Top 5 Conference Destinations in EMEA for 2025 – Our Expert Picks
Presso Network
Helping event organisers with to create unforgettable experiences through better websites, apps, and digital strategy.
?? What we learned from top organisers in 2024 – and where to go next
After another standout year for industry events, we’ve taken a deep dive into where top organisers hosted their most successful conferences in 2024. Based on attendance numbers, venue feedback, accessibility, and delegate experience, these are the top EMEA cities we’re recommending for 2025.
If you’re planning a high-impact conference, these destinations should be on your radar.
?? Here’s what we saw – and where you should be heading next.
1?? London, UK ????
?? Still the king of global conferences
?? What we saw in 2024: London continued to dominate the conference scene, attracting record-breaking attendance across tech, finance, and healthcare events. Major venues like ExCeL London hosted some of the largest global summits, and the city’s new hotels and expanded event spaces made logistics smoother.
?? Why we recommend it for 2025: ? Unmatched connectivity – Six airports & Eurostar mean easy access. ? New venue expansions – The ￡200M upgrade at ExCeL London is a game-changer. ? English-language advantage – Always a plus for international attendees.
? Watch out for: High costs—planning ahead is key to managing budgets.
?? Best time to host: April–June & September–November.
2?? Paris, France ????
?? Business meets cultural prestige
?? What we saw in 2024: Paris reclaimed its title as the #1 congress city in the world (ICCA rankings), hosting 156 international meetings. Events in tech, luxury, and medical industries thrived, and the city’s conference infrastructure proved stronger than ever.
?? Why we recommend it for 2025: ? Global attendance draw – Paris alone boosts delegate numbers. ? Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – Europe’s largest exhibition park. ? New hospitality initiatives – The city has improved visitor experience.
? What to consider: High costs and transport strikes—plan for flexibility.
?? Best time to host: April–June & September–November.
3?? Barcelona, Spain ????
?? Europe’s tech & innovation capital
?? What we saw in 2024: Barcelona continues to be a powerhouse for tech events. Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 set new records, and the city’s commitment to sustainable and hybrid events resonated with organisers.
?? Why we recommend it for 2025: ? Fira Gran Via – One of Europe’s largest and most advanced venues. ? More affordable than London or Paris – Competitive hotel & venue rates. ? Sunshine + networking – The Mediterranean setting boosts attendance.
? Heads-up: Hotels sell out fast during peak events—book early.
?? Best time to host: February–June & September–November.
4?? Berlin, Germany ????
?? Scalable, affordable, and packed with opportunity
?? What we saw in 2024: Berlin impressed event organisers looking for scale at reasonable costs. The city’s venues handled large tech, media, and medical conferences, and government-backed sustainability initiatives helped organisers meet ESG goals.
?? Why we recommend it for 2025: ? Cost-effective – 20–30% cheaper than London or Paris. ? Messe Berlin – One of Europe’s largest and most flexible venues. ? Strong government support – Sustainability & innovation incentives.
? Plan for: Travel logistics—Berlin is large, so venue location matters.
?? Best time to host: March–June & September–November.
5?? Dubai, UAE ????
?? The Middle East’s event titan
?? What we saw in 2024: Dubai ranked #1 in the Middle East for conferences, with record numbers at GITEX Global and Arab Health. The city’s infrastructure continues to set the bar high, and government-backed initiatives made event planning seamless.
?? Why we recommend it for 2025: ? Unrivalled event capacity – DWTC, Expo City, and new mega-venues. ? Global accessibility – 260+ direct flight routes. ? High attendee interest – Dubai’s ‘wow’ factor drives registration.
? Keep in mind: Summers are HOT (40°C+), so avoid June–August.
?? Best time to host: October–April.
What’s next? See the full top 10 list here
?? Read the full article ?? Top 10 Conference Destinations in EMEA for 2025
These are our top recommendations for 2025 based on real-world insights from event organisers.
Where are you planning your next big event? Drop a comment and let us know! ??