This article highlights the most important trade fairs in the Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals sector in Europe, providing insights into their locations, product showcases, and key organizers. These events are crucial for industry professionals, researchers, and healthcare providers to stay abreast of the latest advancements, innovations, and trends shaping the future of healthcare.
A Brief Overview of the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Sector
The European healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector is a global leader, renowned for its cutting-edge research, high-quality healthcare systems, and innovative pharmaceutical industry. The sector encompasses a wide range of areas, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, digital health, and healthcare services.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Industry in Europe
The European healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry faces ongoing challenges, including aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and the need for greater efficiency and patient-centric approaches. The industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, personalized medicine, and the increasing adoption of digital health solutions.
Europe’s Most Important Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Fairs
Europe hosts numerous prominent healthcare and pharmaceutical trade shows annually. Here are ten of the most influential exhibitions in this dynamic sector:
1- Medica – Düsseldorf, Germany
Medica is the world’s largest medical trade fair, showcasing a comprehensive range of medical products, technologies, and services.
- Date of foundation: 1972
- Period: Annually in November
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 81,000 visitors and 5,000 exhibitors in 2022
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Düsseldorf, Germany, Messe Düsseldorf
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Medical devices, laboratory equipment, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical consumables, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH
2- CPhI Worldwide – Rotating location in Europe
CPhI Worldwide is a leading global event for the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on pharmaceutical ingredients, drug development, and manufacturing.
- Date of foundation: 1990
- Period: Annually, rotating between different cities in Europe
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 40,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors (globally)
- Country, city, venues of the fair: The event rotates annually to different cities in Europe, including Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Milan.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, excipients, contract services, manufacturing equipment, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: Informa Markets
3- European Congress of Radiology (ECR) – Vienna, Austria
ECR is the largest radiology congress in Europe, attracting radiologists, medical imaging professionals, and industry representatives from around the world.
- Date of foundation: 1991
- Period: Annually in March
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 30,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors in 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Vienna, Austria, Austria Center Vienna
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Medical imaging technologies, radiology equipment, software, contrast media, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: European Society of Radiology (ESR)
4- Biotech Europe – Rotating location in Europe
Biotech Europe is a leading event for the biotechnology industry, covering a wide range of topics, including drug discovery, biomanufacturing, and cell and gene therapies.
- Date of foundation: 2003
- Period: Annually, rotating between different cities in Europe
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Attendance figures vary by location, typically attracting several thousand attendees.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: The event rotates annually to different cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Hamburg, and Basel.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Biotechnology research, drug development, biomanufacturing, cell and gene therapies, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: Informa Markets
5- World of Health IT – Barcelona, Spain
The HIMSS & Health 2.0 European Health Conference & Exhibition is a leading digital health event, showcasing the latest advancements in healthcare IT, telehealth, and digital health solutions.
- Date of foundation: 2008
- Period: Annually in June
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 2,000 attendees and 100 exhibitors in 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Barcelona, Spain, Fira Barcelona Gran Via
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Healthcare information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, mobile health apps, data analytics, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)
6- Pharmapack Europe – Paris, France
Pharmapack Europe is a dedicated event for the pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery industry, showcasing the latest innovations in packaging solutions and drug delivery systems.
- Date of foundation: 1997
- Period: Annually in February
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 5,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors in 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Paris, France, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Pharmaceutical packaging materials, drug delivery devices, packaging machinery, and more.
- Organiser of the Fair: Informa Markets
7- ESMO Congress – Rotating location in Europe
The ESMO Congress is the leading European oncology congress, attracting oncologists, researchers, and pharmaceutical professionals from around the world.
- Date of foundation: 1975
- Period: Annually, typically in September or October.
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 25,000 attendees in 2022
- Country, city, venues of the fair: The congress rotates annually to different major cities in Europe.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: The latest advancements in cancer research, treatments, and therapies.
- Organiser of the Fair: European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
8- EASD Annual Meeting – Rotating location in Europe
The EASD Annual Meeting is a major event for healthcare professionals involved in the field of diabetes research and care.
- Date of foundation: 1965
- Period: Annually, typically in September.
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 15,000 attendees in 2022
- Country, city, venues of the fair: The meeting rotates annually to different cities across Europe.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Presentations and exhibitions on the latest research, treatments, and technologies related to diabetes.
- Organiser of the Fair: European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
9- European Health Forum Gastein – Bad Hofgastein, Austria
The European Health Forum Gastein is a prestigious annual conference focusing on European health policy and public health.
- Date of foundation: 1998
- Period: Annually in late September or early October
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Around 600 participants from over 50 countries in 2022
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Bad Hofgastein, Austria
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Discussions and presentations on current and future challenges facing European health systems and public health.
- Organiser of the Fair: The European Health Forum Gastein
10- Expomed Eurasia – Istanbul, Türkiye
Expomed Eurasia is a significant healthcare trade fair in the Eurasia region, attracting exhibitors and attendees from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It focuses on medical devices, equipment, and technologies.
- Date of foundation: 1993
- Period: Annually in March
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 30,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors in 2023.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Istanbul, Türkiye, Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Medical devices, electromedicine, medical imaging, laboratory technologies, hospital equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
- Organiser of the Fair: Hyve Group
Conclusion and Brief Evaluation
These ten trade shows represent some of the most impactful gatherings for the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector in Europe and surrounding regions. As the industry rapidly evolves, these events are essential for professionals, researchers, and organizations to stay informed about the latest advancements, connect with peers, and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.
