The ART of Meetings made in Germany - International Confex
The ART of Meetings made in Germany - International Confex The ART of Meetings made in Germany - International Confex
The Magazine of the GERMAN CONVENTION BUREAU English Edition 2 / 2009 The ART of Meetings made in Germany Meetings in an industrial ambience The 20th anniversary of the fall of the Wall Boundless Pleasure Outlook What you should know for 2015 www.germany-meetings.com
- Page 2 and 3: Great places for great conventions.
- Page 4: 04 CONTENT The Magazine of the GERM
- Page 7 and 8: GCB 07 foremost convention centres
- Page 9 and 10: GCB 09 The GCB is blogging and twit
- Page 11 and 12: NEWS - DESTINATIONS 11 The result i
- Page 13 and 14: NEWS - DESTINATIONS 13 darmstadtcon
- Page 15 and 16: THE ART OF MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY
- Page 17 and 18: l n Want it a bit bigger? Talking o
- Page 19 and 20: NEWS - HOTELS 19 The six storeys of
- Page 21 and 22: NEWS - HOTELS / LOCATIONS 21 can no
- Page 23 and 24: NEWS - SERVICE PROVIDERS 23 Perfect
- Page 25 and 26: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF
- Page 27 and 28: First class destination service all
- Page 29 and 30: ADVERTORIAL - PROSKE | group 29 Max
- Page 31 and 32: OUTLOOK 31 n Fact 1: Things are bec
- Page 33 and 34: LANDESHAUPTSTADT Wiesbaden Venues K
- Page 35 and 36: CONVENTION PLANNING 35 How to innov
- Page 37 and 38: CONVENTION PLANNING 37 Modern congr
- Page 39 and 40: WHAT TO WEAR DURING THE COMING CONG
<strong>The</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the GERMAN CONVENTION BUREAU English Edition 2 / 2009<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>ART</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>made</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong><br />
<strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>dustrial ambience<br />
<strong>The</strong> 20th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the fall <strong>of</strong> the Wall<br />
Boundless Pleasure<br />
Outlook<br />
What you should know for 2015<br />
www.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com
Great places for great conventions.<br />
Seven Cities - Seven Centers - Seven Years <strong>of</strong> Cooperation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> seven <strong>in</strong>novative centers are based <strong>in</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>‘s most<br />
attractive and fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ations. Our congress organizers<br />
are guaranteed the prime conditions to make an event <strong>of</strong> any size<br />
a resound<strong>in</strong>g success.<br />
GERMANY. <strong>The</strong> convention dest<strong>in</strong>ation No. 1 <strong>in</strong> Europe.<br />
Stefanie Demuth<br />
Offi ce Management SevenCenters <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong><br />
Phone: +49 (0)2 11 / 45 60 - 84 98<br />
Fax: +49 (0)2 11 / 45 60 - 87 84 98<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@sevencenters.de<br />
www.sevencenters.de<br />
Messe Frankfurt Venue
EDITORIAL 03<br />
Dear Readers,<br />
Do you believe that the future <strong>of</strong> our<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry lies <strong>in</strong> “virtual meet<strong>in</strong>gs”?<br />
Do you believe that communications<br />
by video, Skype or telephone<br />
will partly replace face-to-face<br />
conventions - be it to save costs or<br />
protect the environment? If your<br />
answer is yes then I strongly disagree<br />
with you!<br />
On http://blog-en.germanymeet<strong>in</strong>gs.com<br />
you can read what<br />
we, the German Convention Bureau<br />
(GCB), consider to be an ideal mix.<br />
We now have our own blog where<br />
we will keep you up-to-date on<br />
the latest news, developments and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs from <strong>Germany</strong>’s meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
and conventions <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
Boundless Joy:<br />
german_convention 2.0<br />
We admit that the whole world<br />
seems to be blogg<strong>in</strong>g and twitter<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
skyp<strong>in</strong>g and network<strong>in</strong>g. But<br />
this k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> communication and<br />
network<strong>in</strong>g will rema<strong>in</strong> far more<br />
<strong>in</strong>ferior to meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
real live people. What it lacks are<br />
emotions and all associated with<br />
them – smell<strong>in</strong>g, feel<strong>in</strong>g and tast<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
I am conv<strong>in</strong>ced that a correct mix<br />
<strong>of</strong> virtual and real life, <strong>of</strong> pure<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on the one hand and<br />
face-to-face communication on<br />
the other, will be crucial for the<br />
successful future <strong>of</strong> the MICE<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
We have also <strong>in</strong>troduced another new<br />
feature: a CO 2<br />
Calculator. On http://<br />
gcb.co2ol.de meet<strong>in</strong>g and event<br />
planners will be able to calculate the<br />
carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> their next event.<br />
In addition, our partner CO2OL<br />
from Bonn <strong>of</strong>fers practical advice<br />
on how to reduce and <strong>of</strong>fset carbon<br />
emissions. Our goal is also to make<br />
<strong>Germany</strong> a pioneer dest<strong>in</strong>ation for<br />
climate-neutral events.<br />
As you can see, we are<br />
communicat<strong>in</strong>g on all channels!<br />
Also on Twitter: http://twitter.com/<br />
GCB_<strong>Germany</strong>. Of course, we want<br />
you to be one <strong>of</strong> our “followers” –<br />
and not only <strong>in</strong> the digital world. So<br />
come along and see for yourself that<br />
real live meet<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong>centives or events<br />
are by no means obsolete. What about<br />
a little <strong>in</strong>dustrial history tour <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Ruhr Area? A total <strong>of</strong> 53 towns and<br />
cities will breathe new cultural life<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the legendary age <strong>of</strong> coal and<br />
steel as the European Culture Capital<br />
Ruhr 2010. Or how about organis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a team-build<strong>in</strong>g event <strong>in</strong> the former<br />
restricted zone along the old <strong>in</strong>ner-<br />
German border? And all <strong>in</strong> the flesh!<br />
I look forward to see<strong>in</strong>g you soon,<br />
Yours s<strong>in</strong>cerely,<br />
Lutz P. Vogt<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.
04 CONTENT<br />
<strong>The</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e <strong>of</strong> the GERMAN CONVENTION BUREAU English Edition 2 / 2009<br />
10 NEWS - Dest<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
18 NEWS - Hotels<br />
21 NEWS - Locations<br />
22 NEWS - Agencies<br />
23 NEWS - Service Providers<br />
34 NEWS - Transport<br />
GCB<br />
Editorial 03<br />
GCB Focus Members 06<br />
CO 2<br />
Calculator for climate-friendly events 08<br />
<strong>The</strong> GCB is blogg<strong>in</strong>g and twitter<strong>in</strong>g! 09<br />
This is where you will f<strong>in</strong>d the GCB <strong>in</strong> 2009/10 10<br />
<strong>The</strong> 20th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the fall <strong>of</strong> the Wall<br />
Boundless Pleasure 24<br />
“A glimpse <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>“ 28<br />
Outlook – What you should know for 2015 30<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>ART</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>made</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong><br />
<strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>dustrial ambience<br />
European Culture Capital: RUHR.2010 14<br />
Convention Plann<strong>in</strong>g 35<br />
Congress Dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>Germany</strong> 38<br />
Publisher<br />
German Convention Bureau<br />
Münchener Str. 48<br />
60329 Frankfurt/Ma<strong>in</strong>, <strong>Germany</strong><br />
Tel. +49 69 242 930- 0<br />
Fax +49 69 242 930- 26<br />
E-Mail <strong>in</strong>fo@gcb.de<br />
www.gcb.de<br />
GCB Branch Office North America<br />
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2000<br />
New York, NY 10168-0072, USA<br />
Tel. +1 212 661 4582<br />
Fax +1 212 661 6192<br />
E-Mail gcbny@gcb.de<br />
www.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com<br />
Editorial Staff: GCB German Convention Bureau e. V.<br />
Featured Writers <strong>in</strong> this issue: GCB, Anke Pedersen, projekt2508, Michael Wiegel, Stefan C. Werner<br />
Translation: Alison Dobson-Ottmers, Pro<strong>of</strong> read<strong>in</strong>g: Dr. Patrick Patridge, Layout: Sven Steglich<br />
Title: UNESCO Weltkulturerbe Zeche Zollvere<strong>in</strong>, Foto: Re<strong>in</strong>icke/StandOut.de<br />
Pictures: p. 8: © Thomas Northcut, www.gettyimages.com; p. 14: photo: Peter Wieler;<br />
p. 16: Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, photo: Jahrhunderthalle; Dortmunder U, photo: Lutz<br />
Kampert; Landschaftspark Nord-Duisburg, photo: Manfred Vollmer; p. 17: Gasometer<br />
Oberhausen HOCHKANT! © Ruhr Tourismus / Jochen Schlutius; p. 24: photographer: Jan<br />
Jerabek and photo: Kulturprojekte Berl<strong>in</strong>; p. 25: photo: Ra<strong>in</strong>er Kiedrowski; p. 26: photo:<br />
Pierre Adenis; p. 28: Regierungsviertel Berl<strong>in</strong>: Gianluca Santoni; Brandenburger Tor Berl<strong>in</strong>:<br />
Irisz Lukacs; Brandenburger Tor Berl<strong>in</strong>: Eduardo Grund; p. 30: Future © Mikhail Nekrasov -<br />
Fotolia.com; p. 35: Kurfürstliches Schloss Ma<strong>in</strong>z<br />
Frequency: Biannual<br />
<strong>The</strong> GCB is supported by: Strategic Partners: German National Tourist Board, Deutsche<br />
Lufthansa AG, Deutsche Bahn AG, IMEX - <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>made</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>;<br />
Preferred Partners: Leipzig Tourismus und Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH, Maritim Hotels and<br />
darmstadtium wissenschaft | kongresse<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>ted on paper from susta<strong>in</strong>able forestry (Amber Graphic, FSC certified)
06 GCB<br />
Four meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conventions providers enjoy benefits as<br />
GCB Focus Members<br />
n Returners confirm GCB concept<br />
In 2009 the German Convention<br />
Bureau e.V. (GCB) is <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
companies <strong>in</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>centive,<br />
congress and event (MICE) bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
a stage to present themselves and<br />
their <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs: this year’s GCB<br />
Focus Members <strong>in</strong>clude the Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
Convention Office (BCO), <strong>The</strong><br />
West<strong>in</strong> Grand Munich Arabellapark,<br />
m:con - mannheim:congress GmbH,<br />
and once aga<strong>in</strong> the MCI Deutschland<br />
GmbH group.<br />
An extraord<strong>in</strong>ary variety <strong>of</strong> locations<br />
and venues, one <strong>of</strong> Europe’s most<br />
cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge hotel landscapes with<br />
approx. 100,000 hotel beds and six<br />
convention centres and halls alone<br />
– these are just some <strong>of</strong> the facts<br />
and figures that confirm Berl<strong>in</strong>’s top<br />
position as an <strong>in</strong>ternational meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and congress dest<strong>in</strong>ation. <strong>The</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
Convention Office (BCO) - run by<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong> Tourismus Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH<br />
- <strong>of</strong>ficially represents the German<br />
capital <strong>in</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>gs, conventions,<br />
corporate events and <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
sector. S<strong>in</strong>ce 2001 the BCO has<br />
promoted Berl<strong>in</strong> both nationally and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternationally as a dest<strong>in</strong>ation for<br />
conventions, meet<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
<strong>of</strong> all k<strong>in</strong>ds. Event planners will f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
competent support there. <strong>The</strong>y can<br />
benefit from a wide network <strong>of</strong><br />
contacts and free arrangement and<br />
book<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> hotel allotments. <strong>The</strong><br />
BCO’s services <strong>in</strong>clude organis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
site <strong>in</strong>spections, social and fr<strong>in</strong>ge<br />
programmes, pre- and postconvention<br />
tours and <strong>in</strong>centives. In<br />
addition, BCO staff <strong>in</strong>form about<br />
cul<strong>in</strong>ary and cultural highlights <strong>in</strong> the<br />
capital.<br />
<strong>The</strong> West<strong>in</strong> Grand Munich<br />
Arabellapark attaches great<br />
importance to an elegant ambience<br />
to ensure a relax<strong>in</strong>g stay <strong>in</strong> is<br />
627 rooms – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 28 suites.<br />
Moreover, the exclusive Executive<br />
Club Lounge on the 23rd floor,<br />
several restaurants and bars and<br />
the 1,500-sqm Arabella Spa <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
guests a pamper<strong>in</strong>g experience. <strong>The</strong><br />
three conference floors with 21<br />
room variants, generous foyers for<br />
the breaks and a green courtyard<br />
are suitable for a wide variety <strong>of</strong><br />
events: from small meet<strong>in</strong>gs with five<br />
attendees through annual general<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs to balls with over 1,000<br />
guests. <strong>The</strong> 1,200-sqm ballroom is<br />
the largest <strong>in</strong> Munich and has a fixed<br />
stage, several balconies, a generous<br />
foyer with a separate entrance and<br />
state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art technology. <strong>The</strong><br />
five elegant “smart meet<strong>in</strong>g rooms”<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer <strong>in</strong>novative bus<strong>in</strong>ess equipment:<br />
Besides DVD, CD and video players<br />
guests have access at their seat to<br />
analogue and digital connections<br />
as well as a power socket and RGB<br />
connectors. So-called white boards<br />
on the walls can be used as writeable<br />
flip charts or touch screens for<br />
presentations.<br />
m:con Congress Centre<br />
Rosengarten, <strong>in</strong> the heart <strong>of</strong><br />
Mannheim, is one <strong>of</strong> Europe’s
GCB 07<br />
foremost convention centres and –<br />
thanks to capacities for more than<br />
