Congress of the European Society of
Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Accessibility
Wheelchairs are available in all entrances at the Messe München exhibition centre. They can be borrowed from the security service for a deposit of 50 EUR, payable in cash. Advance reservation is not possible. Please speak to the staff on site and note that these are wheelchairs with manual drive (no electric power wheelchairs).
The entire venue is equipped with wheelchair-accessible passenger lifts, which allow a problem-free change of level. All exhibition areas and catering facilities can be reached without thresholds at ground floor level and are equipped with wheelchair-accessible floor coverings.
Wheelchair accessible toilets can be found at:
Accessibility on Stages
Please note that special ramps might be needed to enter our stages by wheelchair. Please contact info(at)escmid.org well in advance in case you are invited to enter the stage as chair or speaker.
AI Connector
ESCMID is piloting a new AI-powered program assistant at ESCMID Global 2026. Using a technology called MCP (Model Context Protocol), it allows your existing AI tools — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or others — to connect directly to the congress programme, turning them into a personal congress concierge in your pocket. Instead of scrolling through the programme manually, you can ask natural language questions like "What sessions on AMR are happening Friday morning?" and get relevant results back. This is an early-stage experiment, and we welcome early adopters to try it out. Your feedback will help shape how these tools are developed for future congresses
Ameca
Ameca is a humanoid robot developed by UK-based Engineered Arts, known for its remarkably lifelike facial expressions and natural conversational abilities. At this year's congress, Ameca will be serving as an AI-powered concierge — able to answer questions about the scientific program, help you navigate sessions, and assist with planning your agenda. Visit Ameca in Entrance West!
App
The ESCMID Global 2026 app will be available in March and will serve as a guide for delegates to the congress programme, additional features, and networking with fellow attendees. The app will be available on both Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Art Gallery
Every year, ESCMID welcomes art gallery submissions. This year’s theme is food safety - stop by Hall B2 to see the winning pieces, along with a curated selection of other works.
ATM
In the venue you will find an ATM from the following provider:
IC Cash Services GmbH: West Entrance
Please note that cards are accepted at the venue catering points.
Badges
All participants and exhibitors are required to wear their badges throughout the congress (17-21 April 2026). Access to the scientific sessions will only be possible with your personal full congress name badge. The replacement of a lost badge costs 100 EUR. A name change costs 50 EUR.
Beacons
ESCMID Global is rolling out a new geolocation pilot in Munich. Bluetooth-based beacons will track attendance patterns in scientific sessions and the expo hall in order to help ESCMID better deliver personalised session recommendations and plan content for future events. The geolocation tags only function inside the congress venue and you may opt-out at any point by removing the tag from your lanyard. Get your beacon paired and receive a complimentary ESCMID water bottle at the App & Beacon Helpdesk in Entrance West!
Cameras and Recordings
Electronic recording or excessive photography of presentation slides is prohibited in all lecture halls during all sessions. Most of the sessions are recorded and available within 4 hours on the platform.
Catering
Congress registration does not include catering. There are numerous restaurants and cafe areas scattered around the venue. Please see the venue map or ask congress personnel for information. Credit cards and cash are the accepted payment methods. Additionally, there are some restaurant options in close vicinity to the venue.
Certificates
Certificates will be available on the CME Portal, please visit ESCMID: Certificates and Accreditation. Printing of certificates will not be available during ESCMID Global.
Charging points
There are charging points located around the venue which Delegates are welcome to use: a charging station for mobile phones in the Registration Area, plugs in the ESCMID World Village in Hall A1, and a sponsored working station in Hall B1. There are four free mobile charging stations in the ICM, as well as one paid power bank rental station. Please consult the venue map.
Childcare
Children are not allowed inside the venue; if childcare is required please contact info(at)escmid.org
Cloakroom/Luggage Storage
The cloakroom is available throughout the congress and is located in the foyer of Entrance West.
Important: Suitcases that do not fit the onsite baggage sizers (maximum size: 55 × 42 × 26 cm) cannot be brought into the venue and must be checked and stored in the cloakroom.
A second cloakroom will be available in the ICM (B0-2) on the last day of the congress (21 April) only.
Even suitcases that fit the bag sizer cannot enter the Session Halls for fire safety. To accommodate this, bag drop stations are available onsite for delegates to leave their bags when attending sessions. Please note, bags can only be left here during a session and must be picked up immediately after.
