In 2023, Gothenburg experienced a robust comeback in hosting large meetings and conferences, showcasing world-leading medical research, international investigative journalism, and technical expertise. The city’s conference industry saw a significant recovery, with around 60 major events supported by the Gothenburg Convention Bureau, attracting over 35,000 participants from various countries.
The success is attributed to Gothenburg’s strength as a conference city, increased hotel capacity (up by 20% since 2019), and strong collaboration with businesses, academia, and researchers. The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre Gothia Towers played a central role in hosting most major meetings. Delegate surveys indicated high satisfaction levels, with 99% of participants pleased with Gothenburg, and over 90% considering a return. The conferences contributed significantly to the city’s development as a knowledge hub, exemplified by events like AD/PD, which brought together 3,300 researchers in neurodegenerative diseases from 61 countries.
Gothenburg’s integrated meeting facility and high-quality hotels were highlighted as key factors in attracting international organizations to choose the city as their meeting place. The successful year was characterized by a record volume of international congresses, with sustainability efforts and a focus on safety being notable competitive advantages for Gothenburg.
A selection of meetings held in Gothenburg in 2023:
- International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases – AD/PD
- European Social Science History Conference – ESSHC
- Regional European Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion –ISBT
- Global Investigative Journalism Conference – GIJC
- Electrochemical Society Fall meeting 2023 – ECS
