www.germany-meetings.com
MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY Issue 3 / 2014
The Newspaper of the German Convention Bureau
“Sustainability” – a driver that powers the MICE industry
Seeforum Rottach-Egern: Sustainability in the event industry
More and more companies are shouldering on social responsibility ... Page 3
Nowadays everyone is talking about concepts like holistic, sustainable ... Page 4
EIBTM 2014 GCB German Convention Bureau e. V. together with numerous other German exhibitors is presenting Germany ... Page 5
“Landgut A. Borsig”: a model for the future? The “Landgut A. Borsig” estate in Groß Behnitz near Nauen is Germany’s ... Page 7
Inspirational Green Meetings and Events Conference with focus on big picture the programme of the Green Meetings and events Conference, which will be held at the Kap europa Congress Centre in Frankfurt/Main on February 9th and 10th, 2015, will offer content for all target groups. the well-known speakers will include Martin Powell, director of “the Crystal” in London as well as the actor and environmental activist hannes Jaenicke.
Main Focus Sustainability
M
artin Powell, who is Head of Urban Development Global Centre of Competence for Cities of Siemens AG and responsible for the “The Crystal” sustainability centre in London, will kick off the 2015 Green Meetings and Events Conference in Frankfurt/ Main with his visionary ideas for sustainable urban planning in future. The initiators the German Convention Bureau (GCB) and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) - have invited participants to Kap Europa Congress Centre of Messe Frankfurt for a meeting on February 9th and 10th, 2015, revolving around the topic of sustainability
Preferred Partners
in conjunction with event organisation. Once again, the event will be under the auspices of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. The culmination and conclusion of the conference will be the keynote address of the actor and environmental activist Hannes Jaenicke: His topic - “The responsible consumer” - will illuminate how his listeners can exploit their power as consumers to support sustainability concerns – not only in their personal day-to-day life, but also in all areas of event planning.
Workshops provide suggestions for all target groups The workshop programme will earmark specific focus areas for each of the target groups of the conference – operators of locations
and conference hotels, convention offices of destinations as well as service providers and agencies. Idea forums on the subject of sustainable event concepts, regional networks and catering are expected to trigger lively exchanges: in each area, several representatives of companies and institutions will contribute their experience. The “Sustainable Travel” workshop will focus on mobility in the future: among others, speakers will include Prof. Dr. Andreas Knie, Managing Director of InnoZ (Innovation Centre for Mobility and Societal Change GmbH), as the representative of the German national railway company (Deutsche Bahn AG) and Astrid Messmer-Rodriguez from Deutsche Lufthansa. Joachim König, President of the EVVC, is excited: “The workshops and idea forums will generate impetus for lively exchanges that will encourage the participants to develop sustainable products and processes.” • www.greenmeetings-events.de
Interview Hannes Jaenicke
H
annes Jaenicke is one of the most soughtafter German actors. But not only that. Since 2010 he has been writing fascinating books on topics that occupy his thoughts. His first book - Wut allein reicht nicht (2010) (i.e. Anger alone is not enough) - quickly became a bestseller and prompted Hannes Jaenicke to continue to do research, conduct interviews with experts and uncover lies and deception in all areas of life. Now he has compiled those in his latest book - Die große Volksverarsche (2013) (i.e. The great scam on the public). As the keynote speaker at the Green Meetings and Events Conference 2015, he will talk about his experiences and the impressions he has gained. We spoke to Hannes Jaenicke in advance about his commitment. •
Strategic Partners
MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014 – 1
Do you really believe that we can change anything about the drastic destruction of the environment with our consumer behaviour – stopping over-population is already no longer possible now and Nature is already reacting massively to our behaviour in the past decades. Hannes Jaenicke: IT SEEMS TO ME THAT JUST SAYING ‚IT’S TOO LATE ANYWAY‘ IS AN EXTREMELY CONVENIENT EXCUSE. JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE RHINE AS AN EXAMPLE: UNTIL WELL INTO THE EIGHTIES IT WAS A CESSPOOL OF POISONOUS CHEMICALS, AND NOW YOU CAN SWIM AND FISH IN IT AGAIN. THAT PROVES THERE IS AN ENDLESS AMOUNT OF THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE AND CAN BE ACHIEVED. In your opinion, what are the greatest
possibilities for exerting leverage to stop climate change and destruction of the environment? Hannes Jaenicke: OUR BEHAVIOUR AS CONSUMERS. EVERYTHING THAT IS CURRENTLY DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT HAS TO DO WITH OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION, PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR, TREATMENT OF RESOURCES AND OUR PRODUCTION OF WASTE. In your book, you also say that seals of quality, certifications and other means of ensuring safety for consumers tend to cause additional uncertainty among consumers. At the same time, it is important for consumers to be enlightened so they can deliberately make their own decisions about what they consume. In your opinion, what is the best strategy for putting people in a position to make decisions themselves? Hannes Jaenicke: INFORMATION. QUITE A LOT WOULD ALREADY BE ACHIEVED IF EVERYONE REALLY KNEW MORE PRECISELY WHAT THEY ACTUALLY EAT, WHAT THEY WEAR, THROW AWAY, HOW MUCH POISONOUS WASTE AND CO2 THEY PRODUCE. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS NEITHER IN THE INTEREST OF INDUSTRY NOR OF POLITICIANS. THAT IS WHY WE NEED ORGANISATIONS LIKE FOODWATCH, G.O.T.S, FAIRTRADE, FAIRWEAR, DEMETER, FSC ETC….. How and where can a consumer who is willing to do so get information in the best way without getting into a panic and without losing all enjoyment of life? Hannes Jaenicke: ON THE INTERNET, FOR EXAMPLE AT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ORGANISATIONS. THERE ARE ALSO
