Birmingham celebrate two major conference wins
Birmingham to host BSSH and LabMedUK26 in 2026, highlighting its role as a key UK hub for medical conferences and innovation.
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.
The collaboration between The Eastside Rooms and the Convention Bureau was instrumental in securing the two events, which align perfectly with Birmingham's thriving Knowledge Quarter. The area is home to leading universities, pioneering medical research facilities, and world-class hospital infrastructure, making it a natural fit for these specialist conferences. The synergy between venue, city, and sector played a crucial role in the decision-making process for both associations.
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.
'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome both BSSH and LabMedUK26 to The Eastside Rooms,' said Leanne Bladen, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Eastside Rooms. 'These wins are a testament to Birmingham's growing reputation as a medical and scientific powerhouse, and we're proud to offer a venue that reflects the professionalism and ambition of our clients.'
Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: '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.'
The President of The British Society for Surgery of the Hand, Carlos Heras-Palou, 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 Association for Laboratory Medicine's (LabMedUK26), CEO, Victoria Logan commented: 'Birmingham offers a vibrant backdrop for UKMedLab 2026, and we're excited to be working with The Eastside Rooms and WMGC to deliver a dynamic and inclusive conference. The city's investment in laboratory science and diagnostics, along with its central location, makes it the ideal setting for our flagship event. The Eastside Rooms stood out as the perfect venue for us – its flexible layout and spacious design support our varied programme and enable excellent networking, while its strong commitment to accessibility and sustainability aligns with our values.'
With a commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and supporting the region's strengths in life sciences, The Eastside Rooms and West Midlands Growth Company continue to champion Birmingham as an ideal location for knowledge-led events that create lasting impact. The West Midlands boasts a £10.3bn full-service life sciences economy. The region has 87,000 STEM students graduating each year from its world-class universities, and more than 17,000 healthcare professionals. It also provides investors with a dynamic alternative to the UK's traditional life sciences 'golden triangle' of Oxford, Cambridge and London.
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