Leeds welcomes 3,000 delegates to the city with the largest Medieval Congress in Europe

Conference Leeds is joining with the rest of Leeds, in celebrating a major international annual conference return for the city. The International Medieval Congress (IMC), based at the University of Leeds, takes place between 2-5 July 2018 at the University and will see nearly 3,000 medievalists from 66 countries visit Leeds – the largest IMC in its history.

The International Medieval Congress is the largest conference for medievalists in Europe and is a leading event for scholars of all aspects of the Middle Ages. This year is particularly significant, as it will be the 25th International Medieval Congress since the inaugural congress at The University of Leeds in 1994. There will be 750 sessions over the four-day period, with more than 2,200 individual lectures. Delegates will enjoy a wide range of events, including concerts, workshops, excursions and theatrical performances.

This conference comes alongside a string of further exciting international events being held in the city, including the International Society for Knowledge for Surgeons on Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty (ISKSAA) signature event, the ISKSAA Global Summit, which is being held outside of India for the first time in its 15-year history.

Axel Müller, Director of the International Medieval Congress, said: “The Congress is part of the event fabric here at the University of Leeds, with its home in the University’s Institute for Medieval Studies, and we are delighted as always to welcome the incoming delegation. MEETinLEEDS, the conference office of the University of Leeds, is able to offer the space, support and facilities necessary for large conferences, with over 50 parallel sessions, helping us allow the Congress to grow to nearly 3,000 delegates with over 750 sessions this year!

“Leeds also provides the accommodation to suit a range of budgets. We required over 7,000 beds this year, but this was easily facilitated here. In addition, the city is positioned to access a range of historical landmarks, offering many opportunities for cultural visits and tourism to delegates, scoping beyond the programme. It is simply perfect!”

Claire Heap, Head of ConferenceLeeds, commented: “Leeds has become a real hub for international events and conferences, with the International Medieval Congress’s home in the city showcasing this, alongside other recent international wins. Venue space within Leeds is truly excellent and can facilitate large conference numbers. Furthermore, the city is capable of accommodating delegates in brilliant hotels and offers international visitors wonderful, unique experiences, from the Henry Moore Institute to the Royal Armouries to the Leeds Brewery Tour. There is something for everyone.”