The year 2023 marked a significant period for Europe’s meetings and events industry, with destinations across the continent hosting a variety of high-profile congresses. From advancements in healthcare and technology to environmental initiatives, these gatherings brought together international experts, scientists, and professionals to collaborate and exchange knowledge. This article highlights the most significant congresses of 2023 within the EU CVB Network, showcasing how destinations reaffirmed themselves as top locations for knowledge exchange and impactful events.
Salzburg
The success of International Data Week in Salzburg showcased strong collaboration between local professors, international organizations, and service providers, coordinated by the convention bureau. The event, which featured over 100 countries, solidified Salzburg’s role as a key university hub, attracting leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and data experts.
• Name: International Data Week
• Date: 23rd – 26th October 2023
• Venue: Salzburg Congress
• Participants: 800 on-site, 120 virtual
• Link to the Congress: IDW 2025 | International Data Week
Porto
The 8th International Wildland Fire Conference, held in Porto, brought together global experts to tackle the challenges of wildfires influenced by climate change. It focused on governance principles and international guidelines for managing fire regimes and wildfire risks across varied landscapes, including urban-industrial and cultural areas.
• Name: 8th International Wildland Fire Conference
• Date: 16-19 May 2023
• Venue: Alfândega Congress Center, Porto
• Participants: 1,300
• Link to the Congress: Wildfire 2023
Lyon
The 45th ESPEN Congress, held in Lyon, drew over 4,200 participants. The “Welcome By Only Lyon” service ensured smooth access to venues and city transport, supported by dedicated event signage and tourist information. The congress featured 160 sessions, promoting cutting-edge research in clinical nutrition and strengthening the global community.
• Name: Congress of the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN)
• Date: 11-14 September 2023
• Venue: Lyon Convention Center
• Participants: 4,200
• Link to the Congress: Past Congresses | ESPEN 2024 (espencongress.com)
Gothenburg
The AD/PD™ 2023 Conference in Gothenburg was a landmark event in neurodegenerative disease research, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Her Majesty The Queen’s participation underscored the significance of ongoing efforts to advance treatments. The conference attracted leading global experts to discuss disease mechanisms, prevention, and treatment innovations.
• Name: International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD 2023)
• Date: 28 March – 1 April 2023
• Venue: Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre
• Participants: 4,113
• Link to the Congress: AD/PD™ 2023
Ljubljana
EUROTOX 2023 brought together 1,550 international participants in Ljubljana under the theme “Toxicology – multidisciplinary science leading to safer and sustainable life.” The event promoted sustainability through initiatives like free public transport, a paperless event, and sustainable catering practices, highlighting Ljubljana’s environmental commitment.
• Name: EUROTOX 2023
• Date: 10 – 13 September 2023
• Venue: GR-Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre
• Participants: 1,550
• Link to the Congress: Eurotox
Valencia
The 2023 EUSOBI Congress in Valencia highlighted key developments in breast imaging, including AI advancements and updates to the BI-RADS lexicon. Sessions covered breast cancer screening, staging, and B3 lesions, with a keynote by Dr. Javier Cortes on the future of oncology. The congress also emphasized global collaborations, particularly with Spain and Colombia.
• Name: 22nd EUSOBI Annual Scientific Meeting (European Society of Breast Imaging)
• Date: 28-30 September 2023
• Venue: Valencia Conference Centre
• Participants: 1,737
• Link to the Congress: EUSOBI Congress
Florence
EuCAP 2023, held in Florence, was Europe’s premier event for antennas and electromagnetic wave propagation, attracting 1,500 attendees from academia, industry, research centers, and government bodies worldwide. The conference featured an exhibition with nearly 50 leading companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies and software. Firenze Fiera and the Destination Florence Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the City of Florence, provided significant support, with the patronage of the University of Florence and the University of Siena.
• Name: 17th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2023)
• Date: 26 – 31 March 2023
• Venue: Firenze Fiera Congress & Exhibition Center – Fortezza da Basso
• Participants: 1,500
• Link: EuCAP 2023
