26th international AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro

From July 26 to 31, Rio de Janeiro hosted AIDS 2026, organised by the International AIDS Society

The conference brought together thousands of researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community representatives and organisations from around the world to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of HIV prevention, treatment, research and human rights.

Being a part of this event gave us, at QuickSpace, the chance, not only contribute to the event itself but also personally witness how global gatherings can unite people, ideas, and cultures.

Rethink.Rebuild.Rise

The theme of AIDS 2026 was "Rethink. Rebuild. Rise," a message that transcends HIV.

• Rethink: questioning current methods and searching for fresh concepts, tools, and answers in research, treatment, and prevention.
• Rebuild: fortifying the networks, communities, and collaborations that are necessary to guarantee that advancements continue, especially considering the growing difficulties facing global health initiatives.
• Rise: uniting and putting knowledge into practice. Because advancement is not achieved by a single organization, nation, or field. Collaboration makes it happen.

Why events like AIDS 2026 matter

The significance of international conferences is demonstrated by occasions such as AIDS 2026. They unite individuals who may work in entirely unrelated sectors yet have similar objectives.

New findings and experiences can be shared by researchers and healthcare professionals. Policymakers can talk about how research can be put into practice. Communities and organizations can speak up. People can interact in person and form new alliances.

With almost 7,500 attendees, over 150 seminars, 2400 posters, and 220 Global Village events, AIDS 2026 produced a massive setting for cooperation and information exchange.

This, in our opinion, is what gives an event its true worth. It goes beyond what takes place on the main stage.

Our role at AIDS 2026

We at QuickSpace were pleased to contribute in this way.

Collaborating with AIDS 2026 allowed us the chance to contribute to a gathering where important discussions about research, healthcare, policy, and communities took place.

For us, creating an additional room is not just creating a space.

Our Quickspaces allow people to concentrate, share ideas, and work together, whether it's during stage time, meetings, networking event, or more intimate conversations, away from the main program.

Flexibility is particularly crucial for an event like AIDS 2026. With thousands of participants and such a varied program, different types of breakouts are required.

Afspelen

From the Netherlands to Brazil.

Travelling from the Netherlands to Brazil for AIDS 2026 was also a personal highlight!

Coming from the Netherlands, we are used to a very different environment starting with the climate and landscape to the way people communicate and experience events. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro we immediately felt a completely different energy.

What stood out was the warmth, openness and social atmosphere. There was a strong sense of community, and it was fascinating to see how the local culture became part of the overall event experience.

It also gave us a chance to step outside our familiar environment and look at events from a different perspective.

What we take home from Rio de Janeiro

Looking back at AIDS 2026, we are taking home much more than memories of a great event in Rio.

We take home a stronger appreciation of the powerful effects bringing people together can have. For the ideas that emerge when different perspectives meet, for the partnerships that start with a simple conversation, and for the importance of creating environments where people feel encouraged to connect.

It also reminded us that international events are constantly evolving. They need to be flexible, inclusive and adaptable to the people and communities they serve.

Thank you, AIDS 2026 and Rio de Janeiro, for an experience we will take with us, long after returning to the Netherlands.

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