Where the industry gets together

Held every two years in Cologne, Germany, the IAKS Congress is the world’s leading international forum for professionals involved in the planning, construction, modernisation and management of sports and leisure facilities. It fosters networking, knowledge sharing, ideas exchange and drives innovation for active communities.

Who you will meet

  • Architects, planners, landscape architects
  • Representatives of municipalities and public sector organisations
  • Operators of sports and leisure facilities
  • Industry partners and solution providers
Networking scene at the IAKS congress

Why attend?

  • Global knowledge-sharing platform
  • Interdisciplinary exchange across the entire sector
  • Alongside the FSB/Aquanale major international industry gathering
  • Home of the prestigious IOC IAKS Architecture Prize award ceremony
  • Biennial event with a long-standing tradition
  • Reduced rates for IAKS members
  • 40+ Expert Speakers*
  • +500 Participants*
  • +40 Countries*
  • 11 Sessions*
  • 4 days*
  • > 55% would actively recommend to a colleague or friend (NPS® 46)*

*2025 IAKS Congress Facts & Figures

The IAKS Congress experience

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Learn

Gain insights from international experts through presentations, panel discussions and workshops covering the most relevant topics in the industry.

Happy Hour IAKS stand

Connect

Meet and exchange with leading professionals from around the world. Build partnerships, share experiences and expand your network.

IAKS Award Ceremony, 29th IAKS Congress 2025, Cologne

Celebrate

Take part in a unique event atmosphere with the prestigious IOC IAKS Architecture Prize gala.

Old building with modern pool

Discover

Guided facility and study tours during the congress let you explore outstanding sports and leisure facilities in the region.

People discussing on a panel at the 29th IAKS congress

Discuss

The IAKS Congress offers a unique combination of informative sessions and lively forums for discussing the issues that matter to the industry.

Cologne, Germany. Cathedral and Rhine River view

Enjoy

The Cologne/Bonn area is a must-see region of Germany. Take some time to visit the stunning Cologne Cathedral, go on a boat trip on the romantic Rhine, or simply soak up the friendly atmosphere in a traditional German 'brauhaus'.

Voices from our visitors

Portrait of Julian Todd, Sport New Zealand

„While it is certainly a long way from New Zealand the quality of the speakers, the content of their presentations, the organisation and the sheer scale of the FSB made the trip extremely worthwhile and has given us much to ponder and consider going forward.“

Julian Todd, Group Project Manager Sport New Zealand (NZ)

Mike Lawless

„Wonderfully organised and managed conference. I gained a great deal from it and enjoyed my time with the rest of those who attended.“

Mike Lawless, Founder/Director LA ARCHITECTS (UK)

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I did want to thank you for all of the work you put into organizing the Congress. It was my first time, and it really was a special event and was very well run.

Paul Fast, Principal HCMA Architecture (CA)

Bernstein Emma Headshot 650

I found it a really enthralling event and made so many new contacts.

Emma Bernstein, Strategic Projects Lead Sport England (UK)

FSB trade show, view in mall with crowd

Meet & Trade

The IAKS congress takes place alongside the FSB trade fair, the largest international trade fair for public space, sports and leisure facilities. As part of FSB, aquanale show is completely dedicated to the pool and wellness industry with all major brands showcasing their latets products.

Alltogether, it is the perfect opportunity to come together and learn what shapes the future of our industry – in one go!

Logo koelnmesse Germany
Logo FSB trade show
Logo Aquanale

Venue

IAKS congress is held at the koelnmesse congress centre, part of the koelnmesse trade fair grounds. Located in the heart of Europe in the City of Cologne, the venue is easy accessible via plane, train or car from international destinations.

Three international airports (CGN, DUS, FRA) are connected with direct ICE trains to Cologne. In just 14 minutes, visitors can reach the city from Cologne Bonn Airport, which connects Cologne with 27 airlines and 120 destinations. The journey from Düsseldorf and Frankfurt takes about an hour. Cologne is an important rail hub with 1,300 daily train connections and provides fast access to the European capitals.

The venue offers perfect technique and atmosphere to host large networking events.

Entrance to koelnmesse south
Reception desk at the 29th IAKS congress

Stay tuned for 2027!

The next IAKS Congress is just around the corner: from 26–29 October 2027, the sports and leisure facilities community will once again come together in Cologne. Make sure you don’t miss any updates on what to expect. Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2027.

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