19 May 2026
Copenhagen Enters Top 10 of Global Congress Cities at No. 7
Only a handful of cities - such as Lisbon, Paris and Singapore - outrank Copenhagen as attractive destinations for international congresses. According to the latest rankings, the Danish capital has risen significantly to 7th place worldwide, up from 15th last year.
Cities compete fiercely to attract major congresses, which generate substantial economic activity, jobs, and global platforms for local industries and research communities. Each event secured in Copenhagen reflects extensive collaboration to win bids against international competitors.
Wonderful Copenhagen leads this effort, bringing together strong national partnerships and submitting around 100 bids annually - and the city’s high capacity and coordinated approach seems to continue to deliver results.
Kit Lykketoft, Director of Congresses, Events and Sustainability at Wonderful Copenhagen, says:
“A 7th place is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the strong collaboration across the entire value chain. It enables Copenhagen to compete with the world’s leading destinations while offering organisers a seamless, professional host city”.
Strong in life sciences and science
For 30 years, Copenhagen and its partners - including the City of Copenhagen - have worked strategically to attract international congresses, recognizing their wide societal value: from economic impact and job creation to supporting business and research, particularly within life sciences and green technology.
Reflecting these strengths, Copenhagen in fact ranks even higher - 6th globally - in both medical and scientific congress categories.
The bids are developed in close collaboration with researchers, industry organisations, the municipality and a broad network of partners across venues, hotels, transport, hospitality and suppliers, all coordinated through the Meetingplace Wonderful Copenhagen network.
The annual rankings are published by ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association.