Planning an international conference in Estonia? A range of conference grants and destination support services in Estonia can help organisers with funding, bidding, site inspections and delegate services. International conference organisers may benefit from national and local conference grants, professional bid support, site inspection funding and free public transport for conference delegates in Tallinn. The Estonian Convention Bureau can also provide impartial advice and connect organisers with suitable venues, hotels and local partners

Estonian Business and Innovation Agency International Conference Grant

The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) provides financial support for organising international conferences in Estonia and marketing them internationally. The grant is designed for scientific, professional and special-interest international conferences and meetings that bring international participants to Estonia.

Eligible conferences must:

• take place in Estonia and have a programme lasting at least two consecutive days;
• attract at least 200 foreign participants when held in Tallinn or 100 foreign participants elsewhere in Estonia;
• be marketed in at least two international markets;
• provide participants with information about tourism opportunities in Estonia; and
• follow principles of sustainability, accessibility, gender equality and equal treatment.

The maximum grant is €30,000 per conference, with a minimum self-financing requirement of 30%. Applications must be submitted at least four months before the conference. Application rounds, available budgets and deadlines may vary from year to year, so organisers should always check the latest information before applying.

For current application dates, detailed eligibility criteria and eligible costs, visit the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency’s International Conference Grant page

Tallinn International Conference Grant

The City of Tallinn provides financial support for international conferences taking place in the Estonian capital during selected periods of the year. Eligible conferences must take place between 1 January and 31 May or 1 September and 30 November and meet the following main criteria:

• The conference programme must last at least two consecutive days.
• Each of the two qualifying days must include at least four hours of substantive conference content.
• Foreign delegates must come from at least two countries.
• Conferences held in January, February or March must attract at least 50 foreign delegates.
• Conferences held in April, May, September, October or November must attract at least 100 foreign delegates.

The maximum grant is €35,000 per conference and can cover up to 60% of eligible expenses. Applications are evaluated primarily according to the number of participation days generated by foreign delegates, calculated by multiplying the number of foreign delegates by the number of conference days. The conference topic is also taken into consideration.

Application rounds and available funding vary, so organisers are advised to check the latest information before applying. For current application deadlines, eligible costs and detailed funding criteria, visit the Visit Tallinn International Conference Support Grant page.

Free Public Transport for Conference Delegates in Tallinn

Tallinn is compact and highly walkable, but organisers of international conferences and other qualifying events can also apply for free public transport for delegates. Approved events receive a special QR public transport ticket that can be sent to participants electronically before arrival or printed on conference badges. The ticket can be used on Tallinn’s buses, trams and trolleybuses during the approved period. The scheme makes it easier for delegates to move between hotels, conference venues and other locations while supporting more sustainable event travel.See the Visit Tallinn Free Public Transport for Events page for application details.

Site Inspection Support

Choosing the right destination and venues is an important part of planning an international conference. The Estonian Convention Bureau provides support for site inspections in Estonia for qualified international conference organisers and key decision-makers considering Estonia for a future event. Support may include assistance with travel and accommodation costs, depending on the project and eligibility. ECB can also help create a tailored site inspection programme, recommend suitable conference venues and hotels, arrange meetings with local partners, and introduce organisers to Estonia’s conference infrastructure and destination experiences.

For site inspection enquiries, please contact Ms Külli Teimann, Senior Advisor, Business Events, at kylli.teimann@ecb.ee

Conference Bid Support

The Estonian Convention Bureau provides professional and financial bid support for organisations working to bring international conferences and congresses to Estonia. Depending on the project, support may include:

• preparation of professional conference bid documents and presentations;
• financial assistance with bid materials;
• destination marketing content, images and information;
• travel and accommodation support for international bid presentations;
• registration fees for attending previous editions of the conference;
• tailored site inspections for international decision-makers; and
• introductions to suitable venues, hotels, DMCs and other local partners.

ECB works with local hosts throughout the bidding process to showcase Estonia’s strengths as an international conference destination – from its modern venues and compact cities to digital innovation, sustainability and distinctive delegate experiences.

For personalised advice on bringing an international conference to Estonia, please contact Ms Külli Teimann, Senior Advisor, Business Events, at kylli.teimann@ecb.ee.