500 delegates – one <strong>of</strong> the five largest<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>. 22,000 square metres<br />
<strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g and exhibition space,<br />
natural daylight-filled sem<strong>in</strong>ar rooms,<br />
state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art glass architecture<br />
and expanded, modular rooms,<br />
plus ideal transport connections,<br />
make this a highly attractive prime<br />
location. Thanks to its three-pillar<br />
concept Mannheim’s Rosengarten<br />
will ensure the success <strong>of</strong> any k<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>of</strong> event. As a space and congress<br />
management provider, pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
congress organiser (PCO) and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional media technology<br />
partner, m:con <strong>of</strong>fers great freedom<br />
for the realisation <strong>of</strong> all customer<br />
requirements.<br />
<strong>The</strong> global MCI group is now a<br />
Focus Member for the third time<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g, after 2007 and 2008. MCI<br />
Deutschland’s over 40 multil<strong>in</strong>gual<br />
staff members support customers<br />
<strong>in</strong> congress and event management<br />
and contribute their knowhow<br />
to plann<strong>in</strong>g staff meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
with several hundred attendees,<br />
organis<strong>in</strong>g scientific world congresses<br />
with thousands <strong>of</strong> delegates or<br />
presentations <strong>of</strong> brand products.<br />
In addition, MCI advises event<br />
venues and dest<strong>in</strong>ations on green<br />
issues. MCI’s local know-how <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong> with subsidiaries <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
and Stuttgart is supported by the<br />
expertise <strong>of</strong> over 750 further staff<br />
members <strong>in</strong> 35 branch <strong>of</strong>fices worldwide.<br />
Lutz P. Vogt, manag<strong>in</strong>g director <strong>of</strong> the<br />
GCB: “Our Focus Members concept<br />
is well-established: This is proven by<br />
the fact that several GCB members<br />
have already opted for this additional<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g tool several times and view<br />
it as real added value.”<br />
www.gcb.de<br />
explore a<br />
new passion<br />
This is how it should feel. ®<br />
In May the ArabellaSheraton<br />
Grand Hotel turned <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>The</strong> West<strong>in</strong> Grand Munich Arabellapark<br />
Experience a place where you can be at your best. Get<br />
the appropriate suggestion for your event. <strong>The</strong> modern<br />
triple-level conference area with 20 room variations can<br />
accommodate up to 1,250 people. <strong>The</strong> ballroom, one <strong>of</strong><br />
the biggest <strong>in</strong> Munich, <strong>of</strong>fers 10.76 sqft. In conjunction<br />
with the Sheraton Munich Arabellapark Hotel opposite,<br />
the hotels <strong>of</strong>fer a large conference center with 33 meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
rooms and 1,073 guest rooms.<br />
Indulge your m<strong>in</strong>d, body and spirit, after your successful<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g the Arabella Spa <strong>of</strong>fers on 1,500 m 2 the<br />
ultimate <strong>in</strong> relaxation. Be <strong>in</strong>spired – <strong>in</strong> 2010 you can<br />
revitalize <strong>in</strong> our new West<strong>in</strong> Executive Club Lounge<br />
on the 23rd floor – unique.<br />
<strong>The</strong> West<strong>in</strong> Grand Munich Arabellapark –<br />
experience renewal<br />
the west<strong>in</strong> grand munich arabellapark<br />
arabellastrasse 6, 81925 munich, germany<br />
t +49.(0)89.9264.0 f +49.(0)89.9264.8699<br />
west<strong>in</strong>.grand.muenchen@arabellastarwood.com<br />
west<strong>in</strong>.com/muenchen
08 GCB<br />
CO 2<br />
OL and German Convention Bureau launch CO 2<br />
Calculator for<br />
climate-friendly events<br />
n For green meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong><br />
CO 2<br />
OL, the solutions provider for<br />
climate-friendly meet<strong>in</strong>gs and events,<br />
and the German Convention Bureau<br />
(GCB) are launch<strong>in</strong>g a calculator<br />
that identifies the carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>t<br />
<strong>of</strong> conventions, meet<strong>in</strong>gs and events.<br />
You will f<strong>in</strong>d a l<strong>in</strong>k to the CO 2<br />
Calculator http://gcb.co2ol.de on<br />
the GCB’s website www.gcb.de<br />
where it can be used by all meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and event planners to calculate the<br />
CO 2<br />
emissions and climate impact <strong>of</strong><br />
their events.<br />
Apart from calculat<strong>in</strong>g carbon<br />
footpr<strong>in</strong>ts, CO 2<br />
OL <strong>of</strong>fers detailed<br />
advice on how to reduce CO 2<br />
emissions. Unavoidable rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
emissions can be <strong>of</strong>fset by certified<br />
climate protection projects <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to make your event “climate-neutral”.<br />
n GCB and CO 2<br />
OL: Together for<br />
climate-friendly meet<strong>in</strong>gs and events<br />
Lutz P. Vogt, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director <strong>of</strong><br />
the GCB: "<strong>Germany</strong> has the best<br />
chances to establish itself world-wide<br />
among the lead<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ations for<br />
green events. Not only the German<br />
government is sett<strong>in</strong>g standards<br />
<strong>in</strong> environmental protection and<br />
energy efficiency world-wide –<br />
German convention centres and<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g hotels are also among the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational pioneers."<br />
<strong>The</strong> public discussion focuses more<br />
and more on meet<strong>in</strong>g and event<br />
organisers. Due to climate change it<br />
is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly important for events to<br />
go green.<br />
Many organisers already use CO 2<br />
OL<br />
services for advice on the calculation<br />
and m<strong>in</strong>imisation <strong>of</strong> their carbon<br />
n CO 2<br />
OL<br />
CO 2<br />
OL has been work<strong>in</strong>g for many<br />
companies and organisations for over ten<br />
years as a successful solution provider<br />
<strong>of</strong> climate-friendly products and events.<br />
For example, CO 2<br />
OL is the partner <strong>of</strong><br />
LeasePlan, the world’s largest vehicle<br />
leas<strong>in</strong>g company, <strong>of</strong> A.S.S. Concert &<br />
Promotion, the Hamburg-based concert<br />
organiser, and marbet, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>’s<br />
largest event agencies. Moreover, the<br />
climate protection experts recently<br />
rendered the Green<strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> conference<br />
climate-neutral and supported the UN <strong>in</strong><br />
this year’s IHDP Open Meet<strong>in</strong>g Science<br />
footpr<strong>in</strong>ts. Carbon emissions that<br />
cannot be m<strong>in</strong>imised may be <strong>of</strong>fset<br />
with the assistance <strong>of</strong> CO 2<br />
OL.<br />
"Among other th<strong>in</strong>gs, the aim <strong>of</strong><br />
our partnership with the GCB is<br />
to strengthen awareness <strong>of</strong> climatefriendly<br />
events,“ po<strong>in</strong>ts out Dirk<br />
Walterspacher, CO 2<br />
OL division<br />
manager with the Bonn-based<br />
ForestF<strong>in</strong>ance Group. "By shar<strong>in</strong>g<br />
knowledge with the GCB and its<br />
members we can <strong>of</strong>fer them advice<br />
thanks to our long experience.<br />
In addition, we help meet<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
event planners to make their events<br />
climate-neutral."<br />
www.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com/<br />
green-meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Conference. <strong>The</strong> “Green Mobility”<br />
tool is the latest project <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g event<br />
participants a platform on everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
related to green mobility. It recently<br />
appeared on the 12th IAAF World Athletics<br />
Championships berl<strong>in</strong> 2009TM website.<br />
For the last twelve years CO 2<br />
OL has<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered advice on practical climate<br />
protection for hundreds <strong>of</strong> events and<br />
<strong>made</strong> them climate-neutral: <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Live Earth concert <strong>in</strong> Hamburg and tours<br />
<strong>of</strong> pop-bands “Die Ärzte” and “Juli”.
GCB 09<br />
<strong>The</strong> GCB is blogg<strong>in</strong>g and twitter<strong>in</strong>g!<br />
n News from the world <strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conventions have found new space on the World Wide Web<br />
<strong>The</strong> GCB German Convention<br />
Bureau e.V. has two new <strong>of</strong>fers on<br />
the World Wide Web: From now on<br />
you will f<strong>in</strong>d the latest news from the<br />
German meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conventions<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> the GCB blog at http://<br />
blog.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com.<br />
<strong>The</strong> blog is updated regularly<br />
with news from German meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
organisers. And you can access older<br />
news categorised by event venues<br />
<strong>in</strong> the archives - hotels, convention<br />
centres and special locations – and<br />
sections such as “green meet<strong>in</strong>gs”,<br />
“<strong>in</strong>centives” and “<strong>of</strong>fers”.<br />
You may also subscribe to GCB blog<br />
news as an RSS feed. <strong>The</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
newsletter will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be sent<br />
once a month featur<strong>in</strong>g the most<br />
important news and a l<strong>in</strong>k to the<br />
new blog.<br />
n L<strong>in</strong>ks at a glance:<br />
• GCB Newsblog: http://blog-en.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com<br />
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/GCB_<strong>Germany</strong><br />
• Internet: www.gcb.de<br />
In addition to blog, RSS and<br />
newsletter meet<strong>in</strong>g planners now<br />
have an opportunity to receive the<br />
latest <strong>in</strong>dustry news via Twitter. Just<br />
follow the GCB at<br />
http://twitter.com/GCB_<strong>Germany</strong>!<br />
www.germany-meet<strong>in</strong>gs.com<br />
Of course, you will f<strong>in</strong>d l<strong>in</strong>ks to the blog and Twitter pages on the GCB’s website<br />
www.gcb.de, so you only need to remember one!<br />
Your Partner<br />
<strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong> Worldwide<br />
CONGRESS & INCENTIVE GmbH<br />
MEETINGS<br />
Alt Friedrichsfelde 11<br />
D-10315 Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
INCENTIVES CONVENTIONS EVENTS<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@mr-congress.com<br />
www.mr-congress.com<br />
Tel.: +49.30.44 35 06 - 0<br />
Fax: +49.30.44 35 06 20
10 GCB / NEWS - DESTINATIONS<br />
This is where you will f<strong>in</strong>d the GCB <strong>in</strong> 2009 /10<br />
Trade fair/ specialist event Webseite Place Datum<br />
EIBTM www.eibtm.com Barcelona 01-03 December 2009<br />
Annual PCMA conference http://pcma2010.org/ Dallas 10-13 January 2010<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Confex</strong> www.<strong>in</strong>ternational-confex.com London 23-25 February 2010<br />
Successful <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> University<br />
www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/<br />
events/marketplace.jsp<br />
New York City 21-23 March 2010<br />
Meedex www.meedex.fr Paris 24-25 March 2010<br />
imex-<strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>made</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong> www.imex-frankfurt.de Frankfurt a. M. 25-27 May 2010<br />
MPI WEC www.mpiweb.org/events Vancouver 24-28 July 2010<br />
Trailblazers Incentive Market www.trailblazers-<strong>in</strong>fo.com Genf 13-16 August 2010<br />
Incentive Works www.meet<strong>in</strong>gscanada.com/<strong>in</strong>centiveworks Toronto 24-25 August 2010<br />
EIBTM www.eibtm.com Barcelona 30 November - 02 December 2010<br />
Hop-on hop-<strong>of</strong>f bus now also<br />
<strong>in</strong> Frankfurt am Ma<strong>in</strong><br />
the bus will also take visitors to the<br />
Palmengarten, Senckenberg Museum<br />
or Frankfurt Trade Fair. From the top<br />
deck <strong>of</strong> the red double-decker bus,<br />
decorated with motifs <strong>of</strong> Frankfurt,<br />
guests can see the city from a<br />
completely new angle.<br />
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de<br />
together with their conference<br />
documents and meet<strong>in</strong>g folder.<br />
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de<br />
DüsseldorfCongress – new<br />
website<br />
Already long-established <strong>in</strong> other<br />
metropolitan cities world-wide,<br />
this service has now at last reached<br />
Frankfurt on Ma<strong>in</strong>: S<strong>in</strong>ce May 2009<br />
visitors to the Ma<strong>in</strong> metropolis have<br />
been able to explore the city on an<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al double-decker bus and hop<br />
on and <strong>of</strong>f at the most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tourist spots as <strong>of</strong>ten as they like. In<br />
addition to central highlights like the<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> station, Römerberg, Museum<br />
Embankment and Alt-Sachsenhausen,<br />
Frankfurt Congress Ticket<br />
now also available as a two-day<br />
ticket<br />
In addition to the well-established<br />
1-day ticket the Frankfurt Congress<br />
Ticket is now also available <strong>in</strong> a<br />
two-day version. In a handy cheque<br />
card format, the Congress Ticket is<br />
an extra service for all meet<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
convention delegates <strong>in</strong> the Ma<strong>in</strong><br />
metropolis and saves them the need<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d a ticket mach<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
<strong>The</strong> ticket is available only to<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g and convention organisers<br />
and must be bought <strong>in</strong> advance so<br />
that it can be handed to attendees<br />
DüsseldorfCongress<br />
Veranstaltungsgesellschaft mbH<br />
now presents itself on www.<br />
duesseldorfcongress.de <strong>in</strong> a new<br />
and virtual look. Over the past few<br />
months the company has given its<br />
website and contents a complete<br />
make-over.
NEWS - DESTINATIONS 11<br />
<strong>The</strong> result is impressive: Apart<br />
from an ultramodern design the<br />
new website also <strong>of</strong>fers a targeted<br />
and extended range <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g organisers, concert<br />
agencies, companies and associations,<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the press and attendees<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual events will f<strong>in</strong>d all the<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation they require here.<br />
www.duesseldorfcongress.de<br />
Stuttgart Meet<strong>in</strong>g Guide<br />
turns 15<br />
Cologne <strong>made</strong> easy for event<br />
planners<br />
Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB)<br />
presented itself at IMEX 2009 for<br />
the first time with a new website,<br />
detailed convention guide and a wide<br />
range <strong>of</strong> services.<br />
All the advantages <strong>of</strong> this attractive<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs dest<strong>in</strong>ation are featured<br />
on www.conventioncologne.de. An<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrated meet<strong>in</strong>g planner enables<br />
customers to f<strong>in</strong>d suitable solutions<br />
for their events onl<strong>in</strong>e. Information<br />
on <strong>in</strong>dividual venues and service<br />
partners can simply be stored or<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ted as a PDF file. With this<br />
tool the CCB is a pioneer among<br />
German convention bureaux.<br />
www.conventioncologne.de<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Germany</strong>_dtsch_engl 210x140 2950 28.08.2009 9:29 Uhr Seite 2<br />
With new <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>in</strong> its brand new<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Guide for 2009/2010,<br />
the region <strong>of</strong> Stuttgart once<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> emphasises its importance<br />
as a mobility location: Opened<br />
<strong>in</strong> late January, the Porsche<br />
Museum provides an all-out<br />
Porsche experience with attractive<br />
Heritage and <strong>in</strong>novation, excit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>teractive exhibitions and outstand<strong>in</strong>g venues.<br />
Perfect for conferences, sem<strong>in</strong>ars and events <strong>of</strong> any size.<br />
BTZ<br />
BREMER TOURISTIK-ZENTRALE<br />
Conference and Event Management Service<br />
F<strong>in</strong>dorffstrasse 105 · 28215 Bremen, <strong>Germany</strong><br />
Contact: Andrea Hess<br />
Tel.: +49 (0)421 3080 016<br />
Email: btz-kongress@bremen-tourism.de<br />
Website: www.bremen-kongress.de
12 NEWS - DESTINATIONS<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs for events with up to 300<br />
attendees. And at the listed site <strong>of</strong><br />
the former airport <strong>in</strong> Böbl<strong>in</strong>gen<br />
Meilenwerk Stuttgart has all k<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
<strong>of</strong> extraord<strong>in</strong>ary car-themed services<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Hall <strong>of</strong> Legends for<br />
up to 800 people s<strong>in</strong>ce September<br />
2009. Stuttgart’s W<strong>in</strong>e Region is full<br />
<strong>of</strong> attractive options for a relax<strong>in</strong>g<br />
end to a long day at the trade fair<br />
or convention with new w<strong>in</strong>e<br />
cellar and v<strong>in</strong>eyard tours. And the<br />
Culture Region will open even more<br />
museum doors for social programmes<br />
<strong>in</strong> an exclusive sett<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
www.stuttgart-tourist.de<br />
Congress region Stuttgart:<br />
Creativity World Forum makes<br />
its debut <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong> this<br />
December<br />
In the European Year <strong>of</strong> Creativity<br />
and Innovation the Stuttgart Region<br />
will host the Creativity World Forum<br />
2009. From 30th November to 3rd<br />
December 2009 the <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
forum will <strong>of</strong>fer a comprehensive<br />
programme <strong>in</strong> the metropolitan<br />
region on the subject <strong>of</strong> Creative<br />
Industries as a Location Factor.<br />
<strong>The</strong> core <strong>of</strong> the forum will be a<br />
two-day congress from 1st to 2nd<br />
December 2009 <strong>in</strong> the creative<br />
location <strong>of</strong> Ludwigsburg with wellknown<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational speakers, trade<br />
conferences and expert forums<br />
as well as a co-operation fair for<br />
approximately 1,500 expected<br />
attendees. <strong>The</strong>re will also be shows<br />
from the worlds <strong>of</strong> music, film<br />
and theatre plus an accompany<strong>in</strong>g<br />
exhibition to highlight the variety <strong>of</strong><br />
Baden-Württemberg’s creative scene.<br />
And a political kick-<strong>of</strong>f programme<br />
for the <strong>in</strong>ternational delegations <strong>of</strong><br />
the Districts <strong>of</strong> Creativity <strong>in</strong> cooperation<br />
with the federal state<br />
capital <strong>of</strong> Stuttgart is planned for<br />
30th November 2009.<br />
www.stuttgart-tourist.de<br />
Full hotel beds and priceless<br />
publicity<br />
<strong>The</strong> 12th IAAF World Athletics<br />
Championships <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong> came to a<br />
successful close. “With an enthusiastic<br />
mood <strong>in</strong> the Olympic stadium and<br />
a fantastic atmosphere <strong>in</strong> the entire<br />
city Berl<strong>in</strong> proved to be an excellent<br />
host,” says Burkhard Kieker, CEO <strong>of</strong><br />
Berl<strong>in</strong> Tourismus Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH<br />
(BTM). “<strong>The</strong> city was full, hotels<br />
well booked. Many guests decided<br />
spontaneously to attend the event <strong>in</strong><br />
the last few days.“<br />
Around 400,000 persons came<br />
to see the competitions <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>’s<br />
Olympic stadium, while street<br />
tournaments at the weekends<br />
attracted around 1.3 million<br />
spectators.<br />
<strong>The</strong> publicity generated by the<br />
world athletics championships for the<br />
German capital was priceless. Over<br />
3,500 media representatives reported<br />
from Berl<strong>in</strong> for n<strong>in</strong>e days, their<br />
images reach<strong>in</strong>g around four billion<br />
TV viewers world-wide.<br />
www.visitBerl<strong>in</strong>.de<br />
Kassel: Fresh from the<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ter’s press<br />
For the cold season Kassel has<br />
compiled highlights from the<br />
world <strong>of</strong> culture and shopp<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
also from the Fairytale Christmas<br />
Market. <strong>The</strong> brochure Kassel<br />
erleben – Kultur, Shopp<strong>in</strong>g &<br />
Lichterglanz (Experience Kassel –<br />
Culture, Shopp<strong>in</strong>g & Lights) has<br />
the latest dates, suggestions and<br />
recommendations for exhibitions,<br />
theatre performances and musicals,<br />
for midnight shopp<strong>in</strong>g and Casseler<br />
Freyheit as well as Kassel’s magical<br />
Fairytale Christmas Market.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new Group Catalogue<br />
2010 – Kassel geme<strong>in</strong>sam erfahren<br />
(Experience Kassel Together) is to<br />
serve as a guide, manual and source <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>spiration all at the same time. At a<br />
glance, this catalogue is full <strong>of</strong> ready<strong>made</strong><br />
packages, modules and themes<br />
as well as recommendations on all<br />
the different ways <strong>in</strong> which you can<br />
“experience” the city <strong>of</strong> Kassel.<br />
www.kassel-tourist.de<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong>: meet<strong>in</strong>g metropolis<br />
posts new visitor record<br />
<strong>The</strong> German capital is cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g<br />
its success story <strong>in</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry: 3.97 million trade visitors<br />
came to Berl<strong>in</strong> from January to<br />
June 2009. <strong>The</strong>y attended 50,850<br />
events. This means a three per cent<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> visitors and 0.3 per cent<br />
ga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> events compared to the same<br />
period last year accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
latest congress statistics <strong>of</strong> the Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
Convention Office (BCO) <strong>of</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
Tourismus Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the figures the share<br />
<strong>of</strong> national meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conventions<br />
went up two per cent to 81 per cent.<br />
<strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> German attendees<br />
was also up two per cent (82 per<br />
cent). <strong>The</strong>re was a slight decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational events and guests (-2<br />
per cent each).<br />
www.berl<strong>in</strong>-convention-<strong>of</strong>fice.de
NEWS - DESTINATIONS 13<br />
darmstadtcongress: Network moves Darmstadt <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the top league <strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
<strong>The</strong> alliance now has a central<br />
contact for organisers. “With<br />
darmstadtcongress we have brought<br />
together a large number <strong>of</strong> providers<br />
<strong>in</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>gs and conventions<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess from the city and region and<br />
further members are welcome,” says<br />
darmstadtium CEO Klaus Krumrey.<br />
So far 23 companies and<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutions from Darmstadt and<br />
the surround<strong>in</strong>g region have jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
the darmstadtcongress <strong>in</strong>itiative.<br />
Apart from darmstadtium and other<br />
venues they <strong>in</strong>clude hotels, event<br />
agencies, stand construction and taxi<br />
companies as well as shops <strong>in</strong> the<br />
city centre but also Wissenschaftsstadt<br />
Darmstadt Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH and<br />
the Darmstadt Rh<strong>in</strong>e-Ma<strong>in</strong>-Neckar<br />
Chamber <strong>of</strong> Industry and Commerce.<br />
A customer magaz<strong>in</strong>e named dc<br />
will <strong>of</strong>fer customers the latest news<br />
from the science city and from<br />
alliance members three times a year.<br />
www.darmstadtium.de<br />
GCB Meet <strong>in</strong>_270709:Layout 1 27.07.2009 13:27 Uhr Seite 1<br />
MEET<br />
IN STUTTG<strong>ART</strong><br />
Where Quality is at Home<br />
Stuttgart-Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH<br />
Kongressbüro<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@congress-stuttgart.de<br />
www.meet-<strong>in</strong>-stuttgart.com
14 THE <strong>ART</strong> OF MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY<br />
Zollvere<strong>in</strong> celebrates
THE <strong>ART</strong> OF MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY 15<br />
<strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>dustrial ambience<br />
European Culture Capital: RUHR.2010<br />
n Not just any “old iron”! <strong>The</strong> Ruhr Area makes the legendary age <strong>of</strong> coal and steel come alive with an abundance <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage sites that serve as a unique stage for art and culture.<br />
Old coalm<strong>in</strong>es and steelworks now have a touch <strong>of</strong><br />
class and <strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage is a big trend. <strong>The</strong> best<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> this is that the Ruhr Area – a region marked by<br />
the <strong>in</strong>dustrial revolution like no other – will be European<br />
Culture Capital <strong>in</strong> 2010. 53 cities and municipalities<br />
with a population <strong>of</strong> 5.3 million have jo<strong>in</strong>ed forces <strong>in</strong><br />
the RUHR.2010 project present<strong>in</strong>g the Ruhr Area as an<br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g culture metropolis full <strong>of</strong> contrasts. <strong>The</strong> focus<br />
is on authentic sites that make history come alive and<br />
impress as (mega-) culture venues that lend themselves to<br />
many purposes.<br />
Many <strong>in</strong>dustrial monuments <strong>in</strong> the Ruhr Area have<br />
already sprung to a new life, while many others are<br />
still be<strong>in</strong>g converted. One <strong>of</strong> the major projects <strong>of</strong><br />
RUHR.2010 promises to become an excit<strong>in</strong>g new<br />
venue: <strong>The</strong> Dortmunder U. <strong>The</strong> dist<strong>in</strong>ctive 70-metre<br />
high fermentation plant and depot <strong>of</strong> the former Union<br />
Brewery will become the centre <strong>of</strong> an 80,000-sqm<br />
creative quarter as <strong>of</strong> 2010. A Museum <strong>of</strong> 20th and 21st<br />
Century Art will also move <strong>in</strong>to the spectacular build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
under the sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g golden U. <strong>The</strong> major Schachtzeichen<br />
<strong>in</strong>stallation will become one <strong>of</strong> the most memorable<br />
images <strong>of</strong> the Culture Capital: All over the Ruhr Area<br />
hundreds <strong>of</strong> orange air sculptures will tower <strong>in</strong> the skies<br />
mark<strong>in</strong>g the roots <strong>of</strong> the Ruhr Area - the coalm<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
Further highlights <strong>of</strong> the Culture Capital year <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
the new open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Essen’s Folkwang Museum with<br />
three major exhibitions, the world’s first biennial for<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational light art <strong>in</strong> Unna and the largest Middle<br />
Ages exhibition <strong>of</strong> the last few decades ‘AufRuhr 1225! -<br />
Knights, Castles and Intrigues’ <strong>in</strong> Herne.<br />
n <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong>, myths and modernity<br />
<strong>The</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g old <strong>in</strong>dustrial plants and many <strong>of</strong> the<br />
cultural sites created for this mega-project will <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />
fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g ambience for meet<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong>centives not only<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g, but also after the eventful year.<br />
n <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> the World Heritage site<br />
Once it was the world’s most modern coalm<strong>in</strong>e – and<br />
now it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and hence<br />
one <strong>of</strong> only three former <strong>in</strong>dustrial sites that have been<br />
elevated to the status <strong>of</strong> “world <strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage sites” <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong>: the Zollvere<strong>in</strong> Coalm<strong>in</strong>e Industrial Complex<br />
<strong>in</strong> Essen. Designed <strong>in</strong> pure Bauhaus style, the impos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
coalm<strong>in</strong>e complex has rapidly become a centre <strong>of</strong> art<br />
and design s<strong>in</strong>ce be<strong>in</strong>g closed down <strong>in</strong> 1986. It received<br />
a Conga Award <strong>in</strong> June 2009 from representatives <strong>of</strong><br />
the German event <strong>in</strong>dustry as the most attractive event<br />
location <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>. From a small studio to a large fair<br />
and exhibition hall, it <strong>of</strong>fers over forty rooms, halls and<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs with a total space <strong>of</strong> 14,000 square metres for<br />
events. As a special gem, star architect Lord Norman<br />
Foster has carefully <strong>in</strong>tegrated the red dot design museum<br />
<strong>in</strong> the old boiler house. Another highlight is the Erich<br />
Brost Pavilion, a glass cube with breath-tak<strong>in</strong>g panorama<br />
views from the ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the coal wash<strong>in</strong>g plant at a height<br />
<strong>of</strong> 38 metres. And the well-known Cas<strong>in</strong>o restaurant<br />
will cater to connoisseurs <strong>of</strong> f<strong>in</strong>e cuis<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> a dist<strong>in</strong>ctive<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial ambience.<br />
www.zollvere<strong>in</strong>.de<br />
Important dates <strong>of</strong> the Culture Capital year 2010<br />
5 June 2010 !SING - DAY OF SONG, gigantic choir production with around<br />
22,000 s<strong>in</strong>gers<br />
19 June 2010 “Extraschicht” Industrial Heritage Night<br />
18 July 2010 “Still-Leben Ruhrschnellweg“. <strong>The</strong> metropolis celebrates <strong>in</strong><br />
style on the closed-down A40 motorway<br />
27 February –<br />
28 November 2010<br />
“AufRuhr1225!“ – Knights, Castles and Intrigues, exhibition at<br />
the LWL Museum for Archaeology, Herne<br />
28 March – 27 May 2010 Biennale for <strong>International</strong> Light Art, Unna<br />
12 March – 31 October 2010 “Heroes. A Yearn<strong>in</strong>g for Someth<strong>in</strong>g Special,” exhibition at the<br />
