Harrogate Convention Centre secures contract with MCI to host international medical conference

Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) has signed a contract with global marketing and engagement agency MCI to host the 14th Bi-annual Meeting of the International Society of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases (ISSAID) in 2027. 

The agreement represents a major international booking for HCC and further strengthens Harrogate’s reputation as a leading UK destination for high‑profile medical and scientific conferences.

The ISSAID Meeting 2027 features a comprehensive programme on the theme “Auto-inflammation becomes mainstream”. It brings 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. 

Taking place over four days from 7 to 10 April 2027, the conference is expected to bring an economic impact of more than £600,000 to the Yorkshire spa town. Previous editions of the conference had taken place in major cities such as Paris and Toronto.

With a strong health and wellbeing legacy as the quintessential English spa town, Harrogate flourished over centuries as a popular wellness destination for well-heeled visitors seeking the “water cure” at the recommendation of medical professionals. With highly established hospitality infrastructure, Harrogate started hosting prestigious events, including the British Medical Association annual conference in 1889, and continued to evolve into one of the UK’s leading conference destinations.   

Prof. Helen Lachmann, ISSAID 2027 Co-Chair, says “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. What makes ISSAID meetings so special is the company: basic scientists, adult clinicians, and paediatric clinicians all discussing the questions that matter most in this field, and we cannot wait to see what this conversation produces.

“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.”

Jamila Bray, Head of Venue Sales and Marketing, Harrogate Convention Centre, says, “Securing ISSAID Bi-annual Meeting 2027 with MCI after major cities such as Paris and Toronto is a strong endorsement of Harrogate Convention Centre as a venue capable of delivering complex, high‑profile international medical conferences. With its strong medical and wellness legacy, Harrogate offers a unique, safe and relaxing delegate experience distinct from big cities, which is increasingly valued by organisers as delegate wellbeing grows in importance as a factor of engagement in business events. I look forward to welcoming ISSAID to Harrogate and supporting them as a partner in creating engaging events that deliver real value.”

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Note to Editors

Situated in the centre of the idyllic Victorian spa town of Harrogate and owned by the North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate Convention Centre was name Venue of the Year (Under 20,000 sqm) at the AEV Excellence Awards (2026) and Most High-Tech and Innovative Venue at Event Technology Awards (2025). Facilities at the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) accredited, premium purpose-built conference and exhibition venue include a world-class 2,000-seat conference auditorium that opened with the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982, and the splendid Edwardian theatre, Royal Hall, among a total of 13,700+ sqm of flexible event space, along with on-site parking and adjacent hotels. The venue is benefiting from a £9.4 million development investment from North Yorkshire Council with a programme of site improvement works scheduled to complete in 2027.