Berlin heads the field of international convention destinations

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DESTINATIONS BERLIN

Berlin: Convention destination with new visitor record

Sleeping, meeting and well being in new Berlin hotels

German capital not only "green" in the spring

“Meeting happy” physicians

DESTINATIONSBERLIN

Berlin: Convention destination with new visitor record Berlin is one Europe‘s most exciting cities, widely acknowledged as an international trend-setting metropolis. The vibrant lifestyle in the German capital embraces art and culture, history, architecture, academia and science, entertainment and a unique club scene.

For growing numbers of event organisers, Berlin is also a key conference hub between western and eastern Europe.

Berlin‘s expertise as a platform for communication and knowledge transfer is increasingly attractive to high-profile international and national congresses and conferences, first and foremost, to topflight medical, economic and trade congresses. Berlin is acknowledged as the largest congress and conference location in Germany and came in second in the global rankings of conference destinations compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA figures 2007).

The city‘s diverse conference landscape offers a wealth of different convention and event venues from, for example, the International Congress Centre – ICC Berlin or Estrel Berlin, Europe‘s largest convention, entertainment and hotel complex, to the Berlin Congress Center (bcc) and the axica Congress and Conference Center at Pariser Platz.

In addition, Berlin offers an exceptional range of premier locations for evening events. Berlin‘s professional service providers also guarantee the customised all-round support you need to ensure the success of your congresses, conferences or incentives.

Berlin‘s hotel landscape is one of the largest and most modern in Europe with a superb choice of hotels in all categories – with nearly all major international hotel chains already at home in the city. At present, Berlin has just over 90,000 hotel beds – and increased capacity is already in planning.

The Berlin Convention Office of Berlin Tourism Marketing GmbH (BMT) is your own dedicated service for expert advice or information.

The close cooperation between the Congress Hotels in the BTM Partnerhotel e.V and the Berlin Preferred Agencies scheme ensures Berlin is optimally marketed as an international congress location. “Berlin makes your heart beat faster!”

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More than 50,000 events with four million participants in the first half of 2009 The German capital continues its successful run in the convention industry: 3.97 million professional visitors came to Berlin between January and June 2009.

They attended 50,850 events. This corresponds to a 3 percent increase in visitors and a 0.3 percent rise in events compared with the same period last year. These are the results of the latest convention statistics published by the Berlin Convention Office (BCO) of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH. According to these statistics the proportion of national meetings and conventions rose by 2 percent to 81 percent. The number of German participants also increased by 2 percent (82 percent).

There was just a slight drop in international events and visitors (-2 percent for each).

Berlin Tourism Marketing announces summer high

12 percent increase in overall July arrivals Showing doubledigit increases in visitor arrivals and overnights, July 2009 was an exceptionally successful month for Berlin Tourism Marketing.

According to the latest statistics, 794,400 guests spent a total of 1.94 million overnights in the German capital, which represents an increase of over 12 percent compared to July 2008.

From the USA, Berlin’s most important overseas market, the numbers were even higher: In Convention guests spend more time in Berlin July, 31,360 U.S. citizens spent There was a clear increase in the number of room 80,028 nights in Berlin’s hotels— nights. In the first half of 2009 this figure climbed an to 2.2 million for the first six months – a plus of increase of more than 20 percent 4.8 percent. The average length of stay also rose compared to the previous year. from 1.6 to 1.7 days.

In July, the overall boost in interHeike Mahmoud, Director Conventions of BCO comnational overnights reached 9.9 ments, “Association congresses in Berlin attracted percent with impressive increasthe most participants from around the globe in es from not only from the USA, 2008. The latest ICCA but also in arrivals from Italy statistics have now been confirmed by the most (+32%), Denmark (+22%) and recent convention statistics on the national level.

France (+28%).

Not only are more professional visitors coming to During the first seven months of Berlin, they are also staying longer. This can be 2009, Berlin’s overall visitor attributed more particularly to the excellent offernumbers rose by 4.2 ings of the German capital as a convention destinapercent to 4.6 million. Events, tion: six convention centres and halls, the such as the year-long celebration most up-to-date hotel landscape in Europe, 1,500 of the 20th anniversary of the fall cultural events every day and excellent value for of the Berlin Wall, have shown to money – this combination has proved to be be visitor magnets. extremely popular with both event organisers and Berlin currently boasts 108,000 participants.” hotel beds. The occupancy rate Further information on the Berlin convention and was as 57.8 percent (2008: 56.6 meeting market is available on the percent). website www.berlin-convention-office.de.

Berlin heads the field of international convention destinations Full House in the Hotels plus Invaluable Advertising Berlin Tourismus Marketing takes stock of a successful World Athletics Championship The 12th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin came to a successful end. In the words of Burkhard Kieker, Director of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH (BTM), “With an air of enthusiasm in the Olympic Stadium and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the city, Berlin has shown itself an outstanding host. The city was full and hotel reservations were well up. Many visitors had made a snap decision to attend over the past few days”.

From 15th to 23rd of August around 400 000 visitors have come to the Berlin Olympic Stadium to watch the competitions. The weekend street tournaments attracted around

German capital comes first in the world in terms of participant numbers

ments, “Over the last decade Berlin has developed into a convention metropolis that is in demand the world over.