LWL Industry Museum Zollern coalm<strong>in</strong>e, Dortmund<br />
20 March – 25 July 2010 “<strong>The</strong> World’s Most Beautiful Museum“.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Folkwang Museum until 1933. Exhibition <strong>in</strong> the new<br />
Folkwang Museum, Essen
16 THE <strong>ART</strong> OF MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY<br />
n Green idyll <strong>in</strong> the Ruhr Area<br />
Change <strong>of</strong> scene: If you prefer romantic timber-framed<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs to rusty pipes, you should opt for a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage for beg<strong>in</strong>ners at Margarethenhöhe.<br />
Named after its founder Margarethe Krupp, the hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
estate <strong>in</strong> the south <strong>of</strong> Essen is generally acknowledged<br />
to be one <strong>of</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>est examples <strong>of</strong> a garden city estate<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>: With its timber-framed build<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
picturesque streets and squares it has preserved an almost<br />
rural charm. Meet<strong>in</strong>g suggestion: M<strong>in</strong>trops Stadt Hotel<br />
Margarethenhöhe – a listed monument, as is the entire<br />
estate – with a magnificent view <strong>of</strong> the idyllic market<br />
square.<br />
www.margarethenhoehe.com<br />
Jahrhunderthalle Bochum<br />
n <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> the Castle <strong>of</strong> Work<br />
Opulent brick facades, lavish castellated gables around a<br />
green courtyard – at a first glance the Zollern coalm<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>in</strong> Dortmund looks more like a stately home than<br />
a m<strong>in</strong>e complex for coal production. And this was<br />
part <strong>of</strong> its construction concept. Today the “Castle <strong>of</strong><br />
Work” <strong>in</strong> the west <strong>of</strong> Dortmund is regarded as one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the most beautiful and extraord<strong>in</strong>ary witnesses <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>dustrial past. It boasts a museum and a<br />
sumptuous <strong>in</strong>dustrial ambience suitable for meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
and conventions. <strong>The</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e room with its ornate Art<br />
Nouveau doorway was the first <strong>in</strong>dustrial build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong> to become a listed monument <strong>in</strong> 1969.<br />
www.lwl.org<br />
Dortmunder U<br />
n Need some enlighten<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Unna is <strong>in</strong> the limelight not only <strong>in</strong> its culture capital<br />
year: the Centre for <strong>International</strong> Light Art <strong>in</strong> Unna<br />
is the world’s first and only museum that is dedicated<br />
exclusively to light art. Opened <strong>in</strong> 2001 <strong>in</strong> the former<br />
L<strong>in</strong>den Brewery, the museum provides a presentation<br />
space for light art which could hardly be anymore<br />
fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g or effective: Highly visible with its 52-metre<br />
sky-scrap<strong>in</strong>g chimney this contemporary work <strong>of</strong> art has<br />
found a home deep underground on a space <strong>of</strong> 2,400<br />
square metres. <strong>The</strong> maze-like corridors, cold stores and<br />
fermentation bas<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the former brewery, where the<br />
traditional L<strong>in</strong>den Adler Pils was produced between 1852<br />
and 1979, are now creatively showcased and throw a new<br />
light on meet<strong>in</strong>gs and workshops.<br />
www.lichtkunst-unna.de<br />
Landscape Park Duisburg North
l<br />
n Want it a bit bigger?<br />
Talk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> light: When Duisburg’s<br />
90-year-old blast furnace is bathed <strong>in</strong><br />
colourful light as dusk falls, the site<br />
takes on a mysterious and dramatic<br />
appearance like hardly any other.<br />
Landschaftspark (Landscape Park)<br />
Duisburg Nord which surrounds the<br />
former steel mill is now one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
most fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g places <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
But even by day the location, which<br />
is <strong>of</strong>ten used for movie productions,<br />
provides a simply <strong>in</strong>describable<br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g for very special meet<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k Big! <strong>The</strong> 170-metre long<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>e House alone - the nave<br />
<strong>of</strong> this <strong>in</strong>dustrial cathedral – can<br />
accommodate up to 4,140 people.<br />
www.landschaftspark.de<br />
<strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> <strong>in</strong> the Culture Cathedral<br />
Bochum’s Jahrhunderthalle is just<br />
as generous <strong>in</strong> space terms. It was<br />
built <strong>in</strong> 1902 with an airy steel<br />
construction as an exhibition hall<br />
for the Düsseldorf trade exhibition<br />
and later re-erected <strong>in</strong> Bochum’s<br />
cast steel works and used as a blower<br />
hall for the furnaces. Today it is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> Europe’s most impressive and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novative festival theatres and a<br />
central venue for the Ruhr Triennale<br />
music and theatre festival. <strong>The</strong> grand<br />
hall has a length <strong>of</strong> 130 metres and<br />
a floor space <strong>of</strong> around 3,360 square<br />
metres suitable for all k<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>of</strong> events.<br />
www.jahrhunderthalle-bochum.de<br />
Gasometer Oberhausen<br />
n A space that Christo loved<br />
Gigantic dimensions and unique<br />
impressions are also the hallmarks <strong>of</strong><br />
Gasometer Oberhausen, which <strong>made</strong><br />
a name for itself world-wide not least<br />
due to Christo’s spectacular stag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> Wall there <strong>in</strong> 1999. With a height<br />
<strong>of</strong> 117 metres it is almost as high<br />
as the Jahrhunderthalle <strong>in</strong> Bochum<br />
is long. But you will only f<strong>in</strong>d real<br />
floor levels lower down: From the<br />
manege upwards, the empty shell<br />
<strong>of</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g stretches up to the<br />
ro<strong>of</strong> at a height <strong>of</strong> 100 metres. A<br />
sevenfold echo that reverberates from<br />
the matte steel walls, diffuse light<br />
and aura <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>dustrial past make<br />
the Gasometer an almost mythical<br />
site. <strong>The</strong> room below the former<br />
gas pressure disk is more suitable for<br />
room<br />
Dreams. Goals. <strong>The</strong> future.<br />
Ideas and <strong>in</strong>novations.<br />
Visions need to be communicated.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y need to be conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
f o r v i s i o n s<br />
KölnKongress <strong>of</strong>fers you the<br />
know-how and services that<br />
produce success.<br />
V<br />
n More Info on Culture Capital RUHR.2010<br />
You will f<strong>in</strong>d more <strong>in</strong>formation on the projects and programme <strong>of</strong> the Culture Capital<br />
RUHR.2010 at www.ruhr2010.de. Tickets for events <strong>of</strong> the Culture Capital programme and<br />
further events <strong>in</strong> the entire Ruhr metropolis can be booked onl<strong>in</strong>e at www.ruhr2010.de/<br />
tickets or by telephone on via the RUHR.2010 ticket hotl<strong>in</strong>e 0180 515 2010.<br />
KölnKongress | fon +49 2 21 . 8 21 - 21 21 | www.koelnkongress.de
18 THE <strong>ART</strong> OF MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY / NEWS - HOTELS<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs and corporate functions with its more balanced<br />
acoustics. A glass panorama lift takes guests to the ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
the Gasometer with its three view<strong>in</strong>g platforms.<br />
www.gasometer.de<br />
n Industry – Cuis<strong>in</strong>e - Culture<br />
<strong>The</strong> region also caters to cul<strong>in</strong>ary tastes <strong>in</strong> its own<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>ctive manner: For example, the FC Ruhr Area<br />
cook<strong>in</strong>g alliance <strong>of</strong>fers authentic and stylish cater<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
local cuis<strong>in</strong>e that blends tradition with <strong>in</strong>novation. <strong>The</strong><br />
fact that 170 nations alone live <strong>in</strong> the Ruhr Area melt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pot has a considerable <strong>in</strong>fluence on regional specialities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> FC Ruhr Area is an <strong>of</strong>ficial partner <strong>of</strong> the Culture<br />
Capital programme with a gourmet festival focus<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
food and d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Ruhr metropolis.<br />
www.fcruhrgebiet.de<br />
n Culture Meet<strong>in</strong>g Planner <strong>Germany</strong><br />
In the land <strong>of</strong> poets and th<strong>in</strong>kers, pa<strong>in</strong>ters and composers you can meet and<br />
celebrate <strong>in</strong> hundreds <strong>of</strong> museums and historical build<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong> authentic sites<br />
marked by great personalities – places and experiences you can only get <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> GCB has developed an attractive plann<strong>in</strong>g tool that <strong>of</strong>fers you an<br />
overview <strong>of</strong> the most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g cultural meet<strong>in</strong>g and event options <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong>. It will <strong>in</strong>spire you and <strong>of</strong>fer you new <strong>in</strong>sights <strong>in</strong>to culture meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
We will send you our bil<strong>in</strong>gual Culture Meet<strong>in</strong>g Planner <strong>Germany</strong> as a poster<br />
<strong>in</strong> a handy folded format and free <strong>of</strong> charge!<br />
Order a free copy at: <strong>in</strong>fo@gcb.de<br />
5th anniversary <strong>of</strong><br />
Kongresshotel Potsdam am<br />
Templ<strong>in</strong>er See<br />
“When I said ‘Welcome on board our<br />
airships’ five years ago, many people<br />
were sceptical whether it was really<br />
possible to transform an educational<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitution <strong>in</strong>to a hotel – today I can<br />
say with a clear conscience: Yes, it is!,”<br />
says Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director Jutta Braun<br />
about the build<strong>in</strong>g’s conversion <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
sport, meet<strong>in</strong>g and event hotel.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel already had quite an<br />
eventful history when she started out.<br />
After reunification there was<br />
great demand for staff tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
eastern German sav<strong>in</strong>gs banks which<br />
led to the creation <strong>of</strong> a five-part<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g complex with a meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
area <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g an exist<strong>in</strong>g shed<br />
<strong>of</strong> the airship port historical site <strong>in</strong><br />
1996. After many successful years<br />
there was grow<strong>in</strong>g demand from the<br />
world <strong>of</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess, culture and politics<br />
to open the venue for external<br />
customers who are not part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sav<strong>in</strong>gs banks association.<br />
In 2004 change f<strong>in</strong>ally came. This<br />
was when the conversion <strong>in</strong>to a full<br />
hotel kicked <strong>of</strong>f and the history <strong>of</strong><br />
Kongresshotel Potsdam started.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Zeppel<strong>in</strong> theme restaurant,<br />
Lemon a-la-carte restaurant and<br />
stylish Blue Sky Bar & Lounge were<br />
opened <strong>in</strong> the summer <strong>of</strong> 2005 and<br />
the hotel is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>’s Top<br />
Ten meet<strong>in</strong>g hotels today.<br />
www.kongresshotel-potsdam.de<br />
New hotel <strong>in</strong> Bremen blends<br />
tradition with modernity<br />
A new address for travellers is<br />
currently be<strong>in</strong>g built <strong>in</strong> the heart <strong>of</strong><br />
Bremen, right at the historic central<br />
station: Hotel Courtyard by Mariott<br />
with 155 rooms. It <strong>of</strong>fers a beautiful<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> tradition and<br />
modernity. Part <strong>of</strong> the hotel is <strong>in</strong> the<br />
refurbished historical Lloyd House<br />
from 1913, which used to serve as a<br />
station build<strong>in</strong>g for emigrants to the<br />
USA. Next door a new build<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
under construction which will later<br />
be connected to the Lloyd House.
NEWS - HOTELS 19<br />
<strong>The</strong> six storeys <strong>of</strong> the new<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g will house the conference<br />
rooms and most <strong>of</strong> the guest rooms.<br />
<strong>The</strong> adjacent historical structure<br />
is partly a listed build<strong>in</strong>g and will<br />
accommodate a restaurant, gym,<br />
69 rooms and around 3,650 square<br />
metres <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice space <strong>in</strong> future. <strong>The</strong><br />
entrance hall and lounge will connect<br />
the two w<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Thanks to its central location,<br />
the hotel is particularly suitable<br />
for companies and for meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and convention attendees. <strong>The</strong><br />
central station is right next door<br />
and opposite the exhibition centre.<br />
<strong>The</strong> old city area is with<strong>in</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
distance and a tram stop to the<br />
airport is also located nearby.<br />
www.bremen-kongress.de<br />
<strong>The</strong> Leonardo hotel cha<strong>in</strong><br />
opens its first Royal brand hotel<br />
and fourth establishment <strong>in</strong> the<br />
capital<br />
<strong>The</strong> exclusive Royal brand hotel<br />
owned by the Leonardo cha<strong>in</strong><br />
opened its doors <strong>in</strong> August near<br />
Alexanderplatz – as the first <strong>in</strong> the<br />
superior category and Leonardo’s<br />
fourth <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>. <strong>The</strong> first guest was<br />
welcomed with flowers and a free<br />
overnight stay.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Leonardo Royal Hotel<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers guests an extraord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
ambience: a listed hotel build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ed with a tasteful <strong>in</strong>terior,<br />
a restaurant, bar/lounge and<br />
conference area <strong>of</strong> over 1,000 sqm<br />
plus 346 attractive rooms and suites.<br />
An exclusive spa area on the 7th floor<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers breath-tak<strong>in</strong>g views <strong>of</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>’s<br />
television tower. Leonardo Royal<br />
Hotel Berl<strong>in</strong> celebrated its <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
grand open<strong>in</strong>g with lots <strong>of</strong> VIPs on<br />
9th September 2009.<br />
www.leonardo-hotels.com<br />
hotel nikko düsseldorf<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ues to grow<br />
Located <strong>in</strong> the heart <strong>of</strong> the federal<br />
state capital, hotel nikko düsseldorf<br />
will be <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g 42 more rooms and<br />
suites from the end <strong>of</strong> this year. As<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2008, the 4-star superior hotel<br />
will be expanded by a hotel w<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with a total floor space <strong>of</strong> 1,740<br />
sqm, hous<strong>in</strong>g the elegantly designed<br />
executive rooms and suites. “This<br />
category is particularly popular<br />
with our guests,” says hotel director<br />
Bertold Reul and expla<strong>in</strong>s why:<br />
“With nikko they book a 4-star<br />
superior hotel but get a 5-star<br />
product as far as size, comfort and<br />
elegance are concerned.” In total,<br />
hotel nikko will have 386 rooms and<br />
suites <strong>in</strong> eight different categories<br />
after completion <strong>of</strong> the expansion.<br />
www.nikko-hotel.de<br />
Frankfurt Marriott Hotel:<br />
Green events protect the<br />
environment<br />
<strong>The</strong> days are gone when go<strong>in</strong>g green<br />
meant us<strong>in</strong>g brown “recycl<strong>in</strong>g paper”<br />
and wear<strong>in</strong>g wooden sandals. <strong>The</strong><br />
Frankfurt Marriott Hotel focuses<br />
on susta<strong>in</strong>ability not only with its<br />
rooms but now also with its events.<br />
This starts, for example, with the use
20 NEWS - HOTELS<br />
<strong>of</strong> Bic Ecolutions® pens that are<br />
<strong>made</strong> <strong>of</strong> recyclable and biodegradable<br />
