracted an estimated 6.4 million people between 15 and 28 June, while generating an international media footprint estimated at 11 billion potential impressions and 300 million people reached.

The Fête de la Musique also translated cultural participation into measurable hotel demand, with occupancy rising by 4.7% on the Saturday night and 4% on the Sunday night of the festival weekend. Meanwhile, 216,000 people used swimming areas along the Seine and canals between 4 July and 30 August, a 20% increase on the previous year.

Taken together, these examples point to a destination strategy in which events are not simply calendar additions but instruments for creating visibility, stimulating movement and broadening the geography of visitor activity. That is particularly relevant for Paris as it continues to build on the international attention generated by the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The effect is also visible in the destination’s digital behaviour. Paris je t’aime reports that pages relating to major events (including the Tour de France finish, swimming in the Seine, open-air cinemas and the 13 July fireworks) were among the strongest performers on its website during the summer. The appetite for event-led experiences therefore appears to extend from physical attendance to destination discovery and trip planning.

The momentum is expected to continue into the autumn. Paris je t’aime currently anticipates hotel occupancy in September to be broadly stable, while October is forecast to record a 2% increase over 2025, supported by a particularly strong events calendar. Among the attractions are Batimat, SIAL, Paris Games Week and NFL games at Stade de France.

For the meetings and events sector, the significance lies in the breadth of that calendar. Trade shows, sporting competitions, cultural programmes and large-scale public celebrations each reach different audiences, yet collectively contribute to the same destination proposition: a city capable of providing a continuous sequence of reasons to visit.

That resilience has been tested. The summer brought 47 days with maximum temperatures above 30°C — the highest number recorded since 1947 — while extreme heat contributed to the cancellation of Solidays and the Marche des Fiertés on 27 June. Yet the overall impact on international tourism proved limited and appears to have been concentrated around the periods of most intense heat.

Paris ultimately recorded 6.4 million tourists across Greater Paris between 1 July and 28 August, broadly in line with 2025 and representing a 0.8% increase. Paris proper accounted for 4.6 million of those visitors. Hotel occupancy reached 80.9%, up 1.2% year on year, while several international markets recorded notable growth, including Poland (+38.5%), Portugal (+24%) and Mexico (+12%).

The United States remained Paris’s largest international market, with 400,000 air arrivals between 1 July and 23 August. Looking ahead, Paris je t’aime expects Greater Paris to welcome around 40 million tourists across 2026, broadly matching the previous year.

For a destination whose appeal has never depended on a single proposition, the summer has provided another demonstration of the value of events as a strategic asset. From global esports to exhibitions, festivals and major sporting fixtures, Paris is showing how an event calendar can become part of the infrastructure of destination competitiveness, generating not only audiences, but visibility, movement and sustained demand.
 

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.

The distance between Tórshavn and Verona marks the next stage in a conversation about the future of European city destinations; one that began with the Tórshavn Declaration and its attempt to distil the pressures, priorities and possibilities confronting the sector. As CityDNA prepares to bring its community together in Verona this October, the Declaration offers a timely point of reference. Its themes – collaboration, destination value, resident engagement, resilience and technological transformation – have not receded from the agenda; if anything, their interconnections have become more apparent. Revisiting the thinking captured in Tórshavn therefore feels like taking stock of the questions with which the European destination community now arrives in Verona, and of how the answers might shape CityDNA’s next strategic chapter.

When European city destinations gathered in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, for the City Destinations Alliance Autumn Conference 2025, they did so with a clear purpose: to participate in the co-creation of the Tórshavn Declaration. What emerged was not a finalised doctrine, but an important step, a shared articulation of priorities that now serves as a bridge between CityDNA’s ongoing conversations and the development of its next strategy. 

The Declaration reflects a collective moment of alignment, capturing what matters most to members as the organisation prepares for its next strategic cycle. At a time when DMOs face accelerating climate disruption, geopolitical instability, shifting resident expectations, and the profound shake-up of artificial intelligence, the Declaration consolidates member-driven insights into a coherent agenda for the future of European cities. It offers both diagnosis and direction: a shared understanding of the challenges ahead and a commitment to co-create practical solutions that respond to them.
 

A Collaborative Framework Born from PEST Priorities

The workshop process in Tórshavn used a PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) framework to structure discussions around 20 core challenges identified by CityDNA members before the event. Participants self-selected into four groups and used a structured prioritisation approach to surface the most urgent pressures shaping the visitor economy.

The result was a clear pattern: despite differing contexts, European cities share deeply interconnected challenges. Collaboration, measurement, resident inclusion, digital capability and geopolitical uncertainty emerged as cross-cutting themes.

Maya Janssen, Managing Director Insights & Marketing Strategy of amsterdam&partners, who moderated the Political Workshop, observed: “This moment requires political clarity without political naivety. DMOs cannot solve geopolitical crises, but they can help cities listen, align, and act with purpose.”
 

Political Priorities: Collaboration as Strategy

One theme towered above all others: Collaboration Across Sectors. Participants recognised it not simply as operational coordination but as a political act, reinforcing tourism’s legitimacy within the urban system. Geopolitical instability ranked second, prompting calls for shared resilience planning and coordinated crisis communication. Sustainable mobility and infrastructure followed closely, reflecting the long-term challenge of transitioning to low-carbon systems.

As Maya Janssen summarised: “The task ahead is to match our ambition with what is truly feasible, and to do so collectively through strong public-private collaboration.”
 

Economic Priorities: Redefining Value Beyond Volume

Discussions revealed a widespread desire to move beyond outdated success metrics. Visitor numbers and room nights, delegates argued, cannot capture the full value of tourism. Increasingly, DMOs seek indicators that demonstrate returns for residents, local businesses, and the wider urban fabric.

Measurement and Success Metrics emerged as the top-ranked concern in both workshop and the post-conference survey. Participants also highlighted financial vulnerability and uneven funding models across Europe. Diversified revenue streams, transparent reinvestment of tourism taxes, and improved access to EU support were all deemed essential.

Economic sustainability, they agreed, must be multidimensional, grounded in accountability and shared benefit rather than growth for its own sake.
 

Social Priorities: From Promotion to Mediation

The Social Workshop which was the most heavily attended, examined the defining issue for modern DMOs: the balance between resident and visitor needs. Delegates stressed that sentiment surveys must evolve from passive measurement to active co-creation, with visible follow-through.

Authenticity and place-making ranked equally high, amid concerns about cities losing distinctiveness in a homogenised global marketplace. Participants strongly endorsed co-creation: involving communities, artists and cultural practitioners in shaping how destinations evolve and are represented. A successful visitor economy, they agreed, enhances belonging rather than eroding it.
 

Technological Priorities: AI as Disruption and Opportunity

Far from treating technology as a discrete category, the Technological Workshop viewed AI and digital transformation as structural forces shaping every other domain. David Peacock, Senior Advisor for the Future Tourism Group at Simpleview, a Granicus Company, who moderated the session, described technology as “the connective tissue of modern destinations: invisible, but decisive.”

AI dominated the discussion, seen as a shift even more disruptive than the arrival of the internet. Participants called for coordinated European frameworks addressing ethics, governance, data sovereignty and capacity building, ensuring smaller DMOs are not left behind. Concerns surfaced around digital dependency, authenticity in online storytelling, and widening digital skills gaps across Europe.
 

A European Blueprint with Global Relevance

Although grounded in European realities, the Tórshavn Declaration resonates globally. Urban destinations everywhere are grappling with resident pressure, climate urgency, digital acceleration, governance complexity and evolving business models.

Its distinguishing feature is its method: a co-created, consensus-driven process, not top-down instruction. It is collective intelligence in practice, a model other regions may increasingly follow. As Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of CityDNA and moderator of the Social Workshop, reflected: “This Declaration is a compass. It does not prescribe every step, but it sets the direction we will walk together.”
 

What Comes Next: Toward the 2027-2029 Strategy

CityDNA will integrate insights from Tórshavn into upcoming programmes, including the 2026 International Conference & General Assemblyin Helsinki. The Declaration also lays the groundwork for the organisation’s next strategic plan (2027–2029).

Short-term actions include case studies on crisis management, cross-sector governance, advanced measurement frameworks and continued digital upskilling. Mid-term efforts will focus on EU funding advocacy, new community platforms and shared digital resilience strategies. Long-term, CityDNA aims to build a living system of monitoring and mutual learning.
 

A Call to Action for DMOs Worldwide

The Tórshavn Declaration is not an ending but an invitation: to rethink, reframe and rebuild. It signals a future shaped not by promotional strength, but by collaborative intelligence, social legitimacy, ethical technology and economic transparency.

From Tórshavn’s windswept coastline, CityDNA members voiced a shared truth: cities thrive when tourism strengthens communities, protects identity, and invests in long-term resilience. And as the organisation now shapes its next strategy, one message echoes across every workshop: the Declaration is the starting point – not the finish line – for the visitor ecosystems Europe must build next.

Registrations are open for the upcoming CityDNA Autumn Conference 2026 in Verona, to be held between the 19th and 21st of 2026
 

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The Switzerland Meeting Trophy marked its 20th edition in 2026 by turning destination familiarisation into a live exercise for meeting planners. Created by Switzerland Tourism and the Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau (SCIB), the Trophy brings international MICE buyers into national teams for a competitive rally with Swiss partners.

 

HQ followed Team Belgium through Lausanne, Crans-Montana, Montreux-Riviera and Geneva. Sustainability and Swiss mobility framed a route focused on four connected destinations around Lake Geneva and the canton of Valais, each with a distinct case for association events, meetings and incentives.

Lausanne: Sport, Science and Cultural Event Spaces

Crans-Montana: Alpine Retreats with Congress Infrastructure

      

Montreux-Riviera: Music, Heritage and Congress Renewal

Geneva: Associations, Science and Diplomacy in One City

More information on: meetings.myswitzerland.com

  

Association professionals and PCOs looking for inspiration for future conferences will have the opportunity to experience Bruges first-hand this September, as Visit Bruges Convention Bureau hosts an exclusive familiarisation trip showcasing the Belgian city's meetings and events offering.

Taking place on 29 and 30 September, the initiative has been designed to give hosted buyers an in-depth introduction to Bruges' conference infrastructure, hospitality sector and local expertise through a curated programme of site inspections, networking opportunities and destination experiences. Participants can choose to attend either a one-day programme or the full two-day experience, which includes an overnight stay and an exclusive evening programme.

While internationally recognised for its UNESCO World Heritage status and medieval architecture, Bruges has steadily strengthened its position as an international meetings destination. The city combines a compact, highly walkable historic centre with modern conference facilities capable of accommodating events for up to 1,500 delegates, offering organisers an accessible and low-impact environment where venues, hotels and cultural attractions are all within easy reach.

The FAM trip will take participants beyond the city's iconic canals and historic landmarks to discover contemporary meeting venues, distinctive event spaces, leading hotels and local partners. The programme also includes opportunities to experience Bruges' cultural and culinary heritage, giving planners a first-hand understanding of how the destination blends authentic local character with professional event infrastructure.

Participation is free of charge and includes return train travel from Brussels, accommodation, meals and the full hosted programme, making it an accessible opportunity for association executives and professional congress organisers considering Bruges for future meetings.

Registration is now open via the Visit Bruges Convention Bureau, with places available for association representatives and PCOs interested in exploring the destination's conference offering. 
 

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Europe Congress is pleased to announce the 2026 edition of Events Club Forum, taking place from 30 August to 1 September in Prague, Czechia. This unique MICE forum is designed to connect top-level international event planners with carefully selected MICE service providers from across Europe.

In recent years, Dublin has been quietly redefining the role international conferences can play within its borders. Rather than viewing them solely through an economic lens, the city and its partners increasingly approach business events as platforms for long-term societal impact, opportunities to advance research, influence policy conversations and drive meaningful change within communities.

Few gatherings illustrate this shift more clearly than the Autism Europe Congress 2025, organised by Autism-Europe in partnership with Ireland’s autism charity AsIAm and its founder and conference ambassador, Adam Harris. Bringing together almost 2,000 delegates from across Europe and beyond, the congress was designed not only as a forum for research and policy exchange, but also as a catalyst for change in how cities approach inclusive event design and community engagement.

For Dublin, the event aligned with a broader ambition: becoming the world’s first autism-friendly capital city. As Paul Mockler (pictured on the right), Head of Business Development at Fáilte Ireland, explains: “From a destination perspective, our vision of success stretches far beyond the delegates who came to Dublin for the Congress. It was a milestone, an example of a large-scale business event that was genuinely inclusive, where every attendee felt equal, valued and respected.”

More importantly, the congress was never intended as a one-off moment. “For Dublin, the congress was not the end goal. It was the catalyst. It created a ripple and real success is when that ripple grows stronger and more visible over time,” he adds. This approach reflects a wider shift in the global meetings industry, where destinations are increasingly measured not only by infrastructure or visitor numbers but by their ability to generate meaningful legacy.
 

