Messe Wien takes off internationally as VIECON

Following its takeover by the City of Vienna, Messe Wien is now launching internationally under the name “VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center.” The new brand is part of a comprehensive marketing strategy to further expand Messe Wien's importance as a globally sought-after event venue.

At the launch of the new brand, Vienna's City Councilor for Economic Affairs, Peter Hanke, expressed his delight at the positive development of Messe Wien's conference business: “Our economy benefits immensely from Vienna being one of the most popular international congress destinations. The VIECON brand makes an important contribution to maintaining and further expanding this leading position,” said Hanke.

Conferences as economic drivers

“The name ‘Messe Wien’ was becoming less and less suitable for international use. Not only because of the language barrier, but also because we now generate significantly more revenue from congresses and conferences than from trade fairs,” says Katharina Weishaupt, Managing Director of Wiener Messe und Congress GmbH, explaining the reasons behind the change. “As VIECON, we are now in a much better position to present our offerings internationally and successfully address the most important target markets. This is also reflected in the positive response of our business partners to the new brand,” adds Managing Director Martina Candillo, who is responsible for events, sales, and business development at the company.

Congress guests are an important target group for the Viennese economy, as they spend twice as much money in the city as leisure tourists, with an average of 550 euros per day. Among other things, this income has a positive effect on Vienna's gastronomy, hotel industry, and domestic service sector, securing thousands of jobs with its additional added value.

Over 350,000 overnight stays already secured

Messe Wien has already secured 45 events for 2025, including five major congresses. One of the highlights is the annual congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in April this year, for which around 20,000 guests are expected in Vienna.

In addition to such congresses, Messe Wien also hosts international corporate events such as the Check Point CPX Event (cyber security) and Bio Europe, the largest gathering of biopharmaceutical experts in Europe.

“The conferences already confirmed at Messe Wien alone will generate more than 350,000 overnight stays this year,” says Oliver Stribl, Managing Director of Wien Holding, emphasizing the economic significance: “Every euro we invest here generates 15 euros in added value. This shows how important the conference industry is for Vienna,” says Stribl.

About VIECON

VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center is Austria’s largest event venue and has been part of Wien Holding since 2025. Located in the heart of Vienna, VIECON offers a total of 73,000 m² of flexible space, state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, and a comprehensive sustainability concept. Whether trade fair, congress or product presentation: hospitality is at the core, making the venue the ideal choice for national and international event organizers. VIECON creates lasting experiences – true to its corporate motto: “create unique memories.” For more information, visit vieconcenter.at

Questions & Contact:

For Wiener Messe und Congress GmbH:
Kathrin Kremser
Head of Communication & Marketing
M: +43 676 8232 3114
E: kathrin.kremser@vieconcenter.at 

For WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung GmbH:
Stefan A. Sengl
Skills | Team Farner
M: +43 664 3104409
E: stefan.sengl@skills.at 

In accordance with Article 7 of the Federal Constitutional Law, all personal designations apply equally to women and men.