The four-day conference that gathered roughly 300 delegates from more than 30 countries in Antwerp has left a measurable legacy: renewed attention to access and signposting, continued cross-service collaboration and ongoing local partnerships initiated in the city. Mercure Antwerp City South served as the conference headquarters, providing flexible rooms and on-site support that organisers say helped the programme run smoothly.

City welcome, venue performance and lasting connections

Delegates praised Antwerp’s central European location, strong rail and air links, compact walkable centre and the city’s welcoming atmosphere. All factors that supported sustainable travel choices and easy movement between sessions, hotels and evening events. Liisa Kallio of the ECMH organising committee said Antwerp “gave us exactly what a mental health congress needs,” while Jessica Thielemans of Mercure Antwerp City South highlighted the venue’s professional yet warm setting. Programme highlights included a keynote by Professor Jari Hakanen on work engagement and burnout, and social evenings that converted new contacts into ongoing collaborations. ECMH plans to deepen local links and will hold its next conference in Prague, 9–11 September 2026.