The May 2026 HL7 WGM will take place at a truly unique location, on board the former ocean liner SS Rotterdam, the legendary former flagship of the Holland America Line (HAL).
With 254 onboard sleeping rooms, dozens of meeting rooms, and several ballrooms in art deco style, the ship offers everything we need for a successful meeting. It is docked near the center of Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands and the largest port of Europe. Put May 16-22, 2026, in your agenda for an HL7 meeting to remember!
As usual, the WGM will be preceded by an HL7® FHIR® Connectathon, which will take place on board the ship. From Monday onwards, most regular work groups will hold their meetings in parallel with several educational sessions. There will be a dedicated track focusing on upcoming European legislation, specifically the HL7 FHIR standards to be used in the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Even though the work groups and education sessions will be business as usual, the setting in which they occur is undoubtedly unique. The SS Rotterdam has retained its original stylish decor. We will make use of the main theatre for general sessions and have lunch in the ballrooms. Plans are underway for a networking reception that will make use of the ship’s large deck area.
Even though the work groups and education sessions will be business as usual, the setting in which they occur is undoubtedly unique. The SS Rotterdam has retained its original stylish decor. We will make use of the main theatre for general sessions and have lunch in the ballrooms. Plans are underway for a networking reception that will make use of the ship’s large deck area.
The HL7 Netherlands affiliate will set up a partner program for those who bring along a guest (or want to add a little tourism to their work week). Among the options will be a city tour of Rotterdam and its harbor and a visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinderdijk, with dozens of traditional mills. The capital city, Amsterdam, is only 45 minutes away by train. The Rotterdam Water Taxi picks up passengers right at the doorstep of the SS Rotterdam, whisking them downtown in a matter of minutes, with plenty of restaurants and other entertainment nearby, including the Markthal, with food from all over the world.
The HL7 Netherlands affiliate is looking forward to welcoming you to Rotterdam in May 2026! Registration for the meeting and the hotel is via the HL7 website. Scan the QR code to access the landing page with more details on how to get to the ship from Schiphol Airport and other practical information. Updates will be shared as they become available.
Jan-Eric Slot, MD
Tom de Jong, FHL7