A month after the European Conference on Mental Health (ECMH), Antwerp continues to see lasting benefits, from stronger collaboration between services to renewed attention on mental health accessibility.
Held 9–12 September at Mercure Antwerp City South, the event gathered 300 delegates from more than thirty countries for four days of dialogue and connection. Antwerp’s compact size, excellent rail links, and welcoming atmosphere made international participation seamless and sustainable.
“Antwerp gave us exactly what a mental health congress needs,” said Liisa Kallio from the ECMH organising committee. “A central and caring city, a venue team that understands, and an environment that helps people connect.”
The Mercure Antwerp City South earned praise for its flexibility and professional support. “Hosting such an important international congress shows Antwerp’s strength as a destination,” noted Jessica Thielemans of the venue team.
Highlights included a keynote from Professor Jari Hakanen on preventing burnout through servant leadership and job crafting, alongside social gatherings across the city.
Looking ahead, ECMH plans to deepen its collaboration with local partners, a reflection of Antwerp’s enduring message: progress in mental health thrives where knowledge meets connection.