Istanbul, our host destination for M&I Healthcare 2023 is not one to be sniffed at. Dubbed the International City of Peace and Justice and home to 64 MICE-ready venues, it’s no wonder buyers are looking to The Hague, Netherlands.
Most importantly, it’s a healthcare hotspot with a heavily developed world-class life sciences health and technology cluster dedicated to making the world a better place – is there anything it can’t do?
To find out how this city’s virtuous history has shaped it into the modern MICE destination we know today we spoke to Rosa Sipkema, the International Marketing Communications Advisor for The Hague Convention Bureau host destination for M&I Europe Spring Istanbul, 2023. For some, it’s simply a major city in Türkiye, far from the beach resorts and clubs of popular holiday destinations like Belek or Bodrum. But for others, Istanbul is a treasure trove of culture, architecture, art, and business.
It’s a city that was once the centre of civilization; so multicultural, in fact, that dozens of languages were spoken on its streets, including Greek, Persian, Arabic, and Italian. Visitors would come from all over Europe and beyond for the city’s trade and commerce opportunities.
Now, we could give you a full breakdown of Istanbul’s fascinating history (and believe us, it’s a long one), or we could dive straight into what makes this Turkish city the ideal MICE destination.
…we’re guessing it’s that second one, right? Okay, let’s get started.
It all started way back when in 1899 with the first-ever World Peace Conference held at the former Huis ten Bosh Palace.
Following this monumental event, the destination gained notoriety, owed in part to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who donated 1.5 million dollars to ensure Huis ten Bosh became the Peace Palace. He wanted it to become the Permanent Court of Arbitration as well as a public legal library of the highest standard – both of which he achieved with flying colours.
Since then, the Peace Palace has also gained the United Nations International Court of Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law under its roof.
But what does The Hague look like today, and how has its history in peace-making shaped its future?
Rosa Sipkema from The Hague Convention Bureau tells us the city still holds the same values: ‘The Hague is recognised globally as the International City of Peace and Justice and a city that offers thousands of people the chance to work on innovations that help secure a better, safer and just society.’
‘Everything happens here: from discussing important issues to taking decisions and forming alliances.’
As it stands, she continues, ‘the Hague is the only city outside of New York that is home to one of the six principal UN bodies, namely the International Court of Justice.’
It’s clear The Hague is seen as a catalyst for change, in Rosa’s own words, ‘everything happens here: from discussing important issues to taking decisions and forming alliances.’
And the figures don’t lie, people are flocking to The Hague to hold meetings with the number of international congresses held in the city jumping by 48% in the last year.
Previous conferences and events hosted in 2022 include the Invictus Games, the International Baccalaureate Global Conference, and the Business Traveller & MICE Fair to name just a few. And in 2023 its roster includes The International Summit of AI, the IRC Symposium and finally, the most important of them all (obviously), M&I Healthcare, The Hague 2023.
Fortunately for healthcare professionals, The Hague is home to a high volume of pioneering medical tech companies, medical start-ups, and a wide network of life sciences and health & technology organisations. Expect to find the HQs of healthcare giants such as Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Toshiba Medical Systems, Draeger and PharmaPack.
‘People are flocking to The Hague to hold meetings with the number of international congresses held in the city jumping by 48% in the last year.’
Additionally, you’ll find first-class venue facilities suited perfectly for medical professionals, three renowned universities, two university medical centres, three dedicated science parks and four life science incubators and accelerators. It boasts state-of-the-art research facilities and logistics infrastructure and a highly educated and multilingual workforce.
And The Hague’s own healthcare system is proof of its high standards, being ranked the number one healthcare system for the last five years by the Euro Health Consumer Index.
So, now you know about our host destination’s incredible history and its commitment to innovation in the healthcare sector, how do we fit in?
From 6-8 June we’re bringing together healthcare event specialists and compliant venues for two days of immersive networking, educational sessions and knowledge sharing. The only event of its kind, all our suppliers are rigorously vetted to ensure they comply with healthcare standards.
And where better to hold this one-of-a-kind event? In a city famed for its congressional history and impeccable healthcare infrastructure and facilities, of course.
If you’re a buyer and you want to extend your Healthcare Forum by three days from 8-10 June, there’s also the option of our hosted FAM trip.
Immerse yourself in The Hague’s culture through food tours, gallery visits and museum tours, see its history mentioned above in action and enjoy its eco-activities such as bike tours, surfing and a boat trip.
Find out more about all of our upcoming MICE events.
© M&I is part of Worldwide Events, a division of Worldwide Events Group Ltd, 27 Furnival St, London EC4A 1JQ
Global Buyers
16-20 Mar 2025 | Morocco
American buyers
24-27 Mar 2025 | Canada
UK & EU buyers
27-29 Aug 2025 | Croatia
The M&I Forum experience streamlined into two impactful days
Open your property up to a new range of events and opportunities by taking advantage of an online assessment created by our event partner, Healthcare Venues, which will determine if your venue is capable of hosting healthcare meetings and events.
If your property passes, you’ll receive Healthcare Venue certification, verifying you to our buyer network as a specialist healthcare venue.
Tim Chudley
Managing Director, Sundial Group
