EBC 2026 Rotterdam is set to bring brewing and malting specialists from across Europe and beyond to the Netherlands for the 40th European Brewery Convention Congress.
Taking place from 6–9 September 2026, the congress will be hosted at the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam, right in the heart of the city. For brewing professionals, researchers, suppliers, academics, technical experts, and anyone involved in the future of beer production, EBC 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important industry events of the year.
Unlike some previous editions, the 2026 EBC Congress is returning as a stand-alone technical-scientific event. That means the programme will focus strongly on brewing science, malting research, technical innovation, quality management, sustainability, ingredients, fermentation, packaging, and the latest developments affecting the brewing sector.
Below, you’ll find everything currently announced about EBC 2026, including the event dates, venue, registration fees, programme topics, technical visits, social events, and tips for attendees.
Quick Details
Event: EBC 2026 Rotterdam
Full Name: 40th European Brewery Convention Congress
Dates: 6–9 September 2026
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Venue: Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam
Address: Beursplein 37, Meent 110, 3011 JS Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Focus: Brewing science, malting, technical innovation, beer quality, sustainability, fermentation, ingredients, packaging, and brewery operations
Early Registration Deadline: 30 June 2026
Regular Registration Deadline: 31 July 2026
Late and Onsite Registration Starts: 1 August 2026
Technical Tours: 9 September 2026
What Is EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
EBC 2026 Rotterdam is the 40th European Brewery Convention Congress. The European Brewery Convention is an important technical and scientific meeting point for the brewing and malting sectors, bringing together experts from breweries, universities, research institutes, trade associations, suppliers, and related companies.
The 2026 congress is designed for people who want to understand where brewing science and brewing technology are heading next. While beer festivals often focus on consumer tasting, EBC 2026 is much more industry-focused. It is aimed at people working in or around brewing, malting, beer quality, research and development, raw materials, production, packaging, sustainability, and technical innovation.
For professionals in the beer and brewing world, the event offers a chance to learn from specialists, discover new research, network with international colleagues, and explore the technical challenges shaping the future of the industry.
When Is EBC 2026?
EBC 2026 Rotterdam will take place from Sunday, 6 September to Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
The main congress runs across these dates, with technical tours scheduled for 9 September 2026. Attendees should also note that the Welcome Reception takes place on Sunday evening, 6 September, making the opening day an important part of the overall congress experience.
EBC 2026 Important Dates
Abstract submission opened: 3 November 2025
Oral presentation abstract deadline: 4 February 2026
Poster presentation abstract deadline: 1 March 2026
Registration opened: Second half of March 2026
Early registration deadline: 30 June 2026
Regular registration deadline: 31 July 2026
Late and onsite registration starts: 1 August 2026
Congress dates: 6–9 September 2026
Technical tours: 9 September 2026
Where Is EBC 2026 Rotterdam Being Held?
EBC 2026 will be held at the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam.
The venue is located in central Rotterdam, making it convenient for attendees arriving by train, plane, public transport, car, or on foot from city-centre accommodation.
The address is:
Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam
Beursplein 37, Meent 110
3011 JS Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Why the EBC 2026 Venue Works Well
The Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam is well suited to an international congress because of its central location and strong transport connections.
Rotterdam Central Station is around a 10–15-minute walk from the venue. Attendees can also use metro lines D or E to Beurs station, which is directly connected to the WTC complex. The venue is also served by several tram lines and is accessible by bicycle or on foot from many parts of central Rotterdam.
For international visitors, Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport both provide travel options into the city. Schiphol is especially useful for international arrivals, with direct train connections to Rotterdam Central Station.
EBC 2026 Rotterdam Registration Information
Registration is now one of the most important things for potential attendees to consider. EBC 2026 Rotterdam uses different pricing periods, so registering earlier can reduce the cost of attending.
EBC 2026 Rotterdam Registration Fees
Delegate registration is listed at 760 EUR for early registration, 860 EUR for regular registration, and 960 EUR for late and onsite registration.
National Association member registration is listed at 650 EUR for early registration, 730 EUR for regular registration, and 800 EUR for late and onsite registration.
Speaker and poster author registration is listed at 350 EUR for early registration, 400 EUR for regular registration, and 440 EUR for late and onsite registration.
One-day registration for 7, 8, or 9 September 2026 is listed at 480 EUR for early registration, 540 EUR for regular registration, and 600 EUR for late and onsite registration.
Accompanying person registration is listed at 80 EUR during the early and regular periods, and 90 EUR during the late and onsite periods.
