Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Dear ,

Leiden is preparing to welcome its largest congress to date. New conference facilities are taking shape across the region, while researchers continue to make discoveries ranging from hearing loss to some of the earliest quasars ever observed.

In this edition, we take you behind the preparations for the 33rd Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists 2027 (EAA), share what we learned about the future of healthcare meetings, and highlight the people, places and scienitific developments shaping Leiden as an international meeting destination.

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 prepares for its largest congress yet in 2027

With more than 3,000 expected delegates, EAA 2027 is set to become the largest congress ever hosted in Leiden. The event presents a unique opportunity to further strengthen Leiden’s international profile while creating significant value for the city and its partners.

Last month, Pim and Yara attended the Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeology (EAA) in Athens. Representing Leiden, they promoted Leiden as the host city of EAA 2027 and introduced future delegates to everything the city has to offer.

Find out more

A network built on knowledge and connection

Last month, the LCB-team organised the Ambassadors Network Meeting, bringing together members of Leiden’s ambassador network for an afternoon of connection, appreciation and inspiration.

This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the value of the network and the important role ambassadors play in strengthening Leiden’s international profile as a City of Science. It was also an opportunity to express our gratitude for their continued involvement and commitment to the city.

Learn more about the ambassador network

What will the next generation of healthcare meetings look like

New generations of professionals, shifting expectations and developments within the healthcare sector are influencing how people want to meet, learn and exchange knowledge.

Miranda represented Leiden Convention Bureau at the event, gaining new perspectives on how healthcare meetings can remain relevant. In addition, how Leiden can support associations in creating meaningful events that connect people, knowledge and ideas.

LIFF Leiden International Film Festival

8-18 October 2026

All-day

Leiden, Kijkhuis, Trianon

From 8 to 18 October 2026, Leiden will once again welcome filmmakers and film lovers from around the world for the 21st edition of the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF).

Since its launch in 2006, LIFF has grown into one of the leading film festivals in the Netherlands. It offers eleven days of premieres, special screenings and events. The programme ranges from arthouse and independent cinema to major international releases.

This year, the festival once again focuses on its three core pillars: Independent, Emerging and Extraordinary. Each category with its own competition and a strong emphasis on discovering new films, fresh talent and distinctive stories.

Meet the team: our intern

Koen Halma

As an intern at Leiden Convention Bureau, I support the team on a variety of projects, from research and content to new ideas that help strengthen Leiden as a destination for conferences and business events.

I study European Studies and have lived in the Leiden region for nearly 20 years. In this time I have developed a strong connection with the city. During the internship I feel that I can contribute to the city I love so much.

Throughout my internship, I enjoy combining this local perspective with my international studies as I keep learning and gaining valuable experience about the MICE sector, while contributing to different projects within the team.

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.

Van der Valk Hotel Leiden Oegstgeest

A new milestone in the development of Leiden as an attractive destination for conferences and events: Van der Valk Hotel Leiden – Oegstgeest has reached the highest point of its new-build development. As the finishing work continues, the opening of the new hotel is getting closer. A valuable addition to the region, offering space for business meetings, conferences and events.

Oud Poelgeest Castle evolves while preserving rich heritage

Following the renovation of the chapel and the Van der Jagt Room, the Van Alkemade Room has now been renewed in Castle Oud Poelgeest. The Delft Blue details and characteristic elements of the castle have been carefully preserved and combined with a contemporary aesthetic in the Van Alkemade Room. Step by step, the estate is being renewed, bringing together history and modern hospitality.

Interested in learning more about this location, read more here

CORPUS Congress Centre´s Bubbles and Brains business event

On Monday 2 November, CORPUS hosts the second edition of Bubbels & Brains, a business event exploring how our minds respond under pressure and how easily our senses can be misled. Sanne Wevers shares how she stays focused when it matters most, while Victor Mids, puts the audience’s perception to the test.

Find out more about the event Bubbles and Brains

The TT 2026 Meeting celebrated her 20th edition in the Stadsgehoorzaal

Scientists and doctors from all over the world came to Leiden last week for the TT Meeting 2026, the international conference of the International Society for Transgenic Technologies. After more than two years of preparation, it was a special moment to see all the plans come together at the Stadsgehoorzaal.

City of Science in the Spotlight

Stay informed on science from Leiden

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.

Breakthroughs, awards and recognitions from Leiden's knowledge sector

New insights into hearing loss:

The inner ear plays a vital role in hearing and balance, but it is difficult to study because it is so small, fragile and located deep within the skull.

New insights into the immune response in chronic bowel disease:

The research team led by immunologist Vincent van Unen focused on CD4 T-cells, immune cells that play a key role in chronic intestinal inflammation.

Computational modelling to unlock how skin cancer spreads:

Rather than focusing solely on cancer cells, the researchers are examining the environment that surrounds them.

Leiden researchers discover some of the earliest quasars ever observed:

Among the discoveries are two record-breaking quasars whose light began its journey 13 billion years ago, when the universe was just 670 million years old.