Congress Center Leipzig and ICCA: 30 years of networking in the international congress industry
The Congress Center Leipzig has been a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for 30 years. Its long-standing commitment was honored at the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto in November 2025. One of the milestones of its membership was the 50th ICCA Congress in Leipzig in 2011.
When the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) joined the ICCA 30 years ago, the main goal was to network with representatives and decision-makers in the global congress industry and to gain access to international customers. The opening of the CCL as an independent, multifunctional convention center on the new exhibition grounds in 1996 gave Leipzig its first strong impetus for its development as a conference location. Accordingly, the international positioning and promotion of the new destination were particularly important in these early years
Active involvement in the Central European Chapter and on the ICCA Board
Just as the CCL continues to benefit from international networking today, it also actively contributes to the work of the ICCA. From 2005 to 2010, André Kaldenhoff, Head of Congress at Leipziger Messe, served as Chairman of the Central European Chapter of the ICCA, which today comprises more than half of the ICCA's global membership. From 2013 to 2018, Kaldenhoff was a member of the Board of Directors, and in 2017 and 2018 he also served as Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the ICCA Board. In this role, he was responsible for strategic and financial issues within the association.
Best practice for sustainable mobility: 50th ICCA World Congress in Leipzig
The election to the ICCA Board was preceded by the successful hosting of the 50th ICCA World Congress in Leipzig in 2011. With over 1,000 delegates, the anniversary conference at the CCL attracted more participants than ever before in the history of the ICCA. The “Green Traffic” project caused quite a stir: for the first time, the majority of conference participants used the tram for their daily commute to the convention center. The public transport system was designed and organized by trainees from three Leipzig-based companies. The innovative concept was subsequently cited time and again as an example of best practice in convention logistics. And Leipzig finally made it onto the international map of the convention industry with its convincing overall concept.
André Kaldenhoff focused on two key issues in his work on the ICCA Board: sustainable work in convention centers and awareness of the long-term positive effects of the international convention business, above all the economic effects for the hotel and catering industry, retail trade, and service providers. Through its involvement in the ICCA and by hosting business workshops and chapter meetings in Leipzig, the CCL and Leipzig gained international visibility and attention in the convention business.
Würdigung beim 64. ICCA-Kongress in Porto
This year's ICCA Annual Congress took place in Porto in November. The CCL and other anniversary members were honored on stage during the Welcome Reception. "Long-standing members are the cornerstones of the ICCA community and have shaped the development of the association in many ways over the years with their loyalty and commitment. Our collective strength is based on trusting cooperation and active exchange among members. We are grateful that the CCL has been part of the ICCA family for 30 years and contributes to its continuous development", said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of the ICCA.
