Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The European Colorectal Congress (ECC) is a premier event for professionals in the field of colorectal surgery. Scheduled from 28 November to 2 December 2026 at Olma Messen St.
Gallen, this congress will gather over 1000 participants from around the globe. Attendees will benefit from a rich program featuring more than 80 expert speakers and numerous hands-on workshops.
The ECC aims to foster knowledge exchange and networking among surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The European Colorectal Congress (ECC) takes place from 28 November to 2 December 2026 at Olma Messen St.Gallen, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This 20th edition is expected to welcome over 1000 participants from 65 countries, featuring 80+ speakers and 20+ exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by SurgCongress AG, with registration available at their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include colorectal surgeons, healthcare professionals, and trainees seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- 5Entry / Access: Trainee admission is available for only 60 CHF per day, with various ticket options offered.
Why visit
Attending the ECC provides an opportunity to learn from leading experts in colorectal surgery, gain insights into the latest techniques and innovations, and network with peers from around the world. Participants can engage in hands-on workshops and discussions that enhance their clinical skills and knowledge.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the ECC allows companies to showcase their latest products and technologies to a targeted audience of healthcare professionals. This 20th edition is expected to welcome over 1000 participants from 65 countries, featuring 80+ speakers and 20+ exhibitors. Attendees include colorectal surgeons, healthcare professionals, and trainees seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Consultant colorectal and general surgeons comparing open, laparoscopic and robotic technique for colon and rectal resection
Surgical trainees and fellows in colorectal training who need structured teaching, video sessions and hands-on practice
Medical and radiation oncologists planning neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment for rectal and colon cancer
Gastroenterologists and endoscopists working on screening, polypectomy and early rectal lesion management
Radiologists and pathologists focused on rectal cancer MRI staging, specimen handling and margin reporting
Stoma care, wound care and ERAS coordinators plus allied health staff running enhanced recovery pathways
Clinical researchers, trial coordinators and university hospital teams presenting outcome and registry data
Medical affairs and R&D staff from stapling, energy, robotics, endoscopy and ostomy companies following how technique decisions are made
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Surgical device manufacturers supplying circular and linear staplers, anastomosis systems and laparoscopic instruments for colorectal resection
Energy platform and vessel-sealing vendors whose devices are used in pelvic dissection and mesorectal mobilisation
Robotic and minimally invasive surgery companies running procedure-specific demos for colectomy and low anterior resection
Transanal and endoscopy suppliers offering TAMIS/TEMS platforms, colonoscopy towers and insufflation equipment
Ostomy, continence and pelvic floor companies presenting pouching systems, irrigation products and sacral neuromodulation
Pharmaceutical and biotech firms in colorectal oncology, bowel preparation and perioperative care
Simulation, training-model and e-learning providers selling into surgical skills curricula and resident education
Diagnostics and molecular pathology suppliers focused on colorectal cancer testing and specimen workflows
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Stapling and anastomosis devices for colon and rectal resection
Energy devices, vessel sealing and electrosurgery for pelvic dissection
Robotic and laparoscopic systems with colorectal instrumentation and optics
Transanal and endoluminal platforms (TAMIS/TEMS) plus colonoscopy and insufflation equipment
Ostomy pouching, continence and pelvic floor products
Bowel preparation, ERAS and perioperative consumables
Colorectal oncology diagnostics, molecular testing and pathology workflow tools
Surgical simulation models, training platforms and e-learning for colorectal skills
Location & Facilities
Venue
Olma Messen St.Gallen
St. Jakobstrasse 94, CH-9000 St. Gallen
Facilities
Parking
Olma Messen St.Gallen in St.Gallen 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: Olma Messen St.Gallen in St.Gallen 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 Olma Messen St.Gallen for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Trainee admission per day
CHF 60.00
Who runs the show
Organisers
expert surgeons who
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
St.Gallen, CH
Why it matters
Attending the ECC provides an opportunity to learn from leading experts in colorectal surgery, gain insights into the latest techniques and innovations, and network with peers from around the world. Participants can engage in hands-on workshops and discussions that enhance their clinical skills and knowledge.
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 · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
B&B Hotel St. Gallen
budget
St. Gallen3-star hotel listed in Google Hotels results for St. Gallen; amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, laundry and smoke-free property.
VISIONAPARTMENTS St. Gallen
budget
St. GallenServiced-apartment style stay in St. Gallen listed in the same Google Hotels search; guest rating 3.6 from 98 reviews.
City Home St Gallen
midscale
St. GallenHotel in St. Gallen with free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and smoke-free property; guest rating 3.7.
Hotel Schiff
budget
St. GallenHotel listed with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking and kitchen facilities; guest rating 3.9.
Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen
upscale
St. Gallen4-star hotel with breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy, fitness center, bar and restaurant; guest rating 4.3.
Einstein St.Gallen
upscale
St. Gallen4-star hotel with breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy, fitness center and spa; guest rating 4.6.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train (S-Bahn)
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forSt. Gallen station area to city districts, including services S21 and S22
S21/S22 services run roughly every 6 minutes on the St. Gallen network, per Omio station information.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forSeveral bus lines serve St. Gallen station and the city centre
Bus lines are available from St. Gallen station; parking at the station is open 24 hours via Bahnhofstrasse.
Car parking
Estimated costUSD 18-35 daily venue parking
Best forParkhaus Grossacker/Silberturm, Rorschacher Strasse 150, 9000 St. Gallen
345 spaces, maximum height 1.90 m, in the eastern part of the city and reachable by public transport.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ZRH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Olma Messen St.Gallen
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ACH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forSt. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH) to Olma Messen St.Gallen
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from FDH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forFriedrichshafen Airport (FDH) to Olma Messen St.Gallen
Weather
Late November in St. Gallen is early winter at roughly 670 m: expect overcast skies, daytime temperatures mostly between 2 and 8 °C, colder mornings near or just below freezing, and a mix of drizzle, wet snow and occasional valley fog. Rain or snow is likely on several days of a four-day stay, so pack a waterproof shell and shoes with grip, and allow extra time if roads are wet or snowy. The Olma Messen halls are indoor and heated, so a light layer works better inside than a heavy coat. Check a local forecast a few days before departure, since the first snow can arrive suddenly.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to CH.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language in and around the halls
German is the everyday language in St. Gallen, spoken locally in Swiss German dialect. The scientific programme runs in English, and hotel, station and restaurant staff generally switch to English or standard German without difficulty.
Money and payments
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including ticket machines and the venue, but keep a few coins for lockers, kiosks and small bakeries.
Sundays and quiet hours
Shops close on Sundays and many close early on Saturday afternoon, so buy essentials before the weekend. Quiet hours, usually 22:00-07:00 plus Sundays, are taken seriously in hotels and residential streets.
Punctuality and introductions
Sessions and trains leave on time, so arrive early rather than relying on a grace period. In professional settings a handshake, your full name and your institution is the normal way to open a conversation.
Food and tipping
Service is included in restaurant bills and rounding up by a few francs is enough. Old town lunch service is busiest between 12:00 and 13:30, so book ahead or eat slightly earlier on congress days.
Around the city
The UNESCO-listed Abbey Library and the old town sit within walking distance of St. Gallen station, while the Olma quarter is a short bus or S-Bahn ride from the centre. The lake at Bodensee is around 20 minutes away by train from St. Gallen.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Rail from St. Gallen to Zurich Airport is listed from about USD 21 with S21/S22 services, so book the flight into Zurich and the onward train separately; Frankfurt (FRA) to St. Gallen was the only flight query captured and returned no usable fare rows.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving St.Gallen; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Olma Messen St.Gallen: St. Gallen: B&B Hotel St. Gallen; St. Gallen: VISIONAPARTMENTS St. Gallen; St. Gallen: City Home St Gallen.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in St.Gallen; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: St. Gallen is served by S-Bahn lines S21 and S22 with departures roughly every 6 minutes on the station network, plus several bus lines from St. Gallen station; parking at the station is open 7 days a week, 24 hours, accessed via Bahnhofstrasse. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) for tickets and fares.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Olma Messen St.Gallen; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 2-8 °C (36-46 °F), with overnight lows around -3 to 2 °C (27-36 °F) during the congress week; mornings can be below freezing before the halls open.
Seasonality: November is one of the cloudier, damper stretches of the eastern Swiss year, with frequent overcast days, a mix of rain and wet snow, and morning fog settling in the Rhine valley below the city. Snow lying on the streets is possible but not guaranteed; pack layers and a waterproof outer shell rather than relying on a heavy winter coat indoors.
Packing: Daytime highs typically 2-8 °C (36-46 °F), with overnight lows around -3 to 2 °C (27-36 °F) during the congress week; mornings can be below freezing before the halls open. November is one of the cloudier, damper stretches of the eastern Swiss year, with frequent overcast days, a mix of rain and wet
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at European Colorectal Congress (ECC) usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
D-14: Confirm your registration category (consultant, trainee, nurse or allied health) and check whether your department needs travel approval before you book anything.
T-2
D-14: Check passport validity and, if you need a Schengen visa, request the congress invitation letter at the same time as registering.
