Researchers, doctors and scientists from more than 30 countries gathered at Royal Jaarbeurs in September 2025 for the CRI-ENCI Ninth International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference (CICON). Knowledge sharing and personal interaction related to cancer immunotherapy research were the key focal points. And delegates found themselves in the ideal conference city: “Utrecht really is a very pleasant surprise for first-time international visitors.”
From a flexible stand plan to quick coordination on signage and logistics, questions were dealt with quickly. If we needed anything, we usually got a response within a day. You sense that the Jaarbeurs team is used to managing international conferences.Christiane Reeve - Executive Director, CIMT
CICON is a meeting series presented by the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) and the European Network for Cancer Immunotherapy (ENCI). CICON 2025 was organized by the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT), an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the development of cancer immunotherapy since 2002 and part of ENCI. The Netherlands was a strong candidate to serve as a host country due to its leading position in cancer immunotherapy research as well as CIMT’s relatively large Dutch network. The organising team visited various cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht in 2023, with Utrecht emerging as the top choice.
“The city’s central location was a major advantage,” says Christiane Reeve, Managing Director of CIMT. “Factors such as the easy accessibility by train, short travel time to Schiphol Airport and the city’s compact scale make Utrecht very attractive. You can reach places quickly and it doesn’t feel overcrowded.”
Making the difference
Royal Jaarbeurs also proved to be the perfect match as a conference venue, with Christiane citing key aspects such as the location and flexibility of the spaces. Scalability also played a key role: with participant numbers not being confirmed far in advance, it was essential that the venue was able to adapt. “As we didn’t know exactly how many people would be attending, we needed a venue that could grow or shrink accordingly without immediately feeling either too large or empty.”
Christiane also appreciated the personal approach and involvement she experienced right from the initial site visits more than two years before the conference. The team guided the organisers through the city, brainstormed about hotel options and showed how everything could come seamlessly together in one location. “They really took the time,” adds Christiane.
Plenary programme in theatre setting
The plenary programme took place in the Beatrix Theatre. “The theatre-style seating and excellent acoustics made for a very pleasant setting,” remembers Christiane. Sub-sessions were held in the surrounding rooms, complemented by a spacious industry exhibition and poster presentation. “That is essential for this kind of scientific conference where you need room for posters, stands and spontaneous encounters. Everything worked very well here.”
Fast and proactive teamwork
Christiane speaks highly of the collaboration with Jaarbeurs. “From a flexible exhibition layout to the fast coordination on signage and logistics, all our requests were handled efficiently. Whenever we needed something, we usually received a response within a day; you can tell the team is experienced in supporting international conferences.”
Jaarbeurs account manager Corry Neggers-Huygen is obviously pleased to hear this: “We do offer a genuinely unique location for international conferences. Jaarbeurs has the kind of international atmosphere you’d find in places like Amsterdam without being quite so busy.”
A personal welcome
Corry attributes these assets not only to the complex’s location next to Utrecht Central Station and the flexibility of its diverse venues. “It also revolves around how people are received. At Jaarbeurs, we see it as our mission to ensure international guests feel instantly welcome – as if they’re joining a team that truly sees them, understands them and is ready to take care of everything.” The success of this approach is often mentioned by organisers. “They tell us that they feel very much at home here, even when bringing together hundreds of colleagues from around the world.”
A natural fit
According to Corry, CICON is a natural match with Jaarbeurs. “This conference is about progress in cancer immunology and immunotherapy; about hope, innovation and collaboration. These are all themes that have a significant impact on society.” The environment in and around Utrecht also plays a role. “We have a strong medical and scientific community, with institutions such as UMC Utrecht and the Science Park nearby. CICON attracts world-class expertise, and we are honoured to serve as a platform where knowledge sharing, connections and inspiration can take centre stage.”
Looking back with pride
Corry can now reflect on a conference that will live long in the memory: “People working passionately on something that changes lives is exactly the kind of event we love to facilitate. These are conferences that go beyond the programme and have a real societal impact. The fact that we at Jaarbeurs can play a role in this makes us all truly proud.”