Allowed items per attendee:
Rules:
Cloakroom, Entrance West Opening Hours:
Friday, 17 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Saturday, 18 April, 7:00 – 22:00 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 7:30 – 19:00 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 7:30 – 19:00 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 7:30 – 18:00 CEST
Congress Registration
Upon receiving registration payments by ESCMID, each participant will receive a registration confirmation by email. Barcodes are sent ten and again two days before the congress to all registered delegates. Please bring your registration confirmation and go directly to the badge self-print stations located next to the Registration and Accommodation areas in Entrance West.
Delegates with group registration will receive information on how badges and congress materials are distributed from a group coordinator.
If you plan to register onsite, please follow the signs to “New Registration”. You may pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or cash in EUR.
Venue:
Messe München
Am Messesee 2,
81829 München
Germany
Currency
The official currency used in Germany is the EUR. Although credit cards are generally accepted in taxis and most other places, it is advisable to ask before if they accept cards. We advise you to bring a small amount of cash.
Defibrillators
Defibrillators are available in the medical station in Entrance West as well as throughout the venue, with posted signs.
Dining in Munich
German dining culture typically follows a more structured schedule, with lunch served between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner starting around 18:00. However, many restaurants in Munich accommodate international visitors with extended hours. It is highly recommended to reserve a table online or by phone in advance, especially on weekends, as popular spots can fill up quickly. While the city is generally quieter in the late evening, numerous restaurants and bars remain lively until the later hours.
Electricity Supply
In Munich, power plugs and sockets are type C and F and follow the European standard of 230V and 50Hz. It is recommended for attendees to bring adapters.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency, please approach a member of Congress staff or security staff on-site. Dialing 112 from any phone will connect you to the Emergency Services. The dispatch centre will redirect the call accordingly for the type of request to the appropriate emergency service.
Exhibition
The exhibition is located in Hall B1 & B2. Directions are visible through signage and on the mobile app. Congress personnel are also informed and are able to give the correct directions.
First Aid
The first aid station is located in Entrance West. Please refer to the floor plan for more details. In the event of an emergency, please approach a member of Congress staff or security staff on-site.
Grants
Grants and awards can be found here.
Hotels
Please avoid booking through websites that claim they are working for ESCMID Global. In case of any questions, please contact ESCMID. ESCMID is not responsible for fraudulent bookings made through any other channel than the official ESCMID Global provider. Congrex Switzerland is the official congress partner for hotel accommodation and is the only agency offering accommodation on behalf of ESCMID Global.
Info points
Info Points can be found in every Hall. Please note that the Exhibition Helpdesk is located in Hall B2, and the Poster Helpdesk which also acts as an info point is located in Hall B3. Please see the venue map for more information.
Industry Liaison
The Industry Liaison can be contacted via e-mail at escmidsponsorship(at)escmid.org
Integrated Symposia
Integrated Symposia are educational sessions organised and funded by industry partners. More information available here: ESCMID: Industry Programme
Innovation and Pipeline Theater
Step into the dynamic realm of the Innovation & Pipeline Theater, where cutting-edge ideas come to life! Join us for captivating sessions, where more than 70 participants will delve into the latest innovations and developments presented in concise 20-minute talks. More information available here: ESCMID: Industry Programme.
Insurance
The Congress organisers accept no liability for any injuries sustained, or any property loss or damage during, or because of the congress. Please ensure that your insurance is valid.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available at the venue. Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device; if no networks appear, check your settings or contact your provider.
Network: ESCMID Global
Password: Welcome!
Journals
Stay up to date with the latest scientific advancements and benefit from additional journal subscriptions as an ESCMID member.
Keynote Lectures
Keynote lectures at ESCMID Global cover key topics in microbiology and infectious diseases, featuring leading experts who provide an overview of the latest research and developments. These sessions are designed for both specialists and non-specialists, offering insights into cutting-edge advancements and ongoing challenges in the field.
Keynote Fireplace
Fireplace sessions are open discussions held right after the Keynote Lecture or Interview, designed to create an informal and interactive setting. They provide an opportunity for ESCMID trainees and early career members to engage with experts, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a relaxed environment. The Fireplace Room is located in the ICM, behind Hall 14. Hostesses will guide you go the Fireplace Room after the Keynote sessions.
Lactation Room
The lactation room is located in Entrance West. Please note that the lactation room has a sink, but no refrigerator or freezer.