materials, through environmentfriendly<br />
presentation materials to<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> m<strong>in</strong>eral water served with<br />
seasonal aromas <strong>in</strong> reusable glass<br />
decanters. <strong>The</strong> Frankfurt Marriott<br />
Hotel additionally <strong>of</strong>fers seasonal<br />
fruits <strong>in</strong> the c<strong>of</strong>fee breaks and<br />
dispenses with most sweet packag<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
A new energy-sav<strong>in</strong>g heat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system for the entire hotel reduces<br />
noxious emissions, and energy-sav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
light bulbs and LED signs <strong>in</strong>doors and<br />
outdoors also make their contribution.<br />
Water consumption is m<strong>in</strong>imised by<br />
the use <strong>of</strong> water-sav<strong>in</strong>g shower heads<br />
and taps, while green detergents and<br />
soaps reduce pollutants. But that’s not<br />
all: A co-operation with Deutsche<br />
Bahn <strong>of</strong>fers conference delegates very<br />
favourable special ticket rates. This not<br />
only helps the environment but also<br />
delegates’ budget.<br />
www.marriott.de<br />
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg:<br />
New conference floor perfect for<br />
hold<strong>in</strong>g meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g a thorough renovation,<br />
the Radisson Blu Hotel Hamburg<br />
reopened on 31st August 2009 and<br />
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg Airport now open<br />
n Rezidor announces the open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the new Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg Airport <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>’s second largest city<br />
television screen with MP3 player<br />
plug, free high-speed Internet access<br />
and <strong>in</strong>dividual climate control.<br />
n An Unbeatable Location!<br />
<strong>The</strong> stylish new Radisson Blu<br />
Hotel, Hamburg Airport is ideally<br />
positioned opposite Term<strong>in</strong>al 1 and 2<br />
<strong>of</strong> Hamburg Airport, home to major<br />
airl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Lufthansa and other<br />
Star Alliance partners.<br />
But the latest Radisson Blu<br />
hotel is so much more than just a<br />
handy place to sleep: it’s beautifully<br />
appo<strong>in</strong>ted rooms, impeccable Yes I<br />
Can! service and outstand<strong>in</strong>g range<br />
<strong>of</strong> facilities make it a dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong><br />
its own right, perfect as a conference<br />
venue or for enjoy<strong>in</strong>g all the<br />
opportunities and excitement that<br />
Hamburg has to <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
n World Class Modern Design,<br />
Comfort and Amenities<br />
<strong>The</strong> highly contemporary hotel<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers 266 stylish, ultra-modern<br />
standard rooms, with 5 suites and 3<br />
rooms suitable for disabled guests.<br />
Smok<strong>in</strong>g accommodation will<br />
be available on request. All rooms<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer the excellent, top <strong>of</strong> the range<br />
amenities you would expect <strong>of</strong> a<br />
first-class hotel, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a LCD<br />
n <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> That Make <strong>The</strong>ir Mark<br />
With its unbeatable airport location<br />
beside Hamburg Airport and an<br />
impressive total <strong>of</strong> 15 flexible, ultra<br />
modern meet<strong>in</strong>g rooms - cover<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an area <strong>of</strong> over 1000 m2 <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
foyers - the hotel is the perfect<br />
venue for both small meet<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
major conferences. All rooms have<br />
natural daylight, <strong>of</strong>fer free high-speed<br />
Internet access and will be equipped<br />
with the latest AV equipment. And<br />
the attractive bonus <strong>of</strong> ample outdoor<br />
and <strong>in</strong>door airport park<strong>in</strong>g means it<br />
is hard to imag<strong>in</strong>e a better base for<br />
travellers to Hamburg.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new Radisson Blu Hotel,<br />
Hamburg Airport is a valuable<br />
addition to both this <strong>in</strong>credible<br />
city and to the grow<strong>in</strong>g Rezidor<br />
portfolio.<br />
www.radissonblu.com/<br />
hotel-hamburgairport
NEWS - HOTELS / LOCATIONS 21<br />
can now <strong>of</strong>fer guests the perfect<br />
location for conferences, board<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs, sem<strong>in</strong>ars and all manner <strong>of</strong><br />
events with its 2,122m 2 conference<br />
facilities. Guests can now benefit<br />
from 12 multifunctional rooms with<br />
the latest sem<strong>in</strong>ar equipment, most<br />
<strong>of</strong> which have natural light, as well<br />
as a 533 m 2 divisible ballroom and<br />
a foyer area. <strong>The</strong> spectacular ‘High<br />
End’ event location on the 26th and<br />
27th floors along with the elegant<br />
multifunctional area on the ground<br />
floor complete the portfolio <strong>of</strong><br />
facilities on <strong>of</strong>fer for conduct<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess. <strong>The</strong> first-class hotel is<br />
located right next to the Dammtor<br />
express railway station and is the only<br />
hotel <strong>in</strong> the city that is directly l<strong>in</strong>ked<br />
to the CCH - Congress Centre<br />
Hamburg.<br />
www.radissonblu.de/hotel-hamburg<br />
Swissôtel Düsseldorf/ Neuss<br />
with fully modernised event area<br />
After modernis<strong>in</strong>g its public areas and<br />
rooms <strong>in</strong> 2008, Swissôtel Düsseldorf<br />
/ Neuss has also completed work on<br />
its event area.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel <strong>of</strong>fers a unique, flexible<br />
room concept. <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> with up<br />
to 2,100 people can be held there<br />
as well as functions for up to 2,500<br />
guests. <strong>The</strong> four-star superior hotel<br />
has a 4,000 square metres event and<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs area. <strong>The</strong> Jupiter hall (1,400<br />
square metres) and two Diana halls<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>of</strong>fer 2,100 square metres<br />
<strong>of</strong> space, mak<strong>in</strong>g it the largest hall<br />
on one level <strong>of</strong> all meet<strong>in</strong>g hotels <strong>in</strong><br />
NRW.<br />
www.swissotel-duesseldorf.de<br />
New bus<strong>in</strong>ess lounge at CCD<br />
Congress Center Düsseldorf<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficially opened<br />
Your <strong>in</strong>dependent Service Partner <strong>in</strong> Hamburg<br />
NEW!<br />
<strong>The</strong> Hamburg Convention Bureau GmbH (HCB) has been founded with the aim <strong>of</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g Hamburg <strong>in</strong>ternationally<br />
and domestically as a venue for conventions, conferences, events and <strong>in</strong>centive travel.<br />
It is the first port <strong>of</strong> call and service provider <strong>of</strong> choice for anyone plann<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess events <strong>in</strong> the Greater Hamburg region.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Hamburg Convention Bureau provides a full range <strong>of</strong> products and services for the city <strong>of</strong> Hamburg.<br />
Our policy is to make your event perfect <strong>in</strong> our wonderful city.<br />
Hamburg Convention Bureau | Phone +49(0)40-300 51 610<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@hamburg-convention.com | www.hamburg-convention.com<br />
Hamburg<br />
Convention<br />
Bureau
22 NEWS - LOCATIONS / AGENCIES<br />
Extensive modernisation measures<br />
already started at CCD Congress<br />
Center Düsseldorf early this year.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the most important new<br />
features celebrated its <strong>of</strong>ficial open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on 19th August 2009: the CCD<br />
Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Lounge.<br />
Customers and visitors to the<br />
CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf<br />
have with the Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Lounge an<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation and communications<br />
headquarters with cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge<br />
technical facilities, where up to 24<br />
people can hold focused meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
or work <strong>in</strong>dividually dur<strong>in</strong>g events.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new lounge <strong>of</strong>fers eight fully<br />
equipped computer workstations,<br />
further Internet connections and a<br />
stationary plasma screen. <strong>The</strong> lightfilled<br />
friendly room structure and<br />
an open barrier-free access situation<br />
facilitate the workflow.<br />
www.ccd.de<br />
12th European AIDS<br />
Conference <strong>in</strong> Cologne<br />
Just under half a million visitors and<br />
over 1,100 events – these are the<br />
successful results for the first half<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2009. And for the second halfyear<br />
KölnKongress also expects to<br />
welcome several thousands <strong>of</strong> visitors<br />
at numerous, partly <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
(congress) events.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 12th European AIDS<br />
Conference from 11th to 14th<br />
November 2009 at Congress-<br />
Centrum Koelnmesse will attract<br />
over 3,000 attendees from all over<br />
Europe. Organised by the European<br />
AIDS Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Society (EACS),<br />
which unites physicians, cl<strong>in</strong>icians<br />
and researchers, the conference has<br />
taken place every two years s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1991 <strong>in</strong> large European cities such as<br />
Paris, Athens or Madrid.<br />
www.koelnkongress.de<br />
Après-ski and lodge<br />
atmosphere <strong>in</strong> Hamburg’s<br />
Speicherstadt<br />
Après-Ski up <strong>in</strong> the north? No<br />
problem! Celebrate your next w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
event under the motto “Party All the<br />
Time” and <strong>in</strong>vite staff, customers<br />
or partners to a rustic lodge party!<br />
With hot dr<strong>in</strong>ks, beer on tap and a<br />
generous buffet we will transform<br />
a historical warehouse floor <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
rustic après-ski lodge. Want a unique<br />
live act? <strong>The</strong>n book Tim Toupet, the<br />
“superman <strong>of</strong> the party scene”!<br />
www.nordevent.de<br />
Riccardo Chailly, Gewandhaus music director
NEWS - SERVICE PROVIDERS 23<br />
Perfect acoustics and<br />
atmospheric light<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
ADAC Truck Grand Prix<br />
More than 170,000 visitors came to<br />
the Nürburgr<strong>in</strong>g from 24th to 26th<br />
July to attend the <strong>International</strong> Truck<br />
Grand Prix live. This was the 24th<br />
time the ADAC hosted this event<br />
which <strong>of</strong>fered guests a colourful mix<br />
<strong>of</strong> races, shows and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment.<br />
Once aga<strong>in</strong> Gahrens + Battermann<br />
were <strong>in</strong> charge <strong>of</strong> technical execution<br />
for the show part <strong>of</strong> the musical<br />
country event at the Müllenbach<br />
Loop.<br />
<strong>The</strong> media house <strong>in</strong>stalled an<br />
impressive open-air stage <strong>of</strong> just<br />
under 260 sqm for the performances<br />
<strong>of</strong> pop star Sasha and country stars<br />
Tom Astor, Truck Stop and Gunter<br />
Gabriel. <strong>The</strong> band area covered 150<br />
sqm alone.<br />
Atmospheric light<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the performances was provided<br />
by numerous Vari Lite and Robe<br />
spotlights and further conventional<br />
light<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Gahrens + Battermann were also<br />
responsible for perfect sound turn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the event <strong>in</strong>to a successful acoustic<br />
experience thanks to l<strong>in</strong>e array<br />
modules from EAW and brand-new<br />
MicroWedges.<br />
www.gb-mediensysteme.de<br />
New tool for your attendee<br />
management<br />
<strong>The</strong> smart and more team launched<br />
a brand-new attendee management<br />
tool this summer which had<br />
already been successfully used by its<br />
customers.<br />
Sem<strong>in</strong>ars, meet<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
conventions are l<strong>in</strong>ked with the tool<br />
via a company’s own Intranet pages.<br />
Staff members can register onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
for events. <strong>The</strong> menu is user-friendly<br />
and can be adapted to corporate<br />
design. <strong>The</strong> tool controls maximum<br />
attendee figures and hotel allotments.<br />
Statistical assessments show exactly<br />
which sem<strong>in</strong>ars have taken place and<br />
on what date staff members attended<br />
them.<br />
www.smartandmore.de<br />
Leipzig – where tradition and <strong>in</strong>novation are closely <strong>in</strong>tertw<strong>in</strong>ed. As the 19th Gewandhaus<br />
music director, Riccardo Chailly lends the Leipzig orchestra a dist<strong>in</strong>ctive and passionate pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
and attracts worldwide attention.<br />
Leipzig is equally excellent for meet<strong>in</strong>gs and events - thanks to first-class congress and convention<br />
centres, exceptional event venues and hotels as well as the appropriate service partners. Potential<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g or event organisers will f<strong>in</strong>d everyth<strong>in</strong>g at a glance on www.do-it-at-leipzig.de.<br />
Leipzig <strong>of</strong>fers the perfect framework for unforgettable events.<br />
Want to f<strong>in</strong>d out more? Plan your event <strong>in</strong> Leipzig onl<strong>in</strong>e: www.do-it-at-leipzig.de<br />
Leipzig Tourismus und Market<strong>in</strong>g GmbH<br />
Richard-Wagner-Str. 1, D-04109 Leipzig<br />
Telephone: +49 (0)341 7104-240, e-mail: kongress@ltm-leipzig.de
24 THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE WALL<br />
Boundless Pleasure<br />
Parks, passages and the picturesque Baltic<br />
n Climb<strong>in</strong>g the chalk cliffs, walks on Walpurgis night, fear <strong>in</strong> the forbidden zone, treats <strong>in</strong> the “world’s smartest<br />
tower” – the fall <strong>of</strong> the Iron Curta<strong>in</strong> has def<strong>in</strong>itely doubled <strong>Germany</strong>’s cultural legacy and variety as an event<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation. Especially the seaside resorts <strong>of</strong> the nobility, feudal parks and avant-garde courtyards <strong>in</strong> the east are<br />
attractive dest<strong>in</strong>ations for MICE planners seek<strong>in</strong>g an adventure with a difference.<br />
Of course, Trabant safaris through Berl<strong>in</strong> are now<br />
a fixture on the repertoire <strong>of</strong> all event planners –<br />
especially when groups from outside <strong>Germany</strong> come to<br />
visit the new old capital <strong>of</strong> former East <strong>Germany</strong>. And<br />
champagne receptions <strong>in</strong> the glass dome <strong>of</strong> the historical<br />
Reichstag and stop-<strong>of</strong>fs at Checkpo<strong>in</strong>t Charlie are a<br />
must. But eastern <strong>Germany</strong>’s beautiful landscapes and<br />
cultural gems are still largely unexplored – and <strong>of</strong>fer great<br />
potential for planners.<br />
n Baltic Gems<br />
<strong>The</strong> seaside resorts <strong>of</strong> Mecklenburg West Pomerania are<br />
just one example. Reunification <strong>in</strong> 1990 marked the start<br />
<strong>of</strong> a new age for spa towns that had been famous summer<br />
residences <strong>of</strong> the nobility <strong>in</strong> the 19th century: Dilapidated<br />
historical gems were rediscovered and restored to<br />
their former splendour by extensive renovation and<br />
reconstruction work.<br />
Heiligendamm, which shortly after its foundation <strong>in</strong><br />
1793 became the holiday headquarters <strong>of</strong> the European<br />
peerage and <strong>of</strong> the Russian Tsar and his family is one
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE WALL 25<br />
<strong>of</strong> the oldest spas. <strong>The</strong> G8 summit <strong>in</strong> 2007 brought the<br />
all-season dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> Heiligendamm world fame once<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the 21st century.<br />
www.heiligendamm.de<br />
<strong>Germany</strong>’s largest islands - Rügen and Usedom – are<br />
famous for their magnificent spa architecture with white<br />
as the pre-dom<strong>in</strong>ant shade <strong>of</strong> the facades (“white gems“).<br />
While Rügen presents itself above all as a theme island<br />
for holiday-makers and MICE planners due to its variety<br />
<strong>of</strong> landscapes with chalk cliffs, wild and picturesque<br />
Cape Arkona, endless avenues, cosy fish<strong>in</strong>g villages,<br />
chic promenades, sea bridges and the peaceful bodden<br />
landscape, Usedom with its fashionable spa architecture<br />
and endless sandy beaches is a dorado for culture lovers<br />
and wellness fans.<br />
www.ostseebad-b<strong>in</strong>z.de<br />
www.her<strong>in</strong>gsdorf.usedom.de<br />
