It is set up to provide funding for international association congresses to be organized in Vienna between January and April, and in July, August, November and December from 2025. Applications are already open.
For many years, Vienna has ranked among the leading congress destinations worldwide. Congresses drive innovation, are an important economic asset and play a key role in promoting the internationalization of the city. The Vienna Convention Fund 2025+ assists organizers by providing funding for the costs that occur when actually hosting the event in the city.
What is covered by the fund?
The Vienna Convention Fund 2025+ provides funding for international association congresses that take place in the city from 1 January 2025. Funding is only available for international congresses hosted in Vienna between January and April, and in July, August, November and December.
The fund supports international association congresses – for which the (registered) participants are known to the organizer – that add value for Vienna as an innovation hub and a location for business.
Funding is available for variable costs related directly to organization of the event which are paid to third parties. Examples include costs associated with the event location and for other service providers such as accommodations, A/V companies and caterers.
What funding possibilities are available?
To qualify for funding, the following requirements must be met:
- Location: The event is taking place in Vienna and payment is made to the venue (hotel or event location).
- Duration of event: at least 4 hours.
- Participants: at least 50 on site.
- International participants: at least 50% of on site participants
- Overnight stays: The number of international overnight stays booked at hotels in Vienna must amount to at least 50% of the number of on-site participants.
The amount of funding provided is staggered according to the number of participants and congress days. The more on-site participants (i.e. those physically present in Vienna) and the longer the event, the higher the funding. The maximum funding per event is EUR 40,000. The maximum amount per participant category can be seen in the Funding Guidelines.
In addition, the Vienna Loyalty Fund is available. Funding is provided for returning international association congresses to be organized in Vienna. Applications are open as of 01 January 2023, all details can be found here.
Who can apply for funding?
The Vienna Convention Fund 2025+ is aimed at domestic and international legal organizers (federations and associations as well as foundations, funds and companies with legal capacity, that were set up for charitable purposes), who are planning and hosting a congress themselves or via a third-party, and who bear the economic risk and therefore ultimate responsibility for all costs.
In addition, legal entities under public law (e.g. universities) as well as private universities and universities of applied sciences may submit applications for funding, provided that the object of funding is an international association congress and are demonstrably commissioned to stage the event.
Agencies are entitled to apply for support if they are demonstrably acting on behalf of the organizer.
How can applications be made?
Applications can be made online at any time via the Vienna Convention Bureau. After the formal evaluation, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that applications cannot be submitted more than five years before the date of the event.
Please use this portal to make an application. Please ensure that you complete the forms supplied in full before uploading them. You will find them in the download area.
Events that receive funding from the Vienna Convention Fund 2025+ must display the Meeting Destination Vienna logo in their marketing materials.
