A month on, Antwerp still feels the impact of the European Conference on Mental Health

One month later, Antwerp is still seeing benefits for mental health access and awareness, while the European Conference on Mental Health praises accessibility, hospitality, and Mercure Antwerp City South after the September event.

The European Conference on Mental Health brought together 300 delegates from more than thirty countries between 9 and 12 September in Antwerp, for thoughtful debate and new connections, with Mercure Antwerp City South serving as the headquarters hotel and venue. Now, one month later, the conversations and connections are continuing, with renewed attention to access, signposting, and collaboration across services, supported by a city that makes international meetings feel effortless.

Antwerp, where the whole city is your venue, impressed delegates from arrival. Its central position within Europe and excellent rail and air links made travel simple, with many choosing the train for a smooth and sustainable journey. Once in the city, the compact scale and walkable streets encouraged exploration and easy movement between sessions, hotels, and evening gatherings. Visitors remarked on the relaxed atmosphere, the kindness of locals, and the sense of safety that helps people focus on learning and connection. A month later, that sense of welcome continues to resonate, as partners share resources, maintain new connections, and keep accessibility at the heart of ongoing work.

“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.”

Mercure Antwerp City South proved the perfect setting. Flexible rooms supported plenary and parallel sessions, the professional on-site team kept the programme running smoothly, and practical touches ensured delegates could network with ease. “It has been a real pleasure to welcome the European Conference on Mental Health to Mercure Antwerp City South,” said Jessica Thielemans, 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.”

Programme highlights included an inspiring keynote by Professor Jari Hakanen, who presented evidence-based strategies to boost work engagement and tackle job burnout, balancing top-down practices such as servant leadership with bottom-up approaches like job crafting and social courage at work. Evenings showcased Antwerp at its best, with a celebratory dinner and dancing at De Ark, small-group meals throughout the southern part of the city, and spontaneous meetups that turned new contacts into lasting relationships.

Looking ahead, ECMH aims to deepen local collaborations and continue 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