Leiden strengthens international position through knowledge ambassadors and scientific collaboration
Leiden Convention Bureau (LCB), an initiative of Leiden&Partners, has secured 5th place in the Netherlands ICCA ranking of international conference destinations for 2025. For Leiden, this recognition is not only about numbers, but above all about the city´s strong knowledge ecosystem and the people behind it: its scientific ambassadors, academic institutions and collaborative partners.
According to the annual ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Leiden hosted 16 qualifying international association conferences in 2025. This positions Leiden as the 5th conference city in the Netherlands, alongside larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. Worldwide, Leiden ranks 167th and 91st in Europe.
Knowledge sharing at the heart of Leiden's conference strategy
Leiden's strength as an international conference destination lies in its ability to connect science, society and collaboration. Conferences in Leiden are not only organised to bring people together, but to stimulate long-term knowledge exchange, innovation and societal impact. At the centre of this approach is Leiden's ambassador network: a growing community of scientists, researchers, medical specialists and innovators who actively contribute to attracting and shaping international conferences in their field of expertise. By sharing their networks, knowledge and scientific leadership, these ambassadors help position Leiden on the global stage as City of Science.
Miranda Geerlings, Manager of the Leiden Convention Bureau, says:
"This ranking reflects the collective strength of Leiden's knowledge community. Our ambassadors are essential in connecting international scientific networks with the city and region. Conferences are much more than economic drivers; they create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing that continue long after the event itself. That is the real value Leiden wants to create."
Universities and knowledge institutions as drivers of international conferences
ICCA's 2025 report highlights the growing importance of universities in attracting international association meetings. Cities such as Leiden are recognised for their strong academic reputation, scientific research and ability to build knowledge clusters around sectors including life sciences, health, space, AI and sustainability. Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, ESA ESTEC, Leiden Bio Science Park and many other institutions contribute to an ecosystem where science flourishes and international collaboration naturally grows.
ICCA data also shows that nearly 60% of conference ambassador programme participants globally come from universities and academic institutions, underlining the important role researchers play in bringing international meetings to their cities.
About Leiden
Leiden, City of Science, where rich cultural heritage meets innovation. Home to the Netherlands' largest life sciences hub; Leiden Bio Science park, driving groundbreaking research and sustainability initiatives, the oldest university and rich heritage with 3,000 monuments and 13 museums.
With its compact scale, international outlook and strong culture of collaboration, Leiden offers an inspiring environment for scientific conferences that aim to create meaningful impact and lasting connections.
