46th ILAB Congress 2026 Berlin
14-17 September 2026
Join us for the 46th ILAB Congress
ILAB booksellers from all over the world will gather in Berlin from 14 to 17 September 2026 for the 46th Congress of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. Germany’s vibrant capital welcomes you with its important libraries, collections, and bibliophilic treasures. The Verband Deutscher Antiquare looks forward to welcoming its German and international colleagues: AMOR LIBRORUM NOS UNIT!
You may download the congress information brochure here
Programme
Day 1: Monday, 14/09/26
“Welcome Day”: Participants meet at the “Westin Grand” hotel in the heart of Berlin. Only a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, it offers the ideal setting for Book Week. In the evening: festive dinner and an opportunity to get to know one another.
Day 2: Tuesday, 15/09/26
“Mosaic Day”: We explore rare book libraries and collections that are usually not open to the public. In the evening, a reception will be held at the Rotes Rathaus, one of Berlin’s landmarks and the seat of the Governing Mayor.
Day 3: Wednesday, 16/09/26
“Excursion Day”: Our visit to the Stasi Records Archive (MfS) in Berlin-Lichtenberg and the magnificent Prussian palaces in Potsdam brings German history to life in its many different facets.
Day 4: Thursday, 17/09/26
“State Library Day”: The General Director invites us to discover Germany’s greatest bibliophilic treasures. The library houses more than 30 million works, including a beautiful copy of the 42-line Gutenberg Bible and the original manuscript of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Registration
The congress fee is €1,450 per person and includes all costs for transport, entrance fees, and meals. Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately. Invoices will be issued after registration is received.
Cancellations after 20 August 2026 are non-refundable.
Participation is open to all members of the national associations that form part of ILAB, as well as their partners.
Hotel
The Verband Deutscher Antiquare recommends the central congress hotel “The Westin Grand” at Unter den Linden, corner Friedrichstraße. Limited room blocks are available at a favourable special rate for early bookings until 27 July 2026. Numerous alternative accommodation options are also available.
Contact
46th ILAB Congress Berlin
VDA Head Office – Norbert Munsch
Seeblick 1
D-56459 Elbingen
Germany
Tel: +49 (0)6435 909147
E-Mail: buch@antiquare.de