Association Meetings in Berlin attract the most participants in the world. This is confirmed by the latest statistics of the International Congress & Convention Association, ICCA. According to them, more than 100,000 participants came to the German capital last year. This means that the convention metropolis Berlin is well ahead of other cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona (81,933), Paris (73,872) and Bangkok (58,007).

The city offers organisers excellent conditions: the most up-to-date hotel landscape in Europe, excellent value for money, renowned convention centres like the ICC Berlin and unusual locations. 1.3 million spectators. On average, the Berlin hotels were 80% full – and August is not The latest visitor figures in the ICCA sta- a month that is generally acknowledged as tistics confirm the highly positive one of the traditional months for city response to this diversity – a resounding breaks. But it is not only the hotels that have success for the German capital and the benefited from the World Championship Berlin Convention Office.”

– each visitor to a major sporting event spends around 500 Euros during their stay.

Further information on the convention The advertising impact of the World Athletics destination, Berlin, can be accessed on Championship is invaluable as far as the the website www.berlin-convention- German capital is concerned. More than 2 office.com.

500 media representatives have spent a total of nine days reporting on Berlin; the images have been beamed to some 4 thousand million television viewers all round the world. In Germany alone more than 5.5 million people sat down every evening to watch the events on their screens.

Kieker’s verdict: “These images are authentic and their effect will be long term; for us they mean cash. It is these images that will win for us today the Berlin visitors of tomorrow“.

Between 1999 and 2008 517,943 visitors in total travelled to Berlin to attend events.

The German capital now ranks amongst the most important international convention destinations alongside Vienna (636,800), Barcelona (623,313) and Paris (573,564) in the last ten years.

Furthermore, a clear upward trend can be observed for visitor numbers. In 1999 there were 30,850 guests in Berlin but by 2008 this number had increased three-fold to 106,171.

Heike Mahmoud, Director Convention of the Berlin Convention Office (BCO) com-

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DESTINATIONSBERLIN

Germany's number one meeting and convention metropolis impresses with steady growth Berlin: Highlights 2009/2010

Berlin Convention Office The Berlin Convention Office (BCO) of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH offers professional support for the organisation of conventions, meetings and incentives. Customers benefit from its wide network of contacts and the free-of-charge sourcing and booking of hotel allotments.

Furthermore, the committed BCO staff members provide information on Berlin as a convention and event metropolis and on culinary and cultural highlights in the German capital.

Theme of the year: 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall For Berlin the year 2009 is characterized by the 20th anniversary of the day the wall came down. Some highlights of this theme of the year are: the open-air exhibition “Friedliche Revolution” (“The Peaceful Revolution 1989/90”) at Alexanderplatz from the 7th May to the 14th of November, the production of “Schauplätze des Wandels” (“Sites of Change”) consisting of art installations, as well as a large ceremonial act at the Brandenburg Gate on November 9th. In the weeks leading up to the 9th of November, Berlin schoolchildren will design 1.30 m high and 80 cm wide dominos that they will put up along the former border.

On November 9th, the day of the fall of the wall, the chain of dominos will be knocked over from one side. The last domino will fall at the Brandenburg Gate activating enormous fireworks. www.mauerfall09.de

The Berlin Convention Office has access to the latest statistics on the global convention market. This is partly due to its membership of ICCA, a large global network of the meeting industry. Furthermore, at the beginning of the year BCO joined the Union of International Associations (UIA). A renowned research institute, UIA specialises in monitoring the meetings of international associations. Both bodies regularly publish up-to-date statistics and information on the global meeting and convention market.

Anniversary: 300 years of science in the city Berlin In 2010 the Charité is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its founding, the Berlin Brandenburg Academy of Science (BBAW) looks at its first statute and its first scientific publication 300 years ago, and the Humboldt University of Berlin celebrates its 200th birthday. Aside from these large jubilees there are many other scientific institutions that will celebrate the Berlin-wide year of science under the motto ‘Freedom and Responsibility” with congresses, lectures, exhibits and festival events. A main exhibition with the title “WeltWissen. 300 Jahre Wissenschaft in Berlin” (“World Knowledge, 300 years of science in Berlin”) will be held from September 2010 to January 2011 in the Martin-Gropius-Bau. www.hu-berlin.de, http://charite300.charite.de/

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"Meeting Place Berlin" promotes the convention location In 2005 the Berlin Convention Office staged “Meeting Place Berlin”, an event that aims to attract meetings and conventions to the German capital. At "Meeting Place Berlin 2009” (2 - 6 July 2009) the city will once again present itself as an attractive and sought-after destination for meetings, conventions and incentives. On the invitation of the Berlin Convention Office around 100 national and international hosted buyers will have an opportunity to see for themselves the broad range of services and the high standards of the Berlin providers.

Successful convention destination Berlin The Berlin Convention Office is the initiator of the convention statistics launched as a pilot project in 2001. Since then they have provided robust data on the development of the meeting and convention sector in Berlin. Every six months the data are collected and evaluated, and are important indicators for future planning.

The separate capture of all the Berlin data on the convention and meeting business reveals excellent event and participant numbers for 2008. 104,600 events were staged in the metropolis on the river Spree (2007: 101,200). They attracted 8.15 million visitors to Berlin (2007: 7,970,000), 20 percent of them from abroad.

What is particularly important for the continuing positive development of the numbers of foreign participants is the quality of land and air transport links. The international flight connections from and to Berlin are being extended; the non-stop flights to the USA by Delta Airlines and Continental and to Qatar by Qatar Airways guarantee the shortest possible international business links.

