Leiden welcomes the largest congress ever: The 33rd Annual Meeting van de European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) in 2027
Leiden is proud to announce that the city has been selected to host the 33rd Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), scheduled for August 25-28, 2027. After an intensive bidding process and a comprehensive site visit by EAA President Eszter Bánffy, EAA Secretary, and EAA staff on June 17-18, 2024, the EAA Executive Board accepted Leiden's bid. The board praised the city’s excellent facilities and vibrant archaeological landscape, expressing full confidence in Leiden's ability to organize the event to the highest standard.
We are extremely proud to welcome such an important meeting to Leiden!
Martijn Bulthuis, Director of Leiden&Partners, responded to the announcement: "We are extremely proud to welcome such an important meeting to Leiden. This not only reflects the city's deep ties to archaeology but also the strength of our collaborations with academic and cultural institutions. Hosting this conference contributes to positioning Leiden as the City of Science—a positioning that, on the one hand, strengthens the prosperity and well-being of our local community while at the same time benefiting the broader international academic network."
The Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University
This prestigious event brings together leading archaeologists and researchers from across Europe and beyond, further enhancing Leiden's reputation as a center for archaeological research and education.
Jan Kolen, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University, also expressed his enthusiasm: "The 33rd Annual Meeting of the EAA is an exciting opportunity to showcase the world-class research being conducted in Leiden. Our faculty, together with the broader archaeological community in the Netherlands, looks forward to strengthening ties with international scholars and contributing even more to the important debates shaping the future of archaeology. We are excited to welcome colleagues from around the world to our beautiful city."
Strong collaboration
The successful bid was the result of a strong collaboration between various local institutions and the Municipality of Katwijk, including the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University, represented by Dean Jan Kolen, the National Research School for Archaeology ARCHON, represented by Philip Verhagen, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), represented by Jos Bazelmans, Heritage Leiden, represented by Arthur Barendsen, and the Leiden Convention Bureau, represented by Martijn Bulthuis.
Hosting the EAA Annual Meeting in 2027 demonstrates the power of collaboration between Leiden's leading archaeological and heritage institutions. Their shared vision ensures a successful congress that not only fosters academic exchange but also highlights Leiden’s rich history and innovative approaches to archaeology. This partnership between local organizations and the European Association of Archaeologists reflects the innovative and cooperative spirit that defines Leiden.
Economische impact
The EAA Congress in Leiden, with more than 3,000 business visitors, is expected to generate a total economic impact of over €2.28 million, based on an average spending of €760 per visitor during their stay in the Netherlands. This includes expenditures on accommodation, meals, transport, and other services. Moreover, 70% of these expenses directly stimulate the local economy, providing a significant boost to hospitality, hotels, and other local businesses in the city.*
For more information about the event and its significance for the local and international archaeological community, visit the European Association of Archaeologists' website or contact the Leiden Convention Bureau.
About Leiden
Leiden, City of Science, where rich cultural heritage meets innovation. Home to the largest life science park in the Netherlands, the Leiden Bio Science Park, which drives groundbreaking research and sustainability initiatives; the oldest university; and a rich heritage with 3,000 monuments and 13 museums.
Note to editors (not for publication): For more information, please get in touch with Miranda Geerlings at miranda@leidenenpartners.nl or by phone at +31 71 516 09 93.
Leiden Convention Bureau
Leiden Convention Bureau (LCB), an initiative of Leiden&Partners, is responsible for increasing the city's visibility as a destination for (inter)national conferences and business meetings.
*** Source: NBTC publication Business Meetings in the Netherlands** - page 13
While a vacationer spends an average of €650 per stay, a business visitor spends an average of €760. Moreover, there are differences within the business segment itself. For example, individual business travelers spend an average of €633 per stay, whereas Meeting & Congress (M&C) visitors, such as conference attendees, spend an average of €1,131.
© Photo by Dirk van Egmond - De Burcht