Aligning Events with National Strategy

Dublin’s approach to impact-driven events is closely aligned with Ireland’s business events strategy, Business Events 2030, which was developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland, Tourism Ireland and industry stakeholders. Through the Business Events 2030 strategy, Ireland is positioning conferences as tools to contribute to innovation, knowledge exchange and societal progress. The strategy emphasises three interconnected principles: transformation, sustainability and community.

Within the strategy, events are increasingly expected to deliver benefits beyond the conference room, supporting research collaboration, influencing policy discussions and engaging local communities. According to Mockler, the Autism Europe Congress 2025 quickly emerged as an event capable of delivering this broader impact. “At the time, Fáilte Ireland was beginning its journey to understand the wider impact conferences could have beyond tourism. They were actively seeking events capable of leaving a lasting legacy, and the Autism Europe Congress stood out.”
 

The congress also became an opportunity to deepen Ireland’s evolving framework around intentional impact, placing value above volume, engaging sectoral, scientific and academic communities, and leveraging business events as instruments of public policy. “Fáilte Ireland deepened this partnership by working with AsIAam on an intentional impact report to define, measure and amplify the event’s impact. The Congress has left a significant mark on Dublin, Ireland and beyond,” says Mockler. Soon after, the congress received the Incredible Impacts Seed Grant Fund 2025, awarded by ICCA and the BestCities Global Alliance, reflecting the growing commitment of all parties involved in the conference to more accessible and inclusive tourism.

Designing the Congress with Legacy in Mind

From the earliest stages of planning, inclusion was embedded into the congress design with the goal of ensuring an accessible experience for all. “A dedicated accessibility and inclusivity team, including representatives with lived experience, worked alongside Keynote PCO, venue and partners to implement a comprehensive suite of measures and solutions,” says Mockler. One key resource was a set of Business Access Checklists developed by Fáilte Ireland. “The checklists help organisers and venues assess how inclusive and accessible an event is and identify practical changes, from pre-travel information to customer service, that allow delegates to fully participate in the event experience,” Mockler describes.

At venue level, several measures were implemented to support delegates. These included pre-event sensory walkthroughs of the venue, visual guides, technology, pre-event videos to reduce uncertainty, and the option of a quiet registration process. A dedicated quiet room and mobile sensory spaces were also available throughout the event. To minimise sensory overload, delegates were encouraged to flappause, waving their hands instead of clapping. “Many autistic staff and volunteers worked at the Congress, ensuring that autistic delegates felt represented and were right at the heart of the process,” he adds.

Co-Creation with the Autistic Community

Right from inception, the event embodied a profound commitment to co-creation with the autistic community. AsIAm became the first autistic-led organisation to host the congress, reflecting the lived experiences and expertise of autistic individuals under the theme Quality of Life – Research, Policy and Practice. “The strategy was to place autistic voices at the heart of every stage of planning and delivery, from a majority scientific committee and speaker line-up to clear guidelines for all contributors to ensure autism-affirming content,” explains Mockler.

Through a collaborative workshop, stakeholders identified three key impact pathways for the event: inclusive event design, employment and public awareness. The outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. Post-event surveys showed that 73% of delegates said pre-event information reduced uncertainty, 71% felt organisers had considered sensory differences, and many reported feeling less pressure to mask autistic traits while attending.
 

Beyond the Event: Structural Impact

Beyond the congress itself, the initiative helped catalyse broader discussions on policy, employment and workforce training. One key milestone was the launch of the Inclusive Employment Roadmap by IBEC, Ireland’s largest business representative group, complementing an employment advocacy pathway aimed at advancing opportunities for autistic individuals. “The roadmap has become a catalyst for change, inspiring organisations to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and shaping policy conversations across the sector,” Mockler says.

In 2023, Dublin City Council announced its partnership with AsIAm to adopt the Autism-Friendly Town framework, encouraging collaboration across local authorities, hospitality providers, cultural venues and institutional partners. “The Autism Europe Congress served as a powerful platform to showcase Dublin’s vision to an audience of 1800 international delegates,” Mockler states. By linking community sectors with shared goals, it creates towns where autistic individuals can thrive, participate, and feel genuinely welcome.

Meanwhile, inclusive planning practices developed for the congress are being shared with future conference organisers. Mockler believes the long-term ambition is clear. “Five years from now, we envision Dublin being recognised internationally as a destination where inclusive event design is the default, not an add-on.” Achieving that vision will require continued investment and collaboration across the industry, with more inclusive venues, trained industry partners and accessibility standards. “Success is when Ireland is known globally as a leader, not a learner.”

“As we continue to develop this vision, it is these stories of innovation, experimentation and shared responsibility that will define Dublin’s future in inclusive business events,” Mockler concludes. And if the Autism Europe Congress 2025 proved anything, it is that a single event, when planned with purpose, can set off a ripple effect capable of transforming an entire destination.
 

(This report is part of an editorial series developed in partnership with the BestCities Global Alliance, exploring the people, perspectives and strategies behind the work of its member cities as they shape the future of global business events.)
 

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

New hotels, major venue upgrades, immersive event spaces and a growing number of sustainability certifications are reinforcing Alsace's position as one of France's most dynamic business events destinations.

Across Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse, significant investments are reshaping the region's meetings and events landscape, with a particular focus on sustainability, experiential formats and enhanced delegate experiences. From internationally recognised convention infrastructure to innovative hospitality concepts and heritage venues, Alsace continues to evolve its offer to meet changing expectations from event organisers and delegates alike.

Strasbourg strengthens its international congress credentials

As Alsace's leading MICE destination, Strasbourg continues to build on its reputation as a major European congress hub.

The city's flagship venue, the Palais des Congrès & Parc des Expositions Strasbourg Events (the Strasbourg Convention Centre & Exhibition Park), is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and was recently named France's Best Convention Centre for the third time at the World MICE Awards.

The destination has also improved its position in ICCA rankings, now placing fourth among French congress cities outside Paris. Congresses currently account for around 50% of the city's event industry revenue, with international events representing approximately 20% of that business.

Strasbourg's event infrastructure now encompasses 70,000 square metres of venue space, supported by 10,700 hotel rooms across the city.

The accommodation offer continues to expand. Following the opening of the 85-room Ibis Styles République, located between the European Institutions and the city centre, further capacity will be added with the launch of the new l'hôtel TRIBE opposite Strasbourg railway station in September 2026. The property will feature 68 rooms, a bar, fitness facilities and a 40m² meeting room.

The city is also diversifying its event venue portfolio. Newly developed spaces at Stade de la Meinau can now accommodate up to 561 delegates in conference format and 800 guests for cocktail receptions within a flexible and immersive environment.

Meanwhile, BRIO – Le Bar des Chefs offers a unique blend of gastronomy and neo-retro design, bringing together seven Strasbourg chefs in a venue capable of hosting up to 200 guests.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of the destination's development strategy. Strasbourg entered the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index Top 40 for the first time in 2025, climbing from 48th place in 2023 to 37th in 2025 among more than 80 destinations worldwide. The city has also seen a 45% increase in Green Key-certified establishments, reaching 35 certified properties, while the Strasbourg Tourist Office continues its ISO 20121 certification journey and carbon footprint reduction programme.
 

Colmar advances responsible events strategy

In Colmar, sustainability is taking centre stage with the achievement of ISO 20121 certification by Colmar Expo for both its Exhibition Centre and Espace Auguste venues.

The internationally recognised certification formalises a long-term commitment to responsible event management and follows an 18-month programme focused on reducing environmental impact, promoting inclusion, ensuring transparency and strengthening responsible procurement practices.

Colmar Expo offers an auditorium with capacity for up to 1,300 delegates alongside eight flexible meeting rooms dedicated to conferences and professional events.

The wider destination is also strengthening its environmental credentials. Across Colmar and the neighbouring communities of Eguisheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, 16 hotels have now achieved Green Key certification, the leading international sustainability label for accommodation providers.

Mulhouse invests in transformation and heritage experiences

Mulhouse continues to upgrade its hospitality and event infrastructure through a series of new developments and renovation projects.

The current Holiday Inn Mulhouse is undergoing a transformation valued at almost €10 million ahead of its rebranding as a Voco hotel. The project includes the refurbishment of 80 guest rooms and 18 apartments, the creation of a new rooftop restaurant and the addition of a 1,500m² spa facility.

The destination is also expanding its portfolio of distinctive event venues. At Reningue, just 20 minutes from Mulhouse, Domaine Oelenberg is transforming a former abbey founded in 1046 into a new meetings and events venue.

The historic property will accommodate up to 180 delegates in conference format and 400 guests for outdoor receptions, offering organisers a unique combination of heritage, nature and contemporary event facilities.

Mulhouse has also strengthened its sustainability credentials, with eight Green Key-certified properties now operating across the destination. Combined with certified establishments in Strasbourg and Colmar, Alsace now boasts a total of 59 Green Key hotels.
 

A destination evolving with market expectations

Taken together, these developments reflect the broader evolution of business events towards more sustainable, authentic and experience-led formats.

By combining internationally recognised congress infrastructure, new accommodation capacity, innovative venues and measurable environmental commitments, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse continue to strengthen their complementary positions within the French and European meetings market.

As organisers increasingly seek destinations that can balance operational excellence with sustainability and local character, Alsace is positioning itself as a region capable of delivering both.
 

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

Toulouse has secured the right to host the 26th International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM) in July 2029, bringing the world’s leading event dedicated to composite materials back to Europe and reinforcing the city’s position at the forefront of aerospace innovation, advanced manufacturing and materials research.

The announcement was made during ICCM 2025 in Baltimore, where members of the international scientific community selected Toulouse as the host destination for the next European edition of the congress. The event is expected to attract nearly 1,600 researchers, engineers, industry leaders and policymakers to the MEETT – Toulouse Exhibition, Convention and Congress Centre.

The successful bid was led by a consortium comprising the University of Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, the CNRS-affiliated Institut Clément Ader, IRT Saint Exupéry, Toulouse Team and Toulouse Events, operator of the MEETT. Their proposal highlighted the region’s internationally recognised research capabilities, the strength of its aerospace ecosystem and the quality of its event infrastructure.

The selection represents a major achievement for Toulouse’s scientific community and reflects years of collaboration between researchers, industry partners, institutional stakeholders and destination experts. Support from Toulouse Métropole, the Occitanie Region and regional industry leaders also played a key role in securing the congress.

A Global Gathering for a Strategic Industry

Held every two years, ICCM is regarded as the leading international conference for advances in composite materials, bringing together the scientific and industrial communities working on next-generation materials and manufacturing processes.

Its arrival in Toulouse is particularly significant given the city’s central role in one of Europe's most advanced composite materials ecosystems. The technology is now fundamental to aerospace, automotive and energy applications, helping reduce weight, improve performance and support decarbonisation objectives. The Airbus A350, for example, incorporates more than 50% composite materials in its airframe.

As home to Airbus headquarters and a dense network of suppliers, engineering firms, SMEs and research institutions, Toulouse offers a unique environment where academic excellence and industrial application intersect. Organisations such as the Aerospace Valley cluster, the Institut Clément Ader and IRT Saint Exupéry continue to drive innovation in manufacturing processes, materials performance, automation, sustainability and technology transfer.

Current priorities across the sector include increased process automation, scalable production methods and the development of recyclable thermoplastic composites and bio-based materials, all aligned with Europe's wider sustainability and competitiveness objectives.

The MEETT: A Venue Designed for International Scale

The choice of the MEETT (right side) as host venue further reinforces Toulouse’s attractiveness for large-scale international events. Located near Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and connected directly to the city centre, the venue combines a modular auditorium, conference facilities, exhibition halls and integrated hospitality services capable of meeting the complex requirements of a global scientific congress.

For Toulouse Events and the wider destination ecosystem, hosting ICCM 2029 represents more than a congress win; it is a recognition of the city's ability to convene international knowledge communities around sectors that will shape the future of industry and innovation.

Toulouse: Where Research Meets Industry

Few European cities can match Toulouse’s concentration of expertise across aerospace, space, engineering, health sciences, digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Alongside global organisations such as Airbus, CNES and ONERA, the city hosts a thriving innovation ecosystem that continues to attract talent, investment and international collaboration.

Beyond its economic strengths, Toulouse combines scientific excellence with a distinctive quality of life, offering delegates a destination that blends cutting-edge innovation with rich cultural heritage, gastronomy and a vibrant urban environment.

As local stakeholders emphasise, the success of the ICCM bid was ultimately driven by a shared vision. By bringing together researchers, institutions, industry leaders and event professionals around a common objective, Toulouse demonstrated the collaborative strength that continues to distinguish the destination on the international stage.

The Clément Ader Institute

The Clément Ader Institute (ICA – UMR CNRS 5312) is a research laboratory established in 2009, bringing together 260 researchers and staff working across materials, structures, systems, manufacturing processes, measurement, control and monitoring. While aerospace remains its principal area of application, its research also supports advances in transport, energy and mechanical engineering.

Its activities focus on modelling material and structural behaviour, understanding durability and developing both numerical and experimental approaches to engineering challenges. Composite materials form a major part of its research portfolio.

Its five supervisory institutions are INSA Toulouse, ISAE-SUPAERO, the University of Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi and CNRS.