Lactation Room Entrance West Opening Hours:
Language
The official language of ESCMID Global is English. The official language in Germany is German.
Lost and Found
Items found within the venue will be collected by the staff and brought to the registration desk for the duration of the congress.
Luggage Storage / Cloakroom
The cloakroom is available throughout the congress and is located in the foyer of Entrance West.
Important: Suitcases that do not fit the onsite baggage sizers (maximum size: 55 × 42 × 26 cm) cannot be brought into the venue and must be checked and stored in the cloakroom.
A second cloakroom will be available in the ICM (B0-2) on the last day of the congress (21 April) only.
Even suitcases that fit the bag sizer cannot enter the Session Halls for fire safety. To accommodate this, bag drop stations are available onsite for delegates to leave their bags when attending sessions. Please note, bags can only be left here during a session and must be picked up immediately after.
Allowed items per attendee:
Rules:
Cloakroom, Entrance West Opening Hours:
Friday, 17 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Saturday, 18 April, 7:00 – 22:00 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 7:30 – 19:00 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 7:30 – 19:00 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 7:30 – 18:00 CEST
Material Pick-up
Eligible delegates can pick up materials at the Material Pick-up located on the ICM ground floor.
Material Pick-up Opening Hours
Friday, 17 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Saturday, 18 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 7:30 – 18:30 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 7:30 – 18:30 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 7:30 – 12:00 CEST
Meeting and Working Stations
Delegates have multiple opportunities to connect in seating and working areas throughout the venue. Dedicated working stations, and individual meeting booths can be found in Hall B2. Additionally, spacious seating areas can be found throughout the venue, to serve as more informal spots for networking and collaboration.
Mobile Phone Policy
We kindly ask that calls are not made, and your phones switched to silent mode during all sessions. Pictures should not be taken during sessions to respect speakers' privacy as well as the copyright of the presented material.
Newsletter
For updates and further information subscribe to our ESCMID Newsletter here.
Opening Ceremony
The ESCMID Global opening ceremony will take place on Saturday 18.04.2026, in Hall ICM 14 at 18:30 CEST. A reception will follow.
Parking
Delegates will be able to park at Messe München; overnight parking is possible. Please note that the parking garage will open two hours before the event and close two hours after. Outside of these times, leaving is possible but entering is not.
Delegate parking costs EUR 21 per day, and there is no discount for multiple days. Tickets are taken when entering the garage and must be paid by card or cash before exiting - reservation is not possible.
Around the venue, a dynamic traffic guidance system also regulates the flow of vehicles. It guides the logistics traffic and directs you to the nearest available parking area. Please note that the driveways in front of the entrances are restricted during the congress.
Photobooth
The theme of this years photobooth will be Bavarian Beer Garden. One print will be offered per person. The photobooth is located in Hall B2.
Photobooth Opening Hours:
Saturday, 18 April, 9:30 – 18:00 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 9:30 – 17:00 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 9:30 – 17:00 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 9:30 – 14:00 CEST
Photographers
There are official ESCMID Global photographers, responsible for capturing and preserving moments during the event including the sessions and events throughout ESCMID Global. A selection of these photos will be uploaded on the website.
Prayer and Reflection Room
The Prayer and Reflection Room will be open throughout the duration of ESCMID Global in ICM 1.429.
Press Centre
The Press Centre is located in Entrance West.
Press Centre Opening Hours:
Friday, 17 April, 8:00 – 19:00 CEST
Saturday, 18 April, 8:00 – 18:30 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 8:00 – 18:30 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 8:00 – 18:30 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 8:00 – 16:00 CEST
Access is only permitted with press or staff badge.
Want to register as a press delegate? Find all information on ESCMID’s dedicated Press Registration page.
Printing Services
If printing is required, ESCMID Global offers a normal copy service for a fee. This is found in Entrance West, in front of the Sponsor Lounge.
Public Transportation
Delegates with a full registration will also receive a public transportation pass to use in Munich throughout the congress days (17 – 21 April 2026).
Recycling
ESCMID Global is committed to sustainability! Messe München sorts and recycles all waste disposed of in the venue.
Registration Desk
The registration area is found in Entrance West.
