As one of the world’s top regions for international conferences, Europe is a popular destination for business events due to the wide variety of modern event spaces and excellent travel links. Its popularity is set to remain consistent in 2025, with many global European organisations seeking to arrange events closer to home.  

As we look ahead to 2025, here are the top 5 European cities that stand out as prime locations for international conferences. 

1. Berlin, Germany

A thriving hub of tech and creative industries, Berlin continues to be a top choice for international conferences. The city offers a wide variety of conference and event spaces, offering cutting-edge technology and modern design. From large-scale venues such as Estrel Congress Center and bcc Berlin Congress Center, to the stylish charm of former-cinema-turned-event-venue, KOSMOS Berlin, Berlin has a wide choice of spaces for all types of international conference.  

Sustainability is a top consideration for Germany’s MICE industry, which is evident in many of Berlin’s event spaces, such as EUREF-Campus Berlin and the elegantly designed AXICA Eventlocation. The city’s commitment to sustainable meetings and events makes this is popular choice for conscious event planners, who can access sustainable venues and suppliers with ease.

Berlin’s high-quality hospitality services, excellent public transport system, and rich history and culture make this an accessible and attractive destination for business events and international conferences.   

 2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s compact size, efficient public transport, and picturesque canals make it a convenient and attractive location for global conferences. The city is well connected via Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, offering direct flights to many international destinations.

Recognised as a forward-thinking city with a reputation for innovation, Amsterdam is home to top multinational companies and startups, as well as a variety of conference and meeting venues, such as the historic Amsterdam Conference Centre Beurs van Berlage  and the Amsterdam Congress Center at Park Inn. Purpose-driven event planners will find many sustainable event venues in Amsterdam, including the beautiful former sugar production facility, the Sugarfactory, and the expansive RAI Amsterdam, which offers ‘sustainability as a service’ to organisations.  

Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, vibrant nightlife, and thriving cultural scene make it an appealling destination for business travellers and event delegates.  

3. Vienna, Austria

 
Vienna is a leading destination for international conferences and events due to its modern infrastructure and high-calibre event venues. With an international airport and 24-hour public transport system, Vienna is accessible, clean and safe – as well as being rated as the world’s ‘most liveable city’ in the EIU’s The Global Liveability Index 2024. 

The city is home to a range of conference venues, such as the Austria Center Vienna, Austria’s largest conference centre, and the elegant and historic Hofburg Congress Center. Sustainability is a key priority for Vienna’s meetings and events industry,  and event organisers can apply for sustinable certification with the Austrian Eco-label for “Green Meetings and Green Events”. Many conference venues and hotels are committed to sustainable practices, and the Vienna Convention Bureau can offer guidance on sustainability. 

Vienna offers a stunning blend of modern and historical architecture, famous coffee houses, and rich culture and culinary scene, making it a popular choice for international conferences in Europe.  

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s sunny climate, historic charm, and modern amenities make it a rising star in the world of international conferences and events. Portugal’s capital boasts a growing tech scene and excellent hospitality services, as well as a variety of modern and versatile conference venues for events of all sizes. 

The Lisbon Congress Centre (Centro de Congressos de Lisboa) and the FIL – Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre both offer excellent facilities for large global events, and the city also offers smaller, more unique venues such as the stylish Convento do Beato, a converted 16th century monastery, as well as a range of hotels with conference facilities.  

Lisbon provides a good public transportation system that allows easy navigation for event attendees, as well as colourful culture, famous architecture, and a rich culinary scene.