Registration fees include 21% VAT.
What Is Included in EBC 2026 Rotterdam Registration?
For delegates, registration includes admission to the technical-scientific sessions, access to the exhibition area and poster sessions, refreshments during the congress, coffee breaks, lunches, congress materials, the Welcome Reception, and the Hospitality Evening.
Speaker and poster author registration includes similar access, but this discounted fee applies to a maximum of one accepted presenting author per abstract.
One-day registration includes access to the technical-scientific sessions, exhibition area, poster session, refreshments, lunch, congress materials, and selected social-event access depending on the day chosen.
EBC 2026 Rotterdam Programme Topics
The EBC 2026 Rotterdam programme is focused on technical and scientific content for the brewing and malting industries. The programme includes a wide range of topics covering raw materials, process innovation, sustainability, beer quality, fermentation, packaging, and future brewing technologies.
Key EBC 2026 Rotterdam Topics
Analysis and quality management methodology
Barley and cereal breeding
Beer quality, including colloidal stability, sensory quality, and foam
Brewery and maltings management
Cleaning and sanitising advances
Brewing adjuncts and co-products
Upcycling of brewing co-products
Brewing and malting technology
Consumer preference studies
Data mining and AI-supported decision-making
Downstream processing, filtration, stabilisation, and pasteurisation
Environmental sustainability and decarbonisation strategies
Hops, hop products, hop breeding, and agronomy
Non-Saccharomyces fermentations
Sour beers, kveik, SCOBY, and traditional beer-like beverage production
Beer and beverage packaging
Dispense technology
Novel brewing processes and product development
Yeast and fermentation
These topics show that EBC 2026 Rotterdam is not just a general beer industry gathering. It is a highly focused technical congress designed for people who want deeper insight into brewing science, production challenges, research, and innovation.
Technical Visits at EBC 2026 Rotterdam
Technical visits are scheduled for 9 September 2026, allowing attendees to explore breweries and brewing operations beyond the main congress venue.
Capacity for technical visits is limited, so attendees who want to take part should register as early as possible.
Brouwerij Noordt Technical Visit
The Brouwerij Noordt technical visit takes place on 9 September 2026 at 14:00.
Brouwerij Noordt is located in Rotterdam, and the visit includes a welcome beer, a guided brewery tour, and insight into the technical and strategic decisions behind the brewery’s equipment, setup, brewing philosophy, and processes.
The visit is priced at 30 EUR, and transportation is not provided. The brewery is listed as being around 16 minutes from the venue by tram.
Kaapse Brouwerij Technical Visit
The Kaapse Brouwerij technical visit also takes place on 9 September 2026 at 14:00.
This visit gives attendees a closer look at the brewing process, equipment, and philosophy behind Kaapse Brouwers in Rotterdam. The experience includes a guided brewery tour and beer tasting, giving participants the chance to learn more about ingredients, flavours, techniques, and the brewery’s approach to craft beer.
The visit is priced at 30 EUR, and transportation is not provided. The brewery is listed as being around 21 minutes from the venue by tram.
Oedipus Brewing Technical Visit
The Oedipus Brewing technical visit takes place on 9 September 2026 at 14:00.
Unlike the Rotterdam-based visits, this tour is located in Amsterdam. Transportation is provided by bus from the congress venue. Participants will join a guided brewery tour, learn about brewing equipment and small-scale craft production, and take part in a tasting of three beers.
The visit is priced at 30 EUR and offers attendees a chance to explore one of the Netherlands’ creative craft brewing names in a hands-on environment.
Social Events at EBC 2026 Rotterdam
EBC 2026 Rotterdam also includes social events designed to help attendees network in a more relaxed setting.
EBC 2026 Rotterdam Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception takes place on Sunday, 6 September 2026, from 18:30 to 22:00 at the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam.
The reception is included in the registration fee and the accompanying person fee. It is designed as an informal opening event where attendees can meet fellow participants, connect with colleagues, and start building professional relationships before the main congress sessions.
Hospitality Evening at Stadshaven Brewery
The Hospitality Evening takes place on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, from 19:30 to 23:00 at Stadshaven Brouwerij & Gastropub in Rotterdam.
Stadshaven Brouwerij is one of the largest independent craft breweries in the Netherlands and is located in a restored fruit warehouse in the Rotterdam Makers District. The evening includes refreshments inspired by the brewery’s gastropub cuisine, locally brewed Stadshaven craft beers, and the opportunity to explore Rotterdam’s beer culture in a unique waterfront setting.
