Success stories: examples of impact activities

Here are two specific examples of how impact can be measured – projects that showcase how Berlin is being strengthened as a MICE destination. They show how collaboration, innovation and targeted action create added value for both the industry and the wider city, helping to raise Berlin’s international profile.

Draufsicht im Close-up: Junge Menschen legen ihre Hände zusammen. Freundeskreis zeigt Zusammenhalt mit übereinandergelegten Händen.

Getty Images, Foto: Jacob Ammentorp Lund

Berlin Tourism & MICE Summit 2024

On 15 November 2024, the Berlin Tourism & MICE Summit brought together 270 decision-makers from politics, business and civil society. The aim wasn’t to sit back and listen, but to actively shape the future: workshops sparked ideas and a shared vision for the German capital as a leading event destination. The outcome was the "Berlin Paper", a document outlining concrete recommendations for organising major events – focusing on streamlined structures, clear responsibilities and faster acquisition processes. The Summit demonstrated how the Berlin Impact Programme creates real impact: through participation and shared responsibility.

A group of people standing in front of a canvas covered in graffiti

vistBerlin, Foto: Mo Wüstenhagen

Approach:

Event activity: The Summit featured 16 workshops and co-creation formats, offering participants from politics, business and civil society the opportunity to actively shape outcomes.
Output: With 270 participants and 400 minutes of co-creation, the Summit was accompanied by graphic recordings and resulted in a paper compiling all inputs from the workshops and sessions.
Outcome: The "Berlin Paper" – a strategic document including analysis and key action areas on the topic of (major) events in Berlin.
Impact: Six months after the Summit, the "Berlin Paper" will be presented to the Tourism Round Table and the Governing Mayor, and submitted to the Senate as a discussion paper. In parallel, plans are under way for a "Berlin Event Board" and a central contact point within the city administration.
Legacy: The political sphere is showing increased attention and support for the MICE industry. Looking ahead, the "Berlin Paper" is also set to help simplify structures and attract (major) events to Berlin.

BESTIVAL: MICE-Festival in Berlin

Since 2021, BESTIVAL has been showcasing Berlin’s strengths as a MICE destination in action. The fourth edition in July 2025 brought together over 500 event professionals and focused on experience over lectures: venues, creatives and local partners were directly involved. Sustainability was a core element of the planning – from resources and partners to the planned ISO certification.

visitBerlin, Foto: Mike Auerbach

Approach

Event activity: Young Talents Programme (free participation for young professionals): partnerships with social and local organisations; ISO certification targeted for comprehensive sustainability measures.
Output: Twelve young talents experience Berlin as a MICE destination: promoting new talent and tackling the skills shortage; exhibition space, DIY experience & hosted buyer format, and networking with a social printing house; ISO certification – preliminary certificate achieved.
Outcome: Young Talents community building through follow-up meetings; integration of local stakeholders into our Berlin Impact Programme; receipt of the ISO certificate.
Impact: Young Talents: establishing a community, including regular meetings and ongoing communication to offer young professionals the best possible start in Berlin’s MICE industry; expansion of outreach and inclusion of social, local initiatives; ISO certification planned for future editions.
Legacy: The long-term value of the Young Talents Programme is not yet fully apparent. Dedicated resources are planned for ongoing support. Following BESTIVAL’s success, collaboration with local and social stakeholders is set to be expanded and intensified.