Antwerp transforms ordinary agendas into extraordinary experiences

Antwerp is not just a conference destination. It’s a canvas for transformative experiences. Hosting your congress here means embracing a destination where history meets innovation, accessibility blends with global appeal, and every detail is tailored to amplify the significance of your event.

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Antwerp offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and accessibility that transforms any event into an unforgettable journey. From world-class healthcare and technology hubs to breathtaking venues steeped in culture, Antwerp is the perfect stage for international gatherings.

The city is your venue

Antwerp Convention Bureau invites you to rethink the traditional conference model. Here, the city itself becomes your venue. Imagine breakout sessions held amidst the historic grandeur of Rubens’ former home or networking events hosted next to majestic elephants at ‘A Room with a ZOO’, Antwerp Zoo’s congress center. 

What about hosting a keynote speech in the grandeur of the Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site, organizing workshops in the Museum Plantin-Moretus, home to the world’s oldest printing presses, and networking cocktails on the panoramic rooftop of the MAS Museum. 

Every corner of Antwerp offers a unique backdrop, turning your congress into an immersive experience that resonates far beyond the ­meeting rooms. All these venues are not just spaces; they are stories waiting to be told, offering an atmosphere steeped in history that inspires creativity and connection.

The city’s walkable scale ensures seamless transitions between venues, while its rich cultu­ral heritage and modern infrastructure ­provide endless opportunities for customization. Whether it’s a heritage site, boutique hotel, or cutting-edge innovation hub, Antwerp aligns every detail with your event’s goals, creating a program as meaningful as it is memorable.

 

Let's meet at IMEX, stand E150, May 20-22, Messe Frankfurt, Germany

 

Global leader in healthcare innovation

Antwerp has established itself as a global leader in healthcare innovation, making it an ideal destination for conferences focused on medical advancements and collaboration. 

A defining characteristic of Antwerp’s health cluster is its commitment to data as a strategic asset. The newly launched Antwerp Health Harbour is the region’s flagship initiative for integrated health data use. This collaboration is all about connectivity and creates an ecosystem in which cross-border projects can be developed to improve healthcare and stimulate new technologies. It connects regional partners to jointly realize solutions that go beyond data, with a strong focus on social impact and future-oriented care.

With the University of Antwerp and a dense hospital network of 28 campuses, the city is a powerhouse for research, e-health, biotechnology, and medical advancements.

The city’s robust ecosystem also includes cutting-edge research institutions like the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), and pioneering facilities such as Vaccinopolis. These centres not only drive scientific breakthroughs but also foster international partnerships that shape the future of healthcare.

Vaccinopolis, located on the University of Antwerp campus, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to clinical vaccine research. Known for its pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic, it specializes in Controlled Human Infection Model studies, which accelerate vaccine and therapy development. This groundbreaking approach positions Antwerp as a key player in global pandemic preparedness and response. 

Driving technology transformation

Antwerp is also at the forefront of digital innovation, with hubs like The Beacon and Dunden leading advancements in Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and eHealth solutions. 

The core mission of The Beacon as a premier innovation hub, is to foster collaboration among public and private entities, start-ups, scale-ups, and research institutions, aiming to drive digital innovation in sectors such as smart cities, mobility, logistics, and industry. 

The Dunden is a dynamic innovation hub situated in the heart of Antwerp, designed to support startups and scale-ups, particularly those focusing on healthcare, funding, B2B innovation, and social impact.

Both centres bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to tackle challenges in healthcare, logistics, and urban development.

Recognised as one of Europe’s emerging technology hubs, the city hosts in 2025 a series of cutting-edge events, including DDD Europe – One of Europe’s leading software development conferences – in June. Another premier event - SuperNova – showcasing breakthrough technology, AI, and future innovations took place in March and will be back in Antwerp next year.

One standout example of combining health and technology is Byteflies, an Antwerp-based company that developed wearable technology enabling Covid-19 patients to recover at home while remaining under medical supervision. This innovation highlights how Antwerp leverages digital tools to make healthcare more efficient and accessible. AI is another transformative force in the city’s healthcare landscape – supporting diagnostics, optimizing clinical workflows, and enabling preventive care through remote monitoring solutions.

 

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Why Choose Antwerp?

Hosting your congress in Antwerp means choosing a city that amplifies your event’s significance.

• Heritage Meets Innovation: Experience centuries-old venues alongside cutting-edge hubs for healthcare and technology.
• Tailored Experiences: Customize every aspect of your program with unique ­locations that reflect your goals.
• Global Accessibility: Benefit from ­seamless connections to major European cities via air and rail.
• Expertise Across Industries: Leverage Antwerp’s leadership in healthcare innovation, sustainable chemistry, port & logistics and digital innovation.
• Unforgettable Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a city where culture, hospitality, and sustainability converge

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Unique infrastructure for conferences

Antwerp offers conference organizers unparalleled access to these innovative ecosystems, turning events into transformative experiences. Imagine hosting a symposium at Vaccinopolis, where attendees not only learn about vaccine development but also witness live research in action. Or picture workshops held at The Beacon, showcasing IoT solutions that revolutionize port logistics or urban mobility.

These venues provide more than just practical facilities - they inspire by connecting attendees directly with cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking research. This makes Antwerp an exceptional choice for congresses focused on healthcare, technology, or sustainability.

Accessibility meets hospitality

Antwerp’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure make it an attractive destination for forward-thinking businesses and researchers. Located less than an hour from Brussels Airport and connected by high-speed rail to major European cities like Paris and Amsterdam, ­getting here is effortless. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a community known for its warm hospitality and collaborative spirit.

With Europe's second largest port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, operating across the entire logistics chain under EU Guidelines on Good Distribution Practices – a vital asset for life ­sciences – Antwerp is future-ready for high-­profile congresses.

The city offers a comprehensive range of accommo­dations, including 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels that cater to every preference and ­budget. Whether your attendees are seeking boutique charm, ­premium luxury, or the conve­nience of a large conference hotel with ­meeting capacity exceeding 1,000 participants, ­Antwerp ensures comfort and facilities tailored to every­one’s needs. Combined with its culinary scene that blends traditional Belgian flavors with international influences, Antwerp guarantees an experience that delights all senses.

Sustainability at its core

As global events increasingly prioritize sustaina­bility, Antwerp rises to the challenge with eco-conscious initiatives across its venues and services. The city’s commitment to green practi­ces aligns perfectly with modern event planning standards, ensuring your congress ­leaves a ­positive impact on both attendees and the environment.

Antwerp Expo, one of the city’s premier congress venues, has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Recent investments include the installation of 4,000 square metres of solar panels, which now supply 40 percent of the venue’s energy needs. Additionally, LED lighting throughout its halls has reduced energy consumption by 80 percent, while intelligent HVAC systems optimize temperature control to further conserve resources. The venue has also implemented a comprehensive waste management plan. 

The city’s sustainability efforts extend beyond individual venues. Antwerp Convention Bureau integrates broader city initiatives into event planning, ensuring that congresses contribute to long-term goals like promoting a circular economy and supporting local communities. For example, profits from certain events directly fund conservation projects or educational programs related to sustainability.

Antwerp Convention Bureau

Antwerp Convention Bureau is dedicated to helping you create events that matter. Whether you’re planning a medical symposium or a tech summit, our team provides comprehensive support to ensure every detail exceeds expectations. With Antwerp as your venue, your congress will not only achieve its objectives but also inspire lasting connections among attendees.

Let Antwerp be the stage for your next transformative event - where ideas become actions and innovation shapes the future. Visit antwerpconventionbureau.be to explore how we can elevate your conference experience today. 

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In 2025 alone, Antwerp will host several prestigious medical conferences:

• - EMCA (International Institute for Tropical Medicine) (March 25–28)
• - International Sleep and Breathing ESRS Conference (April 10–12)
• - European Conference on Healthcare Engineering (May 21–23)
• - European Society for Dermatological Research Annual Meeting (September 10–13)
• - European Conference on Mental Health (September 10–12)
• - Snomed International Conference (October 22–24)

These events underscore Antwerp’s role as a thriving center for medical innovation and collaboration.