T-3
D-12: Book rail or air travel into Zurich (ZRH) or St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH) and reserve a room in the old town or near Olma Messen; congress week fills the closest hotels first.
T-4
D-10: Download the programme from colorectalsurgery.eu/schedule and shortlist sessions, noting clashes between parallel rooms and video or poster blocks.
T-5
D-10: Register separately for any hands-on workshop, simulation session or small-group seminar, since places are usually capped and allocated before arrival.
T-6
D-8: Check what your national surgical body needs for CME credits (attendance confirmation, session signatures, evaluation forms) so points can be claimed afterwards.
T-7
D-6: Buy train tickets to St. Gallen; Swiss fares are distance-based and saver tickets bought ahead on the SBB app usually cost less than walk-up fares.
T-8
D-5: Pack for cold, damp weather: waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, grippy shoes, and a light layer for the heated halls.
T-9
D-4: Look up the Olma Messen access plan (hall entry, badge collection) and note the last bus or S-Bahn back to your hotel.
T-10
D-3: Charge devices, download offline maps of St. Gallen, and check your mobile roaming plan for Switzerland, which sits outside the EU free-roaming area.
T-11
D-2: Prepare questions for faculty and save the abstracts or posters you want to discuss during breaks rather than in the middle of a session.
T-12
D-1: Confirm your badge QR code and arrival time, and if you drive, pre-book a space at Parkhaus Grossacker/Silberturm (345 spaces, maximum height 1.90 m).
Day 1
Arrive 30-45 minutes before the first session for badge collection and to find the room, especially if the first block starts in a different hall.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Olma Messen St.Gallen
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2European Colorectal Congress (ECC) registration concourse
Olma Messen St.Gallen
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Olma Messen St.Gallen
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.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
CHF 60 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | CHF 60 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether European Colorectal Congress (ECC) fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For European Colorectal Congress (ECC), 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 Surgical instruments for colorectal procedures and Minimally invasive surgical t solutions and benchmarking suppliers at European Colorectal Congress (ECC) in St.Gallen.
Min. budget
$510.00
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 Surgical instruments for colorectal procedures and Minimally invasive surgical t products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,295.00
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 St.Gallen 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
- Total mesorectal excision (TME)
- The standard oncologic operation for rectal cancer, in which the rectum and its surrounding mesorectum are removed as an intact package inside the mesorectal fascia.
- Circumferential resection margin (CRM)
- The shortest distance between tumour tissue and the cut surface of the resected rectal specimen; a threatened or involved margin is a strong predictor of local recurrence.
- Complete mesocolic excision (CME)
- Sharp dissection of the colon along the mesocolic plane with central ligation of the feeding vessels, aiming at an intact mesocolon and an adequate lymph node harvest in colon cancer.
- Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)
- A single-port transanal platform used to excise early rectal lesions and to close the defect, avoiding a full pelvic dissection in selected patients.
- Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)
- A bottom-up approach to the mesorectum performed through the anus, usually combined with a laparoscopic abdominal phase, for low rectal tumours in a narrow pelvis.
- Intersphincteric resection (ISR)
- A sphincter-preserving operation for very low rectal tumours that dissects in the plane between the internal and external anal sphincter to avoid a permanent stoma.
- Anastomotic leak
- Failure of a surgical join between two bowel ends, a major complication after colorectal resection linked to sepsis, reoperation and worse oncologic outcome.
- Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS)
- A cluster of bowel dysfunction symptoms, including urgency, frequency, clustering and incontinence, that follows sphincter-preserving rectal surgery.
- Watch and wait
- An organ-preserving strategy in which patients with a complete clinical response after neoadjuvant therapy are followed with structured surveillance instead of immediate surgery.
- Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)
- A bundled protocol of pre-, intra- and postoperative measures such as carbohydrate loading, opioid-sparing analgesia, early feeding and early mobilisation that shortens hospital stay.
- Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting
- The tumour board where surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses agree on staging interpretation and the treatment plan.
- Extramural venous invasion (EMVI)
- Tumour growing inside veins beyond the muscularis propria, reported on rectal MRI and used as a risk marker for distant metastasis.
- Stoma (ileostomy or colostomy)
- A surgically created opening of bowel onto the abdominal wall, temporary or permanent, managed with pouching systems supplied by ostomy manufacturers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- ECC 2026
- colorectal surgery conference
- St.Gallen medical events
- surgery workshops
- medical training
- European Colorectal Congress (ECC) 2026
- European Colorectal Congress (ECC) St.Gallen 2026
- European Colorectal Congress 2026
- European Colorectal Congress St.Gallen 2026
- ECC St.Gallen 2026
4 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
European Colorectal Congress
- official_website
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