Registration Opening Hours:
Thursday, 18 April 10:00-18:00 CEST
Friday, 17 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Saturday, 18 April, 7:00 – 20:00 CEST
Sunday, 19 April, 7:30 – 18:30 CEST
Monday, 20 April, 7:30 – 18:30 CEST
Tuesday, 21 April, 7:30 – 16:00 CEST
Social Media
Receive up to date information on what is being presented in sessions, posters and more by following the official ESCMID social media accounts. Follow “ESCMID” on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and join the conversation using #ESCMIDGlobal2026 and utilise our Promotion Toolkit.
Speaker Ready Room
Onsite speakers can provide congress personnel with their presentations in the Speaker Ready Room, located on the first floor of Entrance West.
Speakers must either provide their presentations on a USB stick (no later than three hours prior to the start of the session) or upload their presentation online from their speaker profile area until 10.04.2026 .
In the Speaker Ready Room, the presenters can check their presentation and, if necessary, make slight modifications. Technicians will be available in the room for support/assistance.
Speaker Ready Room Opening Hours:
Thursday, 16 April, 15:00 – 19:00 CEST
Friday 17 April, 07:00 –20:00 CEST
Saturday 18 April, 07:00 – 20:00 CEST
Sunday 19 April, 07:30 – 18:30 CEST
Monday 20 April, 07:30 – 18:30 CEST
Tuesday 21 April 07:30 – 15:30 CEST
For more information, please look at ESCMID’s designated page.
Transport
The Messe München venue is connected directly to the Messestadt West station by the U2 line, just a short walk from the Entrance West and Registration Area. The venue is 45 minutes from Munich International Airport, depending on traffic. The most convenient station for accessing Entrance West is Messestadt West.
Travelling by car
Messe München is directly on the A94. You can reach the exhibition centre via the exits Feldkirchen-West (exit no. 6) or München-Riem (exit no. 5). Around the exhibition centre, a dynamic traffic guidance system also regulates the flow of vehicles. It guides the logistics traffic and directs you to the nearest available parking area. Please therefore refrain from making a specific entry in your navigation system.
Temperature
Messe München applies fixed temperature guidelines in all halls to ensure comfort, sustainability and transparency for all participants.
During event days:
Please note that actual temperatures may vary depending on visitor density, strong stand lighting, open hall doors, and specific hall layouts.
We kindly ask all exhibitors and participants to take these temperature guidelines into account when planning their stay, clothing and booth setup.
Visa Application
An invitation letter to be used for your visa application can be obtained after completing the ESCMID Global registration. For more information please visit our dedicated Visa Application page.
Water Stations
During the congress, there will be free water stations available, located throughout the venue. Tap water is drinking water!
Cups are not provided, so ESCMID encourages you to bring one to refill, or pick one up with your beacon, at the App & Beacon Helpdesk.
YouTube
Visit ESCMID’s YouTube channel to check out the highlights of ESCMID Global!
Zero Waste Goals
ESCMID Global is committed to sustainability. Learn about eco-friendly event practices and how you can contribute to reducing waste during the congress on ESCMID’s Sustainability page.
You do not need to register before the congress but it is highly recommended to save time onsite. You can see the opening hours of the registration desk here where you can register onsite.
All participants and exhibitors are required to wear their badges throughout the Congress. Access to the congress area will only be possible with your personal name badge. We charge 100 EUR (€) for the replacement of a lost badge. For any name change, we charge a fee of 50 EUR (€).
You can collect your badge and congress material at the marked collection points in the congress venue during their respective opening hours.
Both Onsite and Online only ESCMID Global registrations come with access to the content platform where sessions will be live-streamed during the congress and also available for on demand replay afterwards.
Children under the age of 18 are not permitted to accompany ESCMID Global delegates. Children are not allowed on the venue grounds. If childcare is required please contact info(at)escmid.org.
Congrex Switzerland is the only official provider of hotels for ESCMID Global 2026. Please avoid booking through websites that claim they are working for ESCMID Global and, in case of doubts, please contact us. ESCMID is not responsible for fraudulent bookings made through any channel other than the official ESCMID Global provider.
An invitation letter to be used for your visa application can be obtained after completing your ESCMID Global registration. For more information please visit our dedicated Visa Application page.
Meals are not included in your registration fee.
Looking for more information? Get in touch with an ESCMID representative today!
Registration for ESCMID Global 2026 in Munich is now open.
Register now to get the standard registration fee and attend the world’s most eminent event in the field of infection.