But its greatest bonus is that most Germans only know<br />
the islands <strong>in</strong> the Bay <strong>of</strong> Pomerania by name. “<strong>The</strong><br />
fact that we are so little known is our advantage and<br />
USP,” says the director <strong>of</strong> Maritim Hotel Kaiserh<strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
Her<strong>in</strong>gsdorf. For MICE planners this has the priceless<br />
advantage <strong>of</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g able to <strong>of</strong>fer meet<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>centive or<br />
event attendees someth<strong>in</strong>g really new, be it for a board<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> concerted isolation or team-build<strong>in</strong>g between<br />
historical tree-l<strong>in</strong>ed avenues, rustic fish<strong>in</strong>g villages, <strong>in</strong><br />
spacious national parks or on f<strong>in</strong>e sandy beaches.<br />
www.auf-nach-mv.de<br />
n Gardens and Parks<br />
<strong>The</strong> many parks that were created, recreated or restored<br />
after the fall <strong>of</strong> the Wall also <strong>of</strong>fer a wonderful blend <strong>of</strong><br />
culture and nature. <strong>The</strong> German-Polish UNESCO World<br />
Heritage site Muskau Park <strong>in</strong> Saxony is one <strong>of</strong> the model<br />
projects <strong>of</strong> cross-border monument projection. Designed<br />
by Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Hermann <strong>of</strong> Pückler-Muskau <strong>in</strong> the early 19th<br />
century <strong>in</strong> the style <strong>of</strong> English landscape architecture, the<br />
park had been divided s<strong>in</strong>ce 1945 by the German-Polish<br />
border. <strong>The</strong> two halves <strong>of</strong> the park were reunited <strong>in</strong> 2003<br />
and now form a work <strong>of</strong> art composed <strong>of</strong> large meadows,<br />
picturesque lakes, rivers, unique bridges and build<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Even the freshly restored castle <strong>of</strong> the park’s creator and<br />
adventurer Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Pückler is open to the public once<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
www.muskauer-park.de<br />
Six palaces, seven historical parks and gardens and more<br />
than 100 smaller structures <strong>in</strong>vite you to walk <strong>in</strong> the<br />
more than 200-year-old Garden K<strong>in</strong>gdom <strong>of</strong> Dessau-<br />
Wörlitz. <strong>The</strong> UNESCO World Heritage site is located<br />
between Dessau and Luther’s home town Wittenberg on<br />
a generous 142 sq km. <strong>The</strong> first English-style landscape<br />
garden on the European ma<strong>in</strong>land captivates visitors with<br />
palaces, mansions, churches, ru<strong>in</strong>s and beautifully designed<br />
gardens <strong>in</strong> the meadows l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the Elbe and Mulde rivers.<br />
www.gartenreich.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> Elbauenpark <strong>in</strong> Saxony-Anhalt is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
latest garden creations. Despite its young age the site<br />
Seebrücke Ahlbeck
26 THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE WALL<br />
designed for the German Garden Show <strong>in</strong> 1999 is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> Magdeburg’s most important attractions today. <strong>The</strong><br />
Seebühne (Lake Stage) is the architectural highlight <strong>of</strong><br />
this cultural landscape: Five stands arranged like petals<br />
are surrounded by water and provide magnificent views<br />
<strong>of</strong> the unique natural sett<strong>in</strong>g with the Butterfly House,<br />
works <strong>of</strong> art and theme gardens. In addition, the 60-metre<br />
high Millennium Tower attracts countless visitors to<br />
look <strong>in</strong>side every year. Nicknamed the “World’s Smartest<br />
Tower”, the build<strong>in</strong>g tells the story <strong>of</strong> humank<strong>in</strong>d and the<br />
environment over the last 6,000 years on six exhibition<br />
levels.<br />
www.mvgm-onl<strong>in</strong>e.de<br />
n Walks <strong>in</strong> a Green History Book<br />
But German reunification has not only restored many<br />
cultural heritage sites <strong>in</strong> eastern <strong>Germany</strong> to their former<br />
splendour – unique nature areas have come to life <strong>in</strong><br />
many formerly restricted military zones which show the<br />
history <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ner German border from a special angle<br />
as “Green History Books”. Formerly separated hik<strong>in</strong>g<br />
areas have been reunified and trail networks have been<br />
restored or newly created. 20 years after the fall <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Wall they <strong>of</strong>fer hikers boundless pleasure on trails that<br />
lead them across, on and beh<strong>in</strong>d the former Iron Curta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
From the Green Belt to the Harz Hexenstieg: From<br />
Osterode <strong>in</strong> Lower Saxony to the romantic Bode Valley <strong>in</strong><br />
Saxony-Anhalt planners can organise an idyllic cross<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> the once heavily guarded <strong>in</strong>ner German border. <strong>The</strong><br />
highlight <strong>of</strong> this tour is a climb up the Brocken: <strong>The</strong><br />
highest mounta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the Harz region (1,141.1 m) was<br />
a restricted zone under the East German SED regime;<br />
to-date gigantic listen<strong>in</strong>g systems evoke the Cold War<br />
period.<br />
www.hexenstieg.de<br />
<strong>The</strong> Green Belt runs right along the former Iron Curta<strong>in</strong>:<br />
In the 40 years <strong>of</strong> German separation unique enchanted<br />
bush and forest landscapes, swamps and moors grew here<br />
undisturbed. A unique cross-border biotope system with<br />
a length <strong>of</strong> over 1,393 km connects over 100 rare habitats<br />
with each other. From Ilsenburg to Walkenried the Harz<br />
border walk leads hikers along the Green Belt on a varied<br />
and challeng<strong>in</strong>g route with a length <strong>of</strong> 75 km through<br />
the Harz Mounta<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
www.gruenes-band-harz.de<br />
www.erlebnisgruenesband.de<br />
Deep <strong>in</strong>to - or better put - high up <strong>in</strong> the forest is where<br />
the Ha<strong>in</strong>ich Tree Top Path will lead you. At a height <strong>of</strong><br />
ten to 24 metres the path takes team builders through<br />
dense vegetation <strong>of</strong> n<strong>in</strong>e different deciduous tree types to<br />
normally <strong>in</strong>accessible parts <strong>of</strong> the Thur<strong>in</strong>gia Nature Park.<br />
High over the treetops a tree tower with a tree house<br />
extends to a height <strong>of</strong> over 40 metres. This is the start<br />
and f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>of</strong> the l<strong>of</strong>ty path. <strong>The</strong> Ha<strong>in</strong>ich district covers<br />
an area <strong>of</strong> 160 sq km. Just under half <strong>of</strong> this area was a<br />
restricted military zone <strong>in</strong> former East <strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
www.nationalpark-ha<strong>in</strong>ich.de<br />
Shopp<strong>in</strong>g and Lifestyle at the Quartier 206 Friedrichstrasse, Berl<strong>in</strong>
First class dest<strong>in</strong>ation service all over <strong>Germany</strong><br />
n Shopp<strong>in</strong>g and Lifestyle<br />
Dresden, Leipzig and (East) Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
have been the most popular cities<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce German reunification. Event<br />
planners and attendees <strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
and events will f<strong>in</strong>d a wide range<br />
<strong>of</strong> extraord<strong>in</strong>ary social programme<br />
options especially <strong>in</strong> these cities<br />
which have seen the greatest changes<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce 1989. <strong>The</strong>y owe their great<br />
charm to the many restored old<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs, unconventional cafés,<br />
trendy boutiques, contemporary<br />
galleries and <strong>in</strong>dustrial build<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
where artists and designers <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al products.<br />
For example, <strong>in</strong> Leipzig’s<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>nerei: Around 1900 it was the<br />
largest cotton sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g mill on the<br />
European cont<strong>in</strong>ent. Today, the old<br />
factory town is more densely packed<br />
with art and culture than any other<br />
town or city <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>: Eleven<br />
galleries and exhibition places <strong>in</strong>vite<br />
you to shop and take a look. Cafés<br />
and restaurants, theatre and dance<br />
ensembles, art and culture <strong>in</strong>itiatives,<br />
small specialist shops and <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
l<strong>of</strong>ts re<strong>in</strong>force the charm<strong>in</strong>g urban<br />
atmosphere <strong>of</strong> the complex. Art<br />
production, art presentation and art<br />
trade have become a focus. Worldfamous<br />
pa<strong>in</strong>ter Neo Rauch, member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the new Leipzig School, has a<br />
studio there.<br />
www.sp<strong>in</strong>nerei.de<br />
Culture: Until December 2009 the<br />
Museum <strong>in</strong> the “Round Corner”<br />
will be host<strong>in</strong>g a special exhibition<br />
dedicated to “Leipzig on the Road<br />
to the Peaceful Revolution”. <strong>The</strong><br />
museum is located <strong>in</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
the former Stasi secret service. In its<br />
former <strong>of</strong>fices visitors can f<strong>in</strong>d out<br />
about the function, work methods<br />
and history <strong>of</strong> the East German secret<br />
police.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Kunsth<strong>of</strong>passage <strong>in</strong> Dresden’s<br />
Neustadt also tempts visitors with<br />
art and shopp<strong>in</strong>g treats. Various local<br />
artists have designed and revitalised<br />
the six courtyard houses after the fall<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Iron Curta<strong>in</strong>. For example,<br />
huge metal mirrors reflect sunlight<br />
<strong>in</strong> the formerly dark Courtyard <strong>of</strong><br />
Light. Today, there are two stages<br />
and further projection spaces for<br />
temporary multimedia performances<br />
and <strong>in</strong>stallations, film projections and<br />
action theatre. In the “Courtyard <strong>of</strong><br />
the Elements“, water games make<br />
artistically arranged dra<strong>in</strong>pipes s<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and the Courtyard <strong>of</strong> fairy-tale<br />
creatures has a detailed façade design.<br />
www.kunsth<strong>of</strong>-dresden.de<br />
Culture: the Goethe Institute will be<br />
celebrat<strong>in</strong>g the anniversary <strong>of</strong> the fall<br />
<strong>of</strong> Wall and Dresden with a European<br />
theatre festival from 31 October to<br />
8 November 2009. Six pieces under<br />
the motto “After the Fall” will mirror<br />
different perceptions and effects<br />
<strong>of</strong> this major historical event on<br />
European society.<br />
www.goethe.de<br />
<strong>The</strong>y form <strong>Germany</strong>’s largest<br />
enclosed courtyard complex: the<br />
Hackesche Höfe <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>. <strong>The</strong><br />
courtyards with their unique Art<br />
Nouveau façade were restored <strong>in</strong> the<br />
mid-1990s and are now among the<br />
capital’s major attractions. Visitors<br />
will f<strong>in</strong>d a mix <strong>of</strong> culture <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
restaurants, shops and <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>in</strong> the<br />
historical build<strong>in</strong>gs. Fashion boutiques<br />
with Parisian haute couture labels<br />
and avant-garde fashion studios<br />
have settled <strong>in</strong> the neighbourhood,<br />
renew<strong>in</strong>g Berl<strong>in</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
reputation as a major fashion centre.<br />
www.hackesche-hoefe.com<br />
Culture: Berl<strong>in</strong>’s “Way <strong>of</strong> the Wall”<br />
leads around the former island city<br />
on a historically <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g section<br />
where one can still f<strong>in</strong>d rema<strong>in</strong>ders<br />
or traces <strong>of</strong> the wall, alternat<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
attractive landscapes.<br />
Copyright/Owner/Photographer: bopicture Björn Hänssler<br />
You love<br />
our work!<br />
- SI <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> | Conferences<br />
Full service and dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
management all over <strong>Germany</strong> for<br />
your successful meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
- Hotel reservations<br />
- Full trade fair service<br />
For group book<strong>in</strong>gs, room<br />
allotments and last m<strong>in</strong>ute<br />
reservations contact our trade fair<br />
department fairs@scandi.de<br />
- City sightsee<strong>in</strong>g<br />
- Coach and limous<strong>in</strong>e transfers<br />
- Aircraft charter<strong>in</strong>g<br />
- Excursions<br />
- Cultural programs and tickets<br />
- Guide and <strong>in</strong>terpreter services<br />
- Sport events<br />
- Motorsport: Formula 1<br />
SCANDI INTERNATIONAL<br />
Dest<strong>in</strong>ation Management <strong>Germany</strong> GmbH<br />
Mönckebergstrasse 17<br />
20095 Hamburg<br />
Phone +49-40-32 32 89 0<br />
Fax +49-40-32 32 89 32<br />
E-Mail: mice@scandi.de<br />
SI<br />
www.scandi.de
28 THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE WALL<br />
Culture II: the German capital will<br />
celebrate the 20th anniversary <strong>of</strong><br />
the Fall <strong>of</strong> the Wall with a “Feast <strong>of</strong><br />
Freedom” around the Brandenburg<br />
Gate. A highlight will be a symbolic<br />
re-enactment <strong>of</strong> the fall <strong>of</strong> the wall:<br />
In the even<strong>in</strong>g well-known artists,<br />
culture creators and politicians will<br />
together make a two kilometre l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>of</strong> huge dom<strong>in</strong>o stones topple and<br />
fall.<br />
www.mauerfall09.de<br />
“A glimpse <strong>of</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>”<br />
n <strong>International</strong> photo competition<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> its key theme “<strong>The</strong> 20th<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> the fall <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Wall”, the German National Tourist<br />
Board (GNTB) last year announced<br />
an <strong>in</strong>ternational photo competition<br />
for the HanseMerkur Prize, worth<br />
€10,000 <strong>in</strong> total. <strong>The</strong> theme <strong>of</strong><br />
the competition is “2009: <strong>The</strong><br />
20th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the fall <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Wall - <strong>Germany</strong>, a fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g travel<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation”. HanseMerkur <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
is the competition’s ma<strong>in</strong> sponsor.<br />
Other partners that have supported<br />
the GNTB <strong>in</strong> organis<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
competition <strong>in</strong>clude Accor Hotellerie<br />
Deutschland, Steigenberger Hotels<br />
and NH Hoteles Deutschland.<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> 31 journalists from<br />
18 European countries, Japan and<br />
the United States have submitted<br />
photographic works created between<br />
September 2008 and January<br />
2009 dur<strong>in</strong>g their three to fourday<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual research trips to<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong> and other federal states that<br />
once bordered the “Iron Curta<strong>in</strong>”.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> pictures show a tension<br />
between artistic representation and<br />
documentation that opens up entirely<br />
new perspectives on <strong>Germany</strong> as a<br />
travel dest<strong>in</strong>ation,” said a delighted<br />
Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive<br />
Officer <strong>of</strong> the GNTB.<br />
With the theme “A glimpse <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Germany</strong>” <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, the dist<strong>in</strong>guished<br />
jury started by evaluat<strong>in</strong>g 93 works<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e accord<strong>in</strong>g to their artistic<br />
merit, historical references and<br />
relevance to tourism. At a f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Berl<strong>in</strong>, jury members<br />
2 Price: Eduardo Grund (Spa<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Brandenburger Tor Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
1 Price: Gianluca Santoni (Italy) Regierungsviertel Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
decided on the prize w<strong>in</strong>ners:<br />
Gianluca Santoni from Italy, Eduardo<br />
Grund from Spa<strong>in</strong> and Irisz Lukács<br />
from Hungary.<br />
3 Price: Irisz Lukacs (Hungary )<br />
Brandenburger Tor Berl<strong>in</strong>
