Berlin is at the forefront of the international congress rankings. Our experts know what attracts foreign event organisers to the Berlin MICE market and reveal current trends. In the spotlight this time: the C&IT Agency Forum – an important meeting place in the UK.
Anyone looking for an exchange of ideas and information with international MICE customers should always keep an eye on important events and trends in the industry. Our convention experts in the United Kingdom also know this: That’s why this month Marco Oelschlegel and Robert Luft are going to Belfast – to the C&IT Agency Forum (31 July to 2 August 2019). With its numerous events, print and digital products, the Conference & Incentive Travel magazine (C&IT) is without question one of the leading UK trade magazines in the MICE industry. All the more reason why the C&IT Agency Forum is an annual highlight for many UK event planners: Guests have the opportunity to network with important event planning representatives and track down the latest developments. What is already apparent in advance: Berlin continues to be very much in fashion in the United Kingdom.
A look at the last congress statistics (2018) shows: The United Kingdom is still one of the most important foreign markets after Germany. “Events outside the UK are still in high demand and at the same level as in previous years,” reveals Robert Luft, Marketing Manager Conventions. Of a total of 20 percent of international events in Berlin (14.5 percent from Europe), the United Kingdom plays an important role at almost 4 percent. Yet another reason for the Berlin Convention Office to be present in the market at relevant customer events. The BCO supports a permanent representative office in the UK: Our local partner, Lisa Stewart (Hume Whitehead Limited), has an ‘ear to the market’ for the convention team in Berlin at all times and, in addition to news and tips, regularly forwards relevant inquiries from customers for events in Berlin to the BCO and its partners.
About 100 participants will come together at the C&IT Agency Forum in Belfast from 31 July to 3 August 2019. The relationship between suppliers and customers is well balanced, therefore an optimal exchange of ideas is guaranteed in one-to-one discussions, joint team activities and tours. Marco Oelschlegel, Deputy Director of the Berlin Convention Office, explains that this networking is of great value to both sides: “The event is a fantastic way for us to build a sustainable relationship with potential UK clients.” At the same time, event planners in the UK can find out a lot more about Berlin: “We’re here as a team, representing the capital with ten local Berlin partners.” Here with us: Members of the visitBerlin Partnerhotels e. V. and of course #HandshakeBerlin - as well as the social art project Berlin Handshape.
Ultimately, thanks to numerous training courses and discussions, suppliers and customers can not only expand their network, they can also take a look into the “crystal ball”.
“It’s exciting to hear how the UK market is developing, which trends are currently emerging, which destinations are attractive in the long term or medium term, and what the booking situation of the agencies looks like,” Robert Luft reveals shortly before departing. And our experts are not too worried about Brexit, scheduled for October 2019: “There are, of course, uncertainties due to the political situation, on both sides in equal measure. Nevertheless, hopefully this will have little influence on the long-term planning of UK events in Berlin,” says Oelschlegel. Organisers are currently continuing to plan as before. This much is clear: The interest in and attraction to the German capital as a meeting destination remain as strong as ever.
Among other things, our experts observe the following trend: “In particular, the top research and innovation expertise in Berlin – with locations such as the Futurium or the partners of the Berlin Excellence Initiative – are an increasingly strong incentive for international events in the capital,” says Oelschlegel. In short: Berlin is arousing increasing interest around the world as a centre for science.
What’s more, Berlin is always innovating: “The British are always on the lookout for something new. Berlin is perfect for this because the city is constantly changing,” says Robert Luft. “In Berlin, you’re in a new city with every new visit.” So it’s no wonder that UK organisers always like to come to the capital for meetings, incentives, conferences or congresses – at events such as these, taking place in the coming 24 months:
Thank you: Many thanks to Marco Oelschlegel and Robert Luft for the interview!
of organisers in Berlin come from abroad (as of 2018).
of the events were accounted by the UK market
guest-nights compared to the previous year: 1.7 million guests came from the United Kingdom between January and December 2018
Take advantage of our team’s knowledge and expertise about markets, locations and event design!
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Whether it’s a conference, congress, meeting or incentive, write to us at: convention@visitBerlin.de or browse for the right location in the Meeting Guide Berlin.
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