“A conference that truly brought people together”
After an impressive career as a head and neck surgeon and professor/head of department at Amsterdam UMC, Prof. René Leemans is approaching retirement. But slowing down is not on his agenda. As Congress Chair of ECHNO2025 – the international head and neck oncology conference organised biennially by a national society selected by the European Head and Neck Society – he brought his peers from all over Europe and beyond to a very special venue: the Beurs van Berlage in the heart of Amsterdam. “It’s a place that connects people – exactly what we aimed for with this congress.”
A major undertaking
For Leemans, ECHNO2025 was a particularly meaningful moment. Not only because of its international character, but also because he was one of the founding members of the European Head and Neck Society twenty years ago. “Bringing the congress back to Amsterdam just before my retirement feels like a fitting conclusion,” he shares. “But of course, this was not a solo effort – it was a team achievement, together with colleagues from Amsterdam UMC, the Dutch Head and Neck Tumour Working Group, and the invaluable support of Amsterdam UMC Conferences & Events.”
Interdisciplinary and international
What makes ECHNO so valuable, according to Leemans, is that it doesn’t just unite surgeons, but brings together a wide range of disciplines: from radiotherapists and medical oncologists to speech therapists, radiologists, pathologists and more. “This field is incredibly interesting, largely because of the multidisciplinary collaboration. This congress showed that such an approach is alive and well on a European level.”
Beyond professional content, the human side of the work played a key role in the programme. Leemans was personally involved in a parallel session centred around the ‘Make Sense’ campaign – a European head and neck cancer awareness initiative he co-founded and still leads today. “In that panel session, we discussed how we interact with patients and how that could be improved. Patients were present as well – which added a very special dimension.”
A perfectly suited venue
According to Leemans, choosing the Beurs van Berlage as the venue was a conscious decision. “If you’re looking for a location for around 1,000 people in Amsterdam, there’s only a small group of options. The Beurs immediately stood out: in terms of appearance, professionalism, and location.” While the costs initially seemed higher than some alternatives, the overall value was much greater. “What you get is quality – and that shows in everything: from the service to the catering.” He praises the collaboration with the Beurs team: “They are extremely professional. Questions are addressed quickly, nothing is too much trouble. That gives you peace of mind – and allows you to truly focus on the programme content as an organiser.”
Speaker Service Centre makes the difference
A significant innovation during ECHNO2025 was the introduction of parallel sessions: multiple sessions running simultaneously in different rooms of the Beurs. “For the first time, we had four parallel sessions spread across various halls,” Leemans says. “It enriched the programme and made it more appealing to a wider audience, but it also posed logistical challenges.”
That’s where the Beurs’ Speaker Service Centre played a crucial role. “Thanks to that system, speakers could easily upload their presentations, which were then automatically prepared in the right room. Without that service, we couldn’t have managed.” He also commends the flexibility and responsiveness of the Beurs team. “If, for example, there were not enough chairs, someone would show up with extra furniture within five minutes. Everything was handled with a smile.”
A proud ambassador
During the preparations for this congress, Leemans was asked to become an ambassador for the Beurs. “It was a kind invitation I gladly accepted,” he smiles. “I already knew a few colleagues who were also ambassadors. Taking on such a role felt logical, especially given the pleasant collaboration.”
Final thought: do it well, or not at all
What advice would he give peers who wish to organise a congress someday? Leemans is clear: “Organising a large-scale congress is truly a team effort. So it’s essential to have a dedicated team. And remember: do it well, or don’t do it at all. Pay attention to the programme, start planning early, and go for quality. It pays off.” ECHNO2025 brought together professionals from different disciplines, hospitals, and countries. The Beurs van Berlage offered the perfect stage for this special gathering, which provided a major boost to international and multidisciplinary collaboration in oncology.