Who Should Attend EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
EBC 2026 Rotterdam is best suited to people working professionally in beer, brewing, malting, research, technical services, ingredients, equipment, quality control, education, and industry support.
The event is especially relevant for:
Brewers
Maltsters
Brewery owners and managers
Technical brewing specialists
Quality control professionals
Sensory specialists
Fermentation experts
Packaging professionals
Sustainability leads
Hop and barley specialists
Academic researchers
University and research institute teams
Suppliers to the brewing and malting industries
Trade association representatives
Beer industry journalists and the press
Because the congress has a technical-scientific focus, it is especially valuable for attendees who want more than general industry networking. EBC 2026 Rotterdam is built around knowledge, research, production insight, and professional development.
Why EBC 2026 Rotterdam Matters
EBC 2026 Rotterdam matters because the brewing industry is changing quickly. Breweries and maltings are facing pressure to improve sustainability, reduce energy use, manage raw material challenges, respond to changing consumer preferences, and adopt new technologies without compromising quality.
The congress programme reflects many of these priorities. Topics such as decarbonisation, AI-supported decision-making, upcycling of co-products, brewing process innovation, yeast and fermentation, and beer quality management all point toward the future of brewing.
For attendees, the value of the event is not just in hearing presentations. It is also about meeting people who are working on similar challenges across different countries, companies, institutions, and areas of expertise.
Tips for Attending EBC 2026 Rotterdam
Register Before the Deadline
If you plan to attend, pay attention to the registration deadlines. The early registration deadline is 30 June 2026, regular registration ends on 31 July 2026, and late registration starts on 1 August 2026.
Registering earlier can help reduce the cost of attending and give you more time to plan travel, accommodation, and technical visits.
Book Accommodation Early
Because the congress takes place in central Rotterdam, attendees should book accommodation early. Staying near the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam, Rotterdam Central Station, or the Beurs area can make it easier to reach the venue each day.
Plan Your Technical Visit
Technical visits have limited capacity and are booked separately from standard registration. If you are interested in visiting Brouwerij Noordt, Kaapse Brouwerij, or Oedipus Brewing, it is worth securing your place early.
Review the Programme Topics
The programme covers a wide range of technical subjects. Before attending, review the topics most relevant to your work so you can prioritise sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities.
Make Time for Networking
EBC 2026 Rotterdam includes several built-in networking opportunities, including the Welcome Reception, exhibition area, poster sessions, lunches, coffee breaks, technical visits, and Hospitality Evening. These moments can be just as valuable as the formal programme.
Frequently Asked Questions About EBC 2026 Rotterdam
When is EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
EBC 2026 Rotterdam takes place from 6–9 September 2026.
Where is EBC 2026 Rotterdam being held?
EBC 2026 Rotterdam will be held at the Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
What is the full name of EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
The full name is the 40th European Brewery Convention Congress.
Who is EBC 2026 Rotterdam for?
The congress is designed for brewing and malting specialists, brewers, researchers, academics, suppliers, technical experts, trade association members, and professionals working across the beer and brewing industries.
When is the early registration deadline for EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
The early registration deadline is 30 June 2026.
When does late registration start for EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
Late and onsite registration starts on 1 August 2026.
Are technical tours included in the registration fee?
Technical tours are not included in the standard registration fee and need to be booked separately.
What technical visits are available at EBC 2026 Rotterdam?
The listed technical visits include Brouwerij Noordt, Kaapse Brouwerij, and Oedipus Brewing.
Is EBC 2026 Rotterdam a beer festival?
No. EBC 2026 Rotterdam is a professional technical-scientific brewing congress, not a public beer festival. It is focused on brewing science, malting, research, technology, quality, sustainability, and industry development.
Final Thoughts on EBC 2026 Rotterdam
EBC 2026 Rotterdam is set to be a major event for the European and international brewing community. The 40th European Brewery Convention Congress brings together the technical, scientific, and professional sides of the beer industry in one of the Netherlands’ most dynamic cities.
With a strong programme focused on brewing science, malting, sustainability, fermentation, quality, packaging, data, AI, and technical innovation, the congress offers valuable insight for anyone serious about the future of beer.
If you work in brewing, malting, beer research, production, quality, ingredients, equipment, or industry support, EBC 2026 Rotterdam is an event worth adding to your calendar.
Find out more on the official event website here.
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