Presented through the EU CVB Network’s collaboration with HQ Magazine
👉 Read the full HQ article here
In a European meetings landscape increasingly defined by impact, knowledge exchange, and sustainability, destinations like Salzburg and Valencia are setting new standards, not only in terms of infrastructure and services, but through their strategic commitment to legacy and collaborative innovation.
Both cities are proud and active members of the EU CVB Network, a platform that connects leading European convention bureaus in a mission to co-create meaningful, long-term value for association events. Through regular dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives, the network enables destinations to learn from one another, address common challenges, and raise the profile of Europe as a connected ecosystem for international meetings.
In Salzburg, the blend of Baroque elegance, Alpine landscapes, and cutting-edge research creates a setting where high-level events thrive. From hosting 5,700 events in 2023 to welcoming major congresses like the World Congress of Paediatric Dermatology 2029, Salzburg is proving that medium-sized cities can punch above their weight. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s embedded into the destination strategy through certified green venues, community engagement activities, and knowledge partnerships with local universities and innovation hubs.
The character of our destination will steer the pace of your conference, giving you a touch of exclusivity and a unique experience.
-Elisabeth Kassanits-Pfoess
Valencia: “We do Not Just Talk About Legacy – we Integrate it Into Our Events Strategy”
Meanwhile, Valencia, the 2024 European Green Capital, is building a powerful case as a smart, sustainable MICE destination where every event is connected to the city’s broader social and environmental goals. With 500,000 business event participants annually and standout cases like KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2022 and the World Design Capital legacy, Valencia is proving how event strategy can influence urban transformation, talent attraction, and investment. The city’s collaborative ecosystem—from universities to start-up hubs—feeds into an event strategy that’s both resilient and inclusive.
For us, MICE is not a parallel segment – it is a strategic driver for the city’s innovation, sustainability and global engagement.
-Manuel FerrĂs
Both Salzburg and Valencia understand that today’s associations are not just looking for venues—they are looking for destinations that can amplify their mission, inspire their delegates, and leave a lasting footprint.
Their stories are a testament to the power of the EU CVB Network, where collaboration beats competition and cities grow stronger together.
