(Antwerp’s historic Grote Markt, steps from the SEB Annual Conference venue “A Room with a ZOO,” welcomed over 1,000 life science professionals for four days of sessions, networking, and exploration. The July event highlighted the city’s unique blend of scientific excellence and European charm, reinforcing Antwerp’s growing reputation as a premier destination for academic and medical meetings in Europe)
Venues across Europe and Asia-Pacific unveil decarbonization strategies, expansion milestones, and science-forward programming
July’s roundup highlights life sciences in Antwerp, a 2045 net zero pledge from ExCeL London, and new space launched with a Formula E finale. Other stories include sustainability milestones at BMA House, Tomorrow.Building’s housing agenda in Barcelona, and ICC Sydney’s immersive branding zone. From Hong Kong to Sydney, venues continue redefining their roles through innovation and global collaboration.
Europe
A Room with a ZOO Showcased at SEB Annual Conference in Antwerp
A Room with a ZOO welcomed more than 1,000 delegates for the Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) Annual Conference, held July 8–11. The venue, located within one of Europe’s oldest zoos, offered a distinctive setting for interdisciplinary sessions and networking. Organizers praised Antwerp’s mix of scientific infrastructure and urban charm, aligning with the SEB’s focus on global health and life sciences.
Excel London Sets 2045 Net Zero Target and Launches Expansion Plan
Excel London, one of Europe’s largest convention and exhibition centers, has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the United Kingdom’s legal requirement. The venue released its first Net Zero Transition Plan during UK Net Zero Week in July, outlining near- and long-term initiatives to cut emissions across all scopes in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative.
The plan builds on existing efforts including renewable electricity procurement, biodiesel conversion, and a zero waste-to-landfill policy. New goals include reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 50 percent by 2030, installing solar panels, electrifying the fleet by 2030, and embedding decarbonization into procurement and operations.
Excel’s 25,000-square-meter expansion, which will make it the largest fully integrated ICC in Europe, is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and will include submetering upgrades and sustainable design features. The venue, owned by ADNEC Group, hosts more than 400 events annually and reports a £4.5 billion economic impact on London.
BMA House Marks 100 Years of Medicine, Meetings, and Sustainability
BMA House, the British Medical Association’s headquarters since 1925, celebrated its centenary on July 13. Located in London’s Bloomsbury district, the Grade II-listed venue blends historic architecture with 22 modern meeting spaces and a strong sustainability record. Recent achievements include Platinum ECOsmart status and a 69 percent emissions reduction since 2019. Centenary events will run throughout the year, spotlighting the venue’s legacy and its role in shaping greener meetings.
Tomorrow.Building to Address Housing Crisis, Net Zero Goals at Gran Via
Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue will host the third edition of Tomorrow.Building World Congress (November 4–6, 2025), spotlighting innovation in construction and urban development. With the theme “Build Better,” this year’s event will focus on Design Tech, decarbonized building, retrofitting, and the global housing crisis. Over 100 experts, including leaders from Germany’s housing ministry and Barcelona’s city council, will speak. The event runs alongside Smart City Expo, Tomorrow.Mobility, and other urban innovation forums, drawing more than 25,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to one of Europe’s busiest convention centers.
ExCeL London Opens 25,000-Square-Meter Expansion with Formula E Season Finale
ExCeL London officially opened its new 25,000-square-meter expansion by hosting the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season finale in July. The added space increases the venue’s total footprint by 25 percent, making it the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition center in Europe. Built by McLaren Construction and powered entirely by renewable energy, the expansion includes upgraded conference spaces, exhibition halls, and public green areas, and is designed to meet BREEAM sustainability standards. Ten major international congresses are already booked for 2026. The opening coincides with ExCeL’s 25th anniversary and ADNEC Group’s broader £350 million investment in London’s business tourism sector.
Asia-Pacific
ICC Sydney Earns Global Recognition Through AIPC Future Shapers Program
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) was recognized at the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Congress in Shenzhen for its contribution to the winning “Synergy” team in the 2025 AIPC Future Shapers program. Senior Manager AV Production Services Travis Henry helped develop a data-driven staff training platform designed to align professional growth with business needs.
35th Hong Kong Book Fair Draws 890,000 Visits Despite Typhoon
The 35th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKTDC), welcomed nearly 900,000 visits across its seven-day run—even after a full-day closure due to Typhoon Talim. Held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks, the mega event hosted more than 770 exhibitors and extended hours post-typhoon to recover attendance. Exhibitors reported strong sales and international turnout, with visitors from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The venue also hosted sports demos, interactive art installations, and seminars, reinforcing the HKCEC’s role as a major hub for cultural and consumer events.
ICC Sydney Launches Immersive LED Activation Zone
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has debuted a new immersive LED Activation Zone in its ground floor foyer. The 55-square-meter installation includes a curved 4K wall and load-bearing LED floor, creating a high-impact digital canvas for brand activations. The space supports interactive storytelling and vehicle displays, and is backed by ICC Sydney’s in-house content team. The venue, managed by ASM Global, sees millions of annual visitors and positions the installation as a premium engagement platform for clients.
Industry Insight
IMEX Policy Forum Report Frames Business Events as Strategic Place Leadership
The 2025 IMEX Policy Forum, held in May during IMEX Frankfurt, brought together more than 100 destination representatives and 20 policymakers from over 30 countries to examine how business events can drive long-term economic and societal outcomes. A new report from the forum centers on “Place Leadership,” calling on destinations to align events with broader goals like investment, innovation, and infrastructure—not just tourism metrics.
Led by Destinations International and featuring input from the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and others, the forum urges event professionals to position business events as catalysts for community and economic development. “Business events are a form of venture capital,” said global urbanist Professor Greg Clark. “They accelerate outcomes that matter.”
The full report is available at IMEX’s Advocacy and Advancement page.
