Harrogate Convention Centre secures contract with MCI to host international medical conference
25 August 2026
Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) has signed a contract with global marketing and engagement agency MCI to host the 14th 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 “Autoinflammation 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 bi-annual 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 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.”
View other News