These are the best convention centres in New Europe, according to Meetings Star, the annual ranking and award curated by the editorial board of Kongres Magazine and Conventa.
The development of the MICE product in individual countries is reflected in the number of convention centres. Convention centres can be considered strategic infrastructure of any serious destination regarding the surface area. in this part of Europe, massive convention centres with a surface area stretching over 50.000 m2 are rare. Only four such can be found in the largest meeting capitals of the region – Vienna, Athens and Istanbul.
Convention centres still have room for improvement in their additional offer, sustainable development, services and digitalisation. Modern digital marketing goes hand in hand with the level of digitalisation of individual convention centres.
TOP 10 BEST CONVENTION CENTRES IN 2023
Winner: HUNGEXPO
Hungexpo is far more than a classic exhibition centre. It is the largest Hungarian convention centre and represents a transformation hub for the entire meetings industry in Budapest. Hungexpo is among a handful of exhibition centres that comprehensively renovated their exhibition centre instead of making aesthetic corrections like other venues. Their brand new exhibition centre now easily competes with regional competitors. Furthermore, they ensured the venue was fitted with the latest technological equipment, providing top-tier service needed for organising elite events. Add to that superb functional design, and Hungexpo is arguably the most balanced regional venue that offers excellent value for money, too. The bar has been set high by Hungexpo also because the management does not have to consider protecting architectural heritage. What the venue does have is plenty of space and excellent management led by GL Events. They understand the market and clients across the globe. The new Hungexpo is undeniably inspiring and mirrors the zeitgeist of the meetings industry after the COVID-19 crisis. Other exhibition centres in the region can take notes.
All finalists:
● AUSTRIA CENTER VIENNA
● BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE
● CANKARJEV DOM
● CONGRESS CENTRE SARAJEVO
● FERRY PORSCHE CONGRESS CENTER
● HOBFBURG VIENNA
● HUNGEXPO
● ICC KATOWICE
● ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE
● SALZBURG CONGRESS
● ŠIBENIK CONVENTION CENTRE