The German capital and its excellent hotel industry The hotels in Berlin can pride themselves on an excellent standard of service, high quality and diverse offerings that are all great value for money. This is particularly appreciated by meeting and convention participants. 4.7 million room nights were recorded in 2008 by this group of visitors to Berlin. This corresponds to an increase of five percent compared to the same period the previous year.

International hotel groups have recognised the potential of the German capital and are investing heavily in Berlin. For instance, the Israeli hotel chain Leonardo Hotels is to open two new establishments in downtown Berlin in the summer. What’s more, Nordic charm will take up residence in Berlin’s “new centre” in February 2010. That’s when the first guests will be able to check into the Scandic Group’s hotel on Potsdamer Platz.

The 161 meeting hotels in the German capital continue to play a very important role. Besides their room capacities, they represent 53 percent of all providers of event space. In 2008 they hosted 87,600 events (+3%) and catered for 4.8 million participants (+2%). A particularly appealing attribute of Berlin is its unusual locations. Whether historic or modern in design, each of the 135 locations is truly one of a kind. With 14,500 events and 2.5 million participants last year, they succeeded in chalking up growth of five percent in events and two percent in participants compared to the same period the previous year.

The ICC is already solidly booked for 2009 Approximately 2,500 events with some 850,000 participants were held in the six convention centres and halls in the German capital. Europe's biggest convention, entertainment and hotel complex, the Estrel Berlin, played its part as did the axica Meeting and Convention Centre and the International Congress Center Berlin (ICC Berlin) of Messe Berlin.

The convention department of Messe Berlin rates 2009 as a successful year for business as the additional conference facilities on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and in the Palais am Funkturm are increasingly being used for all kinds of meetings, too. Bookings by convention organizers have been made for as far ahead as 2016. Last year a total of 623 meetings and shows with more than 280,000 participants were staged. The convention business of Messe Berlin GmbH doubled its sales revenues in 2008 (EUR 20 million) compared to the previous record year of 2005.

“Meeting happy” physicians New events arena in Berlin In 2008 one of the most high tech arenas in the world for major sports and entertainment events opened in Berlin.

The €150 million project was undertaken jointly by the US Anschutz Entertainment Group and the Munich telecommunications company O2 in the direct vicinity of the railway station, Ostbahnhof.

The O2 World, with a capacity of up to 17,000 visitors, 59 entertainment suites and a total arena area of 60,000 sq.m., is the new venue for diverse sports, music and entertainment events.

Highlights include the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009 on 5 November.

The medical sector has played an important role in securing the leading international position of the convention destination Berlin.

Several reputed organisers have chosen ICC Berlin as their conference venue for the next few years. For instance the Joint Convention Orthopaedics and Accident Surgery is to be held annually up to 2015 in the German capital. Every year it attracts more than 10,000 specialists to the metropolis on the River Spree.

"Medicine + Health", the largest health conference in Europe with approximately 7,500 participants, is to stage its convention every

The German Cancer Society will continue to stage its conference and action day at the ICC in the even years up to 2012. Approximately 15,000 experts attend this event in Berlin.

Selection of international conventions:

The German Surgery Society has committed to holding its meeting in the even years between 2008 and 2016 at the ICC. It brings together up to 6,000 physicians from practice 13 – 16 September 2009 and research every year to its congress that 2nd European Congress of alternates between Berlin and Munich.

Immunology (5,000 participants) The convention industry enjoys not only economic success but also global recognition. For 20 – 24 September 2009 The joint ECCO (European Cancer Organisation) and ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) Multidisciplinary Congress (15,000 participants) 7 – 11 October 2009EADV (European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology) Congress (10,000 participants) 5 – 6 June 2010 XXXIInd International Congress of Ophthalmology (6,000 participants)

year up to 2012 at the ICC Berlin.

The German Society of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Neurology (DGPPN) reported that its annual meeting in Berlin, the leading convention location, was a success with steadily growing numbers of visitors.

Hence, they are to hold their annual conventions with approximately 8,000 participants in the German capital up to 2011.

26 June – 1 July 2010 XXXIst International Society of the fifth time in a row the ICC Berlin has been Blood Transfusion Congress presented with the World Travel Award as the "Leading Conference & Convention Centre“. It is deemed to be the “Oscar of the travel industry”. Around 167,000 experts from the travel industry on all continents who work for agencies, hotels, airlines, tourist information offices and other tourist institutions took part in the vote.

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DESTINATIONSBERLIN

Sleeping, meeting and well being in new Berlin hotels The hotel landscape on the Spree metropolis is now even more attractive Whether it's the unique atmosphere of a design hotel or the elegant ambiance of a five-star hotel – the diversity and modernity of the Berlin hotel landscape is unique in Europe. It has tailored its offering not only to tourists but also to the needs of convention and incentive organisers and their guests. In this context the small business meeting is offered as fitting a setting as a conference with more than 1,000 participants. And the offering is constantly growing.

Design, Luxury and A Touch of Spanish Flair – Hotels Opening in 2009 The first guests have been checking into andel´s Hotel Berlin since March 2009. The new and impressive four-star plus building in the vicinity of the Velodrome/ Landsberger Allee boasts 557 rooms spread over ten storeys. At its heart is the ballroom, which covers an area of 570 square metres. An exquisite Wellness Suite and the Skybar at a height of 60 metres put the finishing touches to the services offered by the andel´s Hotel Berlin as an outstanding event location and the fourth largest conference hotel in the city.

