EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf: A Sustainable Platform for Healthcare Congresses and Medical Innovation

Combining an innovation hub with a highly connected event venue, EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf offers ideal conditions for healthcare congresses, medical events and cross-sector exchange across healthcare, technology and sustainability, with a strong focus on sustainability, efficient delegate flow and carbon-conscious operations.

Key Points

• EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf hosts healthcare events for up to 2,000 people.
• Flexible event spaces support congresses, workshops and parallel sessions.
• Carbon-neutral operation is central to the campus concept.
• Direct rail access supports efficient arrivals and lower event emissions.
• The campus links healthcare events with energy and climate innovation.

At Düsseldorf Airport, the EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf has emerged as an innovation hub developed by EUREF AG, designed to serve as an international showcase for the energy transition. On this intelligently planned campus, which utilises renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and connected technology, ideas for sustainable urban development are being tested – as a model with an influence that extends far beyond Düsseldorf.

As an “Event Location +”, the campus aims to position itself as a venue that combines modern architecture, efficient operations and a clear focus on sustainability goals. Events for up to 2,000 people are possible.

For healthcare organisations, medical societies and MedTech companies, this translates into tangible advantages: sustainability and energy concepts are not only discussed on stage, but are embedded in the day-to-day operation of the venue. The aim: events that are organised to be carbon-neutral, energy-efficient and with short transport distances.

Across 2,500 square metres of flexible event space, the campus enables conferences, largescale productions, workshops and meetings. Short distances between venues and the ability to run parallel programme formats support efficient and intuitive delegate flow – a key factor for healthcare congresses with high participant volumes and multiple session tracks.

The service structure is organised as a coordinated partner network comprising venue, catering and technical services. This ensures reliable event delivery while creating an environment that supports professional exchange, networking and interdisciplinary dialogue – essential components of medical and scientific events.

One of the most distinctive venues is the EUREFDome, accommodating up to 600 participants. Originally developed for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Berlin, later installed in the Berlin-Schöneberg Gasometer and subsequently rebuilt in Düsseldorf, the dome stands around 21 metres tall and features striking architecture. It provides an ideal setting for plenary sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions and evening receptions. A bright, green atrium directly adjoining the dome serves as a reception, exhibition or networking area.

For conferences, presentations and working sessions, the campus offers “Flex Spaces”: two centrally located rooms of over 300 square metres each, designed as open, light-filled environments. Permanent technical infrastructure is in place and can be expanded as required. Some spaces provide direct access to terraces. In addition, seven modular Meeting Spaces are available for workshops, breakout sessions or smaller meetings. Selected rooms offer lake views, creating a focused yet comfortable setting for intensive working formats.

In favourable weather conditions, event formats can be extended outdoors. The 1,000-squaremetre sun terrace overlooking the lake is suitable for networking formats such as receptions, informal gatherings or evening events. Adjacent facilities, including a pool area and a beach volleyball court, can be integrated into team-building or active programme elements. The terrace remains usable in cooler months, for example as a setting for seasonal formats such as a winter market.

A central component of the campus concept is its carbon-neutral operation from the outset. The 80,000-square-metre site is heated and cooled using water from the neighbouring Lichtenbroich quarry lake via water-source heat pumps. Electricity is supplied in part by a rooftop photovoltaic installation covering approximately 1,300 square metres. This infrastructure supports the implementation of low-emission events – an increasingly relevant factor for healthcare organisations aiming to meet sustainability targets and reporting requirements.

The campus benefits from a highly accessible location. A pedestrian bridge directly connects it to the long-distance railway station at Düsseldorf Airport, with more than 400 train services per day. For organisers of medical congresses, this enables efficient arrival and departure processes, reduces logistical complexity and contributes to lower overall event emissions.

Beyond its function as an event venue, the EUREFCampus positions itself as a hub for innovation and collaboration. It brings together stakeholders from business, academia and start-ups working on energy, mobility and climate-related topics. For the healthcare sector, this creates opportunities to engage with adjacent fields such as sustainable infrastructure and logistics – areas that are becoming increasingly relevant in the context of healthcare delivery. 

The fact that the campus is seen as a hub for futureoriented topics is also reflected in the political attention it has received: Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lars Klingbeil, Federal Minister of Finance and SPD Federal Chairman, have already visited the EUREF-Campus.

Conflict of interest

Spotlight articles are the sole opinion of the author(s), and they are part of the HealthManagement.org Corporate Engagement or Educational Community Programme