The fifth edition of ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings (FHCM26) concluded in Athens with a record 160 attendees, including representatives from 30 healthcare associations across 15 countries, as industry leaders examined the forces shaping the future of medical, scientific and life sciences congresses.

Hosted by Develop Athens, the City of Athens and This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, the fully booked event focused on major developments affecting healthcare meetings, including artificial intelligence, MedTech innovation, patient-centred event design, accessibility, sponsorship and governance.

A key highlight was the launch of ICCA’s inaugural Wavelength Report: Science for Better Healthcare Meetings.

The report reviews more than 2,000 studies to assess meeting effectiveness, identify evidence gaps and explore how research can support decision-making across the healthcare meetings sector.

Discussions throughout the event highlighted the changing role of healthcare congresses, which are increasingly being viewed as strategic platforms for scientific progress, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improved patient outcomes rather than simply one-off gatherings.

Delegates examined how greater transparency can strengthen partnerships, how patients can be involved earlier in event design and how governance frameworks can help organisations manage the growing use of AI.

Measuring the long-term impact of meetings, rather than relying solely on attendance figures, was also a key theme.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “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.”

Elissaios Sarmas, CEO of Develop Athens, said: “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.”

ICCA said the programme will continue with the next editions scheduled for Poznań, Poland, from 6-8 September 2027, followed by Coimbra, Portugal, from September 11-13, 2028.

The association also thanked the Athens hosts, local partners and international sponsors for supporting FHCM26 and its wider mission to bring healthcare associations and meetings professionals together to develop more effective and impactful congresses. -TradeArabia News Service