Between the Schlossplatz and the Gendarmenmarkt, in the “Quartier am Auswärtigen Amt“, hotel guests have been enjoying representative ambiance since March 2009.

The ARCOTEL JOHN F, a four-star superior as well as apartment hotel, has 190 exclusively appointed rooms and suites. These stand out from the crowd by virtue of their sophisticated design elements and individually-styled furnishings. In addition, modern seminar rooms are available that can accommodate up to 200 persons.

In the middle of March Berlin-Dahlem unveiled a special highlight in the shape of a hotel complete with conference facilities – the Seminaris CampusHotel Berlin – Science & Conference Centre of the Freie Universität (Free University of

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Berlin) is based on designs by the renowned architect, Helmut Jahn. The external impression given by the transparent facade of the building complex, covering 9 000 square metres, is one of a filigree structure suffused with light. On the inside of the conference cube (also known as the Dahlem Cube) there are multi-purpose conference, seminar and meeting rooms extending to an area of approximately 2 800 square metres.

The large congress hall or “Domus Variabilis“ has room for up to 600 visitors. The associated hotel has 186 rooms, a restaurant, a fitness suite as well as an underground garage with space for 140 vehicles.

The Israeli hotel chain, Leonardo Hotels, will be opening two new hotels in Berlin in 2009.

The first hotel to be opened sporting the exclusive brand name of Leonardo Royal is taking shape nearby the Alexanderplatz.

The listed building is being completely renovated and operates since August 14th 2009 as the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin. 346 bedrooms plus function rooms for up to 500 persons are envisaged. Visitors with an interest in architectural features will have a real treat to look forward to in the reception lobby: here the attractive Art Deco style of the building – which was built between 1930 and 1931 – is to be preserved.

The second hotel is currently under construction in the City West district / Wilmersdorfer Straße. From August 2009, the Leonardo Hotel Berlin will be offering visitors the chance to stay in a hotel in the three-star plus category. 274 rooms with luxury furnishings, a bar and a breakfast restaurant are ingredients which ensure the visitor of a pleasant stay in the heart of the German capital.

The Spanish Camper Group is not only renowned for its exquisite shoes. It also has a five-star hotel in Barcelona and is currently investing in another project, close to the Hackescher Markt in Berlin-Mitte. The design hotel Casa Camper will offer 54 elegant rooms and conference facilities.

The first guests will be able to enjoy the luxurious atmosphere from autumn 2009 onwards.

Meet at the “Kran“, Stay at the Boutique Hotel – Hotels Opening in 2010 In Berlin Mitte the "Soho House" concept is being implemented for the first time in Germany. Noble clubhouses of this kind can already be found in London and New York. The investors have selected the former "House of Unity" at the foot of Prenzlauer Berg as the ideal location.

The Soho House Berlin is scheduled to open here in the autumn of 2009. In the listed building the luxurious wellness area, modern conference rooms and hotel with spacious apartments on the third and fourth floor will be open to all visitors.

There will also be an exclusive area for club members only.

Another highlight is planned on the second floor. This is where the office of the former State President of the GDR, Wilhelm Pieck, is being restored to its original condition.

Nordic charm takes up residence in Berlin’s new centre in February 2010. That’s the opening date of the Scandic Group’s new hotel on Potsdamer Platz. It will offer guests 572 rooms, several restaurants and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

From the central location of the new Scandic Hotel, visitors can reach well-known attractions like the Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag in just a few minutes on foot.

A new InterCityHotel is scheduled to open at the beginning of 2010 at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport. It will boast more than 200 guest rooms and a wellness centre. Furthermore, six meeting rooms will be available for larger events close to the airport. The mid-range hotel will be operated by InterCityHotel GmbH. Staying at Osthafen – the Spanish NH group fulfils the wishes of numerous visitors to the city. A four-star conference and banquet hotel is under construction on the banks of the river Spree. It will provide approximately 385 guest rooms, meeting rooms and a wellness area. The hotel will also boast an extravagant facade. It will have a “crane structure” consisting of two buildings.

The lower building will support the second construct that will jut out over the Spree. In keeping with the atmosphere of the Osthafen, the NH-Hotel will look just like a gigantic crane.

Guests will be able to cross the threshold of this new hotel in the summer of 2010 for the first time.

Hospitality Alliance AG, the operator of the Ramada Hotels, is also locating its new three-four-star project in a central location. Its new hotel with 336 rooms, including 15 suites, a restaurant and a fitness centre will be right on Alexanderplatz.

Furthermore, the meeting and convention market is an important target group for the new Ramada Hotel. Eight multifunctional conference rooms, which can accommodate up to 500 guests, will be spread over 800 square metres. The opening is planned for May 2010.

Tryp Berlin Mitte is scheduled to welcome its first guests in autumn 2010. Sol Meliá, the Spanish market leader, is currently planning the construction of the threestar hotel on Chausseestraße/Berlin Mitte. The hotel will boast 225 stylish guest rooms and three meeting rooms with state-of-the-art communications technology.

