A city that cares, ECMH finds its rhythm in Antwerp.

The European Conference on Mental Health brought together 300 delegates from more than 30 countries in Antwerp from 9 to 12 September for thoughtful debate and warm connections, with Mercure Antwerp City South serving as a welcoming headquarters hotel and venue. The mood throughout was one of openness, trust, and genuine curiosity, supported by a city that makes international meetings feel effortless.

Antwerp's attitude that the whole city is a venue impressed from arrival. Its central position within Europe and excellent rail and air links made travel simple, with many delegates choosing the train for a smooth and sustainable journey. Once here, the city’s compact scale and walkable streets encouraged exploration and easy movement between sessions, hotels, and evening gatherings. Many visitors remarked on the relaxed atmosphere, the kindness of locals, and the sense of safety that lets people focus fully on learning and connection.

“Antwerp gave us exactly what a mental health congress needs,” said Liisa Kallio from the ECMH organising committee.  “A central and welcoming city, a venue team that cares, and an environment that invites people to meet, learn, and support one another. We look forward to returning, strengthening our links with local universities and services, and leaving a lasting positive mark in Antwerp.”

The venue choice proved perfect. Mercure Antwerp City South offered flexible rooms for plenary and parallel sessions, professional on-site support, and practical touches that help a scientific congress run on time. Delegates valued having everything under one roof, which made spontaneous conversations flourish. As Jessica Thielemans from the hotel said, “It has been a real pleasure to welcome the European Conference on Mental Health to Mercure Antwerp City South. Hosting such an important international congress shows the strength of Antwerp as a destination and the versatility of our venue. We are proud to have provided a professional yet warm setting where delegates could share knowledge, connect, and feel at home in our city.”

Program highlights included an inspiring keynote by Professor Jari Hakanen on boosting work engagement and tackling job burnout. His evidence-based message balanced top-down practices, such as servant leadership, with bottom-up approaches, like job crafting and social courage at work, offering practical tools that organisations can implement immediately.

Evenings showed the city at its best. A celebratory dinner and dancing at De Ark, small group meals throughout the Southern Part of the city, and unplanned meetups transformed new contacts into lasting relationships. Support from the Antwerp convention team and local partners helped everything click into place, from logistics to local recommendations.

Looking ahead, ECMH aims to deepen local collaborations and keep building a platform for dialogue that endures long after the closing session. Antwerp has proven to be a city that understands the human side of science, a place where knowledge grows through connection. 

The next European Conference on Mental Health will take place in Prague from 9 to 11 September, 2026