Ten years later, almost twice as big: EADV 2026 at Austria Center Vienna (alternative: EADV 2026: over 20,300 participants, 144 exhibitors, one venue)

From September 30 to October 3, 2026, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) held its 35th Congress at the Austria Center Vienna. Over 20,300 participants and 144 exhibitors came to Vienna, more than ever before at an EADV Congress. It was the third EADV Congress in Vienna after 2007 and 2016.

Ten years, one venue, almost twice as many people

At the last Congress in Vienna, in 2016, the EADV counted 11,320 participants. Since then, the Congress has nearly doubled in size, and the venue has changed over the same period. Kimberley Zimmermann, CEO of the EADV, compares the two congresses like this:

“Back in 2016, we were around 10,000 participants. Today, we are a 20,000-participant congress. We have over 144 exhibitors, which has also grown significantly. The venue has changed as well. There has been a lot of investment from the Austria Center, and we now have a lot of outdoor spaces, additional exhibition areas and very modern session rooms. So, actually, it feels like a completely new venue.” Kimberley Zimmermann, CEO of the EADV

The whole building for one congress

The EADV occupied all five exhibition halls X1 to X5, totaling around 26,000 m², plus halls, foyers, and networking areas on all five levels of the building. This meant the congress had the entire building. At this scale, that is a prerequisite for Zimmermann, and it has a second effect:

“We really need the full area. It also allows delegates to meet with other delegates from their specialty rather than having different events coming together. This is really important and also makes people feel they are having a more exclusive experience.”

What the participants didn’t see

Behind the four days of the congress was planning that participants were ideally not supposed to notice: more than 100 buses managed via the parking deck, visitor flows across five levels, a security concept for over 20,000 people, the exhibition logistics in five halls. The event management team at Austria Center Vienna guided the EADV through the entire planning process. What Zimmermann highlights about them is their experience from other congresses: “They bring their expertise and examples from other conferences,” she says, “so you can really work with them with complete confidence.”

“Each time we had a doubt or question, their experience came in and supported us in making the right decision. We never felt left alone, and that is really valuable when organizing this type of event.”

The recommendation

After four days of the congress, Kimberley Zimmermann takes stock:

“I would definitely recommend the Austria Center Vienna to other medical conference organizers, or any other conference organizers in the sector, because it is a great experience to work with the Austria Center. The facilities are absolutely top level, and it really allows you to organize a great event and give the best experience to your delegates and exhibitors.”