The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has confirmed that its flagship Annual Scientific Meeting will return to London for the first time in 40 years, as part of a multi-year partnership with Olympia’s new International Convention Centre (ICC). The agreement, which includes the 2026 and 2028 editions of the event, marks a significant milestone for both BAUS and Olympia as the venue prepares to open its doors in March 2026.
The BAUS Annual Scientific Meeting will take place on 15–17 June 2026, making it one of the first major congresses to be hosted in the newly redeveloped ICC. The event will welcome around 2,500 delegates, uniting urological professionals, surgeons, academics, and industry experts for three days of education, debate, and innovation. Its return to London reflects growing demand among medical associations for modern, flexible, technology-driven meeting spaces—something Olympia’s regeneration is designed to deliver.
A New Era for Olympia
Olympia’s £1.3 billion redevelopment is one of the most ambitious and transformative projects currently underway in the UK events landscape. The creation of a fully integrated district—combining culture, entertainment, hospitality, retail, office space, and event venues—positions Olympia as a world-class business and leisure destination. At its heart is the brand-new International Convention Centre, designed to attract large-scale international conferences and give London a competitive edge in the global association market.
The ICC will feature flexible plenary halls, dedicated breakout suites, exhibition areas, high-capacity foyers, and leading-edge AV and hybrid technology. This combination of space and specification has been a decisive factor for BAUS, whose event includes a complex scientific programme with multiple streams, poster sessions, industry forums, and technology-focused content such as the future role of Artificial Intelligence in urology.
Why BAUS Chose London and Olympia
The return of the BAUS Annual Scientific Meeting to London after four decades highlights the strategic advantages offered by Olympia’s redeveloped campus. Its central location, transport connectivity, modern infrastructure, and on-site hospitality are aligned with the needs of medical associations that require high standards of accessibility, flexibility, and technology integration.
For BAUS, the venue offers:
• Best-in-class technology for scientific meetings
The ICC’s hybrid-ready AV, digital displays, and future-proof technical infrastructure enable seamless delivery of live, recorded, and interactive sessions. This is essential for a conference with a strong scientific and educational focus.
• Flexibility to host large and diverse programmes
The BAUS meeting includes keynote lectures, specialist sessions, poster presentations, hands-on training, and industry exhibitions. The ICC’s adaptable formats allow organisers to manage audience flow and create tailored environments for learning, networking, and discovery.
• A connected campus experience
With new hotels, restaurants, cultural venues, and public spaces built directly into the redevelopment, delegates will benefit from a vibrant, walkable district offering convenience throughout their stay.
• Strong transport links for national and international delegates
Proximity to Heathrow Airport, direct public transport links, and easy access to major rail and road networks ensure the event is both accessible and appealing to attendees across the UK and abroad.
A Vote of Confidence in Olympia’s Future
The multi-year agreement was secured in collaboration with Legends Global, Olympia’s venue management partner. Their work has positioned the ICC as a premier choice for association conferences, helping organisers design conferences that maximise engagement, exhibition performance, and overall event impact.
The BAUS deal reflects a wider trend of medical and professional associations returning to London for major congresses. The combination of large-scale facilities, new accommodation, and integrated amenities is attracting fresh interest from organisations seeking a next-generation meeting environment that supports both scientific excellence and an enhanced delegate experience.
Elevating the Delegate Experience
The BAUS Annual Scientific Meeting places strong emphasis on education, networking, and professional development, all of which are supported by the ICC’s layout and modern design. Delegates will have access to spacious foyers for informal meetings, breakout rooms for focused discussions, and exhibition areas designed to optimise footfall and interaction.
The wider Olympia estate will further enhance the conference experience. New hospitality venues, cultural attractions, eateries, and public realm improvements are being introduced as part of the regeneration, enabling delegates to combine business with leisure without needing to leave the campus.
For organisers, the presence of on-site hotels offers logistical simplicity and an appealing package for residential conferences—a major advantage for multi-day medical events attracting national audiences.
Strengthening London’s Position as a Global Conference Destination
The partnership between BAUS and Olympia comes at a pivotal moment for London’s events industry. The arrival of a major new convention centre in the heart of the city strengthens London’s proposition to international associations, particularly those in medical, scientific, and academic fields.
As Olympia prepares to reopen in 2026, the ICC is set to become a flagship venue capable of attracting high-profile conferences that require scale, sophistication, and cutting-edge facilities. The BAUS Annual Scientific Meeting—scheduled for both 2026 and 2028—demonstrates early confidence in the venue’s capabilities and marks the beginning of a new era for large-scale association events in the capital.
A Strong Start for Olympia’s ICC
As one of the first large congresses to take place at the new ICC, the BAUS Annual Scientific Meeting will help showcase Olympia’s transformation to the wider events industry. Its return to London after 40 years underscores the significance of the redevelopment and highlights the growing opportunities for medical and scientific associations to bring their flagship gatherings back to the capital.
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