the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress is one of the largest and most significant global conferences for medical respiratory professionals. Held in Vienna from 7th to 11th September 2024, the 34th edition of the congress brought together 20,000 participants (including physicians, health professionals, scientists and other experts working in respiratory medicine) from around the world to exchange knowledge, drive innovation, and shape the future of respiratory medicine.
the theme for the ERS Congress 2024, “Humans and machines: getting the balance right”, explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization on respiratory care. As noted by Congress Co-Chair, Prof. Gabor Kovacs, "The rate of progress and development [in AI] is both exciting and daunting, and this idea of finding ‘balance’ is something which is certainly a hot topic, not just in medicine, but across all sectors."
the programme offered sessions on the evolving roles of humans in AI-supported medical care, the psychological and humanitarian aspects of integrating technology, and how healthcare systems and pathways are adapting to these advancements.
our role as the official accommodation partner
as the official accommodation partner for ERS 2024, bnetwork was entrusted with providing a robust accommodation solution to meet the scale and complexity of the event. With a history of successful collaborations in 2018 and 2022, and the confirmed partnership for ERS 2026 in Barcelona, bnetwork continues to be a trusted partner for this prestigious event.
key highlights
+4,800 rooms secured on the peak night
Ensured sufficient high-quality accommodation for attendees during the event’s busiest period.
22,000+ room nights booked
Provided a scalable and efficient system to handle the demand for both individual and group bookings.
95 hotels guaranteed stock
Secured a diverse range of hotel options, catering to different budgets, preferences, and locations across Vienna.
delivering value to ERS and its participants
as a long-term partner of ERS, bnetwork is committed to delivering solutions that enhance the event experience for both delegates and organizers. For the 2024 edition, we provided:
tailored solutions for complex needs: With 18,000 onsite attendees and over 22,000 room nights to manage, bnetwork implemented a bespoke accommodation strategy, ensuring logistical efficiency and participant satisfaction.
convenience for delegates: By pre-securing stock at 95 hotels, attendees had access to a wide variety of accommodation options, all conveniently located near the congress venue and key city landmarks.
cost optimization: bnetwork created value for both organizers and attendees by leveraging its extensive hotel partnerships, highly competitive rates and favourable terms & conditions that were negotiated across the city.
streamlined operations: A dedicated on-site team supported real-time adjustments and last-minute requests, allowing ERS organizers to focus on delivering the congress programme.
collaboration in action
the success of the ERS International Congress relies on the strong partnerships and collaborations between various stakeholders, including the European Respiratory Society as the organizing body, the Vienna Convention Bureau and bnetwork as the official accommodation partner. The involvement and support of these key players were crucial in ensuring the smooth planning and execution of the event.
a key highlight of our approach was the strength of collaboration with our Destination Management Company (DMC) partner, IMS Vienna, who organized dinners, meetings, and transfers for congress participants. This partnership exemplified the power of bnetwork’s DNA network, enabling seamless integration of logistics and event services.
additionally, our on-ground presence ensured instant support for both organizers and delegates, addressing inquiries, managing allocations, and ensuring a stress-free experience for all stakeholders.
relevance to the 2024 theme
the theme of last year’s congress, “Humans and machines: getting the balance right”, resonates deeply with bnetwork’s approach to event accommodation management. While our advanced booking systems and digital tools ensure efficiency and precision, our human touch - through personalised support, collaboration, and on-site presence - remains integral in delivering a fulfilling experience for attendees.
as Prof. Gabor Kovacs stated, "This theme is one of the most cross-cutting in recent years - it’s of interest to all disciplines and across specialist areas." Similarly, bnetwork’s solutions are tailored to meet the heterogeneous needs of diverse participants, reinforcing the balance between technology and the human touch that gives personal care.
looking ahead: ERS 2026 in Barcelona
following the success of ERS 2024, bnetwork is already preparing for the ERS 2026 Congress in Barcelona, where they will continue to deliver innovative, client-centred accommodation solutions. The outstanding commitment to enhancing the congress experience through collaboration, expertise, and cutting-edge systems remains unwavering.
conclusion
the ERS Congress 2024 showcased bnetwork’s ability to manage large-scale, high-profile events with precision, adaptability, and client-first focus. By ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees, bnetwork reinforced its reputation as a trusted partner in the events industry.
for more information about the events bnetwork supports, visit: www. bnetwork.com/our experience.
key benefits of the ERS congress
scientific excellence: The congress features a comprehensive scientific program, including keynote lectures, symposia, poster presentations, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics in respiratory medicine. Leading experts from various disciplines share their insights and research findings, promoting the dissemination of knowledge and best practices.
networking and collaboration: ERS provides ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, establish collaborations, and foster professional relationships. The congress facilitates interactions between clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives, enabling the exchange of ideas and the formation of strategic partnerships.
education and training: The event offers a wide range of educational activities, including postgraduate courses, skills workshops, and meet-the-expert sessions. These initiatives aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of respiratory professionals, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
industry engagement: ERS attracts a significant number of industry partners, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and technology providers. The congress serves as a platform for these stakeholders to showcase their products, services, and innovations, fostering collaborations and driving the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools.