Birmingham has secured two prestigious medical conferences set to take place in 2026, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for healthcare innovation and research.
The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) and LabMedUK26, the flagship event for the Association for Laboratory Medicine, will both be hosted at The Eastside Rooms following a successful partnership bid with the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, part of the West Midlands Growth Company.
Together, the events are expected to attract over 600 delegates from across the UK and beyond, contributing significantly to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, transportation, and other visitor spend.
The economic impact of hosting both conferences is projected to exceed £140,000, further cementing Birmingham’s reputation as a destination of choice for high-profile academic and scientific gatherings.
Cllr John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This demonstrates the power of collaboration in showcasing Birmingham’s strengths in healthcare and life sciences. We are proud to have secured events that will not only bring economic value, but also deepen our flourishing links with national and international medical communities.”
Carlos Heras-Palou, president of The British Society for Surgery of the Hand, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the BSSH Scientific Meeting to Birmingham. The Eastside Rooms, combined with the city’s excellent transport links and proximity to leading clinical and academic institutions, offers a compelling destination for our members.”
The West Midlands boasts a £10.3bn full-service life sciences economy, with the region’s 87,000 STEM students graduating each year from its world-class universities, and more than 17,000 healthcare professionals.