In the field of composites, ICA brings together 30 permanent researchers, approximately 45 PhD candidates and 10 postdoctoral researchers and project engineers. The Composite Materials and Structures group focuses on the full lifecycle of composite materials, from development and manufacturing to repair, reuse and recycling, combining advanced simulation tools with experimental research.

IRT Saint Exupéry

IRT Saint Exupéry is a technology research institute that brings together academic and industrial partners around collaborative projects to boost competitiveness and innovation in the aeronautics, space and embedded systems sectors. In the field of composites, its teams contribute to the development of lighter, stronger and multi-functional structures by designing and manufacturing innovative composite materials with controlled architecture, up to a semi-industrial scale.
 

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

Liverpool City Region is reinforcing its commitment to becoming one of the UK’s most accessible and inclusive destinations with the return of the Accessibility for All Forum on 29 June 2026.

Organised by Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP) at the M&S Bank Arena – Liverpool Experience Campus, the second edition of the forum arrives in an expanded conference format and will be headlined by one of Britain’s most recognisable Paralympians and broadcasters, Ade Adepitan MBE (on the cover photo).

Bringing together visitor economy businesses, transport providers, event organisers and accessibility specialists, the event will focus on helping the region become “event ready” ahead of a significant pipeline of international sporting and cultural events. These include the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival in 2027, the Tour de France Grand Départ, the Wheelchair Basketball European Championships and UEFA Euro 2028.

Rather than revisiting the case for accessibility, this year’s discussions will focus on practical implementation. Delegates will explore what visitors with accessibility requirements expect from their journeys, how organisations can collaborate to create seamless experiences, and what measures can help destinations become leaders in inclusive visitor experiences.

“Liverpool has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world, and it’s brilliant to see the region putting accessibility at the heart of its future,” said Ade Adepitan MBE. “With some of the biggest sporting events on the horizon, this is a huge moment to show how inclusive, ambitious and forward-thinking the city can be. I’m proud to be part of this forum because when accessibility is done well, it transforms the experience for disabled people and creates a better, more enjoyable journey for every visitor.”

Two expert-led panel discussions will anchor the programme.

The first, Level Playing Fields: Ensuring Accessibility Across Events, will examine accessibility from a strategic perspective, exploring the role of policy, investment and inclusive design in shaping the future of sport, events and the visitor economy. Speakers include David Clarke OBE, CEO of Paralympics GB, Clare Briegal MBE, Chair of the Sport Liverpool Board, and Paralympic athletes Amy Truesdale MBE and Ben Quilter.

The second panel, The Cornerstones of Success: Enhancing the Visitor Experience, will focus on the complete visitor journey, from booking and transport through to accommodation, attractions and hospitality. Panellists include Niamh Parrington of Eureka!, para-athlete and content creator Rio Booth, and Christopher Massam, Accessibility Lead at Everton Stadium.

According to Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, the forum is designed to equip organisations with practical knowledge and confidence as the region prepares for a new era of major events.

“Liverpool City Region has built a strong reputation for delivering world-class, inclusive events, and we’re proud to be pushing that ambition even further. This forum is about giving businesses the practical tools, insight and confidence to meet the needs of every visitor. With major sporting events on the horizon, now is the moment for our visitor economy to come together, learn from experts and lived experience, and ensure our region continues to set the standard for accessibility.”

The Accessibility for All Forum forms part of Liverpool City Region’s wider strategy to ensure that accessibility is embedded across its visitor economy, helping create inclusive experiences that benefit both residents and visitors while strengthening the destination’s international reputation ahead of a landmark events calendar.

About Ade Adepitan MBE

Ade Adepitan MBE is a Paralympic medallist, award-winning broadcaster and disability advocate. A former wheelchair basketball player, he has represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games and has become one of the UK's most recognised television presenters, fronting programmes for the BBC and Channel 4 on sport, travel, climate change and social issues.

About Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership

Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP) is the official destination management organisation for the Liverpool City Region. Accredited by VisitEngland as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), it works across the region’s six local authorities to promote tourism, business events, investment and economic growth.
 

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Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has launched a new destination marketing video positioning Vicenza as a leading destination for meetings and business events, as part of its growing collaboration with Vicenza Turismo e Cultura Scarl.

Titled “Vicenza, timeless excellence”, the new film showcases the Italian city as both a leisure and MICE destination, highlighting its blend of cultural heritage, artisan tradition, gastronomy and contemporary business appeal.

Produced following the network agreement signed between IEG and Vicenza Turismo e Cultura Scarl, the video represents the first operational marketing initiative developed by IEG’s Event & Conference Division to support the promotion of the wider Vicenza territory.

Set across some of Vicenza’s most iconic locations, the campaign presents the city as an immersive environment where business events intersect with authentic local experiences. From Palladian architecture and artisan workshops to rolling hills, fine dining and local distilleries, the video positions Vicenza as a destination capable of combining networking and conferences with cultural discovery.

“This project stems from the awareness that the connection between an event venue and its surrounding territory is inseparable,” explained Fabio De Santis, Director of IEG’s Event & Conference Division. “The video is intended as a valuable destination marketing tool and forms part of the successful collaboration between IEG and the Municipality of Vicenza. It represents an important step towards strengthening promotional and investment activities aimed at consolidating Vicenza and its surrounding area as a leading destination for conferences and events".
 

The campaign will support digital marketing initiatives, institutional presentations and networking activities, while also serving as a promotional asset for conference and event bids.

At the heart of the creative concept is the idea that Vicenza is not simply a backdrop for meetings and conferences, but an experience in itself.

The film follows visitors throughout their stay in the destination, capturing different personal journeys through the city’s cultural and manufacturing heritage — from jewellery craftsmanship and Palladian landmarks to mosaics, gastronomy and local tastings. Their experiences ultimately converge, reinforcing the idea that business events in Vicenza become meeting points between history, innovation, tradition and culture.

According to the organisers, the concept reflects a destination where craftsmanship becomes an experience and where “stories of beauty, precision and passion” define the identity of the city — inspiring the title “Vicenza, timeless excellence”.

The creative concept and production were developed by ESHU ADV, a Rimini-based video production company specialising in advertising campaigns, web commercials and corporate films.
 

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.

Hotel Clarion Helsinki © Helsinki Partners

In Finland, happiness is more than a statistic, it shapes the way people and meetings operate. In the Helsinki Capital Region, three cities are building the perfect roadmap where delegates move effortlessly between urban centres, research campuses, and event rooms. For international organisers, Finnish hospitality becomes a strategic advantage, turning conferences into reliable and memorable experiences. Discover how Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa are creating one of Europe’s most efficient congress ecosystems.

“We do not really have borders between our cities.” This simple remark from Karoliina Ala-Opas, Head of the Helsinki Convention Bureau, captures the essence of how the Greater Helsinki Region operates. In many practical ways, Helsinki Partners, Visit Espoo and Visit Vantaa operate less like separate destination organisations and more like a single metropolitan ecosystem.

Public transport offers the clearest example of the region’s seamless connectivity. A single ticket allows delegates to travel easily between Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, moving within minutes from Helsinki’s city centre to Espoo’s key research campuses or from Helsinki Airport to congress venues. “We are more than just geographically close, we are tightly integrated,” Ala-Opas explains. “This naturally creates a strong foundation for collaboration when it comes to attracting and hosting international conferences.” Behind that connectivity lies a broader metropolitan reality: each city maintains its own governance, yet infrastructure systems, from mobility to energy and waste management, are deeply interconnected. According to Miikka Valo, Director of Conventions & Tourism at Visit Espoo, the region functions naturally as one metropolitan area. “Collaboration happens organically rather than through a fully integrated day-to-day bidding structure.”

For the meetings industry, this creates a flexible ecosystem. Helsinki brings experience and scale in hosting international congresses, Espoo contributes a strong academic dimension through institutions such as Aalto University, and Vantaa completes the structure with Helsinki Airport and a growing cluster of airport hotels and conference facilities. As Johanna Grönberg, Senior Advisor for Congresses at the Helsinki Convention Bureau, puts it: “We see ourselves as partners. Each city has its own strengths, and together they create a stronger reputation for the entire region."
 

Open Innovation 2.0 Conference 2015 © Visit Espoo

The Compact Advantage

If collaboration triggers the strategic framework, proximity delivers the operational advantage. Distances are short by European capital standards: the metro between Helsinki and Espoo takes less than ten minutes in some sections, while commuter trains link the airport to the city centre in around half an hour. “This also means delegates can enjoy both an urban conference experience and immediate access to nature within the same trip,” Ala-Opas says. Rather than marketing three separate destinations, convention bureaux present the region as a unified platform.

Accommodation is a good example. Helsinki hosts the largest hotel inventory, while Espoo and Vantaa provide complementary capacity, creating roughly 22,000 rooms across the metropolitan area. “Some delegates may prefer to stay close to the venue in Espoo, while others choose hotels in Helsinki’s downtown and commute easily by metro,” Valo notes. “From an economic perspective, conferences benefit the entire metropolitan area.” For its part, areas such as the Design District are intentionally shaped to be walkable and easy to explore, with lively hubs like Kamppi and highly connected neighbourhoods such as Pasila.
 

Three Cities, One Destination

Orderly and stress-free, Helsinki combines modern architecture with waterfront landscapes, green spaces, and a compact city centre ideal for walking. Consistently ranked among Europe’s top congress destinations, Helsinki placed within the top 20 in Europe according to UIA and ICCA rankings. In 2024, the city hosted 203 international association meetings, noted for its sustainability, accessibility, and high delegate satisfaction across hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. Key facilities include Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre (pictured below), with over 58,000 m² of flexible space and a new Arena for up to 7,500 delegates, Finlandia Hall, and the historic Helsinki Congress Paasitorni.
 

© Helsinki Partners

Espoo brings a complementary dimension. Known for its research institutions, international companies such as Kone and Neste, and vast natural areas, the city is anchored by Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus, a hub of start-ups and research organisations. “Because universities and research fields differ significantly, we rarely find ourselves bidding for the same conferences,” explains Grönberg. While Helsinki hosts larger-scale congresses, Espoo often welcomes more specialised or research-focused events. Its venues, including Dipoli Conference Centre (up to 1,000 delegates), Otakaari 1 auditoriums (70–600 delegates) and Espoo Metro Areena, provide flexible spaces for meetings, workshops and social programmes.

Vantaa plays a distinct but equally strategic role as the region’s international gateway. Beyond its logistical importance, the city offers rich cultural and natural experiences, from interactive exhibits at the Heureka Science Centre to lakeside saunas and Sipoonkorpi National Park, as well as cultural spaces such as the Finnish Aviation Museum. Its smaller venue ecosystem, including Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport, Hotel Tikkurila, and Håkansböle Manor, complements the metropolitan area by providing settings for receptions, airport meetings, and social programmes, ensuring delegates can access both city life and Finland’s nature within the same journey.
 

Dipoli Conference Centre © Visit Espoo

A Congress Destination Built On Knowledge

Beyond venues and logistics, the Greater Helsinki Region’s meetings industry is deeply connected to its research ecosystem. Helsinki is internationally recognised for expertise in fields such as healthcare, clean energy, quantum technologies and smart city solutions. The city is also part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Design. In Espoo, the Otaniemi campus has become one of Northern Europe’s most dynamic research clusters. As the home of Aalto University, start-ups and multinational large corporations, it provides fertile ground for conferences focused on emerging scientific fields. That academic environment increasingly shapes the types of events hosted in the region.

In 2024, the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress brought together global experts through a collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. “At a broader level, Finnish cities, including our three, have ambitious climate targets and are investing heavily in sustainable urban development and new technologies. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to host a congress like this,” Valo says. Another example is the World Planning Schools Congress 2026, which will bring around 1,200 delegates to Finland. The programme will take place across several cities, with multiple sessions hosted in both Helsinki and Espoo. Such collaborations highlight an important feature of the region’s meetings landscape: conferences are not only hosted in the city, they are embedded in its research community.
 

Finlandia Hall © Helsinki Partners

Sustainability And Legacies As Systemic Features

Sustainability is another defining element of the country’s meetings strategy. Unlike many destinations where sustainability is presented as an optional feature, here it is integrated into urban infrastructure, transportation, carbon neutrality and daily life. “Sustainability begins with mobility,” Ala-Opas explains. “Because the region has an extensive and well-integrated public transport network, delegates can move around easily while keeping their environmental footprint low.”

The region’s efforts have received recent international recognition. Helsinki has ranked first in the Global Destination Sustainability Index for two consecutive years and is the first city with more than 500,000 residents to receive the Green Destinations GSTC certification. At a policy level, the city aims to become carbon-neutral by 2040. For organisers, the convention bureaux provide practical tools to support sustainable events. According to Grönberg, planners receive guidelines covering the entire event lifecycle. “We provide organisers with Sustainable Meeting Guidelines, which offer a step-by-step framework from early planning stages to post-event evaluation,” she says. A carbon footprint calculator is also available to help associations assess the environmental impact of their conferences.

