'Major economic impact' predicted as Harrogate Convention Centre secures contract to host international conference

Harrogate Convention Centre has secured a major international booking which is expected to bring an economic impact of more than £600,000 to the town.

The contract with The International Society of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases (ISSAID) conference next year will further strengthen Harrogate’s reputation as a leading UK destination for high-profile medical and scientific conferences.

Taking place over four days from April 7-10, 2027, the scale of the coup for Harrogate Convention Centre can be judged by the fact that previous editions of the bi-annual conference have taken place in major cities such as Paris and Toronto.

The importance of securing these sort of conferences for Harrogate not based solely at a weekend is that they generate important midweek business for the town’s hotels, bars, restaurants and retail shops.

The scale of the coup for Harrogate Convention Centre can be judged by the fact that previous editions of the bi-annual conference have taken place in major cities such as Paris and Toronto. (Picture contributed)

Jamila Bray, Head of Venue Sales and Marketing, Harrogate Convention Centre, says, “Welcoming ISSAID to Harrogate in 2027 is fantastic news for the town, as it is expected to attract hundreds of international medical professionals to our hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.

"The ISSAID conference adds to a growing calendar of national and international business events held at the venue, delivering a significant boost to local business tourism while reinforcing Harrogate’s long-standing reputation as a centre for health, wellbeing and learning.”

The ISSAID Meeting 2027 will feature a comprehensive programme on the theme “Autoinflammation becomes mainstream”.

It will bring together clinicians, researchers, and allied professionals dedicated to advancing the understanding and care of autoinflammatory diseases, an area that continues to evolve rapidly through scientific innovation and international collaboration.

Professor Helen Lachmann, ISSAID 2027 Co-Chair, said: “We are particularly delighted to host ISSAID’s 14th Bi-Annual Meeting at Harrogate Convention Centre, in a town known for its heritage of medicine, wellbeing, and hospitality, which provides the perfect setting for sharing knowledge and strengthening collaborations.

“I look forward to sharing an enjoyable time with our international community in this elegant spa town - whether that is a stroll through the Valley Gardens, a moment on the Stray, or simply a well-deserved cup of tea in one of its wonderful cafes.”