The Leonardo Hotel Group is planning another large-scale project and has already signed a lease agreement for the plot Am Zirkus 1 in Berlin-Mitte. This will add another hotel, the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Berlin in the four-star segment, to the Berlin hotel landscape. It is due for completion in December 2010 and will have 310 guest rooms and 32 suites.

Friedrichstraße has proved to be a profitable hotel location.

Hence, large entrepreneurs like to invest their capital in projects in and around the popular Berlin shopping boulevard. For instance, in the construction of a four-star-plus hotel at number 100. It will offer 221 guest rooms, conference rooms and a large wellness area with pool. The building complex, a project of the Hotusa Hotel Group, is to open its doors in 2010.

From Hotel Barcelona to Waldorf Astoria – Hotels Opening from 2011 onwards Come the spring of 2011, a breath of New York air will be wafting over Berlin. This is when the luxury Waldorf Astoria Group will be opening their first new-build hotel in Europe.

This will be going up directly opposite the Memory Church, which means it will be located in the immediate vicinity of the Kurfürstendamm and the Zoological Garden. The 31-storey Waldorf Astoria Berlin will feature 242 luxurious rooms and suites, a conference area covering more than 1 100 square metres and a lavish spa facility. It is the second hotel in the Hilton family to grace the German capital and is intended to supplement the facilities on offer at the Hilton Berlin, which lies four kilometres away.

Visitors entering the new Hotel Barcelona on the Alexanderplatz as of the summer of 2011 will find their gaze drawn upwards towards the ceiling. 30 metres above them will be the swimming pool of the four-star-house – separated from the foyer by a single sheet of glass. Bathers will be able to enjoy not only a breathtaking view that plumbs the depths of the Hotel Barcelona, but also a wonderful outlook over historic Berlin. With just under 500 rooms and suites, this will be the first hotel in the Spanish Best Hotels chain to be built on German soil. In addition, there are also plans for a small ballroom, meeting rooms, bars and a Spanish restaurant.

Meetings and conferences on the Spree – this dream is set to become a reality in the future in front of the Twin Towers near the Elsenbrücke. This is the point where the construction of a so-called ‘floating hotel’ is envisaged. The two-storey, floating lodge will incorporate 102 double rooms plus a conference room and a restaurant which can seat 100 people at a time.

Details regarding commencement of construction and completion date for the project are not yet known.

Luxury rooms with view of the Berlin city walls – the NDC Management is currently planning the construction of a fourstar hotel in the direct vicinity of the Red Town Hall. The building will have eight storeys and blend harmoniously into the historical block-style architecture on the site next to the Parochial Church. The plans envisage 230 guest rooms and a conference centre. Given its proximity to the Kirchgarten and the town walls dating back to the 17th/18th century, guests are guaranteed breathtaking views.

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DESTINATIONSBERLIN

German capital not only "green" in the spring Tempodrom – an event location that sets an example

environment. Participants frequently travel large distances and use transfers between their accommodation and the venue. This leads to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, vast amounts of paper, water and electricity are consumed by the hotels and the event venue.

Various Berlin providers are aware of these problems and are increasingly offering ecofriendly services. The Berlin Convention Office (BCO) has responded to this trend by creating a unique website.

The importance of environmental protection in the Berlin convention industry is growing / New "Green Meetings" platform now online Berlin is a metropolis of opposites. History meets modernity – business meets leisure.

People in search of relaxation are spoilt for choice with the numerous parks in the city. A total of 2,500 public green areas are the perfect setting for relaxation, sport and entertainment. Spacious parks and exotic gardens with artistic landscaping shape the face of the city as do the 400,000 trees that line Berlin's streets. More than 32% of the city area is covered with green areas or forest.

Numerous hotels and event locations are switching to environmentally friendly alternatives: recycled paper, eco-electricity and energy saving lamps are just a few of the innovations that are currently shaping the Berlin convention and meeting landscape.

Since January 2008 Berlin has also boasted the first climateneutral venue. The Tempodrom, with its central location near Potsdamer Platz, is operated on the basis of a unique overall ecological concept. The guiding principle is energy efficiency – greenhouse and CO2 emissions are to be avoided from the very outset.

Already during the construction of the building, attention focused on the responsible handling of natural resources.

The Tempodrom now has a solar and photovoltaic energy system as well as a geothermal heat exchanger. What’s more, it runs on eco-electricity. Unavoidable emissions are converted and donated to other environmental protection projects. In this way it is possible to stage climate-neutral events at the Tempodrom.

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The green image of the city continues in the field of climate protection. The energy refurbishment of residential buildings and the installation of more than 5,300 solar energy units have led to a drop in carbon dioxide emissions of roughly 2 million tonnes. The greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide CO2, is a contributory factor to global warming. The Berlin Senate has, therefore, set itself the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2020 compared with 1990. An Alliance for Climate Protection signed in October 2008 supports these efforts. Under the terms of the Alliance 13 large Berlin companies have undertaken to implement further concrete climate protection projects.

Following the introduction of a low-emission zone in January last year, only vehicles that meet specific exhaust gas requirements may now drive into downtown Berlin. This reduces the levels of fine dust and nitrogen dioxide.

Support programmes to encourage the use of public transport and the extension of cycle paths serve the same purpose.