Interest from organisers has grown noticeably in recent years. “Helsinki has developed a Legacy Toolkit, which we are updating through a joint project with Espoo and Vantaa. We even have dedicated staff who work directly with congress organisers to help them design sustainability and legacy initiatives that benefit the host city,” Grönberg says. “Today we see a stronger commitment from clients.”

The commitment to sustainable events is supported by each city’s own roadmap: Helsinki’s Regenerative Tourism Action Plan 2025–2027 guides sustainable event practices, Visit Espoo’s Sustainable Tourism Roadmap provides tools and strategies for green meetings, and Vantaa’s sustainability framework integrates environmental, social, and operational best practices across venues and services. Together, these initiatives ensure that sustainability is not an optional add-on, but an intrinsic feature of every event in the region.
 

Espoo Museum of Modern Art © Visit Espoo

Beyond sustainability, the region is increasingly focusing on the long-term impact of events. “One of the key objectives has been to make legacy initiatives easier for organisers and researchers to implement,” Valo explains. “Rather than managing every project ourselves, we aim to act as facilitators who connect associations with local stakeholders.” In addition, the Helsinki Congress and Event Legacy Programme and CSR initiatives, have helped shape this approach, providing organisers with practical guidance, from planning and sustainability tools to actionable strategies on five key areas: education, environment, equality, wellbeing, and innovation. By incorporating these practices into event planning, the region ensures that conferences deliver both immediate value and long-term social benefits.

Case studies already illustrate the potential. The European Academy of Neurology congresses 2024 and 2025 hosted in Helsinki included public awareness campaigns and educational programmes focused on brain health. “Together with the Association, we launched the Brain Health School Challenge encouraging students at various educational levels to develop brain-related projects and campaigns,” explains Grönberg. Meanwhile, the European Conference on Operational Research 2022 in Espoo, brought nearly 1,900 participants to Aalto University, strengthening international collaboration.

The Human Factor: Finnish Happiness

Infrastructure, research ecosystems and sustainability all contribute to their success as a congress destination, but organisers often highlight something less tangible: the culture of Finnish society itself. For nine consecutive years, Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country according to the UN World Happiness Report, a recognition often associated with trust, transparency and social stability. “One reason everything tends to work smoothly here is that Finnish society is built on reliability and trust,” Valo says. “When organisers bring a conference to our region, they know that operations will run efficiently and on schedule.”

Collaboration also plays a major role. “Because the meetings industry here is relatively small, stakeholders know each other well,” Ala-Opas explains. “Even competitors often work together to support large events.” Delegates themselves frequently notice these qualities. “One comment we hear consistently in our delegate surveys is how friendly and helpful people are,” Grönberg says. “Visitors are often surprised by how approachable and supportive people are when major events take place.” Another advantage is that Finland has not experienced the same levels of mass tourism as many European destinations. Visitors often feel genuinely welcomed. “When people choose to organise an event here,” Ala-Opas concludes, “we truly want to make sure they have the best possible experience.”
 

Tori Quarters © Jussi Hellsten for Helsinki Partners

The article was produced as part of the KOKEMO – Congresses and Corporate Events as Drivers of Innovation and Sustainability in the Helsinki Capital Region project, which is co-funded by the European Union. Additional funding partners include Enter Espoo Oy, the City of Helsinki, and the City of Vantaa.

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Prague has reinforced its standing among the world’s leading meeting destinations, ranking 6th globally in the latest ICCA standings while continuing to position itself as one of the most attractive cities for international congresses and events.

According to newly released data from the Czech Statistical Office (CSO) and the Prague Convention Bureau, the Czech capital hosted more than 5,000 events in 2025, drawing upwards of 850,000 delegates across congresses, conferences and corporate gatherings. At the same time, the city is sharpening its international positioning through a unified tourism identity that, for the first time, fully integrates business events alongside leisure tourism.

On 20 May 2026, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) confirmed Prague’s 6th-place position among 4,728 evaluated destinations worldwide, based on the number of association meetings meeting ICCA criteria. Despite intensifying global competition, Prague has maintained its place within the world’s top 10 meeting destinations. Lisbon led this year’s ranking, followed by Paris and Barcelona.

Figures from the Prague Convention Bureau’s membership base reveal the strongest growth came from smaller-scale events hosting between 50 and 500 delegates. Prague also welcomed more than fifty large-scale congresses, conferences and corporate events with attendance exceeding 1,000 delegates. Among the standout events were the 47th Congress of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), which attracted more than 4,700 delegates, and the 25th World Congress of Psychiatry (WPC), attended by over 3,400 experts from 117 countries.

The United States, Germany, Great Britain, France and Switzerland ranked among Prague’s strongest source markets in 2025, while international events accounted for 43% of all meetings hosted in the city. One-day events continue to dominate the market, although the average event duration is now approaching two days.

“Competition among meeting destinations has been growing for a long time, and not only the quality of infrastructure, but also the ability of cities to actively acquire major international events plays an increasingly important role. Today, destinations around the world are investing heavily in acquisition activities and the acquisition of congresses and conferences through their convention bureaus. Therefore, the project of planned expansion of the capacities of the Prague Congress Centre, the implementation of which will begin in June this year and is expected to be completed in 2029, will be crucial for Prague's future competitiveness. Just as much, as the city's ability to succeed in the global competition for the organization of the most important international congresses and conferences in the long term,” says Roman Muška, director of the Prague Convention Bureau.
 

As part of a broader strategy to strengthen Prague’s international competitiveness, the city is now consolidating its tourism communication under a single brand architecture. Business events and MICE activities are being formally integrated into the same destination identity used for leisure tourism, with Prague City Tourism overseeing the rebranding of the Prague Convention Bureau and its first dedicated campaign. The initiative is funded by the City of Prague, with additional investment planned in the coming years.

“A consistent, joined-up presentation is absolutely fundamental if cities want to compete on the world stage these days. A strong identity pulls its weight not just in leisure tourism, but also when you’re going after major congresses, conferences, and the kind of high-value clients cities really want to attract,” says Tomáš Slabihoudek, Prague councilor for culture and tourism.

The unified branding approach builds directly on Prague’s 2024–2027 tourism strategy, which aims to reposition the city as a cultivated, premium destination with strong cultural and intellectual appeal. Business events are seen as a key pillar of that ambition, particularly because of their ability to attract high-spending international visitors and influential professional communities.

“Prague has spent several years systematically trying to shake off its image as a cheap, mass-market destination and to be seen as a city of culture, quality, and exceptional genius loci. Business tourism fits into that naturally. Congress visitors don’t just have a higher spend; they also bring expertise, contacts, and international prestige. If Prague wants to present itself as a premium destination, it has to do that across all tourism segments,” adds Jana Adamcová, vice-chair of the Prague City Tourism board.

On the business events side, the new identity deliberately taps into Prague’s intellectual and scientific heritage. Historical figures such as Kepler, Einstein, Doppler and Mach are being used to frame the city as a longstanding centre of creativity, unconventional thinking and scientific exchange. The message behind the campaign is clear: Prague is not merely a picturesque backdrop for events, but a city where ideas have historically flourished — and continue to do so today.

The first visible outcome of the rebrand is an international campaign by the Prague Convention Bureau promoting the city as a premium destination for congresses, conferences and business events. Built around the tagline “unconventional conventions”, the campaign positions Prague as a destination where meaningful ideas emerge not from anonymous venues, but from a city shaped by history, culture and creative energy.

“Prague starts from a very strong position in the congress industry and has a solid track record of pulling in major international events. But to keep moving forwards, we need to present ourselves abroad in a way that is coherent and easy to read – not just as a well-connected, professionally equipped city, but as one with an extraordinary professional, cultural, and creative pedigree. Bringing the brand together helps us tell Prague’s story more effectively and make the case to organisers and professional communities for why this is exactly where their event should be,” concludes Muška.
 

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Firenze Skyline © Fondazione Destination Florence

In an increasingly competitive landscape for international associations, choosing the right destination is no longer just about logistics. It is about finding a place that can offer long-term value, meaningful connections, and an environment where knowledge, research, and collaboration can truly flourish. This is the vision behind the Florence Association Centre (FAC).

Developed by Destination Florence, the FAC is the first initiative of its kind in Italy, created to attract and support national and international associations that wish to establish a strategic and lasting presence in the city of Florence, Tuscany, including the opportunity to develop a formal base for their activities in Europe. More than a service platform, the FAC acts as a gateway to Florence’s rich ecosystem of institutions, academia, and industry.

Florence has long been recognised as a global cultural capital, but today it is also increasingly positioned as a hub for science, innovation, and international dialogue. With a strong network of universities, research centres, and leading institutions, the city and the region offer associations a fertile ground to develop their activities beyond annual meetings or congresses. The FAC builds on this potential by facilitating connections with key local stakeholders and by supporting associations in creating lasting roots within the destination, with the potential to establish a stable operational presence and long-term institutional ties.

Through a tailored and highly personalised approach, the FAC provides strategic guidance, local insight, and operational support. From scouting opportunities and fostering institutional relationships to identifying partnerships with academic and scientific communities, the FAC enables associations to integrate into the local ecosystem, supporting them in setting up and developing a structured presence in Florence, and maximise their long-term impact.
 

Florence: The City of Renaissance Art and Modern Congresses

At the heart of this initiative is the convention bureau of Destination Florence, which plays a pivotal role as a trusted facilitator between the international association community and the destination. With 30 years of experience in the meetings industry, Destination Florence brings together public and private stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated and high-quality approach to hosting and developing association activities in the city.

What makes Florence particularly compelling is its ability to combine heritage with forward-thinking vision. Here, centuries of history coexist with cutting-edge research and innovation, creating a unique environment where ideas can grow and collaborations can thrive. The Florence Association Centre leverages this distinctive identity, positioning the city not only as a place to meet, but as a place to belong, grow and establish a long-term base for their activities.

For international associations seeking more than a venue, Florence offers a partnership. Through the FAC, the city opens its doors as a living laboratory of knowledge, culture, and exchange – inviting associations to become an active part of its future.
 

To explore how your association can establish a long-term base in Florence and benefit from the opportunities offered by the FAC, get in touch with the Convention Bureau here and visit the website

 

The Old Bridge of Florence © Fondazione Destination Florence
 

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The Trafffic congress will celebrate its fourth edition on 16, 17 and 18 April 2026 at the Auditori Palau de Congressos de Girona, with a programme focused on digital business, covering topics such as innovation, artificial intelligence, data, and digital strategy. The 2025 edition was a success, with more than 700 professionals attending in person and over 800 joining via streaming.

For 2026, the organisers aim to exceed expectations with more content, new experiences, and a major new feature: FFFira-tech, a free-access technology fair developed in collaboration with the Association of New Technology Companies of Girona (AENTEG), which will take place alongside the congress to strengthen connections between companies and professionals in the sector.

This morning, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Economic Promotion and Legal Services of Girona City Council, Gemma Geis i Carreras, and Trafffic congress representative Eva Olivares presented the event. “The consolidation of Trafffic in Girona is very good news for the city and for our wider digital ecosystem. This is an event that connects talent, business and knowledge, placing Girona on the map of digital business and innovation. At Girona City Council, we work to create the conditions for initiatives like this to take root and grow. We want a city that generates opportunities, retains talent, and becomes a benchmark in innovation and entrepreneurship,” highlighted Deputy Mayor Gemma Geis i Carreras.

“Trafffic was born from the conviction that incredible things are happening in Girona in the technological field. This year, by focusing on success stories such as Frit Ravich and collaborating with local associations such as AENTEG, Girona NEXT and BAGI, we want to demonstrate that from Girona we can and do deliver high-level digital business. The free technology fair is our commitment to democratising this knowledge and strengthening the digital capacity of our region,” explained Eva Olivares.

Trafffic 2026 maintains its three-day format, combining specialised content, networking spaces, and complementary activities. The first day, scheduled for Thursday 16 April in the afternoon, will open with FFFira-tech at the congress, featuring short-form talks aimed at digital professionals. It will also include an investment forum led by BAGi – Business Angels Girona, where projects seeking funding will be presented to potential investors. The day will conclude with a round table organised by the Girona NEXT community, focused on entrepreneurship and online business.

Friday 17 April will host the main conference day, with talks on the main stage. The programme will address topics related to AI applied to business, organic positioning (SEO), digital advertising, data analysis, social media, and business growth strategies. Speakers will include Jon Hernández, who will explore the real impact of artificial intelligence on society and business; Iñaki Huerta, offering a practical perspective on integrating AI and data analysis into digital projects; Marina Brocca, addressing the legal challenges of digital businesses; Cristina Campeny, sharing her experience in Data Business transformation and strategic decision-making at Frit Ravich; and the duo Celia Villariño and César Aparicio, who will analyse how to grow and stand out in digital environments through strategy, branding and SEO. Other speakers include Roger Serra, Ana Cirujano, Selva Orejon, Marta Barrio, Ubaldo Hervàs and Ylenia Porras.

Saturday 18 April will close the congress with a programme designed to encourage networking. This final session will include a guided tour of Girona’s historic centre and a closing vermouth.
 