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INNUMERABLE TV DOCUMENTARIES AND PRINTED ARTICLES THAT PROVIDE US WITH INFORMATION. AND WHY IS IT A FUN KILLER IF I BUY ORGANIC, FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS OR TEXTILES THAT ARE MANUFACTURED CLEANLY? THAT IS WHERE THE FUN REALLY STARTS. OR DOES ANYBODY THINK IT IS FUN TO WEAR CLOTHES THAT WERE PRODUCED UNDER INHUMANE CONDITIONS OR EAT FOOD THAT IS POISONOUS FOR THE CONSUMER AS WELL AS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE PEOPLE WHO PRODUCE IT? In what areas have you changed your consumer behaviour? What is an example of a product? And what things are you unable to do without? Hannes Jaenicke: TO AS GREAT AN EXTENT AS POSSIBLE I BUY THINGS THAT ARE USED, ABOVE ALL FURNITURE, CLOTHES ETC. I AVOID PLASTIC IF POSSIBLE, AND I PARTICIPATE IN ‚SHARING‘ WHENEVER POSSIBLE, FOR EXAMPLE CAR SHARING. OTHERWISE I USE THE MUCH MALIGNED SEALS OF QUALITY, SUCH AS FAIRTRADE, DEMETER, NATURLAND, FSC, MSC, GOTS ETC., AS A GUIDELINE. How has your own behaviour as a consumer changed overall? Do you ever buy anything spontaneously anymore? Hannes Jaenicke: RARELY. ACTUALLY ONLY BOOKS AND MUSIC. OTHERWISE ANTICONSUMERISM AND SHARING HAVE BECOME A REAL HOBBY OF MINE. YOU NEED SO LITTLE TO LIVE WELL. You also travel quite a lot – among other things to conferences like the Green Meetings and Events Conference. How do you look for your hotel? What criteria do you base your decision
Photo: © Carsten Sander
German Convention Bureau: In your latest book “Die große Volksverarsche”, you address consumers again, but you also rail against large corporations, politicians and the media. If I have understood correctly, you also want to enlighten consumers again so they can make the right decisions with the right knowledge. How have your own views on these issues changed between the two books and how has anger turned into outrage (scam of the public)? Hannes Jaenicke: THE SUBJECT IS ALWAYS THE SAME – NAMELY THAT THE MONEY IN OUR POCKETS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON WE HAVE. NEVERTHELESS, WE DON’T USE IT – INSTEAD WE CONTINUE TO JUST CONSUME IN A PRETTY BRAINLESS WAY. THE REASON FOR THAT CAN ONLY BE LACK OF INFORMATION AND OUR OWN LAZINESS. AND AS AN AUTHOR AND SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN THE TV BUSINESS, I CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.
Hannes Jaenicke Actor and environmental activist
on? When is it OK to fly and when do you prefer to travel by train? Hannes Jaenicke: I TAKE THE TRAIN WHENEVER POSSIBLE- AND FLY ONLY IF IT’S UNAVOIDABLE (FOR EXAMPLE, FOR OUR DOCUMENTARIES IN ASIA, AFRICA, THE ARCTIC), I PICK HOTELS ACCORDING TO LOCATION AND PRICE AND IN CITIES I PREFER TO GET AROUND BY BICYCLE. What are the three ideas that you would like the participants at the Green Meetings and Events Conference in particular to take home with them? Hannes Jaenicke: SWITCH YOUR BRAIN ON BEFORE CONSUMING SOMETHING AND BEFORE FORKING OUT MONEY. LIVING AND CONSUMING SUSTAINABLY IS NOT A SACRIFICE, IT’S FUN. AND STATUS SYMBOLS ARE JUST FOR DIEHARDS LIVING IN THE PAST.
11.08.14 07:43
“Sustainability” – a driver that powers the MICE industry More and more companies are shouldering on social responsibility. Sustainable economic activity has also established itself as an important theme with future relevance in the event industry. Companies that gear their business activities to environmental protection and social justice benefit across the board.
S
ustainability is “in”. In light of climate change, the economic crisis and criticism of globalisation, consumers pay more and more attention to values such as eco-friendliness and social justice. They eat organic food, wear clothing that has been manufactured under fair conditions and take advantage of car sharing options or green electricity. That growing awareness of sustainability is reflected in stricter statutory environmental regulations and social standards as well as in critical media reports, for example about questionable production methods. So there are a lot of facts supporting the view that the principle of “sustainable development” will have established itself as mainstream by the year 2030. The business sector has also reacted to this change in values. More and more companies are taking on social responsibility in conjunction with sustainable economic activity. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), i.e. voluntary commitment to ecological, economic and social sustainability within the scope of core business activities that goes beyond the statutory regulations, is becoming increasingly more important for large corporations as well as small and medium sized enterprises in all industries. In the meantime, many companies employ CSR managers in order to control their measures in that area in a targeted manner.
Values create competitive advantages Economic, ecological and social aspects constitute the dimensions of sustainability. Companies that conduct themselves fairly visà-vis their suppliers and customers operate in an economically sustainable manner. Measures aimed at environmental protection stand for ecological sustainability. In turn, the social component encompasses social commitment at company locations as well as fair, supportive dealings with employees. CSR has become a tangible competitive advantage overall. “Potential employees inquire about how a company handles CSR aspects; consumers prefer to purchase products from a CSR and sustainability oriented company. Even 15 per cent of stock market investors invest exclusively in companies with a credible CSR commitment,” says Wolfgang Scheunemann, Managing Director of dokeo, a consulting firm domiciled in Stuttgart which specialises in CSR and sustainability and organises the “German CSR Forum“.