ADVERTORIAL - PROSKE | group 29<br />
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PROSKE | group powerful <strong>in</strong> sport bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
n With<strong>in</strong> just a few years, PROSKE | group has developed a strong position as a hospitality expert for major <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
sport<strong>in</strong>g events. Focuss<strong>in</strong>g on upcom<strong>in</strong>g global sports events, the sponsor and corporate hospitality management provider<br />
strengthens its competence <strong>in</strong> the sports bus<strong>in</strong>ess and proceeds with its dynamic and consistent growth.<br />
be a huge assett for PROSKE | group. Dr. Andreja Wieser<br />
was Program Manager <strong>of</strong> IOC Services & Protocol <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ATHENS 2004 Organis<strong>in</strong>g Committee for the Olympic<br />
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One year after deliver<strong>in</strong>g successful Hospitality<br />
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PROSKE | group developed its position as an expert for<br />
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Tour de Ski. Dur<strong>in</strong>g UEFA EURO 2008 <strong>in</strong> Austria and<br />
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full hospitality programs for 21 <strong>in</strong>ternational customers<br />
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order with PROSKE | group for the activation <strong>of</strong> their<br />
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Proske. “Every new sports event <strong>of</strong>fers a new opportunity<br />
to further develop our high level <strong>of</strong> performance.”<br />
n Pr<strong>of</strong>essional support for upcom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
sport<strong>in</strong>g events<br />
2009 is a year <strong>of</strong> growth for PROSKE | group. “Besides<br />
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staff, we ga<strong>in</strong>ed a top-class expert for our Sports<br />
Department”, states René Proske, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director <strong>of</strong><br />
the agency. S<strong>in</strong>ce September 2009, Dr. Andreja Wieser<br />
supports the company as new “Head <strong>of</strong> Sports”. Her<br />
excellent Olympic and Paralympic references promise to
30 OUTLOOK<br />
What you should know for 2015<br />
n Be honest: Today’s acute reality is much more thrill<strong>in</strong>g than any forecast for the future, is it not? While we used to<br />
be able to look <strong>in</strong>to the future from a rather secure (economic) situation, we hardly know anymore what th<strong>in</strong>gs will<br />
look like the day after tomorrow. <strong>The</strong> future has caught up with us.<br />
We live and work <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
uncerta<strong>in</strong> times. <strong>The</strong>re are<br />
no longer any decisive criteria<br />
for “sure success”. Everybody is<br />
now required to f<strong>in</strong>d and <strong>in</strong>sist on<br />
their own viewpo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> this allembrac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
transformation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world (economy). But <strong>in</strong> return we<br />
must first identify and comprehend<br />
what is actually go<strong>in</strong>g on: What is<br />
really happen<strong>in</strong>g right now <strong>in</strong> our<br />
“western” society? And what are<br />
the important developments for the<br />
future?<br />
We have dealt with these questions<br />
<strong>in</strong>tensively and found a complex<br />
constellation with good prospects:
OUTLOOK 31<br />
n Fact 1: Th<strong>in</strong>gs are becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
impenetrably complex<br />
Global, impenetrable systems<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly <strong>in</strong>fluence and steer<br />
our local existence. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
<strong>in</strong>terconnected and <strong>of</strong> a complexity<br />
that nobody can completely<br />
understand anymore. At the same<br />
time, reality is becom<strong>in</strong>g ever faster,<br />
permanently unstable and marked<br />
by huge contradictions and new<br />
<strong>in</strong>fluences every day!<br />
In this scenario, the analyses<br />
and forecasts <strong>of</strong> the traditional<br />
(economic) sciences are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
at a loss. As an example, see the<br />
failed risk calculations <strong>of</strong> the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions. <strong>The</strong> same<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess mathematicians now openly<br />
confess that they were never validly<br />
calculable. As a consequence, many<br />
people are experienc<strong>in</strong>g more stress<br />
than ever before. <strong>The</strong>y miss simplicity,<br />
credibility, predictability and honest<br />
support <strong>in</strong> their everyday lives.<br />
n Fact 2: We live <strong>in</strong> and with<br />
perverted systems<br />
(Almost) all systems that were<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>ally created for the well-be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> humank<strong>in</strong>d have taken on a life <strong>of</strong><br />
their own and become “perverted”.<br />
Be it the political system, education<br />
system, health care system, global<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ance system, social system. People<br />
<strong>in</strong>tuitively realise that all systems are<br />
panick<strong>in</strong>g to keep the status quo –<br />
they feel that they are just a subfunction<br />
<strong>of</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a system that<br />
makes them irrelevant as <strong>in</strong>dividuals.<br />
Or do you seriously believe that your<br />
pension is really safe or that anybody<br />
will fight for it heart and soul? We<br />
all feel one th<strong>in</strong>g: In reality we were<br />
never as alone and <strong>in</strong>significant<br />
as today. This gives rise to a mute<br />
feel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> powerlessness, a deep agony<br />
<strong>in</strong>side us as human be<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
n Fact 3: <strong>The</strong> error <strong>of</strong> “growth” as an<br />
ideal for society<br />
Over the last few decades we have<br />
accepted a creed <strong>of</strong> “economic<br />
growth” as a goal for society without<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g – and by do<strong>in</strong>g so prevented<br />
more pr<strong>of</strong>ound social progress!<br />
“Growth” was the panacea – but<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers no ideological, humane or<br />
social guidance or identity. <strong>The</strong> crisis<br />
makes it very clear to us: <strong>The</strong>re is<br />
no idea, no gripp<strong>in</strong>g philosophical<br />
direction, no vision <strong>of</strong> the future for<br />
our (global) democratic society as<br />
a community. For almost 30 years<br />
there has been a huge development<br />
vacuum <strong>in</strong> our “western” community.<br />
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Office Berl<strong>in</strong> phone: +49-30-300 669-0 email: berl<strong>in</strong>@cpo-hanser.de further <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>in</strong> Hamburg and Frankfurt am Ma<strong>in</strong><br />
I N O N<br />
I N C O N G R O U P
32 OUTLOOK<br />
As a consequence, people feel a<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>escapable wish for<br />
real social progress, a renewal and<br />
liberation that will benefit everybody.<br />
n Fact 4: <strong>The</strong> ‘digividual’ is born<br />
Broadband gives rise to a huge<br />
wireless, digital universe, which<br />
“I can travel <strong>in</strong> seconds“, “where I<br />
spend, share and organise part <strong>of</strong> my<br />
life“.<br />
We are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly economical with<br />
our physical presence. I am only<br />
physically present <strong>in</strong> places where<br />
I can expect a (reasonably) good<br />
experience or feel<strong>in</strong>g. In other places<br />
I am not or only digitally present.<br />
As a consequence, an authentic<br />
emotional quality <strong>in</strong> face-to-face<br />
customer contacts is more important<br />
than ever. <strong>The</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ners are those<br />
who also know how to generate this<br />
emotionality on a digital level.<br />
n Fact 5: <strong>The</strong> future belongs to<br />
“fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g“<br />
<strong>The</strong> development <strong>of</strong> the knowledge<br />
society with <strong>in</strong>formal networks<br />
and flat hierarchies encourages the<br />
advance <strong>of</strong> women. <strong>The</strong> share <strong>of</strong><br />
women who ga<strong>in</strong> university entrance<br />
qualifications has doubled s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
1950. Worldwide, women ga<strong>in</strong> a<br />
university degree faster and more<br />
successfully. In the USA the ratio <strong>of</strong><br />
female to male students is 140 to 100.<br />
In future-forward smaller networks<br />
where emotional <strong>in</strong>telligence, team<br />
and communication skills are crucial,<br />
women play a central role. However,<br />
the real central power <strong>of</strong> women is<br />
their direct – and <strong>in</strong>direct (!) – power<br />
as consumers: Today, women already<br />
make up to 80% <strong>of</strong> all household<br />
purchase decisions!<br />
n Fact 6: <strong>The</strong> deep yearn<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
liberation and renewal<br />
Our western society is age<strong>in</strong>g<br />
enormously. Young people are<br />
expected to achieve more and<br />
more and just can’t anymore – but<br />
they cannot escape! Performance<br />
has become a burden. This leads<br />
to <strong>in</strong>ternal opposition aga<strong>in</strong>st this<br />
enforced “social function<strong>in</strong>g”. At<br />
the same time, belief <strong>in</strong> the support<br />
and changeability <strong>of</strong> systems is<br />
very rapidly erod<strong>in</strong>g. People are<br />
boycott<strong>in</strong>g the system wherever they<br />
can by do<strong>in</strong>g their “own th<strong>in</strong>g”. As a<br />
consequence:<br />
1. Individuals and entire groups<br />
are deliberately dropp<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong><br />
the system ”private cultures“<br />
are emerg<strong>in</strong>g and ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g huge<br />
importance (e.g. never before have<br />
there been so many private schools<br />
and nurseries).<br />
2. <strong>The</strong> wish to f<strong>in</strong>d a mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
life is grow<strong>in</strong>g – especially if I have<br />
to function “<strong>in</strong> the system” ideals<br />
have started to make a comeback.<br />
3. <strong>The</strong> educated classes /<br />
<strong>in</strong>telligentsia / knowledge elite are<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly aware <strong>of</strong> their economic<br />
importance for the respective system<br />
the power <strong>of</strong> talents is grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
rapidly. <strong>The</strong>y want to be recognised<br />
and served.<br />
4. Constant change will become<br />
a normal part <strong>of</strong> life further<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g will become <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
more important than education.<br />
5. More and more standards and<br />
standardisations will rule our life<br />
almost to the extreme authentic<br />
non-conformity will become a major<br />
quality criterion (free spirit, free<br />
heart, free ideas) and an orientation<br />
for many people.<br />
<strong>The</strong> age <strong>of</strong> strong brands and people<br />
who serve the community will start<br />
– they will shape and/or lead to new<br />
solutions openly and authentically. A<br />
strong attitude and idea will become<br />
a key criterion! Everybody who<br />
“makes a stand” and dares to escape<br />
conformity and create someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
authentic and new will f<strong>in</strong>d many<br />
“supporters”.<br />
<strong>The</strong> future clearly belongs to<br />
authentic brands and <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
with strong ethics – so try and make<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> that!<br />
Michael Wiegel is the owner<br />
and director <strong>of</strong> the BRANDBEAT<br />
NETWORK, which he founded himself.<br />
“This is a very rare team <strong>of</strong> outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
creative m<strong>in</strong>ds, who can f<strong>in</strong>d, activate<br />
and tra<strong>in</strong> the “heartbeat <strong>of</strong> the brand”.<br />
Our passion and our goal are an<br />
effective, authentic self-empowerment<br />
<strong>of</strong> brands, teams and executives.”<br />
Customers <strong>in</strong>clude Barclays Bank,<br />
DHL/Deutsche Post, OMV, TUI, G+J and<br />
many medium-sized brand companies<br />
and associations <strong>in</strong>side and outside<br />
<strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
Contact via: welcome@brandbeat.de
LANDESHAUPTSTADT<br />
Wiesbaden Venues<br />
Kurhaus Wiesbaden<br />
Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH<br />
Kurhausplatz 1<br />
D-65189 Wiesbaden<br />
Tel.: +49 (0) 611-17 29 290<br />
Fax: +49 (0) 611-17 29 299<br />
E-Mail: <strong>in</strong>fo@kurhaus-wiesbaden.de<br />
www.wiesbaden.de/kurhaus<br />
Jagdschloss Platte<br />
For book<strong>in</strong>g please contact:<br />
Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH<br />
Tel.: + 49 (0) 611-1729-291<br />
Fax: + 49 (0) 611-1729-299<br />
E-Mail: jagdschloss-platte@kurhaus-wiesbaden.de<br />
www.wiesbaden.de/jagdschloss<br />
Rhe<strong>in</strong>-Ma<strong>in</strong>-Hallen<br />
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Rhe<strong>in</strong>straße 20<br />
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Tel.: + 49 (0) 611-144 0<br />
Fax: + 49 (0) 611-144 6245<br />
E-Mail: <strong>in</strong>fo@rhe<strong>in</strong>-ma<strong>in</strong>-hallen.de<br />
www.rhe<strong>in</strong>-ma<strong>in</strong>-hallen.de<br />
www.wiesbaden.eu
34 NEWS - TRANSPORT<br />
Lufthansa: new flexibility for your flight management<br />
Lufthansa <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> & Events is the<br />
new book<strong>in</strong>g tool for all event<br />
planners and organisers. Be it fairs,<br />
conventions or <strong>in</strong>centive trips, be it<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong>, Europe or anywhere else<br />
<strong>in</strong> the world, be it for a few dozen<br />
attendees or several thousands –<br />
Lufthansa will support you with your<br />
event plann<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new tool stands out for easy<br />
handl<strong>in</strong>g, fast requests for proposals<br />
and tailor-<strong>made</strong> solutions. For your<br />
request you simply complete a<br />
concise at-a-glance onl<strong>in</strong>e form, and<br />
Lufthansa will create a proposal that<br />
is tailor-<strong>made</strong> to your needs.<br />
Flights for your attendees will be<br />
co-ord<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>in</strong> an uncomplicated<br />
manner without any further expense<br />
for you as an event organiser.<br />
Attendees receive <strong>in</strong>dividual access<br />
data to the Lufthansa book<strong>in</strong>g portal<br />
where only the flights based on<br />
agreed terms will appear and can<br />
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Enjoy an excellent service with<br />
Lufthansa <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> & Events and<br />
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lufthansa.com/meet<strong>in</strong>gsandevents<br />
wchb_az_image_RZ:Layout 1 02.09.2009 10:56 Seite 1<br />
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CONVENTION PLANNING 35<br />
How to <strong>in</strong>novate your association and congress organisation<br />
<strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> associations,<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional organisations<br />
and organisations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Germany</strong> is<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>Germany</strong> alone currently<br />
has around 550,000 registered<br />
associations (source: FAZ <strong>of</strong> 8.07.09)<br />
that compete with each other <strong>in</strong><br />
their respective areas. This trend will<br />
probably become even stronger <strong>in</strong><br />
future. F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g an optimum position<br />
<strong>in</strong> this competitive environment<br />
and creat<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able concepts<br />
for organisational structures and<br />
processes are key success factors. It<br />
is important to have an approach<br />
that focuses on the entire range<br />
<strong>of</strong> an organisation’s activities and<br />
possibilities and provides <strong>in</strong>tegrated<br />
solutions for <strong>in</strong>dividual fields.<br />
n Successful implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
complex tasks<br />
<strong>The</strong> German Society <strong>of</strong> Oral<br />
Implantology (DGI) was founded as<br />
DGI GmbH <strong>in</strong> 2002. In view <strong>of</strong> ever<br />
more exact<strong>in</strong>g standards <strong>in</strong> the field<br />
<strong>of</strong> further tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and conventions<br />
it needed a pr<strong>of</strong>essional agency that<br />
could take care <strong>of</strong> correspond<strong>in</strong>g<br />
management tasks.
