Tartu Recognises World-Class Conference Organisers
Yesterday, 28 January, the City of Tartu recognised conference organisers whose contribution brought 50 international conferences and more than 4,000 international delegates to Tartu last year. Conference tourism makes a significant economic contribution to the city, as such visitors spend more than three times as much as leisure tourists. In addition, six locals were awarded the title of Tartu Conference Ambassador.
The City of Tartu, in cooperation with the Estonian Convention Bureau (ECB), recognised international conference organisers and new Tartu Conference Ambassadors for the 13th time this year. The appreciation event took place at the Lydia Event Centre.
Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas emphasised the importance of conference tourism for the city. “Tartu has proven itself as a valued international conference destination, attracting high-level scientific and professional events and participants from all over the world. Last year saw a significant increase in the number of international conferences, demonstrating the strong potential of Tartu as a university city to host world-class meetings across many fields,” said Klaas.
According to Kadri Karu, Director of the Estonian Convention Bureau, Tartu made a remarkably strong contribution to the development and export of Estonia’s conference sector last year. “In the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) ranking of international conference destinations, Estonia is the clear leader in the Baltics and has now reached 44th place globally. Conferences held in Tartu played a decisive role in this achievement. Tartu’s progress is also reflected in the fact that the city has entered the global Top 100 conference cities for the first time,” Karu noted.
Tartu Conference Ambassadors play an important role in promoting the city as a high-value conference destination by successfully bringing international events in their fields to Tartu. To date, Tartu has 147 conference ambassadors.
This year’s Tartu Conference Ambassador titles were awarded to:
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Professor Evelin Loit-Harro, Estonian University of Life Sciences
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Dr Virge Pall, Director of the Transplantation Centre, University of Tartu
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Professor Uku Vainik, University of Tartu
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Associate Professor Kelli Lehto, University of Tartu
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Dr Riina Vibo, Researcher at the University of Tartu and Neurologist at Tartu University Hospital
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Professor Janika Kõrv, University of Tartu and Senior Physician-Lecturer at Tartu University Hospital
The Estonian Convention Bureau selected the 12th INTECOL Wetlands Conference, organised by the University of Tartu, as the Conference Act of the Year in Tartu 2025, recognising its diverse programme, long duration, and high number of international participants and represented countries.
In addition, 13 international conferences held in Tartu last year were recognised for promoting Estonia’s achievements globally and strengthening Tartu’s visibility as a centre of excellence across different fields. Several annual flagship conferences held in Tartu also received special recognition, including sTARTUp Day and a range of long-running international academic and professional conferences.
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Posted: 29.01.2026
Categories: News
