At the end of May, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) released its annual ranking of cities hosting the most international association conferences. Strasbourg sits in the top 5 among French cities.
A ranking that puts Strasbourg in the spotlight
2024 was a record year for the capital of Alsace: out of the many professional events hosted in the city, 21 met the criteria of the ICCA. The association bases its ranking on factors including:
- Events held on a regular basis
- Events held in at least three different countries
- A minimum of 50 participants
Hosting these key events propelled Strasbourg into 4th place (5th including Paris), among the 53 French cities on the list, moving up two spots from last year. Globally, the city now ranks 117th.
The ICCA events in 2024 held in Strasbourg were mainly medical and scientific congresses, including the International Ankle Symposium, SPIE Optical Systems Design, the International Congress of Mathematical Physics, and the Congress of the International Francophone Network for Social Responsibility in Healthcare.
Several high-capacity venues (up to 1,800 people) hosted these meetings: the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, the University of Strasbourg, the National University Library, the Council of Europe, as well as the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île hotel. A versatile selection of locations showcasing the diverse events held in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg, a congress city
This milestone reflects Strasbourg’s increasing status in hosting professional events. A true hub for innovation, its university is ranked in the top 150 in the world by the Shanghai ranking and counts four active Nobel Prize laureates. Strasbourg is a true international city and the perfect location for congresses.
Choosing Strasbourg for a business event means choosing a city that is:
- Compact and accessible, easy to get around by tram, on foot, or by bike with more than 600 km of cycling paths!
- At the heart of Europe, close to Germany, less than 200 km from Switzerland, and only a few hundred kilometres from Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy. By train, plane, or car, all roads lead to Strasbourg.
- Rich in heritage, with its half-timbered houses and the Petite France district that attract visitors from all over the world, as well as two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Grande Île and Neustadt.
- Fully equipped for MICE. With a wide range of venues for hosting congresses and seminars, 10,700 rooms across 164 hotels and a diverse selection of team-building activities, Strasbourg is an ideal destination for a business event!
The Strasbourg Convention Bureau provides free support to organisers every step of the way, to assist in logistics and planning. A true on-site partner to ensure the success of your event.
