For the first time in Germany: ESPO Congress 2025
From May 3 to 6, 2025, an outstanding medical event took place in Stuttgart: the 17th Congress of the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO). For the first time in the history of this renowned professional society, the event was held in Germany – a significant milestone for both the international expert audience composed of 1,100 participants from 69 countries and for Stuttgart as a congress location.
The decision to host the ESPO Congress in Germany sends a strong signal of the international appreciation of German expertise in pediatric ENT medicine and reflects the growing global interest in the medical and scientific capacities concentrated in Stuttgart. Stuttgart hospital is the largest maximum care hospital in Baden-Württemberg and includes the Katharinen hospital, the Bad Cannstatt hospital, and Germany's largest children's hospital, the Olga hospital. In five pediatric and three surgical departments, supported by pediatric radiology, pediatric anesthesiology, and other specialized areas such as pediatric cardiology, virtually the entire spectrum of pediatric and adolescent medicine is offered through interdisciplinary collaboration. The Olga hospital treats over 16,000 sick children and adolescents annually as inpatients. In addition, there are more than 100,000 outpatient patient contacts. Together with the Frauenklinik, the Olga hospital forms the second-largest perinatal center in Germany. The congress, the largest conference in pediatric ENT medicine worldwide, was brought to the capital of Baden-Württemberg thanks to the joint efforts of the chair of the regional organizing committee and medical director of the department of otorhinolaryngology at Stuttgart hospital, Prof. Dr. Christian Sittel, and the Stuttgart Convention Bureau, with an attractive and convincing bid. Professor Sittel also served as conference president.
Congress meets culture
In a city known for world-class innovations, the congress itself was held under the theme "Creating Innovations – Implementing Innovations." This motto was reflected in a top-class scientific program that focused on the latest developments and procedures in pediatric ENT medicine diagnostics and treatment. Internationally renowned experts exchanged views on current research findings, modern surgical techniques, and technological advances in lively panels, lectures, and interactive formats. The knowledge transfer was practice-oriented and specifically aimed at physicians seeking continuing education and networking in a dynamic field. During the social events, congress participants experienced the multifaceted nature of Stuttgart firsthand. An artistic highlight was the performance by the John Cranko School at the congress opening, whose performance thrilled the international audience and simultaneously brought a piece of Stuttgart's cultural tradition to life. The President's Dinner in the Cube restaurant on the fourth floor of the Kunstmuseum (museum of art) offered a fantastic view of Stuttgart's Schlossplatz (palace square) and the city's landmark, the Stuttgart TV Tower. The ESPO Congress Dinner at the Mercedes-Benz Museum combined medical exchange with the innovative flair of the cradle of mobility. Participants had exclusive access to the museum and explored the exhibition independently, including the new team-building attraction, the Pit Stop. "The city became as much a draw for attendees as the content, a dream combination that definitely contributed to high registration numbers since Covid.", confirms Abbey Conferences, ESPO's core PCO.
Stuttgart as a stage for cutting-edge medical research – between innovation and internationality
The venue for the congress and the trade exhibition was the ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart. With its flexible meeting rooms with natural light, ample space for the accompanying exhibition, and modern infrastructure, it offered optimal conditions in close proximity to Stuttgart Airport. Convenient and fast access to the city center and 800 hotel rooms directly adjacent to the congress center provided the ideal setting for an international event of this format. The city of Stuttgart impressed not only with its logistical strengths but also with its appeal as an innovative business and science region. "Hosting congresses like ESPO [...] is of great importance to us. They make the latest research findings accessible to a broad specialist audience, further develop medical standards, and provide a platform for scientific centers in the region such as Heidelberg, Ulm, Stuttgart, and Tübingen," emphasizes Claudia Döttinger, member of the management board of Messe Stuttgart.
Stuttgart as the perfect host
The successful hosting of the ESPO Congress 2025 made Stuttgart a tangible experience for participants as an attractive congress destination. In close collaboration with Abbey Conferences, the Stuttgart hospital under conference president Prof. Christian Sittel, which was heavily involved in the content and organization of the event, and the Stuttgart Convention Bureau, together with all venues and service providers, they succeeded in creating a platform for scientific exchange, networking, and experiences with local flavor. The event was considered a complete success not only from a medical perspective, but also in terms of organization and atmosphere. "After years of intensive preparation, we have realized a conference event that was highly rated by the many international participants. In addition to the excellent scientific program, the modern and easily accessible conference center and the impressive cultural program were enthusiastically received. The far superior support from the Stuttgart Convention Bureau was crucial in the preparation and exceeded our expectations. I am very proud of my hometown of Stuttgart, which left a lasting impression on the many high-profile guests from Germany and abroad!" highlights Prof. Sittel.
With the ESPO Congress 2025, Stuttgart was able to demonstrate its strengths as a host for high-level international professional events. The premiere of this renowned congress on German soil will be remembered as a particularly valuable contribution to the city's international visibility and to the further raising of the congress location's profile.