Record attendance at the cardiology congress in Munich
With more than 33,800 participants, the ESC Congress 2026 in Munich achieved a new record attendance. This year's congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is the most well-attended ESC Congress in the society's history and underscores Munich's strength as a leading international congress and research location.
From August 28 to 31, 2026, over 33,800 cardiologists from around the world gathered at the ESC Congress 2026 in Munich to discuss current research findings and future topics in cardiac medicine. The focus was particularly on the potential of artificial intelligence for diagnostics, therapy, and patient care.
This allows the European Society of Cardiology to continue its long-standing success story in Munich and underlines the attractiveness of the Bavarian capital for leading international congresses and major events.
“The ESC Congress 2026 was a huge success. The record number of participants demonstrates the great interest in scientific exchange and personal interaction within the international cardiology community. Munich once again provided ideal conditions for an event of this magnitude. We are delighted with this shared success,” says Nata Nambatingué, Congress & Event Director of the European Society of Cardiology.
Strong framework conditions for leading international congresses
The fact that the world’s most important congress for cardiology regularly returns to Munich is also closely linked to the region’s locational advantages. With its university hospitals, research institutions, and medical technology and pharmaceutical companies, the Bavarian capital is one of Europe’s leading healthcare and innovation hubs. In addition to attracting the international medical community, the ESC Congress 2026 will bring added value to the region’s hotel, restaurant, retail, and taxi industries. Guests from all over the world used the event as an opportunity to stay in the Bavarian capital for several days.
“The record number of participants at the ESC Congress in Munich speaks to the strength of our location. The interplay of cutting-edge research, innovation, modern infrastructure, and international accessibility makes Munich one of Europe’s leading health and life science hubs and an attractive host for major international congresses. Events like the ESC Congress benefit science and industry, as well as the hotel and restaurant sector and numerous other service providers in the region,” said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, Managing Directors of Messe München.
Successful collaboration between organizer and venue
The event took place at the ICM – International Congress Center Messe München and several exhibition halls, some of which were extensively redesigned.
“A congress like the ESC places the highest demands on infrastructure, technology, and flexibility. In addition to the ICM, we have transformed six exhibition halls into congress and experience areas with numerous lecture halls, live stages, and TV studios. It is precisely this adaptability that makes Messe München attractive for leading international congresses: We can tailor events of any size precisely to the needs of the organizers,” says Gerd Markwica, Head of Guest Events at Messe München.
For Messe München, the successful conclusion of the ESC marks another highlight of a strong congress year in 2026 and confirms the competitiveness of the location in the international congress business.