Date: Thursday 18 June 2026

Dear ,

This June, we invite you to discover new stories from Leiden’s thriving knowledge and conference ecosystem. From exciting developments at unique meeting venues to international recognition for our city’s cultural and scientific strengths, there is plenty happening across Leiden and its network of partners.

As a City of Science, Leiden continues to bring together innovation, heritage and collaboration in ways that create meaningful opportunities for meetings and events. In this edition, take a look at the renewed kapel at Landgoed Oud Poelgeest, inspiring initiatives and upcoming highlights such as the ICCA ranking that showcase why Leiden remains a distinctive destination for organisers, delegates and visitors.

Kind regards,

Team Leiden Convention Bureau

News in Leiden

In Leiden, discovery never stops. As City of Science, our city continues to develop, innovate and attract new knowledge, talent and intitiatives.

Leiden takes 5th place in ICCA ranking

At Leiden Convention Bureau we are proud to share that Leiden has once again secured its 5th place in the ICCA ranking of Dutch congress destinations, following Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. We are especially proud that Leiden hosted sixteen international ICCA congresses in 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.

Leiden Convention Bureau visits IMEX Frankfurt 2026

A few weeks ago, Leiden Convention Bureau attended IMEX Frankfurt, one of the leading global trade shows for the meetings and events industry. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with international partners, exchange knowledge and gain fresh insights into the future of sustainable and impactful meetings. The inspiration and connections gained at IMEX continue to support our efforts to strengthen Leiden’s position as an international congress destination.

The Dutch Bio Science Week: For a healthier future

27 June 2026 - 5 July 2026

Leiden Bio Science Park

Join us from June 27th until July 5th in Leiden: the beating heart of the Dutch Life Sciences & Health ecosystem and home to Leiden Bio Science Park.

During this week, different events will bring together talent, start-ups and scale-ups, researchers, investors and the general public together to facilitate meaningful connections and provide a sneak peek behind the scenes where innovations impact our health.

Leading organisations and institutes like Corpus Congress Centre, Johnson & Johnson, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Biopartner, LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center) and many others will open their doors and laboratories to the public and invite you to explore the world of health. With activities for young & old, there is something in it for everyone!

Site visits to Leiden

Have you selected a choice of congress locations? Come and see them for yourself during a site visit, our team is ready to guide you. We organise tailored visits that introduce you to Leiden's congress venues, hotels and unique locations while giving you the opportunity to meet local partners and explore everything the city has to offer for your delegates.

Interested in discovering Leiden for your event? Get in touch to plan your site visit.

Plan your visit to Leiden here

Experience the 17th century during the Leiden Rembrandt Days

The historic city centre of Leiden has remained largely unchanged since the days of Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born there in 1606 and grew up to become one of the greatest artists in history. On the 11th and 12th of July 2026, the Pieterskerk and Academic District will be transformed into the 17th century complete with several hundred actors and extras, historical materials and other props from that time. Visit the city centre and let yourself be transported to a time where Rembrandt felt right at home.

Explore the city of Rembrandt

Partnernews: what's new in the City of Science?

In this edition, we are pleased to share the latest updates from our partners across the city. Discover new developments, inspiring initiatives and opportunities that strengthen Leiden as a leading destination for meetings and conferences.

Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden celebrates 200 years

From 4 to 7 June, the Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden marked a special milestone as it celebrated its 200th anniversary with a series of festive events. For 200 years, this iconic venue in the heart of Leiden has been a place where people come together for culture, knowledge and memorable experiences. Today, it continues to play an important role in the city’s event landscape, welcoming conferences, meetings and celebrations in a unique historic setting.

Wereldmuseum Leiden awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Travel Guide

While the Micheling Guide is best known for the prestigious stars awarded to restaurants, the Michelin travel guide also awards stars to tourist attractions, including museums. This year, Wereldmuseum Leiden has been awarded no fewer than three stars. This recognition highlights the museum’s international appeal and its outstanding contribution to cultural heritage and storytelling.

Discover The Restored Chapel: A Unique Place to Stay and Gather

Located at the edge of Landgoed Oud Poelgeest stands the recently renovated chapel which history dates back to the eighteenth century. The historic building has been given a new purpose as an intimate venue for overnight stays and meetings in the Leiden region. In 2024, Landgoed Oud Poelgeest undertook the restoration of the Kapel, bringing back much of its historic character.

Celebrate together with Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden

Corpus as a congress venue, even in summer

During the quieter summer weeks for many corporate venues, room opens up for alternative ways of coming together. At Corpus Congress Centre, plenary sessions and congress set-ups make way for an interactive experience this summer. Through a range of interactive games, visitors are challenged both physically and mentally. A summer format that shows how a corporate venue can keep moving beyond the usual congress calender.

Explore the opportunities of Corpus Congress Centre

City of Science in the Spotlight

Want to keep up with the latest discoveries, breakthroughs and research updates from Leiden? Explore our City of Science stories and see why more and more medical and scientific associations choose Leiden for their events.