When the 11th Drug Hypersensitivity Meeting took place in Antwerp from 9 to 11 April 2026, the appeal of the destination extended beyond its obvious merits. The focused meeting, organised by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, EAACI, brought together researchers, clinicians and early-career professionals working in one of allergy medicine’s most complex fields. For Antwerp, the event demonstrated how a compact, accessible city with strong local expertise can help medical congresses move from scientific exchange to practical impact.
Prof. Dr. Didier Ebo, Chair of the DHM 2026 Organising Committee, and Prof. Dr. Vito Sabato, Co-chair, have both highlighted the prevalence of drug hypersensitivity as a significant yet too often underestimated issue in healthcare. They emphasised its central role in shaping the Antwerp meeting. Discussions with them highlighted the two diagnostic challenges that are central to the field. Underdiagnosis can leave patients at risk of severe reactions when exposed to the same medicine again. Conversely, overdiagnosis can result in patients being erroneously advised to avoid essential drugs, which may lead to less effective treatment, higher costs and avoidable complications. Against that backdrop, DHM 2026 created a platform to explore why patients become allergic to drugs, how risks can be predicted and how treatment pathways can support personalised care.
The scientific fit was strong. The Department of Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology of the Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp are widely recognised leading centres of expertise in the field of drug hypersensitivity. This distinction is best illustrated by the leadership of Prof. Dr. Didier Ebo and Prof. Dr. Vito Sabato, as well as the close collaboration between university research and hospital practice. The meeting’s central theme “Bridging basic and clinical science in drug hypersensitivity” was closely aligned with the local expertise. The integration of science and practice across sessions was a key feature, with both domains treated as equal partners in the discourse rather than as separate entities. The programme included plenary lectures, symposia, pro and con debates, educational sessions, oral abstract presentations and poster discussions. The topics covered included emerging mechanisms and diagnosis to biologicals, oncology-related hypersensitivity, paediatric allergy and severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
This strength was reflected in the scale and energy of the event. According to EAACI, DHM 2026 welcomed more than 640 participants from 61 countries, alongside 251 abstract submissions, underlining the global relevance of the field and the appetite for high-level, in-person exchange. The meeting placed strong emphasis on future talent, with opportunities for junior members and early-career researchers to present their work, engage with experts and discuss unmet needs in diagnosis, mechanisms and treatment.
From a delegate experience perspective, Antwerp was a success. DHM 2026 took place in Queen Elisabeth Hall, at A Room with a ZOO, Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp. This venue is conveniently located next to Antwerp Central Station and within easy reach of hotels, restaurants and the historic centre. For an international medical audience, the ability to balance scientific content with networking is essential. The ability to move easily between the venue, accommodation and social programme helps to create more time for discussion. The welcome reception at Antwerp City Hall on 9 April, followed by dinner at Hof van Liere, provided delegates with the opportunity to experience the city’s historic and cultural setting.
Martina Fanelli further added: “Local destination support in Antwerp was extremely valuable. Organisations like Antwerp Convention Bureau provide expert guidance, from connecting planners with reliable local suppliers to assisting with venue selection, logistics, site visits and organisation. That on-the-ground knowledge reduces uncertainty and allows organisers to deliver a high-quality event with confidence.”
That support was important in the bid and planning process. Prof. Dr. Didier Ebo and Prof. Dr. Vito Sabato highlighted the importance of establishing the right connections in a city where the organisers lacked an extensive local network. Antwerp Convention Bureau assisted by connecting the team with venues, hotels and practical partners, enabling a swift, straightforward and competitive bid process. Combined with accessibility from major European hubs and a compact city layout, this support helped position Antwerp as both a credible scientific host and an efficient congress destination.
For EAACI and the drug hypersensitivity community, Antwerp was more than just a convenient location. It offered the right balance of scientific relevance, destination support and delegate experience. By doing so, DHM 2026 further demonstrated Antwerp’s potential for future life sciences and medical meetings, where strong local expertise can facilitate connections between international communities, encourage collaboration and accelerate the translation of research into better patient care.
