International HTAi conference coming to Utrecht in 2022

Utrecht, 17 November 2021 – It is announced that the 2022 Health Technology Assessment international (HTAi) Annual Meeting will be held in Utrecht as a hybrid event. This key international conference will bring together various agencies as well as more than a thousand researchers, policy makers, health professionals and patients from around the world. With Utrecht being chosen for the event, it is clear that the business market in this ‘city of knowledge’ is gradually recovering. The conference will have an estimated economic impact in excess of 1.5 million euros.

The HTAi is a leading global, scientific and professional society (non-profit) that shares the latest knowledge and research in health technology assessment (HTA). The HTAi 2021 Annual Meeting was hosted from Manchester as a virtual conference. In 2022, however, it will take place in Jaarbeurs in Utrecht as a hybrid event. It is anticipated that 800 participants will attend in person, with an additional 400 people expected to take part online.

Associate professor of HTA at Utrecht University Wim Goettsch: “Health technology assessment is about how to attain universally high-quality health care that is both affordable and accessible. For the first time since 2019, researchers, policy makers, patients and health professionals from all over the world will come together in person in Utrecht to discuss how to continue these efforts after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Utrecht, knowledge capital of the Netherlands
Utrecht aspires to be the knowledge capital of the Netherlands. The city’s various innovative companies, knowledge and educational institutions and research centres are striving to achieve this by working together on a wide range of multidisciplinary projects. To further raise its profile, Utrecht continues to successfully attract international sustainability, health and digital knowledge sharing events.

Monique André de la Porte, account manager at Utrecht Convention Bureau, says: “The HTAi Annual Meeting fits perfectly into our strategy. After having been selected to host the conference, it is apparent that, despite the global pandemic, Utrecht is still internationally recognised as a renowned ‘city of knowledge’ where both in-person and hybrid events can be organised.”

Utrecht Convention Bureau
Utrecht Convention Bureau (UCB) is part of Utrecht Marketing and comprises a one-stop shop for organisers of national and international meetings, conferences and other business gatherings. The bureau offers free, independent and professional advice on event-related opportunities in Utrecht Region. It also provides conference and event organisers with information about marketing and promotion as well as the financial aspects of conferences, including grant options. In addition, UCB offers support with bid procedures, site inspections and familiarisation trips.