36 CONVENTION PLANNING<br />
DGI GmbH no longer just acts<br />
as a PCO as its tasks have grown<br />
along with the new requirements.<br />
DGI GmbH <strong>of</strong>fers a full range <strong>of</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional association management<br />
services. <strong>The</strong>y <strong>in</strong>clude manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branch <strong>of</strong>fices and consult<strong>in</strong>g services<br />
<strong>in</strong> the fields <strong>of</strong> strategy, market<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
taxes, <strong>in</strong>surance, receivables and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial management. <strong>The</strong>se services<br />
have become its core bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
n Strategy consult<strong>in</strong>g<br />
In the field <strong>of</strong> strategy the aim is<br />
mostly to ensure cont<strong>in</strong>uous growth<br />
<strong>of</strong> a company or organisation. How<br />
can one w<strong>in</strong> new members? What<br />
possibilities are there to help new<br />
talents? As the membership potential<br />
<strong>of</strong> an organisation is limited, one can<br />
explore new avenues, e.g. by go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational with suitable services or<br />
products.<br />
n Market<strong>in</strong>g consult<strong>in</strong>g<br />
When societies or associations<br />
develop very fast, the constant<br />
growth <strong>in</strong> member figures can<br />
pose new challenges for <strong>in</strong>ternal<br />
communication.<br />
<strong>The</strong> core competences and<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g added value for members<br />
must be clearly positioned and<br />
communicated – what use is the<br />
best <strong>of</strong>fer, if it doesn’t reach the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual?<br />
Communication solutions like<br />
Internet communities, for example,<br />
will also come to play a major<br />
role for associations. For example,<br />
members can see all the services<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered by an association on an<br />
Internet portal and help shape them<br />
<strong>in</strong>teractively <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> areas. From<br />
web-based member management<br />
through e-learn<strong>in</strong>g and the latest<br />
press releases to mak<strong>in</strong>g an active<br />
contribution to <strong>of</strong>fers for other<br />
members to facilitate communication<br />
between members.<br />
An organisation thrives primarily<br />
on the dynamism and performance<br />
<strong>of</strong> its members. Especially for large<br />
associations with many members it is<br />
vital to have simple, well-structured<br />
and <strong>in</strong>teractive communication<br />
concepts.<br />
Establish<strong>in</strong>g an organisation<br />
as a brand with a correspond<strong>in</strong>g<br />
message is another success factor. For<br />
example, the positive image <strong>of</strong> an<br />
association helps not only ga<strong>in</strong> new<br />
members but also - far from costbenefit<br />
considerations - to motivate<br />
members to rema<strong>in</strong> loyal to the<br />
organisation even beyond the term <strong>of</strong><br />
their active membership.<br />
n Perfect <strong>in</strong>ternal organisation<br />
A multi-faceted and high-quality<br />
range <strong>of</strong> association <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs sets<br />
high standards for management and<br />
organisation. Quite <strong>of</strong>ten historically<br />
grown structures <strong>in</strong> organisations<br />
make it difficult for staff members<br />
to co-operate. Communication and<br />
process deficits may easily lead to a<br />
negative public image.<br />
Central data management and<br />
updat<strong>in</strong>g is a first step. A uniform,<br />
audited forms system is another<br />
necessary requirement. Staff<br />
substitution plans and related<br />
measures such as automatic call<br />
forward<strong>in</strong>g or written substitution<br />
messages are important for a good<br />
public image.<br />
<strong>The</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial capital and related<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial risk <strong>of</strong> an association<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases with the size <strong>of</strong> the<br />
association and the grow<strong>in</strong>g number<br />
<strong>of</strong> services. Detailed data collection<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g monthly monitor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and analysis <strong>of</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess reports to<br />
management are important for<br />
sound decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g and for an<br />
association’s further development.<br />
<strong>The</strong> question <strong>of</strong> optimised<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance cover, aligned with other<br />
contracts, is also an important issue.<br />
Fiscal questions, for example <strong>in</strong> the<br />
field <strong>of</strong> property adm<strong>in</strong>istration, are<br />
also important for m<strong>in</strong>imis<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
risk <strong>of</strong> losses.<br />
n Experience pays – pays rewards<br />
DGI GmbH’s expertise <strong>in</strong> association<br />
management will be re<strong>in</strong>forced <strong>in</strong><br />
future and available also to other<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional organisations and<br />
associations.<br />
<strong>The</strong> management <strong>of</strong> congresses<br />
and further tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rema<strong>in</strong>s a central<br />
issue <strong>in</strong> this field. Event management<br />
entails complex demands that call for<br />
co-operat<strong>in</strong>g with other <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />
<strong>in</strong> networked structures. DGI<br />
GmbH has developed a range <strong>of</strong><br />
appropriate services due to demand<br />
for pr<strong>of</strong>essional support for this area.<br />
Naturally, a congress organiser<br />
expects high-quality services <strong>in</strong><br />
the field <strong>of</strong> attendee management,<br />
technology, accommodation and<br />
cater<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In many <strong>of</strong> these fields pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
realization <strong>in</strong> general and work <strong>in</strong><br />
detail play a decisive and major role.<br />
For example, an <strong>in</strong>telligent placement<br />
<strong>of</strong> logos and congress signage <strong>in</strong><br />
the speakers’ area will ensure that<br />
an organisation’s logo or the name<br />
<strong>of</strong> the event will appear visibly on<br />
every press photo. This type <strong>of</strong> free<br />
publicity is def<strong>in</strong>itely not new but<br />
it is rarely used <strong>in</strong>tensively <strong>in</strong> the<br />
association segment.<br />
Another example, DGI GmbH<br />
saved half <strong>of</strong> the projected costs for<br />
one association <strong>in</strong> the motor <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
by switch<strong>in</strong>g from plastic to paper<br />
badges.<br />
n What makes a congress<br />
successful? Search<strong>in</strong>g for success<br />
factors!<br />
<strong>The</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> topics and content<br />
is normally a key success factor.
CONVENTION PLANNING 37<br />
Modern congress management also<br />
comprises help<strong>in</strong>g an organisation<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d topics for its events– e.g. via<br />
surveys and research work. Optimally<br />
edit<strong>in</strong>g content is equally important.<br />
Congress market<strong>in</strong>g needs to<br />
be cost efficient. This not only<br />
means optimis<strong>in</strong>g postage rates for<br />
programme mail<strong>in</strong>gs. Select<strong>in</strong>g media<br />
for <strong>in</strong>formation and advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to target groups and<br />
without costly scatter is just as crucial<br />
as design<strong>in</strong>g programme content that<br />
focuses on added value for attendees.<br />
Trust is a major success factor<br />
<strong>of</strong> communication with potential<br />
attendees. Whether they will attend<br />
a congress or not depends crucially<br />
on the credibility <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g. An<br />
attendee disappo<strong>in</strong>ted by a congress<br />
will not attend the event aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
n Event format also plays a major<br />
role<br />
For example, congresses that take<br />
place on one weekend from Friday<br />
to Sunday compete directly with<br />
attendees’ leisure activities. If staged<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the week, these events may be<br />
better attended.<br />
<strong>The</strong> failure or success <strong>of</strong> an event<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten depends not only on the<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional realisation <strong>of</strong> “major”<br />
management challenges but also on<br />
small creative details that may not be<br />
visible on the face <strong>of</strong> it but are vital<br />
for the atmosphere <strong>of</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and hence for its overall success.<br />
Stefan C. Werner<br />
Head <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> and Conventions<br />
Office <strong>of</strong> DGI GmbH<br />
DGI GmbH<br />
Henkestraße 91<br />
91052 Erlangen<br />
www.dgi-gmbh.com<br />
GRAND Meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>The</strong> art <strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g: With our 24 <strong>in</strong>dividually<br />
designed function rooms, the<br />
hotel’s own “Gallery at the Elysée” and<br />
the renowned Block Collection compris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
more than 600 exhibits, we <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
the perfect cultural backdrop for your<br />
event, while our 511 spacious rooms and<br />
suites provide exquisite comfort for true<br />
relaxation.<br />
Grand Elysée Hamburg<br />
Rothenbaumchaussee 10 | 20148 Hamburg | <strong>Germany</strong> | T +49 (0)40 / 41 41 2 -0<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@grand-elysee.com | www.grand-elysee.com<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation and to make book<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
please call T+49 (0) 40 41 41 2 - 888 or email<br />
events@grand-elysee.com
38 CONGRESS DESTINATION GERMANY<br />
Opportunities <strong>in</strong> the crisis thanks to great value for money and<br />
an ever brighter image<br />
n Even <strong>in</strong> the crisis <strong>Germany</strong> benefits from great value for money and an ever brighter image<br />
SUPPLY<br />
DEMAND<br />
Total no. <strong>of</strong><br />
conference and event<br />
venues 6,330 (+2%)<br />
Convention and events<br />
cebtres (EC) 1,530 (+2.1%)<br />
Conference hotels (CH) 3,120 (+0.9%)<br />
Special venues 1,680 (+4.3%)<br />
Events 2.76 mil. (-0.6%)<br />
Average duration 1.7 days (+0.3)<br />
Total attendees 318 mil. (+1%)<br />
<strong>The</strong>re<strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational 5.5 % (+0.2%)<br />
European organisers consider<br />
<strong>Germany</strong> as Europe’s number<br />
one meet<strong>in</strong>gs dest<strong>in</strong>ation – outpac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
all other EU member states: Asked<br />
to quote their favourite meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation, 36.7 per cent <strong>of</strong><br />
organisers named <strong>Germany</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> events market is operat<strong>in</strong>g on a<br />
high level aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2009: <strong>Germany</strong><br />
boasts 6,330 meet<strong>in</strong>g and event<br />
venues, two per cent more than last<br />
year. A total <strong>of</strong> 2.76 million events<br />
were held <strong>in</strong> 2008 and attendance<br />
was slightly up (+1%) on the<br />
previous year – 318 million delegates:<br />
almost four times as many as the<br />
German population.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se are the key results <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g & Event Barometer 2009, a<br />
survey <strong>of</strong> the German meet<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
events market, unveiled at IMEX<br />
2009. For the third time runn<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
the European Association <strong>of</strong> Event<br />
Centres (EVVC), German National<br />
Tourist Board (DZT) and the<br />
German Convention Bureau (GCB)<br />
commissioned the European Institute<br />
for the <strong>Meet<strong>in</strong>gs</strong> Industry to exam<strong>in</strong>e<br />
the German meet<strong>in</strong>gs and events<br />
markets.<br />
n Key data and the most important<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs at a glance<br />
A majority <strong>of</strong> experts forecast<br />
restra<strong>in</strong>ed development <strong>of</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
and events <strong>in</strong> external venues:<br />
nevertheless, 21.5 per cent agree that<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> outsourced events will<br />
grow despite the current economic<br />
situation.<br />
Over 40 per cent <strong>of</strong> all experts<br />
<strong>in</strong>terviewed expressly stated that<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs and sem<strong>in</strong>ars – i.e. events <strong>of</strong><br />
a more “work-focused” nature than<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives – will enjoy <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
importance. So, compared to other<br />
segments, most experts clearly see<br />
growth potential there.<br />
Environmental and climate<br />
protection also plays a major role <strong>in</strong><br />
the survey: Over half <strong>of</strong> all organisers<br />
(58 per cent) rates climate protection<br />
as either “important“ or as “very<br />
important“. At present, 15 per cent <strong>of</strong><br />
organisers are “def<strong>in</strong>itely” <strong>in</strong>fluenced<br />
by climate protection concerns when<br />
choos<strong>in</strong>g a venue for their meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or event. And 39 per cent believe that<br />
the subject has a “slight <strong>in</strong>fluence”<br />
on the choice <strong>of</strong> their preferred<br />
venue. Over half <strong>of</strong> all companies,<br />
associations and agencies would<br />
recommend projects with specific<br />
measures to protect the climate and<br />
the environment.<br />
You will f<strong>in</strong>d all the detailed results<br />
<strong>of</strong> the survey at:<br />
www.gcb.de<br />
(Infocenter MICE Info Statistics)
WHAT TO WEAR DURING THE<br />
COMING CONGRESS SEASON.<br />
www.manok.de, foto: juergenmai.com<br />
Tailor-<strong>made</strong> solutions achieved<br />
through multifunctionality<br />
<strong>The</strong> darmstadtium science and congress centre <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
numerous possibilities for comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and figur<strong>in</strong>g its various<br />
rooms to exactly suit your own particular event .<br />
❙ <strong>The</strong> “Spectrum” congress hall with a maximum capacity <strong>of</strong><br />
1,677 seats can be divided <strong>in</strong>to two or three smaller halls;<br />
elevat<strong>in</strong>g platforms <strong>in</strong> the seat<strong>in</strong>g areas allow the hall to be<br />
transformed quickly from a smooth dance floor <strong>in</strong>to an ascend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
auditorium.<br />
❙ <strong>The</strong> surround<strong>in</strong>g foyer areas can be used <strong>in</strong> a multitude <strong>of</strong><br />
ways, e.g. for exhibitions accompany<strong>in</strong>g the ma<strong>in</strong> events.<br />
❙ <strong>The</strong> 18 conference rooms can be comb<strong>in</strong>ed flexibly and <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
seat<strong>in</strong>g for a total <strong>of</strong> up to 1,300 persons.<br />
Enjoy the maximum degree <strong>of</strong> freedom when plann<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
event – thanks to multifunctionality <strong>in</strong> perfection.<br />
TOP<br />
OPVEN<br />
VENUE<br />
FORGREEN<br />
MEE<br />
EETING<br />
INGS<br />
www.darmstadtium.de
www.germany-tourism.de<br />
Conferences and conventions – perfectly organised and affordable<br />
Bus<strong>in</strong>ess travel with a green bill <strong>of</strong> health<br />
© Getty Images/Dougal Waters<br />
© Getty Images/PhotoAlto/Alix M<strong>in</strong>de<br />
© Getty Images/PhotoAlto<br />
© Getty Images/UpperCut Image<br />
<strong>The</strong> number one country for conferences and conventions – Dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>Germany</strong>, lead<strong>in</strong>g by example. Around 11,000<br />
venues up and down the country <strong>of</strong>fer a range <strong>of</strong> attractive packages for conferences and conventions. Some, for<br />
example, <strong>in</strong>clude heavily discounted tra<strong>in</strong> tickets for a relax<strong>in</strong>g and environmentally friendly journey to your conference<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation. For more <strong>in</strong>formation on our bus<strong>in</strong>ess travel packages, visit<br />
Welcome to Dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>Germany</strong>. Excellent value and extremely affordable.<br />
© Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e. V. Gefördert durch das Bundesm<strong>in</strong>isterium für Wirtschaft und Technologie aufgrund e<strong>in</strong>es Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages