Develop Athens, the City of Athens and This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the event. The fully booked programme examined trends transforming healthcare meetings. Topics included artificial intelligence, MedTech innovation, patient-centred design, accessibility, sponsorship and governance. Delegates also examined the creation of long-term value beyond individual events.
ICCA launches healthcare meetings report
A key part of the programme was the launch of ICCA’s inaugural Wavelength Report: Science for Better Healthcare Meetings. The report is based on a review of more than 2,000 studies. It examines meeting effectiveness, evidence gaps and the role of research in supporting decision-making. Delegates also examined how healthcare meetings are evolving into strategic platforms.
Discussions covered scientific advancement, collaboration, knowledge exchange and improved patient outcomes. Other topics included building trust through more transparent partnerships and involving patients earlier in event design. Delegates also discussed governance frameworks for artificial intelligence and measuring success through long-term impact rather than attendance alone.
Industry perspectives and future editions
“Healthcare meetings are among the most powerful examples of why business events matter. They are not simply gatherings of professionals. They are catalysts for scientific progress, innovation, collaboration, and better patient outcomes. By bringing together experts from across disciplines and regions, healthcare congresses help transform knowledge into action and create lasting value for healthcare systems and communities worldwide.” said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA.
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| Left to right: Simon Dufaur; Carine Fenot; Italo Goyzueta; Camilla Örnroth; Elena Baggetta. |
“Attracting high-value international conferences is central to our strategy at the City of Athens to strengthen our position on the global stage. Through Develop Athens, we’re actively investing in international outreach and attracting events that create real, meaningful opportunities for the city. Events like the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings allow us to do much more than just showcase our infrastructure and capabilities. More importantly, they let us connect directly with the international decision-makers, associations, and industry professionals shaping the future of the meetings market.
Every event like this is an investment in Athens’ global standing, opening doors to new partnerships and strengthening our ability to attract major international conferences down the road. Ultimately, our goal is for Athens to be far more than just a great host destination; we want to be trusted strategic partners. By connecting events with our local knowledge, research, and innovation ecosystem, we ensure every conference creates lasting value that goes well beyond the event itself.” said Elissaios Sarmas, CEO of Develop Athens, made the statement during the event.
2027 edition in Poznań, Poland, September 6 to 8, 2027
ICCA announced the next editions of Future of Healthcare Meetings. The 2027 edition will take place in Poznań, Poland, from September 6 to 8, 2027. The 2028 edition will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, from September 11 to 13, 2028.
The upcoming editions will continue bringing healthcare associations and meetings professionals together to discuss the development of healthcare meetings.
ICCA thanked hosts Develop Athens, the City of Athens and This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau. The organisation also thanked local partners AFEA Congress, Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, the Government of the Hellenic Republic, All About Events Greece, Athens Urban Rail Transport (STA.SY SA) and Parthen Meeting Services. ICCA also acknowledged sponsors and partners EventsAir, FIEXPO Latin America, IBTM World, IMEX, AIME, Snapsight, LetzFair, MementoPhoto.AI, Granicus Destinations, MCI Group, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa Group.
Tags: Dr. Senthil Gopinath ICCA Athens Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
