The World Congress of ORL is organised by IFOS every four years and preparations are already underway for 2030. Voting to select the final destination for the 2030 congress will take place at IFOS 2026 in Istanbul in September.
Yokohama, Greater Tokyo Area, Japan
Japan holds a special place in IFOS history. The idea of establishing an international federation was first proposed at the International Congress of Otorhinolaryngology held in Tokyo in 1965. Hosting IFOS 2030 in Japan would represent a symbolic return to the birthplace of the federation.
Today, Japan is home to Asia’s largest ORL-HNS community, with more than 11,000 members in the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Japan is also recognised as a global leader in research and innovation.
Yokohama is just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, and offers outstanding global connectivity, safety, hospitality and convenience. The proposed venue, Pacifico Yokohama, is Japan’s largest integrated convention and exhibition centre.
The future of ORL-HNS is being transformed by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, robotics and precision medicine. At the same time, healthcare systems worldwide face the growing challenges of ageing populations and increasingly complex patient needs. IFOS 2030 in Yokohama will provide a global platform to explore these challenges and opportunities. The scientific programme will focus on AI-powered precision surgery, digital innovation in head and neck cancer care, and solutions for healthy longevity.
We would be honoured to host a memorable and forward-looking IFOS World Congress in 2030.
Prof Tatsuya Yamasoba
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers an exceptional setting to host IFOS 2030, combining outstanding infrastructure, global accessibility and a vibrant scientific community. The proposed venue, the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), provides modern, flexible facilities fully capable of accommodating a congress of this scale, with efficient layouts and state-of-the-art technical resources ensuring seamless scientific exchange.
The city benefits from excellent international travel connections and an efficient public transport network, enabling easy access to the venue from across the metropolitan area. Barcelona also offers a wide range of accommodation options, with over 70,000 hotel beds across all categories, ensuring accessibility for delegates worldwide.
The bid is fully supported by the Spanish National Society and by a strong and experienced national organising committee, working alongside an international multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in large-scale congress organisation. The scientific programme is designed to be comprehensive, inclusive and forward-looking, fostering global collaboration in otolaryngology.
Barcelona’s unique blend of innovation, culture and organisational excellence makes it an ideal host city for IFOS 2030.
Prof Manuel Bernal-Sprekelsen
London, UK
London – ‘the world in one city’ – is a multicultural hub of innovation, culture and connectivity, with over 300 languages spoken, hundreds of nationalities represented and unequalled travel access. Boasting pioneers in medicine and surgery at world-leading universities, London hosted the first post-WWII ENT world congress in 1949, coinciding with the birth of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) – championing universal, equitable healthcare.
Under the theme ‘Serving Tomorrow’s World Today,’ our vision places the global patient at the heart of modern ORL-HNS practice. Through a unique programme built across 13 cross-cutting themes, we will unite international healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers and industry partners to address our specialty’s greatest challenges and opportunities.
Inclusivity and legacy drive our bid. To support the next generation, we commit to funding 13 annual travelling fellowships for young-IFOS members from low-resource settings to experience the NHS (each year, from 2026 through 2030), as we shape a digital, inclusive international health service.
London is outward-looking, collaborative and ready to host a congress of absolute excellence. We will celebrate the wisdom of our specialty’s forebears and leaders, while harvesting the energy of our youth to forge a legacy of shared learning and lasting global impact. Vote for London 2030!
Prof Taranjit Singh Tatla
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen holds a unique place in the history of international otorhinolaryngology. In 1928, the first global ORL congress was held in the Danish capital, sparking international collaboration and ultimately leading to the formation of IFOS. Back then, the meeting venue was the Danish parliament building Christiansborg, with King Christian X giving the opening speech. In 2030, we invite colleagues from around the world to return and celebrate a century of shared scientific progress.
The Copenhagen bid is led by an experienced and internationally connected team, with strong support from the Danish ORL Society, the Nordic ORL societies and Danish health authorities. Together with the IFOS board, we aim to deliver a congress defined by scientific excellence, collaboration and lasting impact.
Under the theme ‘A Century of Progress: Connecting Past, Present, and Future’, the meeting will honour IFOS’s legacy while shaping its future. We seek to create an immersive scientific and social experience that fosters knowledge exchange, critical discussion and new collaborations.
Copenhagen offers an ideal setting: a clean, safe, accessible and sustainable city, easily navigated and rich in culture and cuisine, with proximity between airport, congress venue and city centre.
We warmly welcome the global ORL community to Copenhagen in 2030.
Prof Per Caye-Thomasen
Hong Kong SAR, China
Hong Kong SAR – where East meets West and where the global medical community truly converges – is among the very best destinations to host the 2030 IFOS World Congress. As a vibrant city of China, Hong Kong offers an exceptional setting for international collaboration, scientific exchange and professional inspiration.
Attendees will enjoy a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere, supported by world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless connectivity. Beyond the congress halls, Hong Kong’s renowned culinary culture is simply irresistible – an experience in itself, adding warmth and enjoyment to every day of the programme.
Just as importantly, Hong Kong will proudly showcase the latest in ENT, head and neck research and innovation to the world. From emerging technologies to leading clinical advances, the congress will be a true platform for scientific visibility and international partnership.
If successful, the 2030 IFOS World Congress will become a memorable milestone for Hong Kong SAR, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, leaving lasting value for our profession and our community.
Our organising and scientific committees bring together distinguished experts and leaders, including top researchers from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as global leaders in the field.
Prof Michael Tong
