Berlin Impact Programme

Creating lasting value through sustainable meetings and events

What is the Berlin Impact Programme?

The Berlin Impact Programme is part of the Sustainable Meetings Berlin platform.

It supports event organisers in planning activities that generate a positive impact – for their meetings and events, and beyond.

The aim is to create medium- and long-term effects from meetings and events that offer added value for organisers, local stakeholders, and Berlin’s citizens.

Especially in times of global challenges – such as the climate crisis or increasing social inequality – business events can and should be a driving force for positive change.

Harness the power of your event – for sustainable impact and genuine added value.

With the Berlin Impact Programme, event planners can design conferences and meetings that, in addition to generating general impact:

support their event goals through targeted impact activities,
deliver sustainable benefits to the city and its communities,
contribute to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
strategically engage new target groups, partners, and sources of funding.

Impactful Meetings & Events – How it works

A central element of the Berlin Impact Programme is the collaboration between event organisers and local Berlin-based organisations and initiatives.

Through cooperative projects, the needs of both the organisers and local partners are determined. Together, they develop project ideas and plan activities that take place during the event – and continue to have an effect afterwards.

The result: impact activities that are carried out as part of an event, and are then strategically evaluated and measured for their effectiveness and future development. When long-term benefits emerge after the event has ended, we speak of the event’s legacy.

What might a Project Look Like?

Short- to medium-term impact: This could include a social day involving local engagement, a fundraising campaign with Berlin-based NGOs, or a public training session offered as part of a congress.

Medium- to long-term impact: A strategic partnership with lasting impact – a customised project that enhances your goals with measurable outcomes. School programmes, patient days, research projects – the possibilities are diverse.

What matters most: Impact activities should be communicated, and their impact should be measurable. This ensures they contribute directly to your sustainability strategy and reputation.

We support event planners in designing their individual and bespoke impact activities.

Our Support for You

At the heart of the Berlin Impact Programme, run by the visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office, are collaborations with Berlin-based organisations and initiatives. Together, we identify your needs, develop solutions, and implement targeted projects – directly integrated into your event – to promote the long-term value of your meeting or congress.

Our Services at a Glance

INFORMATION & CONSULTATION We provide information, discuss your objectives, and offer initial guidance on potential impact approaches – quick and simple.
NETWORKING We connect you with suitable Berlin-based initiatives – whether you're looking for social engagement opportunities, donation recipients, or long-term cooperation partners. Recommended lead time: 2–6 months.
PROJECT SUPPORT Here’s how we co-develop impact projects with you: 1.Goal setting 2. Partner identification 3.Concept development 4. Implementation & impact measurement Recommended lead time: at least 1 year prior to implementation *Support subject to availability of resources

Planning with Social Impact

Our MEET+CHANGE concept and an overview of Berlin-based NGOs offer you a quick and practical entry point to impact-focused event planning.

MEET + CHANGE

Übersicht von NGOs in Berlin

Do you already know our MEET+CHANGE locations? Take the opportunity to support social and cultural institutions with your next event.

Which NGOs are active in Berlin and how can I support them?

Our short overview in the Event Kit provides a first look.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us – we’re happy to help!

Best Practices from Berlin

Berlin has experience in creating long-term legacy projects for international sport events.

Plan for Impact – Together with Berlin

Take advantage of the Berlin Impact Programme to design your event not only sustainably, but also to contribute in a meaningful way to society.

Special Olympics Berlin 2023

UEFA EURO 2024: Host City

FAQ Berlin Impact Programme

Why is Berlin the ideal destination for your impact project?
Berlin is creative, divers, openminded and renowned as the city of freedom. In addition to being a capital of science, rich in culture, and having a vibrant start-up hub, it is home to a wide range of communities, sustainable initiatives and projects. Inspiration can be found on platforms such as Vostel (Planing social days), the donation platform betterplace.org or the initiative Leave No One Behind.

Impact or Legacy – What is the difference?
Event reporting often focuses on short-term results (Output, Outcome). Our goal however aims to foster medium- and long-term positive effects of meetings and events (Impact).

Ideally, through intentional planning and impact measurement, your event can leave a lasting, positive effect (Legacy).

Event > Output > Outcome > Impact > Legacy
(Definition source: Copenhagen Legacy Lab)

Who ist the Berlin Impact Programme for?
The programme supports organisers of business and public events (PCOs, associations, and event managers etc.) who...

...are interested in creating small or large value-added projects with their meetings and events, but have no experience yet.

...already carry out impact or legacy activities and would now like to implement them in Berlin.

...already carry out impact or legacy activities and would like to expand these strategically or conceptually.

International Collaboration

Through our membership in international networks such as the BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), we actively exchange ideas and developments in the field of impact and legacy with destinations around the world. You can find examples of best practices and inspiration at the following link:

BestCities Case Studies