"BERLIN – Green Meetings" – An overview of environmentally-friendly providers The growth in environmentally aware practices is a global trend - in the travel industry, too. This positive development also increases demand for environmentally friendly venues and accommodation. Conventions, meetings and incentive trips have an impact on the

Numerous Berlin providers are posted on the "BERLIN – Green Meetings" platform, who have already implemented ecologically sustainable practices and have undertaken to make responsible use of natural resources in order to benefit the environment. With this database the city of Berlin takes the lead on the global stage. Users are not only given a detailed overview of the various service providers but are also furnished with interesting facts about green Berlin.

Further information is available on the new website: www.berlin-green-meetings.com.

Environmental events in the German capital With 1,500 events every day the German capital has the largest cultural offering in Europe.

Many of these events focus on the environment, for instance the Environmental Festival at the Brandenburg Gate. It is staged every year in spring by the GRÜNE LIGA, a network of ecological movements. On Europe's largest ecological theme mile, around 200 exhibitors from across Germany will present the full diversity of environmental protection and nature conservation. The GRÜNE LIGA also stages the annual Christmas Eco-Market on Kollwitzplatz.

For the ADFC Radler-Sternfahrt, sports fans in Berlin switch from their cars to bicycles. This rally is now an established fixture in every year´s capital event calendar. On 18 routes – for instance from Oranienburg, Strausberg and Erkner – the cyclists will head for the Großer Stern in the heart of Berlin.

The Berlin Energy Days are devoted to the subject "energy efficiency". This convention, that is staged once a year in the German capital, attracts around 4,500 participants.

Climate protection and renewable energies are other important topics at this major event.

In Berlin there are more and more fashion labels which manufacture their garments exclusively from ecological materials. Green fashion now has its very own trade fair thekey.to. It will be staged during Fashion Week from 1 to 4 July and will showcase at least 50 "green" fashion brands.

ESPLANADE Grand Hotel Berlin

Relax. You’ve arrived.

Unwind at the Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin – a modern designhotel in the heart of Berlin surrounded by the capital’s bestknown sights. Feel like at home in one of our 352 rooms or one of our 39 spacious suites and enjoy all the comfort our hotel has to offer. Try some traditional specialties in the Eck Restaurant or enjoy internationally inspired cuisine in the Ellipse Lounge. Meet at the legendary Harry’s New York Bar for the ultimate night-cup. Relax and energize at the Triangle Health & Spa. esplanade rooms Relax in the comfortable armchair in your room or nestle down under the blanket of your cosy king size bed. Enjoy amazing views of the river and Berlin’s impressive skyline through the big picture windows. Modern equipment like premium cable-TV, pay-TV and high-speed internet add even more comfort to your room.

Discover Berlin from the maritime angle Board the MS Esplanade just opposite of the hotel and embark on a fascinating journey through the canals, rivers and lakes of Berlin. Book the MS Esplanade for your parties, celebrations, conferences and meetings for up to 100 people. Enjoy the culinary delights and various cocktails from our cuisine and bar while passing some of Berlin’s most popular sights. The MS Esplanade features a dance fl oor, a bar, a roof that is able to be opened. Let us know about your ideas and wishes and we will implement them.

nice to meet you – im Grand Hotel Esplanade Plan your business meeting or reception for up to 500 people at the Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin and make it an exceptional and unforgettable experience.

Choose from twelve flexible conference rooms and be sure that we will provide prompt attention to your every request.

Daylight in all rooms, modern equipment and our perfect service will make any assembly successful.

ETON Elegant, wood panelled conference room with a heavy, oval wood table and bookshelves with over 4000 art books. Perfect for board meetings, interviews and smaller press conferences.

EMBASSY I UND II A spacious and lightflooded conference room perfect for large press conferences and seminars with fl exible seatings since it’s possible to divide the room.

ESPERANTO I UND II Elegant conference rooms that are perfect for smaller meetings and dissertations.

Flexible seating possible since the room is able to be divided.

EMPORIO I UND II Our largest conference room with a separated reception area in connection to the winter garden. The room is able to be divided. It is perfect for receptions, exhibitions, conferences or balls.

EVEREST A smaller meeting room for up to 12 people on the sixth floor with a nice view of the city.

EXEDRA The room for up to four people is located on the seventh floor.

EPSILON A spacious and light-flooded room for seminars up to 40 people.

EXPERIENCE I UND II 96 m² flexible conference room which is able to be divided. The room is perfect for smaller festivities and conferences. www.esplanade.de

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Estrel Hotel & Convention Center

The Estrel Berlin is Europe’s largest convention, entertainment and hotel complex. With 1,125 rooms and suites, five restaurants, two bars, a beer garden and the daily live "Stars in Concert" show, the Estrel has plenty to offer every guest.

The Estrel Convention Center The 15,000-sqm fully air-conditioned, multi-functional Estrel Convention Center provides space for every type and size of event: international political and economic summits, trade fairs and exhibitions for companies and associations, media and gala events and concerts. Whatever you are planning, you will find the variability and flexibility of our facilities hard to beat.

The Estrel Berlin is celebrating the 10th Birthday of its Covention Center More than 12,800 conventions, conferences and events, more than 4.5 million guests and a diversity of events without compare: The Estrel Convention Center is celebrating its 10th birthday this year! The Estrel can look back to a decade full of event highlights – from the first large event by the Berliner Bankgesellschaft with 7,500 guests ten days after the convention hall was finished to innumerable additional top-class conventions and conferences for companies renowned worldwide to glamorous media events, political conventions and world boxing championships.

