In 2024, EU CVB Network member cities once again demonstrated their strength in hosting impactful international congresses and conferences that brought global experts together and reinforced their positions in key knowledge sectors. Here’s a look back at some of the year’s highlights.
Florence
Florence hosted the 17th edition of ATTD, one of the world’s leading conferences on diabetes technology. The congress attracted over 5,000 global delegates, a record-breaking attendance for the event. It served as a vital platform for unveiling innovative devices, digital health tools, and novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving diabetes care. The rich scientific programme and dynamic exhibition reinforced ATTD’s importance in shaping the future of diabetes treatment, and Florence’s capability as a destination for major medical meetings.
17th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2024)
📍 Venue: Firenze Fiera – Fortezza da Basso
📅 Dates: 6 – 9 March 2024
👥 Participants: 4,500+
🔗 ATTD 2024
Gothenburg
Gothenburg welcomed the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy’s Regional Meeting Europe, with around 400 delegates attending. The event marked a strategic milestone in the city’s long-term plan to position Sweden and the Nordic region as a global hub for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of advanced therapies. The congress offered an opportunity to highlight CCRM Nordic – a newly established national innovation cluster in Gothenburg dedicated to the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies. The local convention bureau played a key role, collaborating with universities, regional agencies, and innovative companies to attract this meeting and showcase the city’s leadership in regenerative medicine.
ISCT Regional Meeting Europe
📍 Venue: Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers
📅 Dates: 4 – 6 September 2024
👥 Participants: 400
🔗 Gothenburg to host the 2024 ISCT Europe meeting
Lyon
The European Atherosclerosis Society Congress returned to Lyon for its 92nd edition, drawing over 2,500 participants. The event featured the latest research in cardiovascular science and lipid metabolism and reaffirmed Lyon’s standing as a biomedical hub. Sustainability was a strong focus, with numerous eco-friendly practices implemented throughout the congress, from reduced printed materials to responsible catering and local supplier engagement.
European Atherosclerosis Society Congress (EAS 2024)
📍 Venue: Lyon Convention Centre
📅 Dates: 26 – 29 May 2024
👥 Participants: 2,500
🔗 EAS Congress 2024
Ljubljana
Ljubljana hosted the 10th edition of the European Communication Conference, organised by the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA). The central theme, Communication and Social (Dis)order, focused on the role of media and communication in times of political conflict, environmental threats, pandemics, and the influence of artificial intelligence. These disruptions in politics, the economy, health, and technology have transformed communication patterns and contributed to a growing sense of societal unpredictability, as noted in the conference proceedings.
10th European Communication Conference (ECREA 2024)
📍 Venue: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences
📅 Dates: 24 – 27 September 2024
👥 Participants: 1,600
🔗 ECREA 2024 | 10th European Communication Conference
Salzburg
Salzburg hosted the International Conference on Children’s Bone Health, bringing together 500 delegates, including scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. The event offered a multidisciplinary platform to explore the growing skeleton in the context of child health and disease, with sessions covering clinical outcomes, emerging therapies, and genetic insights. Held at Salzburg Congress, the conference contributed to a deeper understanding of paediatric bone disorders and their management.
International Conference on Children’s Bone Health
📍 Venue: Salzburg Congress
📅 Dates: 22 – 25 June 2024
👥 Participants: 500
🔗 ICCBH 2024
Valencia
Valencia welcomed 7,500 participants to the EAACI Congress 2024, Europe’s largest gathering of allergy and clinical immunology experts. The congress featured a rich scientific programme with sessions on precision medicine, immunotherapy, and emerging diagnostic tools. It provided a key platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in allergy treatment, while also offering strong industry presence and networking opportunities.
European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress (EAACI 2024)
📍 Venue: Feria Valencia
📅 Dates: 31 May – 3 June 2024
👥 Participants: 7,500
🔗 EAACI Congress 2024
Porto
Porto hosted the 16th edition of the European Sociological Association Conference, welcoming around 4,000 participants from across Europe and beyond. This edition embraced an innovative multi-venue format, with sessions held at seven different locations throughout the city – including university campuses, convention centres, and the iconic Casa da Música. This decentralised approach enriched the delegates’ experience by connecting scientific dialogue with the cultural vibrancy of Porto. Moreover, the event set an example in sustainable congress management, with all delegate transportation coordinated through public transit, underscoring the city’s commitment to environmentally responsible event planning.
16th European Sociological Association Conference (ESA 2024)
📍 Venue: Multi-venue concept across Porto
📅 Dates: 27 – 30 August 2024
👥 Participants: 4,000
🔗 ESA Conference 2024
The year 2024 highlighted the continued strength and adaptability of EU CVB Network member cities in hosting impactful international congresses and conferences. From cutting-edge advancements in science and medicine to critical dialogues in communication, sociology, and public health, these events not only fostered global knowledge exchange but also reinforced each destination’s strategic priorities and commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and innovative event practices.