All lights are green Sustainability is a central theme that will become more and more important in future in the event industry as well. Communication measures, conventions, trade fairs and conferences are planned and implemented in line with the “green meetings” catchword ever more frequently. Regional or seasonal catering, returnable tableware, energy-conserving technologies or climate-friendly travel with public transit to meeting locations are standard in many places. However, social aspects such as employee health as well as sustainable economic activity are also becoming a focus area. Because - companies accordance with CSR
that operate in principles attach
importance to expertise and references in that area when selecting event locations as well as trade fair and event service providers. They expect events with a sustainability orientation throughout the entire range of services.
Support from management is indispensable The event facility “Kongress Palais Kassel” demonstrates how investing in sustainability pays off. In the year 2009, the convention centre was the first event facility in Germany to be certified according to the “Green Globe” sustainability standard, thus playing the role of a trailblazer in the industry. That immediately convinced the internationally renowned Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy: In the summer of 2013, the research institute held its first Germany-wide conference “Energy Transition. But fair!” at the “Kongress Palais Kassel” – a top-grade reference for the centre. “Nowadays sustainability is an important concern for the convention and meetings industry, because sustainable meetings are registering strong growth in the market,” emphasises Salwa Dallalah, Co-ordinator of the Conference Affairs Services at the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. So measures that are strategically planned do pay off. Wolfgang Scheunemann is convinced that companies benefit across the board if they tailor their business processes according to the relevant principles: “The companies that implement CSR properly become more efficient and robust - and also save money. It is important for the executive management to really want CSR and to tackle it in earnest,” he says.
Fit thanks to supplementary training Among others, the industry associations provide assistance for coping with those challenges. For example, the “rightandfair” (“fairpflichtet” ) code, which the EVVC and the GCB German Convention Bureau e. V. initiated together in May 2012, serves as a common guideline for sustainable entrepreneurial activity in the event sector. Since then, over 400 associations and their member companies from all areas of the industry have subscribed to it. In addition, the GCB has developed a code of ethics as well as compliance guidelines in order to help companies make transparency and integrity the foundation for their actions. Furthermore, the organisation offers supplementary training leading to a qualification as a “sustainability consultant in the event industry”. In the past three years, a good 300 event planners from associations, hotels, conference centres and agencies got themselves prepared for CSR and sustainability.
Exchange of experience with experts At the same time, there are increasingly more events relating to the topic. One practically oriented forum especially for the event industry is offered by the Green Meetings and Events Conference, which will take place
for the third time in February 2015 at “Kap Europa” in Frankfurt – incidentally, the latter is the first convention centre in the world to be awarded the Preliminary Certificate in Gold by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). At the event, the GCB and the EVVC will confer the “Meeting Experts Green Award” to sustainable projects in the MICE area. “Werte 2.0”, i.e. “Values 2.0”, in Montabaur, which has become an established get-together for senior managers in the event industry, has also been providing orientation and promoting exchanges of experience for five years. Traditional ethical values are the primary aspect in that case. The focus of the workshops and lectures by experts is how those values can be implemented in the fast-paced business world of today. Across all business sectors, sustainability and CSR have been exerting an attraction on broad sections of the public – from experts to consumers. For example, the “German CSR Forum” in Ludwigsburg, an event with a rich tradition initiated by Wolfgang Scheunemann. When the conference was held for the tenth time in May 2014, more than 730 representatives from the business, political and scientific sectors as well as nongovernmental organisations and the media discussed issues relating to sustainability. •
Positive image attracts specialists Most companies in the MICE industry are aware of that fact, as the Meeting und Event Barometer 2014 reveals. 82 per cent of the companies polled for the study and 66 per cent of event organisers are certain that taking sustainable components into account at conventions, conferences and events is becoming increasingly more important. Furthermore, the positive image that companies with authentic CSR initiatives build up makes them attractive employers. In light of the scarcity of skilled personnel, finding qualified employees is getting more and more difficult in the MICE industry as well. “We have to implement counter-measures in this regard, for example with family-friendly work models. In addition, regular supplementary training for staff helps maintain the high standard of our services,” emphasises Joachim König, President of European Association of Event Centres (EVVC). In parts of the industry, there is definitely room for improvement in the area of social sustainability, for example with regard to temporary employment contracts or the remuneration for employees. “Particularly in the event area with working hours at all times of the day or night, it is important to take work-life balance aspects and protection from burn-out into consideration,” says CSR expert Wolfgang Scheunemann, underscoring the need for action.
Most sustainable private hotel of Germany 2014
Top 15 conference hotels
CO2-free Meetings 20 km west of Berlin
www.landgut-aborsig.de MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014 – 3
Meet us a in Barcelot EIBTM na, booth F50
The culmination of the event was the presentation of the “German CSR Award” for outstanding achievements in the area of social responsibility. “Heldenmarkt”, i.e. “Heroes’ Market”, which opened its gates in Berlin for the first time in 2010 and which is held in various German cities in the meantime, is aimed primarily at consumers. Moreover, since 2007 the “KarmaKonsum” conference in Frankfurt/Main has served as a forum for doing business responsibly as well as for sustainable and healthy living. In addition to a convention as the flagship event and the “open space” format called “GreenCamp”, the programme also includes the presentation of the “KarmaKonsum Founder Award”, which honours exemplary ecological / social startups.
Opportunities for new business models CSR offers opportunities for new business
models, as demonstrated by the Hamburg start-up “veveko”. The company which was founded in 2012 organises CSR events for companies and is registering a growing demand. “We combine corporate events with social or ecological commitment,” says company founder and managing director Mathias Fischer, describing the concept. To that end, he and his business partner Julia Ulrichs continuously establish contracts with environmental and social associations or social facilities. “We always look for projects that suit our clients,” emphasises Fischer.
the employer’s CSR commitment in a reallife context, thus making it more credible,” says Fischer. In this way, social commitment achieves a more sustainable impact within the company as well. •
Meetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry.” More information and free download of the Management Summary here: www.gcb.de/en/meetings-andconventions-2030:-a-study-ofmegatrends-shaping-our-industry
For example, “veveko” organised an internal event for a mobile telephony company at which roughly 120 employees actively participated for a good cause. Instead of driving in circles on a go-kart track, they helped restore a segment of the Este, a tributary of the Elbe, to its natural state. “Activities like that create bonds. At the same time, they make it possible to experience
Seeforum Rottach-Egern: Sustainability in the event industry
Modernness of practised values
Hamburg Hamburg gets your ideas going, providing strength from the Elbe, and inspiration from the Alster. Enjoy conference hotels with panoramic views, trendy locations on the water, and the vibe of a green city, which combines economic growth, environmental protection, and quality of life. Plan your next event here – the Hamburg Convention Bureau will be glad to assist.
Phone +49 (0)40 / 300 51 610 info@hamburg-convention.com www.hamburg-convention.com
Hamburg Convention Bureau
Nowadays everyone is talking about concepts like holistic, sustainable and individuality, and in the event industry those catchwords are often exploited as testimonials for an outstanding service concept. Unfortunately, the corporate philosophy that is promulgated is not always put into practice. Successful entrepreneurs know that values that are actively practised in real life generate trust and desirability. An event facility in the heart of Upper Bavaria with its own location concept - and as of recently also with its own catering concept demonstrates that the sustainability principle can be implemented in a very attractive and modern fashion: “Seeforum Rottach-Egern”.
An event location combining tradition and innovation Meeting where other people go on holiday – that is what “Seeforum Rottach-Egern” on Tegernsee Lake promises. The tasteful building was constructed in 1969: it has been operated as a spa and convention hall since 1983 and was extensively remodelled and renovated in 2012. The owner is the Municipality of RottachEgern, which has entrusted its marketing to the Edelbau agency located by the lake. It is an event location with a rich tradition that combines tradition and innovation in a charming fashion and a popular location for meetings and incentives. A multifunctional assortment of rooms with flexible utilisation options awaits guests. In
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total, Seeforum offers 770 square metres of event area with a capacity for up to 420 participants.
Values and added value Situated in the heart of Upper Bavaria and thus in one of the most sought-after holiday regions of Germany, Seeforum scores points thanks to its one-of-a-kind location right on Tegernsee Lake. As the marketing agency for the location, Edelblau GmbH offers comprehensive service and provides support for concept development and realisation of events in the meetings, events and conventions sector. The motto of the marketing agency is: always find the best possible solution for the needs of the client and integrate local situational factors in an optimal manner – sustainable, visionary and absolute added value for clients from near and far. For example, Seeforum has also committed itself to the “rightandfair” (“fairpflichtet”) sustainability code, an initiative of the event industry that was founded by the GCB German Convention Bureau e. V. and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC).
Event catering – new, sustainable, delectable In addition to services such as guest handling, hotel procurement and logistics, the team of Edelblau GmbH will also be handling the facility’s own catering as of November 2014. The quality of the accompanying culinary
programme is intended to support the success of events on site. The catering concept of Seeforum combines regional roots, tradition and contemporary spirit. The pivotal element of the culinary concept by the lake is: sustainability. Regional and seasonal products are used for the dishes, completely in line with a purposeful culture of agricultural cultivation and production. Close co-operation with local suppliers and manufacturers guarantees high-quality and freshness – that is a genuine promise of quality that is convincing thanks to its great authenticity. When much-vaunted values such as sustainability are realised in such an active way, they become a tremendous asset, particularly for such a fast-paced market sector as event and location management. ˜˜ www.seeforum-rottach-egern.de
EIBTM 2014
T
he GCB German Convention Bureau e. V. together with 56 other German exhibitors is presenting Germany as a convention, conference and event location at EIBTM in Barcelona. The joint German exhibition booth is part of the foreign trade fair programme of the Federal Republic of Germany encompassing trade fairs and exhibitions abroad, in which the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is participating with German pavilions in co-operation with the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA). With the aid of this foreign trade promotion tool, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) makes it possible for companies to take part in trade fairs with products and services “made in Germany” subject to favourable conditions. The European Incentive and Business Travel Meeting exhibition (EIBTM) will be opening its doors at the “Fira Barcelona” from November 18th to 20th, 2014. With roughly 14,200 trade visitors, it is one of the most important
international trade fairs of the meeting and incentive industry. There will be 56 exhibitors presenting themselves at Germany’s exhibition booth Number F50. The GCB, together with its partners the cities of Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt/Main, Cologne, and Stuttgart will be showcasing a special eye-catcher at the EIBTM: A digital graffiti wall will allow trade fair visitors to give free rein to their creativity and artistic inclinations, while simultaneously experiencing a new technology. So the graffiti wall will serve as a vivid example of the “Future and Innovation” theme at the German Pavilion. Another focus area at Booth F50 will be sustainability in connection with conference and convention organisation. In addition, the destination presentations held by the GCB and its partners will focus on different fields of competence of German cities and regions, as well as highlight interesting case studies on various topics, both offering synergy effects for international event planners.
Exhibitors at the German Pavilion, booth F50 25hours Hotel HafenCity F50/12 Hamburg Felix Sigel fsigel@25hours-hotels.com www.25hours-hotels.com/hafencity
convention bureau DÜSSELDORF Düsseldorf Isabelle Wittbusch info@convention-duesseldorf.com www.convention-duesseldorf.com
F50/06
Hamburg Convention Bureau GmbH F50/12 Hamburg Frank Pflugfelder pflugfelder@hamburg-convention.com www.hamburg-convention.com
Maritim Hotels Darmstadt Kristina Holzschuh info.vki@maritim.com www.maritim.com
F50/14
Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm F50/29 Berlin Julian Schmidt julian.schmidt@sofitel.com www.sofitel-berlin-kurfurstendamm.com
25hours Hotel Number One F50/12 Hamburg Stefan Pallasch spallasch@fortune-hotels.com www.25hours-hotels.com/de/number-one/ home/home.html/
CPO HANSER SERVICE GmbH Berlin Katrin Suchi ksuchi@cpo-hanser.de www.cpo-hanser.de
F50/36
InterContinental Berlin Berlin Jenny Klamm jenny.klamm@ihg.com www.berlin.intercontinental.com
F50/38
Messe Berlin Guest Events F50/33 Berlin Christian Ortlepp ortlepp@messe-berlin.com www.messe-berlin.com/guestevents
Deutsche Lufthansa AG Frankfurt am Main Claudia Wilhelm claudia.wilhelm.cw@dlh.de www.LH.com/Veranstaltungen
F50/02
K.I.T. Group GmbH Dresden Dresden Jörg Herrmann info@kitdresden.de www.kit-group.org
F50/26
MR Congress & Incentive GmbH Berlin Josefine Hopp j.hopp@mr-congress.com www.mr-congress.com
Starwood Hotels & Resorts F50/25 Germany Area North Frankfurt Lukas Bechtel lukas.bechtel@starwoodhotels.com www.starwoodmeetings.com
Dresden Convention Bureau F50/16 Dresden Jenny Röthig jenny.roethig@marketing.dresden.de www.dresden.de/convention
KölnKongress GmbH Köln Franca Wenzl f.wenzl@koelnkongress.de www.koelnkongress.de
F50/08
NürnbergConvention F50/13 Nürnberg Sabina Linke Sabina.Linke@nuernberg-convention.de www.nuernberg-convention.de
east Hotel & Restaurant Hamburg Philipp Tu P.Tu@east-hamburg.de www.east-hamburg.de
F50/12
F50/27
Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin Berlin Daniel Onat daniel.onat@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.de/hotel-berlin
ELLINGTON HOTEL BERLIN Berlin Susanne Dirnbacher s.dirnbacher@ellington-hotel.com www.ellington-hotel.com
F50/30
Kongresshotel Potsdam am Templiner See Potsdam Ute Doering ute.doering@hukg.de www.kongresshotel-potsdam.de
F50/27
Estrel Hotel & Convention Center Berlin Diane Pentaleri-Otto d.pentaleri-otto@estrel.com www.estrel.com
F50/30
Landgut A. Borsig Groß Behnitz Michael Stober info@landgut-aborsig.de www.landgut-aborsig.de
andel‘s Hotel Berlin Berlin Monika Will monika.will@andelsberlin.com www.andelsberlin.com
F50/35
A-ROSA Resorts & Hideaways Hamburg Andreas Schnürer a.schnuerer@a-rosa.de www.a-rosa.de/resorts
F50/12
ATLANTIC Hotels Bremen, Bremerhaven, Kiel, Lübeck, Sylt, Essen Ulrich Ponty info@atlantic-hotels.de www.atlantic-hotels.de
F50/09
Bonn Region Convention Bureau Bonn Björn Wahlen b.wahlen@bonn-region.de www.bonn-region.de
F50/04
BRÄHLER ICS Konferenztechnik AG F50/16 Dresden Holger Lange dresden@braehler.com www.braehler.com
EVENT Hotels Berlin: F50/37 The Westin Grand Berlin, Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin, Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, Mercure Hotel Potsdam City Berlin Julia Kaven-Handke, Jessica Rautenberg julia.kaven-handke@westin-berlin.com www.eventhotels.com
bw-fairs - Messemarktplatz Baden-Würtemberg Stuttgart Lucia Hamawandi info@bw-fairs.de www.bw-fairs.de
F50/19
capricorn NÜRBURGRING GmbH Düsseldorf Silke Hoffmann business@nuerburgring.de www.nuerburgring.de
F50/24
Cologne Convention Bureau Köln Christian Woronka info@conventioncologne.de www.conventioncologne.com
F50/08
Frankfurt Convention Bureau F50/21 Frankfurt Mareike Kitz congress@infofrankfurt.de www.frankfurt-convention-bureau.com
Conference & Touring GmbH Berlin Birgit Freitag birgit.freitag@dmcgermany.de www.dmcgermany.de
F50/29
FUCHS Event + Incentive GmbH Dresden Susan Uhlemann uhlemann@fuchsincentive.de www.fuchsincentive.de
F50/15
Congress Center Hamburg Hamburg Vera Többen vera.toebben@cch.de www.cch.de
F50/12
Gastwerk Hotel Hamburg Hamburg Stefan Pallasch spallasch@fortune-hotels.com www.gastwerk.com
F50/12
Congress Frankfurt, F50/22 Messe Frankfurt Venue Frankfurt Christine Grimm christine.grimm@messefrankfurt.com www.congressfrankfurt.de
Flughafen Tempelhof Berlin Pascal C. Thirion events@tempelhof-projekt.de www.thf-berlin.de
F50/34
GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. F50/01 Frankfurt Ursula Winterbauer winterbauer@gcb.de www.germany-meetings.com
Leipzig Tourismus und F50/17 Marketing GmbH Leipzig Hiskia Wiesner, Ronald Kötteritzsch kongress@ltm-leipzig.de www.do-it-at-leipzig.com
F50/31
F50/31
Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg F50/12 Hamburg Kathrin Sichau kathrin.sichau@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-hamburg Radisson Blu Hotel, Köln F50/07 Köln Julia Kemmer Julia.Kemmer@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cologne
Leonardo Hotels Berlin Anna Sterzer a.sterzer@leonardo-hotels.com www.leonardo-hotels.com
F50/23
Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz F50/28 Berlin Claudia Gensert claudia.gensert@scandichotels.com www.scandichotels.com/potsdamerplatz F50/12
Lindner Hotels & Resorts Düsseldorf Michael Wilkens michael.wilkens@lindner.de www.lindner.de
F50/10
Scandic Hamburg Emporio Hamburg Marie Algner marie.algner@scandichotels.com www.scandichotels.de/hamburg
F50/12
Lufthansa Training & Conference Center Seeheim Seeheim-Jugenheim / Frankfurt Kristian Straub Kristian.Straub@dlh.de www.lufthansa-seeheim.de
F50/03
SIDE Hotel Hamburg Iris Holt i.holt@side-hamburg.de www.side-hamburg.de
Maritim Hotel & Internationales Congress Center Dresden Dresden Jörg Bacher jbacher.dre@maritim.de www.maritim.de
F50/16
Maritim Hotel Köln F50/05 Köln Michael Schuepstuhl mschuepstuhl.kol@maritim.de www.maritim.de/de/hotels/deutschland/ hotel-koeln/uebersicht#hotel_content
Steigenberger Hotel Group F50/11 Frankfurt am Main Anne Krause anne.krause@steigenbergerhotelgroup.com www.steigenbergerhotelgroup.com Stuttgart Convention Bureau / Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH Stuttgart Heike Ade heike.ade@congress-stuttgart.de www.congress-stuttgart.com
F50/20
The George Hotel Hamburg Hamburg Oriana Hertlein ohertlein@thegeorge-hotel.de www.thegeorge-hotel.de
F50/12
The Westin Bellevue Dresden Dresden Ellen Sattler ellen.sattler@westin-dresden.com www.westinbellevuedresden.com
F50/16
visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office F50/32 Berlin Katharina Waschke katharina.waschke@visitberlin.de www.convention.visitberlin.de Wiesbaden Kongressallianz F50/18 Wiesbaden Gesine Zimmer kongressallianz@wiesbaden-marketing.de www.wiesbaden.de/kongressallianz Wyndham Grand Berlin F50/39 Potsdamer PLatz Berlin Florian Wolf florian.wolf@wyndhamgrandberlin.com www.wyndhamgrandberlin.com
EIBTM - The Global Meetings & Events Expo Date: 18.-20. November 2014 Venue: “Fira Barcelona” Barcelona, Spain Exhibitors: around 3.000 international exhibitors Website: www.eibtm.com Meet us at the German Pavilion booth F50! Find an overview of the German exhibitors under www.eibtm.com and www.gcb.de
MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014 – 5
Advertorial
Sustainable conferences in Düsseldorf
O
ne of Europe’s large event companies, Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event has firmly established the principle of sustainability in its philosophy and regards ecologically efficient and responsible action as a continuous process. The company is banking on sustainability in conjunction with facility management as well as planning and implementation of events and on social responsibility in the region. It is possible to organise sustainable conferences particularly effectively at the CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf: The Congress Center has repeatedly been commended for its successful sustainability management
with the “Green Globe” certificate. For larger corporate events, the portfolio of Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event offers modern multifunctional halls which fulfil state-ofthe-art technical standards and have already incorporated sustainability standards into their construction. Furthermore, Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event has also committed itself to the “rightandfair” (“fairpflichtet”) initiative and undertaken to comply with the sustainability code of the German speaking event industry. When planning and implementing events, the company co-operates closely with partners that have been commended for ecologically
valuable work, such as the catering company Stockheim. However, for Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event, social responsibility also means continuous vocational training and further
education for its own staff as well as active commitment within the region. For example, the company encourages and supports young talents in the sport city of Düsseldorf. ˜˜ www.d-cse.de/en
Advertorial
Leipzig – with innovation to success
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hether in the “New York Times”, “The Guardian” or “Der Tagesspiegel” - Leipzig with its innovative and vital art and cultural scene is the talk of the town. That popularity also has a positive impact on the convention business, which means that more and more large events are being held there. Leipzig scores points thanks to its many locational advantages: among other things, industry-specific fields of competence
relating to medicine and biotechnology, automotive manufacturing and logistics as well as energy and environmental research. The convention initiative called “Feel the spirit … do-it-at-leipzig.de” is another success factor. This strong network has brought together 49 companies, such as convention centres, event locations, hotels as well as other service providers, which are working together under the leadership of Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH. In particular, Leipzig’s trade fair company Leipziger Messe GmbH together with the CCL Congress Center Leipzig plays a dominant role. It was the first major trade fair company in Germany to receive Green Globe certification. Congress organisers benefit from a long-term sustainability management programme. ˜˜ www.do-it-at-leipzig.com
Advertorial
Maritim focuses on sustainability in the events sector
T
he only German hotel company to do so, Maritim has trained employees in all its German hotels to become sustainability consultants. Maritim has launched a new initiative, under the name ProUmwelt (proenvironment), which focuses on environmental protection and sustainable economic development. A baseline study has therefore been conducted for all 36 hotels in Germany, covering energy, waste, water, purchasing, mobility and employees. This ambitious project is being led by the Green Team under the management of the sustainability consultants. One of their tasks, in addition to project coordination, is to offer events
6 – MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014
partners advice in all areas of sustainability. In January 2013, Maritim signed a sustainability code for the German events sector, which was an initiative of the GCB German Convention Bureau e. V. and the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC). Its motto in relation to energy and resources is: avoid, reduce, recycle and use. The progress made in the project was documented and assessed in 2014 with positive results. September 2012 saw Maritim’s market launch of the Maritim Green Meeting conference package. Particular features of this sustainable package include fair-trade coffee, the use of regional products and the preparation of FSC-certified conference blocks, recycled flipchart paper and environmentally friendly biodegradable pens. In addition to the hiring of rooms, technical equipment and conference catering, the Green Meeting package also includes a three-course dinner menu or buffet lunch. As is the case with the other conference packages (Maritim Exclusive and Maritim à-la-carte), a range of additional services can also be added to the Green
Meeting package. With 36 hotels in Germany, Maritim is represented in all the major cities.
