Brussels : the place to be for international congresses
According to the recently published report of the Union of International Associations (UIA), Brussels is second worldwide and first in Europe in the ranking of cities where the largest number of international congresses take place. Brussels is even first worldwide where meetings of international organizations or associations with more than 50 participants are concerned.
With 787 congresses in 2014, the Belgian capital recorded a remarkable progress of 80% as compared to the previous year. Currently, Brussels accounts for 7.3 % of the worldwide market share. Brussels immediately follows Singapore (850), leaving its main competitors Vienna (396) and Paris (325) at a safe distance.
Opting for Brussels is logical taking into account the undeniable advantages the city offers : its geographical location, the presence of NATO, the European Union, lobbyists and appropriate infrastructure. Moreover, more than 2000 international associations have their seat in Brussels.
The UIA is a research institute and documentation centre based in Brussels. It is a non-profit, apolitical, independent and non-governmental organization carrying out research about international organizations and monitoring and providing information on international associations and their global challenges. The UIA has a consultative status with ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social Council) and an associate status with UNESCO.