Record Attendance at Cardiology Congress in Munich

With more than 33,800 participants, ESC Congress 2026 in Munich achieved a new attendance record. This year’s congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), held at the LOCATIONS DER MESSE MÜNCHEN, was the best-attended ESC Congress in the society’s history.

From August 28 to 31, 2026, ESC Congress welcomed more than 33,800 cardiologists from around the world to discuss the latest research findings and key topics shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine. Particular attention was given to the potential of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, treatment and patient care.

“ESC Congress 2026 was a tremendous success. The record number of participants demonstrates the strong interest in scientific exchange and face-to-face interaction within the international cardiology community. Munich once again provided ideal conditions for an event of this scale. We are delighted with this shared success,” says Nata Nambatingué, Congress & Event Director of the European Society of Cardiology.

High-Performance Infrastructure for Leading International Congresses

ESC Congress made use of the entire ICM – International Congress Center Messe München, six exhibition halls and additional indoor and outdoor areas across the venue. The halls were equipped with numerous lecture theatres, live stages, TV studios, exhibition areas and networking spaces.

“A congress such as ESC places the highest demands on infrastructure, technology and flexibility. In addition to the ICM, we transformed six exhibition halls into congress and experience spaces featuring numerous lecture theatres, live stages and TV studios. It is precisely this adaptability that makes Messe München so attractive for leading international congresses: we can tailor events of any scale to meet the specific needs of their organizers,” says Gerd Markwica, Head of Guest Events at Messe München.

The successful delivery of ESC Congress 2026 demonstrates how Messe München’s various spaces can be combined to create one integrated congress venue and adapted to meet the requirements of an event of this scale.

Munich as an International Congress and Science Hub

The fact that the world’s leading congress for cardiovascular medicine regularly returns to Munich is closely linked to the region’s distinct advantages as a location. With its university hospitals, research institutions, medical technology companies and pharmaceutical businesses, the Bavarian capital ranks among Europe’s leading healthcare and innovation hubs. In addition to attracting the international medical community, ESC Congress 2026 generated added value for the hotel, hospitality and retail sectors, as well as the local taxi industry. Guests from around the world stayed in the Bavarian capital for several days to attend the event.

“The record attendance at ESC Congress in Munich is a testament to the strength of our location. The combination of cutting-edge research, innovation, modern infrastructure and excellent international accessibility makes Munich one of Europe’s leading healthcare and life sciences hubs and an attractive host city for leading international congresses. Events such as ESC Congress benefit science and business, as well as hotels, restaurants and numerous other service providers throughout the region,” say Messe München CEOs Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel.