Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference is dedicated to the latest developments in pulmonary and nasal drug delivery. Scheduled for December 9-11, 2026, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, this event will feature a comprehensive program of lectures and poster presentations.
With over 1000 attendees and 115 exhibitors, it serves as a vital platform for networking and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field of inhalation therapy. Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference takes place from December 9 to 11, 2026, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, UK.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference is a leading event in inhalation therapy, attracting over 1000 attendees and featuring 115 exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by The Aerosol Society, known for its commitment to advancing inhalation science.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals involved in pulmonary drug delivery.
- 5Entry: Registration is required to attend; early registration is recommended to secure your spot.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest research and innovations in inhalation therapy. The conference offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and researchers, access to cutting-edge presentations, and a chance to explore the exhibition showcasing the latest products and technologies in drug delivery.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference provides unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of professionals in inhalation science. This conference is a leading event in inhalation therapy, attracting over 1000 attendees and featuring 115 exhibitors. Attendees include researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals involved in pulmonary drug delivery.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Pharmaceutical researchers focused on inhalation therapies
Clinicians specializing in respiratory medicine
Regulatory professionals in drug delivery
Industry executives from pharmaceutical companies
Academics and students in pharmaceutical sciences
Healthcare professionals interested in inhalation devices
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pharmaceutical companies developing inhalation products
Manufacturers of inhalation devices and technologies
Research organizations focused on respiratory therapies
Consulting firms in drug delivery and inhalation science
Suppliers of excipients and formulation services
Startups innovating in inhalation technology
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Inhalation devices and delivery systems
Pharmaceutical formulations for respiratory diseases
Research tools for inhalation studies
Regulatory services for inhalation products
Clinical trial services for inhaled therapies
Innovative drug delivery technologies
Location & Facilities
Venue
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Edinburgh, UK
Facilities
Parking
Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Edinburgh International Conference Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
The Aerosol Society
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Edinburgh, UK
Why it matters
On 2026-12-09 to 2026-12-11, Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference in Edinburgh covering Inhalation devices and delivery systems, Pharmaceutical formulations for respiratory diseases, Research tools for inhala gives medical buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Edinburgh Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket hotel
3-star
Haymarket240 m from Edinburgh International Conference Centre to venueBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, bar, restaurant, accessible, kid-friendly
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh
3-star
Edinburgh city centre420 m from Edinburgh International Conference Centre to venueFree Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, smoke-free property
Point A Hotel Edinburgh, Haymarket
4-star
Haymarket70 m from Edinburgh International Conference Centre to venueBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, bar, accessible, smoke-free property
Premier Inn Edinburgh Central (Lauriston Place)
3-star
Lauriston Place / city centre610 m from Edinburgh International Conference Centre to venueBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, bar, restaurant, accessible, kid-friendly
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
tram
Estimated costGBP 2.50-5.50 single Tube or tram journey
Best forEdinburgh Airport (EDI) to Haymarket, then walk to EICC
Edinburgh Trams airport service stops at Haymarket, about 5-10 min on foot from EICC. Buy before boarding or use contactless where available.
bus
Estimated costGBP 2.50-5.50 single Tube or tram journey
Best forEdinburgh Airport (EDI) to city centre via Airlink 100, then walk or local bus to EICC
Airlink 100 runs between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre. From the city centre, Haymarket and EICC are walkable or a short taxi ride.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 25-35; confirm meter or ride-hail quote
Best forEdinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Journey time is usually 25-45 min depending on traffic. Use the official taxi rank at EDI or compare a ride-hailing quote before travelling.
walk
Estimated costFree
Best forHaymarket hotels to EICC
Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is about 70 m from EICC; hub by Premier Inn Haymarket about 240 m; Four Points Flex by Sheraton about 420 m; Premier Inn Edinburgh Central (Lauriston Place) about 610 m.
local bus
Estimated costGBP 2.50-5.50 single Tube or tram journey
Best forEdinburgh city centre to EICC / Haymarket
Lothian Buses serve nearby Shandwick Place and West Maitland Street. Haymarket is the closest bus and tram hub to EICC.
parking
Estimated costGBP 15-28 daily venue parking
Best forNearby commercial car parks around Haymarket and Exchange
EICC has limited or no public on-site parking. Pre-book a nearby commercial car park where possible, or use tram, bus or taxi.
Weather
December is winter in Edinburgh. Expect cold weather with typical daytime highs of 5-8°C and overnight lows of 1-3°C, plus frequent rain showers, wind and short daylight. Snow is possible but less common. Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes for walking between Haymarket hotels and EICC, and check a live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile coverage is strong in central Edinburgh. EE, O2, Vodafone and Three offer prepaid SIM and eSIM plans for visitors; bring ID if buying a local SIM. EICC Wi-Fi may be available in public areas but can be limited in halls, so confirm access with the organiser. If travelling from the EU, check your operator's roaming terms because UK roaming is not guaranteed.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is common at UK scientific conferences. Formal dress is rarely required, but bringing a jacket for evening events is useful.
Currency and payments
The UK uses pound sterling (GBP). Contactless cards are widely accepted in Edinburgh, but carry a little cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills. Check the bill before adding a tip, and tip taxis modestly if service was good.
December in Edinburgh
Christmas parties and festive events make restaurants and hotels busy. Book evening meals ahead and expect short daylight hours.
Conference etiquette
Sessions usually start on time. Ask questions in the Q&A and use breaks to meet exhibitors and other delegates.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: EDI
Fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI). UK domestic and Ireland routes are short, with captured London Heathrow to Edinburgh fares from about GBP 30 when booked early. Long-haul visitors can connect via London, Amsterdam, Paris or Gulf hubs; a captured Dubai to Edinburgh round trip showed alternate December dates from about GBP 375. Book around 9-13 December 2026, check baggage rules, and allow 30-45 min from EDI to EICC by tram or taxi.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Allow road or rail time to Edinburgh International Conference Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Edinburgh International Conference Centre: Haymarket: hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket hotel; Edinburgh city centre: Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh; Haymarket: Point A Hotel Edinburgh, Haymarket.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps serve Edinburgh, and black cabs can be found at Haymarket and city-centre ranks. Availability can be tight during December Christmas parties and at peak times; check the app quote and use official taxi ranks as a fallback.
Public transit: Edinburgh Trams connect Edinburgh Airport with Haymarket and the city centre, while Lothian Buses serve nearby Shandwick Place and West Maitland Street. Haymarket is the closest transport hub to EICC, about 5-10 min on foot. Use contactless payment or buy before boarding where required, and confirm fares and timetables before travel.
Parking: EICC has limited or no public on-site parking. Use nearby commercial car parks in the Haymarket and Exchange district, where hourly and daily rates apply; check live prices and pre-book where possible. For most delegates, tram, bus or taxi is simpler than driving into central Edinburgh.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: Typical daytime highs 5-8°C; overnight lows 1-3°C. These are seasonal averages, not a forecast.
Seasonality: Winter in Edinburgh brings frequent rain showers, wind and short daylight; snow is possible but less common. Check a live forecast before travel.
Packing: Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. December daylight fades by late afternoon, so plan outdoor walks between sessions. Bring a power bank for long conference days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Re-check DDL 2026 dates (9-11 December 2026) and your registration status on the official site.
T-2
Book EDI flights and accommodation in Haymarket or central Edinburgh; December is busy with Christmas events.
T-3
Confirm whether you need a UK Standard Visitor visa and apply before the 14-day window if required.
T-4
Download the DDL programme and mark sessions on pMDI, DPI, nebuliser and inhalation biologics that fit your work.
T-5
Plan your airport transfer or Edinburgh Trams route from EDI to Haymarket.
T-6
Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes for walking between hotels and EICC.
T-7
Check poster or oral presentation requirements if you are presenting.
T-8
Arrange travel insurance and keep a copy of your registration confirmation.
T-9
Plan exhibition visits to device, formulation and testing suppliers.
T-10
Charge devices and download the venue map; confirm Wi-Fi access with the organiser.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference registration concourse
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Inhalation devices and delivery systems and Pharmaceutical formulations for resp solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference in Edinburgh.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Inhalation devices and delivery systems and Pharmaceutical formulations for resp products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Edinburgh show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- DDL
- Drug Delivery to the Lungs, the annual conference focused on inhaled and respiratory drug delivery science, devices and regulation.
- pMDI
- Pressurised metered dose inhaler; a portable inhaler that uses a propellant to deliver a metered aerosol dose.
- DPI
- Dry powder inhaler; a device that delivers a formulated powder to the lungs through the patient's inspiratory effort.
- Nebuliser
- A device that converts a liquid formulation into an aerosol for inhalation over a period of minutes.
- Aerodynamic diameter
- The diameter of a unit-density sphere with the same settling velocity as the particle; used to describe where inhaled particles may deposit in the airway.
- Fine particle fraction (FPF)
- The proportion of an emitted aerosol dose below a defined aerodynamic size cut-off, often associated with lung deposition potential.
- MMAD
- Mass median aerodynamic diameter; a central measure of aerosol particle size distribution.
- Lung deposition
- The fraction of an inhaled dose that deposits in the lungs, influenced by particle size, breathing pattern and airway geometry.
- Orally inhaled product (OIP)
- A medicine delivered by inhalation for local or systemic effect, including pMDIs, DPIs and nebulised formulations.
- In vitro cascade impaction
- A laboratory aerosol test that separates particles by aerodynamic size to assess delivered dose and fine particle fraction.
- Inhalation biologics
- Protein, peptide or nucleic acid therapies formulated for delivery to the lung; a growing area in respiratory drug delivery research.
- Regulatory pathway
- The evidence and dossier route required by medicines regulators for approval of an inhaled product, covering device, formulation and clinical data.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- DDL Conference 2026
- inhalation therapy conference
- Edinburgh drug delivery conference
- Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference 2026
- Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference Edinburgh 2026
- Drug Delivery 2026
- Drug Delivery Edinburgh 2026
- Edinburgh UK
- Pharmaceuticals
- Conference Industry Conference Edinburgh
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.