Joining forces to protect the heart at ESC Congress 2023

Charting a heart-healthy future in Amsterdam 

In Amsterdam, a nexus of innovation and collaboration, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) convened for its annual Congress in August 2023. RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre welcomed over 24,000 onsite attendees and thousands more online, reuniting cardiologists and researchers for the largest conference addressing cardiovascular issues. 

Over a four-day program, ESC Congress 2023 featured 800+ scientific sessions spanning topics across cardiovascular medicine while spotlighting heart failure's far-reaching impact. Granting congress goers insights into an evolving landscape of cardiovascular health, ESC Congress presented a full program addressing latest scientific findings and major clinical practice guidelines to elevate patient care. 

Addressing the heart of the matter

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in Europe, claims 4 million lives annually, accounting for 47% of all deaths: a challenge that demands proactive solutions.

Amsterdam resonates as a leader in life sciences and health research, ranking third globally for research impact in healthcare. The city thrives on collaboration, fuelled by a lively network of research institutes, universities, and medical centres leveraging cutting-edge technology to advance knowledge and strengthen health innovations.

Combined with dedicated science districts and the presence of the European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam emerges as a fitting host for preeminent conferences like ESC Congress to tackle future health challenges and collectively work towards better prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

Joining forces with Amsterdam 

With a unique ability to welcome large-scale conferences in a compact environment, Amsterdam stands as a reliable host city for the ESC Congress, where thousands gathered to seek a stronger future in heart health.

The Amsterdam Convention Bureau worked in close partnership with ESC Congress organisers, orchestrating key event planning and logistics. From delegate boosting activations and industry site visits to an extensive digital city marketing presence, every facet was curated to elevate the congress’ impact throughout the city and ensure seamless execution.

ESC’s CEO Isabel Bardinet praised the city for its strong event infrastructure, highlighting Amsterdam’s impressive venue capacity and ease of international access, adding:  

Towards a greener conference experience 

In a pioneering stride towards more sustainable conferences, the ESC Congress chartered trains, prompting delegates to choose lower-carbon travel options within Europe over short-haul flights. Amsterdam's connections to major European cities via high-speed train service enables conference visitors to enjoy convenient travel to the destination while minimising travel-related emissions. 

To further the mission, Amsterdam Convention Bureau partnered with RAI Amsterdam, Yellow Bike Rentals and numerous hotels across the city to pilot a bike rental initiative for ESC delegates. Encouraging conference visitors to opt for sustainable and local transport during their stay, this visionary move reinforces Amsterdam’s readiness to facilitate sustainable event logistics while charting a path for more environmentally conscious conferences to come.

See how the Amsterdam Convention Bureau can help your next event, or get in touch with the team with your event queries.