International exchange, sustainable innovations, and strong momentum for Vienna as a business location: VIECON looks back on a successful first year under its new brand and is starting the 2026 event year with a clear vision for the future.
With over 40 events, around a third of which attracted international participants, and 350,000 overnight stays generated, VIECON can look back on a strong first year. As part of Wien Holding, VIECON has successfully positioned itself as a central platform for congresses, trade fairs, and business events, and as a significant economic driver for the city of Vienna.
“VIECON symbolizes Vienna’s dynamic development as an international meeting and convention destination. The first year under its new name impressively demonstrates the potential this location has to offer—economically, socially, and in terms of tourism,” said Vienna’s City Councilor for Finance, Barbara Novak.
Diversity, internationality, and strong momentum for the location
The 2025 event year was characterized by a wide range of topics – from international medical and scientific congresses to business and technology events and highly frequented public trade fairs. The focus on social knowledge exchange, innovation, and networking confirms the growing importance of VIECON for Vienna’s international positioning.
“In our first year as VIECON, we have succeeded in strategically developing the location and strengthening its position as an important platform for international congresses, trade fairs, and corporate events,” emphasizes Oliver Stribl, Managing Director of Wien Holding.
Sustainability as a lived commitment: VIECON is going green for the future
For VIECON, sustainability is an ongoing commitment that is reflected in many visible projects: The former decorative pool has been transformed into a planted green space, creating a new habitat for beneficial insects. Bee colonies moved into the roof of the Congress Center in the spring, and their first BEECON honey has already been produced. The vertical greening of Hall A and the revitalization of the inner courtyards into flowering recreational areas have further enhanced the quality of urban life.
“Investments in energy, greening, and modern building technology are essential components of our commitment to guaranteeing a high-performance and sustainable event venue,” explains Katharina Weishaupt, Managing Director of VIECON.
Year-round use & experience format: BattleKart as a success story
BattleKart Vienna is a visible example of the expanded use of a modern venue. As a year-round attraction, the immersive experience format combines gaming, sports, and events, attracting new target groups to the location. This allows the VIECON Center to be experienced as a lively venue for experiences and encounters even outside of traditional large-scale events.
Outlook for 2026: International congresses, strong trade fairs, and a clear focus on sustainability
For 2026, the range of events spans from high-profile conferences such as the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation and the Euretina Congress on retinal research to international corporate events such as Zscaler Zenith Live and ENLIT Europe, as well as established trade fair highlights such as the Vienna Holiday Fair, which takes place together with Vienna Drive, Wohnen & Interieur, BeSt, and BUCH Wien.
Another milestone will follow in 2026 in terms of infrastructure: a photovoltaic system with a capacity of around 2,500 kWp will be installed on the roof of Hall A. This corresponds to the annual electricity requirements of around 876 households. The project sends a strong signal for the use of renewable energy in the event industry and is another consistent step on the way to a sustainably operated event infrastructure.
“2026 will be another year of diversity with national and international congresses, major corporate events, and popular trade fairs. Our clear goal is to continue positioning VIECON as a top event destination and, in particular, to attract international guests to Vienna. At the same time, we are consistently pushing ahead with our sustainability projects,” says VIECON Managing Director Martina Candillo.
With a successful first year under its new name, clear sustainability goals, and strong bookings for 2026, VIECON is consolidating its position as one of the most important venues for congresses, trade fairs, and business events in Austria—and as a stage for international encounters, innovation, and economic future.
About VIECON
The Vienna Congress & Convention Center – VIECON – is Austria’s largest event location and has been part of Wien Holding since 2025. With a total of 73,000 m², VIECON offers flexible rooms, modern technical infrastructure, and a sustainable overall concept in the heart of Vienna. Whether for trade fairs, congresses, or product presentations, hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, making the venue the ideal choice for national and international event organizers. VIECON creates lasting experiences – in line with the company motto: “create unique memories.” For more information, visit vieconcenter.at.
Questions & Contact
Kathrin Kremser
VIECON – Head of Communications & Marketing
Telephone: +431727203114
Mobile: +43 676 82 32 3114
E-Mail: kathrin.kremser@vieconcenter.at
www.vieconcenter.at
Wolfgang Gatschnegg
Wien Holding – Corporate spokesperson
Telephone: +43 1 408 25 69 21
Mobile: +43 664 82 68 216
E-Mail: w.gatschnegg@wienholding.at
www.wienholding.at