˜˜ www.maritim.com/en/home
Advertorial
185,000 square metres of capacity for green events Service portfolio of Stuttgart Convention Bureau venues on www.congress-stuttgart.de/ Location-Suche and in the Meeting Guide
»» complimentary public transport ticket with
hotel room bookings through the Stuttgart Convention Bureau until 31/12/2016 at numerous hotels
»» 3-day convention ticket for public transport at a discounted rate
The Stuttgart Convention Bureau (SCB) has supported event planners for 20 years with comprehensive services and local knowhow relating to planning and organisation of conventions and conferences in the Stuttgart region. As a central partner, it also provides supplementary information on sustainable allinclusive solutions in line with the megatrend towards “sustainable development”. The SCB offers the following services for organisation of events in the context of economic, ecological and social awareness: »» spotlight on sustainably managed event
»» cost-effective event ticket from the German national railway company (Deutsche Bahn AG) for climate-neutral travel to the convention destination
»» combination package with local “green meeting” options
»» 50 sustainably managed event facilities / conference hotels
»» 457 conference venues and halls with a total of 185,000 square metres
Stuttgart Airport is certified by the EcoManagement and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and
was ranked as the best European airport in 2014. The 35th German Evangelical Church Assembly, one of the most environmentally
friendly large-scale events in Germany, will be held in Stuttgart in June 2015. ˜˜ www.congress-stuttgart.de/en ˜˜ info@congress-stuttgart.de
Advertorial
Messe Frankfurt receives ICONIC award for Kap Europa’s concrete curtain
T
he Kap Europa convention centre is the host of the Green Meetings and Events Conference which will take place on February 9th and 10th, 2015. The new event venue of the trade fair company Messe Frankfurt – which is located directly adjacent to the trade fair grounds and the “Skyline Plaza” shopping centre - has been commended for its high ecological standards by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and is the first event facility building to receive the Certificate in Gold. Furthermore, at the 2014 ICONIC Awards, the Kap Europa won another award in the “Product (Energy Solutions)” category: the jury of the German Design Council considered its “concrete curtain” to be the perfect solution for
integrating the climate-relevant concrete core into the overall design of the building. Approximately 60 events will have been held at Kap Europa between its opening at the end of May and the end of the year 2014.
The Green Meetings and Events Conference in February 2015 represents another highlight of the “green” meetings and events industry. ˜˜ www.kapeuropa.de/en/welcome/ ˜˜ www.messefrankfurt.com
“Landgut A. Borsig”: a model for the future? The “Landgut A. Borsig” estate in Groß Behnitz near Nauen is Germany’s most sustainable private hotel and Brandenburg’s first hotel with organic certification.
W
hen Michael Stober shows his guests at the estate “Landgut A. Borsig” photographs from earlier days, they start murmuring. The visitors examine the pictures of dilapidated buildings, piles of garbage and trees growing through roofs with incredulous expressions. Today, just ten years later, the pictures are the only way to guess at the amounts of stone that Michael Stober and his wife Tanja Getto had to move in order to get the 10,000 square metres of floor space back into usable condition. But the couple not only had to move rubble and stone: brainwork and contacts were also indispensable. After all, their goal was to continue to operate the estate according to the principles of the Borsig family. So Stober concentrated on the core themes of nutrition,
meetings and accommodation. At the time, the Borsig family purchased the manor in order to supply their employees in nearby Berlin with food. “The character of this place is clearly defined by its history,” says Michael Stober today. However, it took years before the entire significance of the place became evident. The “Kreisauer Circle”, a group of German dissidents, already met at the former model agricultural operation; the guest house has welcomed visitors since 1875. “For the most part, we are the ones who have rediscovered the history of Groß Behnitz,” says Stober with evident pride.
Borsig’s philosophy reborn But the philosophy of the Borsigs not only provided the new owners - the couple Getto
and Stober – inspiration for the new utilisation concept; it also served as the model for its implementation. “The Borsigs were pioneers of their era – with regard to social welfare as well as technical matters,” says Stober, who is familiar with every nook and cranny of the estate. “Over 100 years ago the cow barns were air conditioned using natural methods, the fields were irrigated mechanically and biological waste was transported to the pigpen fully automatically,” says the engineer, enthusiastically describing the technical sophistication of his predecessors. Subscribing to that tradition, today the “Landgut A. Borsig” estate is one of Europe’s leading conference hotels; however, thanks to its versatility it also fulfils the needs of wedding parties and birthday celebrations as
well as those of private travellers. For example, at meetings guests can enjoy bright, lovingly restored conference rooms equipped with stateof-the-art technology that can accommodate up to 700 people. On the other hand, wedding parties benefit from the estate’s own registry office and ceremonies that can be held right by the lakeside, from historical festive halls and outstanding catering. Those who visit the estate in search of relaxation or inspiration will regain their inner balance thanks to imposing architecture, beautiful hotel rooms and intact natural surroundings.
A leader with regard to eco-friendliness To protect Nature, Michael Stober has not only made the “Landgut A. Borsig” estate Brandenburg’s first organically certified •
MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014 – 7
hotel, but also the most sustainable private hotel in Germany. To that end, the former general contractor who used to specialise in renovations of older buildings exploited the knowledge he amassed in the course of renovating several thousand apartments and made the hotel an exemplary eco-friendly operation. “All of the toilets are flushed with rain water, the huge tanks we use for that purpose are buried underground right here,” say Michael Stober, pointing at the courtyard paving stones laid in a historically authentic pattern. At the same time, that water reservoir also serves as an emergency reserve for the fire brigade. Stober also thought up another speciality for the showers, which of course use fresh tap water: “We utilise a processor-controlled water pressure system which makes it possible to set the water pressure precisely for each and every water tap. In combination with state-of-the-art aerators, we have the best water-conserving showers that are technically possible today,” he explains, “and of course they ensure the ultimate in showering comfort!” The hotel director attaches special importance to that statement: after all, sustainability at “Landgut A. Borsig” is put into practice “quite naturally”, not with finger-wagging and preaching.
The foods at “Restaurant Seeterrassen” are predominately from the region and “organic” for the most part: breakfast, for example, where all ingredients down to the very last organic egg can be traced back to their origins. “Besides regional and organic ingredients, we also place a strong emphasis on fair trade,” says Stober, who has switched his establishment over to products from fair trade sources or from the region – everything from shampoo to coffee.
The large photovoltaic generating plant on the roof of the green hotel, which just opened in 2012, currently produces more electricity than the estate consumes, and half of the wood that is burned in the wood chip system used for indoor heating and warm water grows back again in the estate’s own forest. “We operate practically without producing any carbon dioxide thanks to those natural measures running in the background,” says Stober.
Mattresses made of coconut fibre
Sustainability - a reason for a visit?
Of course, guests at “Landgut A. Borsig” sleep on organic mattresses: they are manufactured by the “Cocomat” company out of sustainable materials such as coconut fibre, natural rubber, organic cotton, algae, wood and goose feathers. Even the carpeting made of corn could be eaten if one were so inclined. In areas where Stober had parquet flooring installed, guests can admire the shapes of the trees, because in order to avoid wood cutting scrap the parquet was calculated with a computer programme that takes the natural shape of the trees into account and incorporates it in an ideal fashion. “The parquet is a real eye-catcher,” says the pleased owner, commenting on the over 105 double rooms and 23 suites.
Incidentally, the components of the green hotel would be completely recyclable in the event of demolition (for which there are currently no plans). Only one year after it opened, the establishment was selected as one of the Top 15 German conference hotels by “Certified Conference Hotel” and received the “Certified Green Hotel” designation, earning a score of 733 out of a maximum of 765 points, thus confirming that it is the “most sustainable private hotel in Germany”. For Michael Stober, the sustainable philosophy of his hotel is a matter of course, not merely an end in itself: “I am proceeding on the assumption that in future more and more hoteliers will devote attention to protecting the climate and natural
resources and making sustainable holidays possible.” So - by Groß Behnitzer Lake amidst the Havelland countryside - Tanja Getto and Michael Stober have realised their future model for a holiday and conference destination that is ecologically sensible, but nevertheless enjoyable. “Increasingly more companies and private individuals subscribe to that philosophy,” observes Tanja Getto, who is responsible for the conference and event business. “Up to one quarter of our guests come to “Landgut A. Borsig” explicitly because of its sustainability – and those numbers are growing.” Undoubtedly, that is a record that would also have been gratifying for the Borsig family. ˜˜ www.landgut-aborsig.de/home.html
Very much grounded in the earth: Cooperation with the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) photo: © axelschulten.de
Deep roots. Cologne Convention Bureau.
If you’ll remember in last year we lifted you high into the air. Now we are going to take you back down to earth. With our feet planted firmly on the ground, we will help you make the perfect choices for your event. www.conventioncologne.com
Imprint Publisher GCB German Convention Bureau e. V.
GCB Branch Office North America
Kaiserstraße 53 60329 Frankfurt/Main, Germany Tel. +49 69 242 930- 0 Fax +49 69 242 930- 26 E-Mail info@gcb.de www.gcb.de
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2000 New York, NY 10168-0072, USA Tel. +1 212 661 4582 Fax +1 212 661 6192 E-Mail gcbny@gcb.de www.germany-meetings.com
Executive Board: Matthias Schultze, V.i.S.d.P.: Martina Nesper, Birgit Pacher Editorial Staff: GCB German Convention Bureau e. V.
8 – MEETINGS MADE IN GERMANY – 3/2014
Muster lter ha für Platz hoch
Frequency: triannual publication Featured writers in this issue: Publik. Agentur für Kommunikation GmbH, Claudia Sporn, Dannie Quilitzsch Layout: Sven Steglich, Printing: ABT Print und Medien GmbH Pictures: Title: MMchen / photocase.de, p. 2 © Carsten Sander, p. 4 © Seeforum Rottach-Egern, p. 6 © Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event, © Jörg Lange (Leipzig), © Maritim Hotelgesellschaft, p. 7 © Stuttgart Convention Bureau, © Kap Europa The GCB is supported by: Strategic Partners: German National Tourist Board, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Deutsche Bahn AG, IMEX - incorporating Meetings made in Germany; Preferred Partners: Accor Hospitality Germany GmbH, Düsseldorf Congress Sport & Event GmbH, Stuttgart Convention Bureau
mm mind. 12
GCB Members and Partners www.gcb.de/en/the-gcb/ gcb-members-and-partners