FFFira-tech, the new fair arriving in Girona with Trafffic

As the main new feature of this edition, the congress introduces FFFira-tech, a free-access technology fair developed in collaboration with AENTEG. The exhibition space, located in the lobby of the Auditori Palau de Congressos de Girona, will bring together companies from the digital, technology and innovation sectors, with exhibition stands open on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. The fair will also feature its own stage with a continuous programme of short talks presenting solutions, projects and emerging trends.

With this initiative, the organisers expand the congress format by adding an exhibition and business dimension, aiming to generate collaboration opportunities between the region’s digital ecosystem and attending professionals. FFFira-tech strengthens a commitment that Trafffic has supported since its inception: giving visibility to Girona’s digital projects. This new space further enhances the visibility of local initiatives, offering them the opportunity to present, connect and grow within the digital ecosystem.

Specialised content and networking spaces

The Trafffic programme is designed for professionals in digital marketing, sales, communication, technology and business management. The planned talks and activities will combine technical content, trend analysis and real-world case studies.

In addition to academic and technical content, the congress includes dedicated networking spaces aimed at facilitating professional connections and business synergies among attendees, speakers and participating companies.

True to its mission since the first edition, Trafffic continues to promote Girona-based projects, giving them visibility and recognition within the sector. This year, the spotlight is on Frit Ravich with Cristina Campeny, while previous editions have featured projects such as Easypromos, Launchmetrics and Girona FC, reinforcing the commitment to local talent and its growth within the digital ecosystem. Tickets for Trafffic 2026 are now available on the official event website. Early booking is recommended as capacity is limited.

Eight congresses until the end of the year

This is one of eight congresses across different fields that will be hosted at the Auditori Palau de Congressos from April until the end of the year, consolidating its position as a venue within the national and international congress circuit. Upcoming events also include the 53rd European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) Congress, the National and International Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Psychology, the World Ayahuasca Forum, and the International Radiology Congress organised by the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology, among others.
 

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Interface MICE has published the results of its seventh annual exclusive study: “The French MICE Market: 2026 Trends, Key Figures & Projections.”

Conducted among 90 decision-makers from across the MICE sector (MICE agencies, corporate meeting planners and associations), the study provides both a comprehensive overview and a strategic analysis of the major transformations shaping the French MICE market, particularly in terms of international travel, for the year ahead.
 

The continued dominance of in-person events

Despite the evolution of digital tools, the need for human connection has never been stronger. In 2026, 93.3% of events will be held in person, confirming that face-to-face interaction remains the key driver of corporate culture—strengthening team cohesion (75.6%) and delivering messages effectively (65.6%).
 

Security and European proximity take priority

In a context of geopolitical instability — cited by 76.7% of respondents as a major constraint—French buyers are prioritising safe destinations. The European Union (81.1%) and France (75.6%) stand out as the leading choices. Spain, Italy and Morocco rank as the top three most popular destinations outside France.
 

Sustainability moves from intent to action

Sustainability is now an operational pillar, with 53.3% of events planned for 2026 classified as “responsible.” This shift is reflected in concrete decisions, such as prioritising rail over air travel for 57.8% of organisers and systematically integrating activities with a local impact (64.4%).
 

Budget rationalisation and agile formats become the new standard

The year 2026 marks a shift towards the “mid-market.” The segment with daily budgets between €300 and €500 per participant rises sharply to 46.7%, becoming the core of the market. At the same time, there is a clear preference for more agile group formats, with most events now focused on groups of 30 to 70 participants.
 

The growing strategic role of DMOs and DMCs

Local expertise is more in demand than ever to ensure both quality and safety. As a result, 82.2% of buyers plan to consult tourism boards or convention bureaux in 2026, primarily seeking time savings and privileged access to reliable local suppliers.

Interface MICE supports destinations in understanding the expectations of the French events market and develops tailored actions to strengthen their MICE attractiveness, including educational tours, prospecting strategies, market intelligence, professional training and support programmes.
 

The full report — including the top 20 destinations, detailed budget analysis by event type, and strategic recommendations for 2026 — is now available here
 

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.

Vilnius is set to host an unprecedented concentration of high-level laser and photonics events in a single year.

In 2026, the city is emerging as a global hub for the laser and photonics community, welcoming top researchers, technology developers, and industry leaders from around the world. These events underscore Vilnius and Lithuania’s strong position in the global laser sector, which traces its roots back to the first laser fired at Vilnius University in 1966. Today, Lithuania’s laser industry comprises over 60 companies employing more than 2,000 highly skilled specialists, with approximately 90-95% of production exported worldwide – placing the country among the most export-oriented laser industries globally.

Lithuanian laser and optical technologies serve diverse sectors, from semiconductor manufacturing, defense, and healthcare to aerospace, optical communications, and environmental sensing. Key strengths include ultrashort-pulse lasers for industrial applications, high-power laser sources, nonlinear optical systems, high-precision optical components and crystals, advanced optical coatings, optomechanical assemblies, and integrated photonic subsystems. Between 2020 and 2024, Lithuania’s primary export markets were the United States (16.3%), China (16.3%), and Germany (14.3%), with the sector growing at around 16% annually – well above the European average.

“Lithuania’s laser sector is built on a uniquely close relationship between research and industry, and Vilnius has become the center of this ecosystem,” says Dr. Gediminas Račiukaitis, President of the Lithuanian Laser Association. “Bringing leading minds together is crucial for sharing the latest advancements and learning from the people shaping the future of photonics. International conferences help connect scientists, engineers, and companies and accelerate innovation across the field.”

A central pillar of this ecosystem is the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuania’s largest research institution in laser technologies, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, electronics, and advanced materials, which collaborates closely with industry and international researchers. This strong ecosystem is a major reason Vilnius attracts prestigious global conferences.

Among these is the International Conference on Laser Ablation (COLA 2026), taking place from 14-18 September 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva. Since 1991, COLA has advanced laser ablation technologies and fostered collaboration between researchers and industry.
 

That same week, Vilnius will host LHCb Week 2026, convening around 600 participants, including approximately 300 onsite and a similar number online, all engaged with the CERN LHCb experiment. Participants will represent over 100 leading institutions, including MIT, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Manchester, discussing particle physics, detector technologies, and future experiments.

This event marks a milestone for Lithuania’s growing role in experimental particle physics. Vilnius University, hosting the event, became an official CERN LHCb institute in 2024 under the leadership of Dr. Mindaugas Šarpis. The conference is a key step toward Lithuania’s full CERN membership.

Later, the Optica Laser Congress and Exhibition (11–15 October 2026) will spotlight advances in solid-state laser applications, including quantum and free-space communications, LIDAR for autonomous vehicles, materials processing, and micro-machining. The accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest photonics technologies.

Leading Lithuanian companies such as Brolis, Astrolight, Integrated Optics, and Eksma Optics are developing innovations ranging from photonic sensor systems to laser communication solutions for space and defense. For example, Vilnius-based Integrated Optics recently developed a space-qualified laser system deployed as part of one of the first quantum computers in orbit.

“The space environment is unforgiving in almost every possible way,” says Integrated Optics CEO Evaldas Pabrėža. “Our 405 nm narrow-spectrum lasers face virtually no competition on Earth in terms of performance and reproducibility. This meant that only incremental refinements were needed in the Matchbox platform design to ensure reliable operation in LEO. We’re now exploring how to bring these advancements back to Earth – integrating space-proven improvements into our serial laser production for terrestrial users.”

With multiple major international gatherings scheduled, Vilnius is solidifying its position as a global hub where laser research, industrial innovation, and scientific collaboration converge.
 

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.

Strasbourg Downtown

Alsace intensified its efforts in 2025 to strengthen the region’s attractiveness within the business events market, while outlining a strategy for 2026 aimed at consolidating its position as a leading destination for professional meetings and events.

The regional initiative Meet in Alsace, which brings together Alsace Destination Tourisme and the convention bureaus of Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse, played a central role in promoting the destination across key European markets. Throughout the year, the collective participated in seven targeted promotional initiatives addressing local, national and neighbouring markets, including Switzerland, Germany and Belgium.

Among the year’s highlights were participation in MICE’clusive Atout France in Frankfurt, the Alsace Business Connect event in Mulhouse, the Trophées des entreprises d’Alsace in Strasbourg, and the Séminaires Business Events trade show in Strasbourg. The destination was also promoted internationally through Assistants’ Day in Zurich and two MICE presentation events organised by the agency Partance in Brussels and Geneva, in partnership with the Grand Est Regional Tourism Agency.

361 professional events hosted in 2025

According to figures released by the network, the three convention bureaus collectively supported 361 business events in 2025, highlighting the role of the Meet in Alsace ecosystem in structuring the region’s MICE offering. In addition, 442 further event projects were assisted during the year, creating opportunities for future business.

While the three convention bureaus share a public service mission to support event organisers, their operational models differ slightly depending on local needs. In Colmar and Mulhouse, the organisations operate a hybrid model that combines destination support with the commercial management of selected events, similar to an event agency structure.

Events hosted across the region during the year included the 26th European Energy Transition Conference and the Best Apprentices of France competition in Strasbourg, the 27th International Symposium on Military Aspects of Blast and Shock and the 20th International MTZ Conference “Heavy-Duty Engines 2025” in Colmar, and the ADN Tourisme Territorial Relay Seminar in Mulhouse.

Growing membership network

The regional MICE ecosystem also expanded in 2025, with the number of member organisations increasing across the three convention bureaux:

• Strasbourg: 240 members (+12.6%)

• Colmar: 558 members (+20%)

• Mulhouse: 136 members (+10%)

This network of hotels, restaurants and event service providers enables the convention bureaus to offer tailored solutions to event organisers.

Focus on visibility in 2026

Looking ahead, Alsace plans to maintain this momentum through a targeted programme designed to strengthen the region’s visibility within the business events market.

The destination will continue to participate in key industry events in 2026, including Séminaires Business Events in Lyon (5–6 February), the Séminaires Business Events workshop in Strasbourg (6 October) and Assistants’ Day in Zurich (9 September).

These activities will be supported by an expanded communications strategy, with particular emphasis on digital marketing campaigns aimed at the French, German and Swiss markets.
 

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.

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.

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

Vilnius will host the Lithuanian Pickleball Open on 28 February – 1 March 2026 at SEB Arena, which features 28 indoor courts and is the largest indoor tennis complex in the Baltic region and one of the most extensive multi-court sports facilities in Northern Europe.

The tournament is expected to welcome players from at least six countries, underlining the sport’s expanding international reach and strengthening Vilnius’s profile within the European pickleball community.

Federation-Led Growth, City-Supported Development

Pickleball in Lithuania is being actively developed by the Lithuanian Pickleball Federation (LPF). As an active member of both the Global Pickleball Federation and the European Pickleball Federation, LPF not only strengthens the sport’s national structure but also integrates Lithuania into the broader international pickleball network.

The Lithuanian Pickleball Open marks an important milestone in this development, creating a platform for cross-border participation and reinforcing Lithuania’s role within the European pickleball movement.

“As pickleball rapidly gains popularity around the world – from the United States to major European cities – Vilnius has every opportunity to become a leader in the development of this sport in the Baltic region. A growing culture of active leisure, modern infrastructure, and the city’s strong sense of community create excellent conditions for the pickleball community to grow quickly here,” says Svajūnas Masilionis, President of the Lithuanian Pickleball Federation.

International stories are already emerging around the sport. Last year, a Brazilian player with Lithuanian heritage travelled to Vilnius to lead training clinics and compete in the Lithuanian Open, reconnecting with his roots through pickleball. His experience highlights how the sport is creating cross-border communities and positioning Vilnius as a meeting point for international players.

Infrastructure That Enables International Events

SEB Arena offers professional-standard facilities and extensive indoor court capacity, allowing simultaneous matches, training sessions, and spectator engagement – a key competitive advantage in hosting international tournaments.

Beyond this flagship venue, Vilnius has been steadily investing in adaptable sports infrastructure. The city has upgraded public courts, introduced specialised line markings to enable multi-sport use, and improved the accessibility of outdoor facilities to support both grassroots activity and organised competitions.

This flexible and scalable infrastructure model enables Vilnius to respond efficiently to fast-growing disciplines such as pickleball without requiring entirely new facilities – a strategic approach increasingly valued in today’s international sports event landscape.

Building a Recognisable Sports Events Destination

The Lithuanian Pickleball Open 2026 forms part of Vilnius’s broader strategy to diversify its international events portfolio and strengthen its position as a Northern European destination for mid-scale sports competitions.

With modern venues, a compact and walkable city centre, short travel distances, and competitive hospitality pricing, Vilnius offers favourable conditions for international participants and event organisers alike.

As new racket sports gain momentum across Europe, Vilnius is actively building a reputation as an agile and forward-looking capital capable of hosting both established federations and fast-growing sporting communities.

The Lithuanian Pickleball Open 2026 reflects not only the development of the sport in Lithuania, but also the city’s long-term commitment to becoming a reliable, scalable, and internationally attractive destination for sports events.

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.

Denmark has taken a decisive step to strengthen its position as a global meetings destination by removing work permit requirements for non-EU professionals involved in large-scale indoor events. The new legislation significantly reduces administrative barriers for international organisers and suppliers, making it easier than ever to bring global talent to congresses, conferences and trade fairs in the country.

Danish legislators have decided that work permits will no longer be required for non-EU professionals working at large indoor congresses, trade fairs, conferences, and corporate events in Denmark. Bella Center Copenhagen, one of the leading venues in Northern Europe, expects the changes in legislation to have a tremendous impact for international event organisers and their suppliers.

The new legislation is a game changer — ensuring a much simpler process, removing barriers to entry, easing administrative burdens, and making it more attractive than ever to bring international talent and teams to Copenhagen.

“It is great news and a major win for the entire event industry and Denmark,” says Jesper Mark Dixen, CEO at Bellagroup, and continues: “We are located in the heart of Scandinavia, and we are already a top destination for organisations and companies around the world to visit. Many rely on skilled labor from abroad when creating events, and now it has never been easier for talented people to cross the border to perform a very important job to many people”.

The new legislation applies to large-scale events, with the possibility of up to 400 registered participants, and opens new opportunities for international collaboration and creativity at one of Northern Europe’s leading venues.

Importantly, the exemption from the work permit requirement includes employees of foreign organisers and suppliers — including freelancers and self-employed professionals — as long as they are part of the event’s established team with contractual ties, and not venue staff provided locally (e.g., security, catering, cleaning.)
 

Under these rules:

• The event must be a closed, indoor function with a minimum of 400 people invited and able to register; ticket-open or public events do not qualify .

• Exempted roles cover core operational and specialist positions such as planners, coordinators, technicians, communicators, contractors, and hosts — reinforcing that this change benefits the expertise that international organisers depend on .

• Each professional can work in Denmark for a maximum of 10 working days related to the event — including set-up and tear-down — with weekend and rest days counted according to SIRI’s guidance .

The legislation also clarifies that this exemption does not replace other visa requirements — non-EU citizens may still need a visitor visa if they come from a country that requires one to enter Denmark.

Finally, the new exemption is just one of several in Danish immigration law where short-term, non-EU work can be permitted without a formal work permit, such as researchers, guest lecturers, and other specialised temporary assignments lasting up to 90 days — highlighting Denmark’s broader efforts to streamline access for global professionals across sectors

Bella Center Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia’s largest event venues, with 65.000 square meters of event space, state-of-the-art facilities, and sustainable event solutions covering five congress and exhibition halls and 106 meeting rooms and auditoriums. Whether hosting conferences, exhibitions, or large-scale international events, Bella Center is where ideas and people come together.

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.

Båttur Hönö © Peter Kvarnström

In an era when associations weigh purpose as heavily as programme, Gothenburg has sharpened a clear proposition through collaboration, a knowledge-driven economy, and a bold sustainability agenda. In this conversation, Ulrika Scoliège, Senior Project Manager, Association Meetings at Göteborg & Co, outlines how the city converts conferences into talent pipelines and innovation showcases – from EVS38 to EAIE and beyond.

Gothenburg’s status as the largest capital in the Nordics is rooted in its strong infrastructure and welcoming spirit. Major conferences gravitate towards the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and its Gothia Towers, praised for their scale and ‘all-underone-roof’ concept. With 15,000 bedrooms and several new conference hotels across the port city, organisers find convenience, proximity and character here. “As a second-tier city, we have perhaps always had to try a little harder,” Scoliège notes, pointing to awards such as IAPCO Driving Excellence Award that confirm Gothenburg’s edge. Venues beyond the main congress centre also enrich the offer. World of Volvo, opened in 2024, combines sustainable architecture with immersive exhibitions. Liseberg amusement park, Universeum national science centre, and inspiring venues such as Kooperativet or Kajskjul 8 provide memorable backdrops for receptions and networking. As Scoliège points out, these options reflect Gothenburg’s personality: “innovative, authentic and welcoming.”
 

Gothia Towers

Gothenburg consistently ranks among the top cities in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Recently, the United Nations designated Gothenburg as the new host city for its Sustainable Lifestyle Hub. This milestone strengthens the city’s global leadership in sustainability and supports the UN’s mission to drive innovation toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scoliège stresses: “The city offers every opportunity to make a meeting more sustainable.” Sustainability will become ever more central to RFPs; however, the degree of emphasis has varied markedly between associations and within the final venue selection. “Destinations with strong environmental policies, third-party certifications, and sustainable infrastructure will be more attractive,” Scoliège predicts. Gothenburg’s proactive stance – from its Green City Zone to circular solutions – positions it as a frontrunner in this evolving landscape. “Our holistic approach to sustainable development integrates environmental, societal, and economic perspectives in decision-making, planning and execution,” she says. This is reinforced by the Destination Development Programme 2023–2030 and a dedicated Action Plan for Meetings, ensuring environmental, social and economic goals translate into daily practice. “Collaboration is Gothenburg’s superpower,” Scoliège states. The city’s triple helix approach – academia, industry and public sector working hand in hand – allows associations to connect with key players in research and innovation. This culture of openness enables Gothenburg to compete with larger capitals while offering organisers genuine access to expertise and networks.

Furthermore, Gothenburg’s knowledge ecosystem underpins a strategic approach, where universities, science parks, and multinational R&D centres create a fertile environment for knowledge-led resources. The 2025 European Innovation Scoreboard placed West Sweden as the country’s top performer in business R&D expenditure, collaboration between SMEs and life-long learning. “Meetings play a vital role in spreading knowledge, attracting talent, and supporting skills development,” Scoliège explains. Therefore, events are not just stand-alone occasions but catalysts for research, skills transfer and urban transformation. The city deliberately seeks events in areas aligned with its strengths, including electromobility, life sciences, ICT and logistics. Gothenburg hosted the International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS38) in 2025, showcasing its worldclass automotive cluster and commitment to climate neutrality by 2030. “EVS38 was a unique opportunity for Gothenburg to display its leadership in electromobility,” says Scoliège. Similarly, Nordic Life Science Days brought international decision-makers in biotech, pharma, and medtech, around a thriving local cluster anchored by companies like AstraZeneca, and institutions like Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
 

Innerstaden Centrum House of Vision

Data-driven decision-making is another pillar of Gothenburg’s success (check our Gothenburg digital twin story on HQ #117). The Destination Barometer, resident and visitor surveys, and a municipal-level Tourism Satellite Account allow precise tracking of impacts and trends in social output, financial surplus, export value and employment. “Göteborg & Co has a data-driven and systematic approach to guide its work across all areas of tourism and destination development,” Scoliège emphasises. By aligning campaign timing and market focus with evidence, the city remains agile and transparent. Residents’ perspectives are also part of the equation. Regular surveys show broad acceptance of tourism, a vital factor in sustaining political support. This feedback loop helps identify challenges such as congestion while reinforcing positive effects like job creation and multicultural vibrancy. “It demonstrates Gothenburg’s commitment to balancing resident wellbeing with visitor economy growth.”
 

Gothenburg: Where Sustainability is the Driving Force for Change!

Legacy and impact are central to Gothenburg’s meetings and public events philosophy. “Our approach, the Gothenburg Way to Legacy, is an inclusive framework that fosters engagement at all levels,” Scoliège explains. “There is a strong local understanding of the role meetings can play in driving social change.” Local and international organisers are encouraged to maximise the impact of their events, helping to address societal challenges and leave lasting value for the city. For EVS38, a Gothenburg Way to Legacy project focused on fostering innovation, attracting expertise, creating jobs, and positioning the region as leaders in electromobility and the transition to a sustainable transport system. Likewise, during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), Gothenburg launched an initiative focused on supporting people with spinal cord injuries getting back to work. Following a workshop involving various local stakeholders, a gap related to vocational rehabilitation was identified and subsequently included as an active topic in the conference programme for the first time. The congress also led to the production of an accessibility film, now used across local businesses to improve wheelchair access. “The goal is to benefit both the association and the destination,” says Scoliège. “This dual focus strengthens the city’s competitiveness while delivering tangible benefits to residents.”
 

EAIE © Klara Hammerth

2025 also highlighted Gothenburg’s ability to attract long-awaited international events. The city hosted the European Association for International Education (EAIE), welcoming over 7,000 delegates. For Scoliège, the congress was not just a logistical success but a symbolic one: “Working with such a committed organisation was not only a privilege but also a true exchange of knowledge.” EAIE’s values of sustainability and international collaboration resonated strongly with the city’s vision. Partnerships extend beyond the local ecosystem. The EU CVB Network, founded by like-minded destinations, has amplified Gothenburg’s international profile. By sharing best practices and presenting a united front, members gain greater visibility and influence. For Scoliège, these collaborations enhance competitiveness and trust: “Although we often compete for the same association events, we make each other stronger by sharing experiences.”

PS: As Gothenburg Convention Bureau approaches its 40th anniversary next year, the city will proudly open the year by hosting the AC Forum Annual Meeting – a true honour and a strategically signifi cant milestone for the entire destination.

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.

In early December, a select group of international association planners travelled to Tallinn on a three-day familiarisation trip hosted by the Estonian Convention Bureau in collaboration with Visit Estonia. Designed to showcase the city’s strengths as a compact, creative and digitally advanced meeting destination, the programme offered a considered mix of site inspections, cultural experiences and peer-to-peer exchange.

A City Where History and Innovation Coexist

The programme opened with a guided walk from the Rotermann Quarter to the medieval Old Town, highlighting Tallinn’s ability to blend historic character with contemporary urban development. Once an industrial zone, Rotermann has been transformed into a district of modern architecture, creative businesses and restaurants, offering planners a clear view of the city’s forward-looking development.

 

Entering the cobbled streets of the Old Town, participants explored one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, enriched with local stories, legends and seasonal atmosphere. A hands-on marzipan painting workshop at Maiasmokk Café, Tallinn’s oldest café, added a practical cultural element, while the visit to the Christmas Market on Town Hall Square showed the city at its most festive.

 

Dinner that evening took the group back several centuries at Olde Hansa, where historic recipes, candlelit interiors and period music demonstrated how Tallinn uses storytelling to shape group and delegate experiences.
 

Venues with Character and Scale

The second day focused on site visits to some of Tallinn’s most distinctive event venues, underlining the city’s suitability for small and mid-sized international association meetings.

 

Participants explored the Tallinn Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel), a former power station reimagined as an industrial-style event space, and the Tallinn Cruise Terminal, an ultramodern facility with an expansive sea-facing hall. The Estonian Maritime Museum’s Seaplane Harbour impressed with its vast hangar and waterfront setting, while PROTO Invention Factory, located in a former submarine factory, showed how heritage buildings can be adapted into interactive venues for content-driven events.

 

Lunch in the revitalised Noblessner harbour area at Lore Bistro further illustrated how Tallinn combines contemporary dining with emerging urban districts close to the city centre.
 

Creativity, Sustainability and Digital Leadership

In the afternoon, the group headed to Telliskivi Creative City, one of Tallinn’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Once an industrial complex, Telliskivi is now a base for designers, start-ups, galleries and cultural venues. Visits included sustainable leather brand Stella Soomlais Studio and Fotografiska Tallinn, the internationally recognised photography centre known for its exhibitions, city views and Michelin Green Star restaurant.

 

At Fotografiska, participants also received an introduction to the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, which outlined how Estonia has become one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. From e-governance and digital signatures to e-Residency, the session indicated why digital site visits and knowledge-focused content are increasingly integrated into association events hosted in Estonia.

 

Dinner at Restaurant PULL rounded off the day with a contemporary dining experience centred on quality ingredients and open-fire grilling, in contrast to the medieval setting of the previous evening and reflecting Tallinn’s culinary diversity.
 

Strong Hotel Infrastructure in a Compact Capital

The final day featured site inspections of key conference hotels and venues, including Alexela Concert Hall in the centrally located Solaris Centre, as well as Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia, Hilton Tallinn Park, Swissôtel Tallinn and Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn. Together, these properties demonstrated the city’s capacity to host international meetings with professional standards, modern facilities and minimal transfer times within the compact capital.
 

A Destination That Delivers More

With a population of just 450,000, Tallinn offers association planners the infrastructure and expertise of a capital city alongside the ease and human scale of a smaller destination. Nordic efficiency, digital innovation and creative use of heritage spaces are matched by strong sustainability credentials and competitive costs for international events.

Co-organised by Visit Estonia and the Estonian Convention Bureau, the fam trip reflected Estonia’s collaborative approach to supporting international meetings and association clients. Association planners interested in exploring Tallinn as a future host destination are invited to contact Ms Külli Teimann, Association Manager at the Estonian Convention Bureau.

© Wonderful Copenhagen

Copenhagen unveiled DestinationPay today – a global tourism framework encouraging cities everywhere to adopt the CopenPay concept, where visitors are rewarded for positive behaviour. Several destinations have already joined the initiative.

At the European Tourism Forum in Copenhagen, DestinationPay is officially introduced. The programme builds on the award-winning CopenPay system, which enables travellers to “give back” to the places they visit through simple good deeds — whether collecting litter from the canals or biking to cultural sites — and receive cultural benefits in exchange.

DestinationPay serves as a new international model for destinations wishing to implement their own version of Copenhagen’s successful CopenPay programme. Developed by Wonderful Copenhagen, the city’s official tourism organisation, it offers guidance and practical tools to help cities and regions reward travellers for actions that support local communities.

“We’ve seen how many of our visitors seek different and more meaningful experiences. Tourists don’t just want to see a city anymore — they want to be part of it. CopenPay gave them that opportunity. DestinationPay is how we scale this mindset to the world,” said Søren Tegen Petersen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen.

An open call

With today’s launch, Wonderful Copenhagen encourages destinations across the globe to join the initiative as future partners. The mission is clear and far-reaching: if every destination rewards even a small share of its visitors for doing good, the combined impact could create significant value for cities and elevate the global tourism experience.

In February, DestinationPay will host a free online webinar to share the insights and knowledge Wonderful Copenhagen has gathered over the past two years. Attendees will gain access to data, tools, and a practical playbook on how to adapt and build their own version of the CopenPay concept.

Destinations such as Berlin and Normandy have already taken on the idea and developed their own behavioural nudging programmes.
 

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

For several years now, Bruges has been strongly committed to attracting multi-day international conferences with a link to the city's economic growth sectors: mechatronics, ICT, healthcare, the port, tourism & culture, gastronomy and cycling. Conferences with a positive social impact is an international trend that Bruges is embracing in their tourism policy and support from their congress operation as well. 

Bruges is easily and quickly accessible by train. Once you arrive, all venues, hotels and attractions are only a stone’s throw away. This is not only sustainable, but also cost-effective. A guided morning run before the start of the conference or a walk along the canals provides oxygen and space for creative ideas. 
 

Bruges surprises with both modern and historical heritage sites

In Bruges, every conference or corporate event is a total experience where heritage and innovation embrace each other. A conference in a state-of-the-art convention centre can be combined with an exclusive dinner in a historic building. If you are looking for a heritage location or a venue with a unique impact, the Flanders Heritage Venues – Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre, Concertgebouw Brugge, La Brugeoise, the Provincial Palace and Madeleine in Bruges – put Bruges on the map as an inspiring and high-quality MICE destination. They were screened by Tourism Flanders on a number of criteria, such as sustainability, accessibility, experience and digitisation.

The ultra-modern Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC) is the first conference centre in Flanders to receive the M+ accessibility label from Tourism Flanders (portrayed below). The label guarantees that the venue is easily accessible for all conference visitors. In addition, BMCC also has the Green Key sustainability label. Its many facilities include an exhibition area of 4,423 m² and a divisible plenary hall for 516 people.
 

The Concert Hall of Concertgebouw Brugge can accommodate 1,289 conference delegates and is world-renowned for its exceptional acoustics. And why not a dinner on stage with live orchestra? 

Following extensive renovation, the neo-Gothic Provincial Palace was also awarded the M-label. It provides a beautiful historical setting for seminars, dinners and receptions. The maximum capacity of the Provincial Council Chamber is 220 people, based on the three-chair principle.

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important criterion when considering a conference destination. No less than 12 MICE locations hold the Green Key label: Novotel, Martin's Brugge, Martin's Relais, Crowne Plaza Brugge, Eco Fevery Hotel, Relais et Chateaux Hotel Heritage, NH Brugge, Radisson Blu Brugge, Ibis Styles Zeebrugge, BMCC, Royal Swans B&B and Concertgebouw Brugge.  
 

We asked Kathy Van Wambeke, Sales Director at Visit Bruges Convention Bureau, a few questions:

Headquarters: What is the added value of the Visit Bruges Convention Bureau?

Kathy: “The Visit Bruges Convention Bureau has 30 years of experience and represents the entire Bruges sector. The team assists conference organisers in establishing the right contacts, preparing bid books, requesting quotations and supervising site visits. A single point of contact, impartial advice and thorough knowledge of what is on offer. The team ensures the perfect match. And last but not least, we investigate whether an international association is eligible for the subvention programme. 
 

HQ: What are the advantages of Bruges as a conference city for international congresses?

Kathy: “In Bruges, you get the full experience, before, during and after the event hours. For many international delegates, Bruges was already on their bucket list. They often extend their stay with a couple of days. This is the Bleisure trend”. 
 

Contact:
Visit Bruges Convention Bureau
Kathy Van Wambeke, Sales Manager
T: +32(0)50 44 46 66; E: meeting@brugge.be

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

VitiNord 2025, the world’s leading conference on cold-climate viticulture and enology, will be held in Vilnius from 3 to 6 December 2025.

More than 200 experts, researchers, growers, winemakers and industry leaders will gather at the Park Plaza Hotel Vilnius, turning the city into a global hub for innovation in northern grape growing and wine production. This will be the first time VitiNord takes place in the Baltic States.
 

A Global Platform for the Strong Legacy

Since 2006, VitiNord has rotated between Europe and North America every three years, becoming the leading international platform for sharing scientific insights, technical developments and practical experience in cool-climate winemaking. Hosting the conference in Vilnius highlights Lithuania’s growing role in northern viticulture and reflects the city’s increasing visibility as a modern, open and culturally rich setting for international scientific and industry gatherings.
 

Lithuanian Viticulture: A New Northern Story

Lithuanian viticulture has evolved remarkably in recent years. Officially recognised as an EU farming category only four years ago, the country now has more than 50 hectares of vineyards and a growing community of producers working at the very limits of cold-climate grape growing. Winter temperatures can fall below –25°C, and late-spring and early-autumn frosts often shorten the growing season – yet growers continue to adapt and innovate.

Producers have long relied on hardy hybrid varieties developed in Lithuania and neighbouring countries, but in recent years, European varieties and American hybrids have begun to take root as well. Solaris has become the most widely planted white variety, while others such as Adalmiina and St. Pepin are gaining attention for their fresh, aromatic profiles. Experimentation with Riesling and Chardonnay is increasing too, particularly in milder coastal and central regions. Among red varieties, hybrids such as Marquette and Marechal Foch remain dominant, although their naturally high acidity requires thoughtful winemaking.
 

Despite strong annual weather variability – from the warm, sunny 2024 season that produced exceptional wines to the cooler, frost-affected 2025 vintage – Lithuania’s growers continue pushing the boundaries of what northern viticulture can achieve. Alongside grape wines, producers such as Geri Metai are also preserving distinctive local traditions, crafting unique beverages like their one-of-a-kind rowan wine.

“Lithuania’s viticulture may still be young, but its progress is extraordinary,” says Arūnas Starkus, editor of Vyno žurnalas, Lithuanian Wine Championship Commissioner, and speaker at VitiNord 2025. “We are working at the very edge of what is climatically possible. Yet each year growers prove that even in harsh northern conditions, innovation and resilience can yield wines of real character.”
 

Shaping the Future of Cold-Climate Winemaking

The 2025 programme will bring together leading voices in cool-climate viticulture, including Erica Duecy, founder of Business of Drinks; Dr. Juha Karvonen, a specialist in cold-climate adaptation; and renowned grape breeder Tom Plocher.

Over four days, delegates will explore key topics such as climate adaptation, sustainability, sparkling wine production, soil health, disease resistance, and consumer trends. The programme will be complemented by tastings, practical workshops and a technical tour to Lithuanian vineyards.
 

Collaboration, Innovation and a New Northern Hub

Delegates from more than 20 countries will gather in Vilnius, highlighting the city’s growing role as a regional center for scientific exchange and innovation in cool-climate viticulture.

Vilnius offers a compact, creative and welcoming setting where people can easily connect and share ideas – a fitting environment for a conference focused on pushing the boundaries of northern winemaking.
 

Additional information is available at the website 
 

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As part of the BEFuture initiative, led by the Catalan Tourist Board, Catalonia showcased 14 innovation projects at ibtm World. The programme brought together eighty solutions developed by small and medium-sized enterprises from six countries, many of which focus on sustainability, inclusion, and digital improvements for the meetings industry. The Catalan presence at the show also included 47 organisations and over 100 professional meetings. HQ readers can explore a selection of additional initiatives in this article, and all BEFuture projects are available through the programme’s official page.

The Catalunya Convention Bureau, which is part of the Catalan Tourist Board, once again showcased its services at ibtm World in Barcelona, which took place at Fira Gran Via from 18 to 20 November. Particular attention was given to BEFuture, a European project coordinated in Catalonia and co-funded by the European Commission through the Single Market Programme. The initiative aims to support the transition to more sustainable and inclusive business events across Europe.

BEFuture presented eighty solutions created by small and medium-sized enterprises. Fourteen of these came from Catalonia, highlighting the region’s increasing importance as an innovation hub within the meetings sector, as well as its active involvement in the wider European entrepreneurial community connected to events. The proposals covered every stage of the event lifecycle, from logistics to the delegate experience, and addressed four key themes: Climate Change and Circularity, Talent and Inclusion, Event Experience, and Governance and Impact. Live demonstrations took place throughout the show at the BEFuture Discovery space.

"Small and medium-sized businesses in Catalonia and across Europe have made significant progress by providing practical solutions to real challenges. BEFuture offers applied innovation to help make the sector more sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof”, said Sònia Serracarbassa, Director of the Catalunya Convention Bureau and Coordinator of the BEFuture project.

As the host region, Catalonia had a stronger presence at the show, which it consolidated through its stand. This stand brought together regional and local convention bureaux, hotel groups, DMCs, meeting venues, and specialised service providers. Spanning more than 200 square metres and featuring 47 companies and organisations, the stand showcased the destination's diversity and capabilities to international planners.

During the three-day exhibition, the Catalunya Convention Bureau arranged over 100 meetings with agencies, associations, and international event organisers. The Bureau also hosted seven thematic presentations to showcase the region’s strengths as a destination for meetings, including its recent designation as a 2025 World Region of Gastronomy.

"Catalonia is a region ready to host any kind of event. We have excellent infrastructure, a unique setting, and a strong commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and the legacy of events. ibtm World is a chance for us to strengthen our international presence and create new business opportunities," said Arantxa Calvera, Director of the Catalan Tourist Board.

Want to dive deeper into the story behind BEFuture?

Read our exclusive interview with Sònia Serracarbassa, Director of the Catalunya Convention Bureau and Coordinator of the BEFuture project, in the May 2025 edition of HQ Magazine #119. She shares insights into the project's origins, European collaboration, and what’s next for innovation in business events.

 

Read the interview in HQ Magazine – May 2025

  

As the Netherlands’ second city and Europe’s largest and smartest port, Rotterdam has long been associated with resilience and transformation. Rebuilt in the aftermath of war, the city has evolved into a living laboratory for urban innovation, guided by a future-oriented vision across its infrastructure, economy and planning. This mindset now shapes its business events strategy, with knowledge institutions, port assets and innovation hubs forming the foundation for hosting sector-driven conferences aligned with pressing global transitions.

Rotterdam’s layered evolution, from the maritime roots of Oude Haven and Delfshaven to the post-modern architecture of Feijenoord, notably reflects its dual identity as both a logistical powerhouse and a test-bed for sustainable urbanism. This makes it a strategic partner for associations seeking a destination and venues where climate action, digitalisation and resilient design intersect with practical implementation.

“Rotterdam is a second-tier city that punches above its weight in the European meetings and conferences market,” said Larissa Molenaar, Marketing Strategist B2B at Rotterdam Partners. The city boasts excellent transport connections, including Eurostar links, direct tram access from the airport to the city centre, and a walkable layout and reliable public transport. When coupled with a portfolio of iconic venues and a thriving innovation scene, Rotterdam is elevated to the rank of leading contender for associations seeking to establish strategic partnerships with the foremost sectors in today’s digital age, including the transition to a sustainable energy model and maritime innovation.

From the architectural icon of Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen to the maritime heritage of SS Rotterdam and the scale of Rotterdam Ahoy, event planners have a diverse range of venues to choose from. “We are proud of our versatile, high-quality infrastructure,” Molenaar said. “And we are not standing still. Ongoing investment in smart, sustainable urban development ensures that in Rotterdam, you can meet the unexpected.”
 

This forward-facing philosophy is embedded in the city’s model to regeneration. Rather than restoring what was lost during World War II, Rotterdam rebuilt itself with a bold, future-oriented vision. This approach extends to the city’s business events sector. “Events here do not just fill venues, they help shape the city,” Molenaar noted. Whether addressing climate adaptation, circular economy, or smart mobility, conferences in Rotterdam are designed to make an impact.

Rotterdam’s strength lies in the depth of its partnerships. The city’s MICE network includes more than 190 partners ranging from universities like Erasmus and TU Delft to the Port of Rotterdam and a thriving start-up and scale-up ecosystem. “Through Rotterdam Collaboration for Change, we align events with the city’s long-term goals: inclusion, innovation and sustainability,” Molenaar explained. “It is a unique approach where business events leave a lasting legacy and contribute to a better future.”
 

“Business events attract high-value visitors who stay longer, spend more and engage more deeply,” Maaike Hamann

Key sectors such as IT & Tech, Maritime, Life Sciences & Health, and Energy underpin Rotterdam’s bid strategies. For example, digitalisation is not just a theme but an active sector, drawing in conferences on gaming, AI and digital innovation. “These events reflect our city’s strength as a hub for smart solutions and contribute to solving societal challenges,” said Molenaar. “Our knowledge ecosystems do not just support events, they shape them.”

Rotterdam is a key player in national energy and climate programmes, with an energy cluster that includes both established industries and pioneering innovators. This alignment is evident in flagship projects like PORTHOS and ARAMIS, aimed at storing CO2 beneath the North Sea. Initiatives like the Hydrogen Delta, the Clean Tech Delta, and accelerator PortXL are positioning the port as a hub for clean energy. Recognised as the smartest port in Europe, Rotterdam uses digital technology, automation and data-driven innovation to optimise its operations and enhance efficiency, while supporting sustainable logistics. This distinction reflects its operational capabilities and its appeal as a host for tech-driven events exploring digital transition, smart mobility, and logistics optimisation. “Innovation plays a central role in our strategy to attract events,” says Maaike Hamann, Business Development Manager, International Congresses & Events at Rotterdam Partners. “By aligning conference proposals with real projects and sustainability goals, we position Rotterdam as an active contributor to climate action.”
 

Rotterdam’s MICE strategy also seeks to mitigate the effects of overtourism by integrating events into the broader urban fabric. “Business events attract high-value visitors who stay longer, spend more and engage more deeply,” Hamann explained. Initiatives like social programming across diverse neighbourhoods and partnerships with community organisations ensure that benefits are spread and felt citywide.

Tracking visitor flows and event impact is also evolving. While still developing advanced data tools, Rotterdam is already leveraging insights from national and partner datasets to improve planning and resource allocation. This data-driven strategy supports the city’s commitment to quality of life and sustainable urban growth.

Social legacy in Rotterdam is approached through concrete, programme-based collaboration with local institutions and communities. Through initiatives such as the Rotterdam Collaboration for Change, the city encourages organisers to develop event legacies that address local issues. Molenaar cited recent examples: the European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation 2023 collaborated with local schools to green playgrounds and raise awareness around cochlear implants, while the Congress on Liver Transplantation 2023 focused on organ donation education through local youth engagement. “Our goal is for every event to leave a meaningful footprint,” added Hamann.

Looking ahead, Rotterdam is preparing to host the PCMA Convening Leaders conference from 14 to 16 October 2025. This event is a significant milestone that highlights the city’s ambition to be a leader in global event innovation. “Hosting PCMA Convening Leaders is more than a showcase,” said Hamann. “It reflects our ambition to lead in innovation, sustainability, and global knowledge exchange within the convention sector. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our collaborative spirit, creative energy, and commitment to delivering meaningful experiences. Our close collaboration with PCMA is essential to tailoring the experience to both their strategic goals and our city’s strengths.”
 

Other upcoming events, such as Breakbulk Europe, International Film Festival Rotterdam, and the European Robotics Forum, align closely with the city’s strategic focus areas, reinforcing its reputation as a platform for policy dialogue, research dissemination and cross-sector collaboration.

Rotterdam’s involvement in the EU CVB Network has amplified its international profile through joint marketing, collaborative bidding and peer learning. “The Network allows us to approach the association market with a stronger collective voice,” said Hamann. “It has helped us secure high-quality events and will continue to support long-term partnerships.”

In Rotterdam, business events are not add-ons to city life; they are central to its purpose-driven growth. “Rotterdam is a city that dares to dream and dares to do. We believe in the power of events to shape better cities and better futures,” Hamann concluded. “And we invite the world to be part of that journey with us.”

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Hofburg, Michaelerplatz | Photographer: Paul Bauer | Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

In Vienna, meetings unfold in a city built for dialogue – shaped by a tradition of science, culture, and diplomacy that continues to define its character today. Centrally located in Europe, Vienna combines historic elegance with modern efficiency. Its venues, from contemporary congress centers to imperial palaces, provide the ideal setting for collaboration.

That environment helps explain why Vienna consistently leads the world’s association meetings. In the latest ICCA ranking, the city claimed first place globally, while the UIA placed it second worldwide. These results reflect decades of experience in partnering with associations and connecting them with Vienna’s academic and institutional ecosystem – ensuring seamless delivery and strong legacy potential.
 

Supporting the future of meetings

Vienna knows that successful meetings are built on partnership. To turn this philosophy into action, the Vienna Meeting Fund 2025–2028 provides financial support of up to €60,000 for congresses held in the Austrian capital.

With a total budget of €4 million, the programme promotes sustainable event planning and supports congresses held in less busy periods. This strategic approach empowers associations to design events that leave a lasting impression – locally and globally.

“With the Vienna Meeting Fund, we provide financial support to international organisers while encouraging them to plan more sustainably. This combination helps ensure that every congress supported by the fund contributes to Vienna’s reputation as a responsible and future-oriented meeting destination”, explains Anita Paic, Head of the Vienna Convention Bureau.
 

Labor IMP – Research Institute of Molecular Pathology | Photographer: David Payr | Copyright: © WienTourismus/David Payr

Creating impact that lasts: From Kidney Health to Climate Action

“Vienna’s role as a congress destination is not only to provide the stage, but to actively shape how meetings can drive scientific progress, social awareness, and environmental responsibility. In close cooperation with local partners, we enable international congresses to connect meaningfully with the city and its people – creating legacies that are authentic, measurable, and add value long after the event has ended”, Paic concludes. 

Two recent congresses clearly demonstrate Vienna’s approach: 
 

The 62nd European Renal Association (ERA) Congress gathered over 9,000 kidney specialists and healthcare professionals. In collaboration with the Vienna Convention Bureau, ERA expanded the traditional congress format with two initiatives that connected scientific dialogue to public awareness in the host city. Through the Kidney School Project, nephrologists visited local schools, teaching students about kidney function and health, and inspiring creative artwork that was later showcased during the congress. At the same time, a mobile kidney screening truck offered free health checks to the public. These initiatives reflected ERA’s commitment to education and prevention, showing how congresses in Vienna create impact beyond the conference halls.
 

In the same spirit, the ESA Living Planet Symposium brought together more than 6,900 participants to address critical topics in Earth observation and environmental science. Organised by the European Space Agency, the symposium brought space research into the heart of the city through a three-day open-air festival that combined science, art, and public dialogue – organised by UIV Urban Innovation Vienna GmbH and the Vienna Geospace Hub. At the same time, the LPS School Lab introduced more than 2,000 Austrian pupils to space and environmental science. 

More than a destination

Vienna’s success in global rankings is not merely a matter of numbers. It reflects a mindset: that meetings should matter. For associations seeking a destination that combines excellence with measurable legacy, Vienna offers something rare — a city where every congress becomes part of a larger story.
 

Discover how Vienna can elevate your next congress here.

Contact: Marina Knittel, Team Manager Associations at Vienna Convention Bureau.

Event pictures and ERA video, credited to © Rafael Bittermann

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Tour & Taxis - Gare Maritime © visit.brussels | Jean-Paul Remy

Keen to be part of the world’s most significant discussions? Let your voice be heard in Brussels. The Belgian capital is a hub for politics, science, business and culture with a truly international outlook. Choosing Brussels means tapping into one of the world’s most influential ecosystems. With a full calendar of high-profile and emerging events, Brussels continues to grow as one of the world’s top congress cities. And the future looks bright: new hotels, striking venues and a strong commitment to smart tourism are setting the tone for 2030.

Brussels, A Decision-Making Hub

Brussels is the place where global policies take shape. Three of the EU’s main institutions, NATO and thousands of international associations call Brussels home. This draws a community of over 30,000 professionals working in policy, advocacy and communication.

It is also one of the world’s most diverse cities, with more than 180 nationalities and a remarkable pool of multilingual talent. That diversity fuels its open-minded spirit. It is this combination that helps Brussels consolidate its position as a top global congress destination. Flagship conferences return year after year – some like International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM) and Computers, Privacy and Data Protection (CDPD) have done so since the 1980s – building on decades of trust and shared success.

This success is part of a broader story. In 2024, Brussels recorded almost ten million overnight stays, its highest number ever. According to Patrick Bontinck, CEO of visit. brussels, “Brussels clearly has a unique, cosmopolitan profile. When it comes to art, culture, gastronomy and nightlife, there’s always something happening.”

In short, tourism growth is powering Brussels’ next chapter with new projects preparing the city for 2030.
 

Espace Léopold - Leopoldruimte © visit.brussels | Jean-Paul Remy

What’s Next For Brussels

The Belgium capital is shaping a practical, people-first future for business events. Shortlisted for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism, the city shows how innovation and tradition can evolve hand in hand.

Heritage and culture remain the city’s main draw. The Wiertz Museum (2026), the Museum of Ixelles (2026), the Jewish Museum of Belgium (2028) and the emblematic Chinese Pavillion (2028) are set to reopen. A new MIMA concept will add a creative pulse to the European Quarter. Le Chat, the besuited cartoon cat that exemplifies Belgium’s quirky sense of humour will be getting his own museum in 2029. One of the most anticipated openings is KANAL–Centre Pompidou, set for November 2026. The new cultural landmark is set to attract audiences from across Europe. In addition, this 40,000 m² hub for contemporary art will also offer the chance to host events.

Getting to Brussels will soon be easier than ever. New night-train links added coach services between European cities and more direct air routes are widening access. A major airport transformation (2026–2032) will further improve connectivity.
 

Atelier Kanal - Kanal Nave (a Friday at noon in April) © visit.brussels

Distinctive Venues and Sustainable Hospitality 

The hotel scene is evolving fast, especially in the high-end sector. The Standard, Cardo Brussels and Corinthia Grand Astoria have already raised the bar in terms of comfort and design. Boutique newcomers like Faubourg 21 combine five-star luxury with a warm, homely feel. The reopening of the historic Hotel Métropole (2027) and the expansion of DoubleTree by Hilton (2026) will further boost the four-star offer. Meanwhile, Cloud One Brussels (2026 and 2027) and a second MIX spa hotel (2028) will add even more variety in the city centre. Overall, Brussels’ hospitality sector will see a surge of 1,300 new rooms with a clear shift toward experience-driven hospitality.

But capacity is only half the story. What truly defines Brussels is its character. The Brussels Special Venues network unites 60 of the capital’s distinctive locations, offering over 500 rooms in settings that range from historic ballrooms to reimagined industrial spaces. In Brussels, you can host a symposium in the world’s largest Art Deco church, a gala among dinosaurs or a product launch inside the Atomium. No idea is too wild.

Sustainability ties it all together. Nearly half of Brussels’ hotels are now Green Key-certified. More venues are embracing eco-labels, circular design and green mobility. Digital tools such as the Brussels Smart City Card connect transport, culture and local services in one place.
 

Hotel Cardo Brussels - Place Charles Rogier © visit.brussels

Brussels is also simplifying event planning with a tool for faster venue matches. Start planning with the RFP Event Planner by visit.brussels and let local teams advise you every step of the way. It is all part of a smarter, more connected city that works for people.

Stay informed about the latest openings, venues and event news from Brussels. Subscribe to the visit.brussels Meetings & Events newsletter via the QR code on the right.

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© European Handball Federation (EHF)

In November 2025, the Lithuanian capital will welcome Europe’s top wheelchair handball teams for the European Wheelchair Handball Championship, marking the first time the event has been held in Vilnius.

Over five days of competition and celebration, athletes, officials and fans from across the continent will gather in the city – showcasing both the rapid rise of wheelchair handball and Vilnius’s ability to host world-class international sporting events with professionalism, accessibility and heart. 

Taking place from 26–30 November 2025, the championship will introduce a new 4x4 competition format that redefines wheelchair handball and supports its pathway towards inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games. 

This will be the largest wheelchair handball event ever held in Europe, uniting nine national teams – France, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Norway, and host nation Lithuania, which will make its continental debut. The top 2 teams will also qualify for the 2026 Wheelchair Handball World Championship in India. 
 

© European Handball Federation (EHF)

“Hosting this championship is an important milestone for Lithuanian sport,” said Žilvinas Galimovas, General Secretary of the Lithuanian Handball Federation. “It’s the first time Lithuania will welcome such a high-level international wheelchair handball event, and we take great pride in this trust from the European Handball Federation. The championship will not only promote inclusion and equal opportunities in sport but also inspire new athletes and fans across the country.” 

“High-level international events like this showcase Vilnius at its best,” said Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, Director of Go Vilnius, the city’s official tourism and business development agency. “From modern venues and seamless logistics to a welcoming atmosphere and compact layout, the city offers everything organisers need for an exceptional event experience. We look forward to welcoming athletes, officials and fans with our signature Vilnius hospitality.” 

For Vilnius, the championship also serves as a platform for inclusive tourism and sports diplomacy, placing the city at the heart of Europe’s movement towards greater accessibility in sport. Organised in cooperation with the European Handball Federation, the event will further demonstrate Lithuania’s growing capability to host major international sporting occasions. 

The European Wheelchair Handball Championship 2025 will bring together athletes, coaches, officials and media representatives from across the continent – transforming Vilnius into Europe’s handball capital for one inspiring week. Beyond competition, it will celebrate resilience, innovation, and inclusion – the shared values that define both handball and Vilnius itself.

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