The opening of the convention center ten years ago was the perfect complement to the Estrel Hotel, which will be 15 years old this year, and the Estrel Festival Center, which will celebrate its 12th birthday this. Using the successful combination of the three pillars “Meetings, Living and Entertainment”, in the year 2000 the Estrel became the first in German hotel history to break the one hundred million deutschmark turnover barrier and has remained unchallenged as the hotel with the highest turnover in Germany ever since.

Estrel CC - offering the ultimate in conventions and events Congress or conference, trade fair or exhibition, concert, ball or show: in our fully air-conditioned Convention Hall, every event is an experience. Whether you use the full 4,800 square metres of floor space available or a separate area of it: the Convention Hall, which can be partitioned as required and also 42

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features four galleries, a VIP area and prestigious foyer, is the ideal place to stage a perfect event in all respects.

The Convention Hall, with a capacity for up to 6.000 guests, together with the Estrel Saal (1,050 sqm) and a range of further conference rooms, foyers and passages, offer a total of 15,000 square metres of event space.

Particular Ambience Every event has its own specific requirements. The Estrel CC offers modular state-of-the-art communications, hall and stage technology, as well as the latest media technology – meeting your individual wishes. Sophisticated sound and lighting control systems can create the particular ambience you desire. Our team of highly qualified event professionals, who have experience in all areas of the event business, will be on hand to look after you.

Estreltainment - perfect program for your event Besides the “Stars in Concert” productions, which have achieved near cult status, we are offering you an extended portfolio of shows, from cabaret and close-up magic to aerial acrobatics. Be inspired by the variety of entertainment we offer. You can book whole shows, individual acts or solo artists for your event.

In order to accompany your event with fine quality entertainment, we only engage first-class artists, musicians, actors and dancers.

Berlin Champions 2009 Who are the Berliners’ 2009 favourites in the categories "Best Sports Personality", "Best Team" and "Best Coach/Manager"?

On 5 December, at the latest, we’ll know the answers. This is when Berlin’s most outstanding sports stars will be awarded at the big "Champions 2009" gala hosted at the Estrel Convention Center. This time, as in the past years, a large number of sports enthusiasts can once again attend the event live and look forward to an exciting night with Berlin’s sports stars. A host of sports and media celebrities and of course top-class entertainment add up to one of most eventful evenings of 2009 in the Berlin sports calendar. www.estrel.de

Grand Hyatt Berlin

Designed by Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo and Swiss interior designer Hannes Wettstein, Grand Hyatt Berlin is a contemporary grand hotel, located in Potsdamer Platz, that features powerful architecture and an innovative design. The hallmark of this five-star hotel is its clean-cut lines, first-class natural materials, and modern art. All 342 luxurious rooms and suites feature interactive TVs, high-speed Internet access and spacious, intelligently designed bathrooms. Located on the top floor, Club Olympus Spa & Fitness, with picture-perfect views of Berlin, offers facials and massages using high-quality REN and Aveda products, a gym with sophisticated cardio and weightlifting equipment, an indoor swimming pool with a sun terrace, sauna, a whirlpool bath and a steam bath.

The Rooms Swiss designer Hannes Wettstein developed an interior design concept that defines luxury for our times. Here, this luxury is epitomised by high-quality materials and precise manufacturing, and clean lines and classic natural materials determine the design of the 326 guestrooms and suites. In the very spacious bathrooms, showers, an overflow bath tub, a flat-screen TV and a wardrobe combine to create an ample area. The bathroom can be entered from both the room’s entrance and via the living area through wide sliding doors made of cherry wood.

Grand Club® The Grand Club is Hyatt’s “executive” floor, providing guests with the additional benefits of privacy and personalised service.

The private Grand Club Lounge offers a daily complimentary continental breakfast buffet, tea and biscuits in the afternoon, and cocktails and canapés in the evening. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are also served throughout the day.

Vox Restaurant und Bar In the largest open show kitchen in Berlin, Chef Josef Eder and his team prepare seasonal dishes with an international influence and authentic sushi. In the summer, the restaurant’s beautiful

terrace is the ideal location for an al fresco business lunch or an extended Sunday breakfast. From 10:00pm onwards from Mondays to Saturdays, live jazz and soul performers bring a breath of the big city to the adjacent Vox Bar that, with more than 240 types of whiskey on offer, is a must for aficionados of this most noble of spirits.

Tizian A chic modern design lends Tizian Restaurant and Lounge an ambience of relaxed sophistication in which it serves a menu of interntional “Grand Classics”. Situated in the ground floor lobby, Tizian is the ideal meeting place, where guests can enjoy the “lounge buzz” of the hotel’s international clientele or warm themselves around the modern fireplace. Located directly opposite the Philharmonic Hall, Tizian is the ideal place for dinner before or after a concert.

Conferences and Events Grand Hyatt Berlin in Potsdamer Platz is the perfect place for events and festivities. The hotel’s professional team provides expert advice and comprehensive services for any kind of event, whether a private function, an anniversary, a conference, a product presentation, a launch seminar or a gala dinner.

