Few organisations in the meetings industry can proudly look back on six decades of continuous growth, resilience, and innovation. In 2025, Kenes Group celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking a milestone of longevity and impact. Since its founding in 1965, Kenes has evolved into a global leader in Professional Congress Organisation (PCO) and Association Management (AMC), driven by its mission to empower knowledge through world-class events and communities.
From Vision to Global Reach
What began as a small initiative has grown into a worldwide enterprise with more than 360 professionals across 15 offices. Over the years, Kenes has organised thousands of events, bringing together millions of healthcare professionals, scientists, and thought leaders. Its ability to connect people, share knowledge, and foster collaboration has supported medical breakthroughs and shaped entire fields of research.
This success reflects a culture built on trust, expertise, and adaptability -qualities that have allowed Kenes to navigate recessions, natural disasters, and a pandemic. The company’s embrace of technology and sustainable practices has further distinguished it as an industry innovator.
The Power of People
At the heart of Kenes Group’s journey are its people. This ethos was on display earlier this year in Vienna, where more than 300 team members gathered for the Kenes 60th Anniversary and Leadership Summit.
The event combined strategic dialogue with celebration, highlighting how the organisation’s future is being shaped collectively. Topics ranged from the role of generative AI in events to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the challenges of attracting and retaining next-generation talent. “The Kenes Leadership Summit is a vital platform for aligning our strategies and fostering collaboration among our partners,” noted CEO Ori Lahav.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
The anniversary also offered a moment to reflect on the legacy of founder Gideon Rivlin, whose vision for a company dedicated to empowering knowledge still guides the business today.
His son, Executive Chairman and Chief Vision Officer Dan Rivlin, captured this spirit in Vienna: “We believe in the ability to make a change in the world, we believe in people, and that is part of what brings us forward. The family feeling and the bonding were carved by hours and hours of hard work. This spirit is embedded in our DNA.”
The company’s enduring collaboration with Vienna, for instance, has resulted in hosting some of Europe’s largest and most impactful medical congresses, including the European Academy of Paediatric Societies and the World Psychiatric Association.
A New Look for a New Era
To mark its anniversary year, Kenes unveiled a refreshed brand identity that blends legacy with future ambition. The redesign, nearly a year in the making, preserves the iconic red colour and “swoosh” emblem while introducing a modern, dynamic logo. The update reflects not only a visual transformation but also a strategic one: a reaffirmation of the company’s role as a pioneer in the events industry.
As CEO Ori Lahav explains: “Our new branding is a statement of both legacy and innovation. It is a tribute to the image that has accompanied countless event teams for decades and a fresh start for what we expect will be more decades to come — empowering knowledge with our leadership.”
Looking Ahead
While anniversaries often prompt reflection, Kenes Group is firmly oriented towards the future. The company continues to invest in new markets, products, and technologies, with a focus on AI, digital learning, and sustainable event solutions. Its vision is not only to remain a trusted partner but to set new standards for how knowledge is exchanged across industries.
As Rivlin emphasised, “Our story is far from over. The next chapter will be written by the same values that have guided us for six decades: excellence, innovation, and a deep belief in the power of people to make a difference.”
For Kenes Group, turning 60 is not a culmination but a launchpad—a moment to honour a legacy of excellence while confidently embracing the opportunities that lie ahead in the global meetings landscape.
This article was originally published in the #122 issue of the Headquarters Magazine – Business Events for a Changing World, pages 58-59 – November 2025: https://meetingmediagroup.com/magazineissue/hq-122-business-events-for-a-changing-world#gsc.tab=0