Art Concept According to Hannes Wettstein, art is not merely decoration, but an integral part of the concept of a room. At Grand Hyatt Berlin, each room is decorated with seven black-and-white photographs taken from the Berlin Bauhaus Archives. Among the 60 different images are shots by famous Bauhaus artists, such as MoholyNagy, Gropius and Marianne Brandt. Art prints along the corridors and in the business suites are by Matisse, Picasso, Klee, Kandinsky, Kippenberger, Förg, Polke and Rainer, to mention just a few, focusing on the centres of art development in the 20th century. In the corner suites, executive suites and president suites, original contemporary pieces of art can be found. www.berlin.grand.hyatt.com Xenios

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Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Located in the very heart of Berlin, right by the Brandenburg Gate and in the immediate vicinity of the Reichstag, which houses the German Parliament, one of the world’s most illustrious five-star deluxe hotels in all its majestic splendor cordially welcomes its guests: not only is the Hotel Adlon a legend in its own time, it was - just like the famous Pariser Platz on which it is built - a witness of Germany’s eventful and turbulent history of the 20th century.

When the Adlon was opened for the first time in 1907, the builder and visionary Lorenz Adlon gladly fulfilled the wish of Wilhelm II, who was the German emperor at that time and had urgently wanted a stately hotel in his town of residence. Due to the Hotel’s unparalleled luxuries and its unique equipment of the highest standards of technology, political leaders and celebrities soon made the Hotel Adlon their hotel of choice in Germany. Luckily, the Hotel survived the Second World War without any major damage. In 1945, however, a devastating fire raged and almost entirely destroyed the magnificent building. In accordance with a resolution made by the GDR’s National Council of Defense, the surviving wing of the building was demolished in 1984.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany, the people in the reunified city of Berlin soon refused to be without their legendary hotel, and a few years later, in 1997, Roman Herzog, who was then the president of the Federal Republic of Germany, reopened the new Hotel Adlon in a splendid ceremony. Since that day the truly “finest hotel in town” has remained true to its past and present splendor and fame. Immediately upon entering the Hotel, the guest feels enveloped by the Adlon’s distinctive atmosphere created by its eventful past, perfect interiors and first-class service perfectly tailored to meet each guest’s individual wishes. Its unsurpassable aura of tradition and modernity, its prominent location on Berlin’s splendid boulevard “Unter den Linden” together with 44

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the perfection and interiors of a five-star deluxe hotel render the Hotel Adlon Kempinski unique and justify its reputation as one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.

Apart from 304 elegant guest rooms and 78 luxurious suites you have the choice between a variety of conference and convention rooms which meet even the most sophisticated demands for an exclusive ambience and the very latest in conference equipment and technology. Besides, the exquisite and diverse culinary delights offered at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski satisfy even the most exacting tastes. The Gourmet Restaurant “Lorenz Adlon”, which has held a prestigious Michelin-star for years, the Restaurant Quarré and the Lobby Bar & Lounge, the MA-restaurants and their innovative Asian cuisine which stand for superb flamboyance, the elegant Italian restaurant “Gabriele” or the Club Restaurant “Felix” and its exciting night life have no equal and promise their guests a feast for all senses.

Meetings & Banquets Whether you are planning a ball or a gala banquet, a conference or a convention - the Adlon combines the very latest technology and immaculate service with the elegant flair and traditions of a magnificent five star deluxe hotel.

Due to its unique location right in the heart of Berlin and its impeccably high standards, the Adlon is an ideal venue for conferences, receptions, balls and banquets.

Two elegant ballrooms, two wintergarden, wood-paneled conference rooms and six individually designed salons anticipate the wishes of the even most discerning guest.

All rooms are characterized by both their exclusive ambience and the very latest in conference technology. www.hotel-adlon.de

Radisson Blu Berlin

The Radisson Blu Hotel features the worldwide largest cylindrical aquarium and has an excellent location in Berlin-Mitte. Just a stroll away are restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries and famous sights. The hotel is located directly on the bank of the river Spree, opposite to the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. Public transport and Berlin airports are within easy reach. All 427 rooms and suites offer fantastic views of Berlin or the tropical underwater world of the AquaDom. The fully equipped and contemporary designed rooms, including free wireless LAN and high-speed Internet access, reflecting urban trends and guarantee a pleasant...

Attractions in walking distance: Alexanderplatz with TV Tower, World time clock and Alexa Shopping Center Red Town Hall Nikolai quarter Museum Island – UNESCO world heritage Boulevard “Unter den Linden” with state opera and Brandenburg gate “Friedrichstrasse” for exclusive shopping Hackescher Markt with the famous “Hackesche Höfe” and countless restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques

Meetings & Events, Ground Floor Spanning 1,340 sq.m the 10 conference rooms on the ground floor are designed with high-quality wood and fresh tones, all providing for a pleasant atmosphere.

Each room comes with individual climate control as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. In the middle lies the conference foyer which is spread over 530 m² and is flooded with warm, natural light. The foyer is graced with a futuristic glass roof, which allows the outside to come in and invigorate delegates and guests with a burst of natural light.

Dom Lounge - Event Location, Top Floor Located on the top 2 floors of the hotel, the DomLounge is the perfect setting for meetings and events that are setting new standards in excellence. All rooms contain panoramic windows, which provide guests with stunning vistas of the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island and other top attractions along Berlin’s buzzing skyline.

The DomLounge spans 1,400 sq.m and features 5 function rooms and 4 foyers. Rooms are ideal for meetings and events that need to impress. www.radissonblu.com

Meetings & Events The Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin offers some of the finest meeting facilities and event venues in the city with a total space of 2,740 sq.m. Choose from 2 different and unique areas, either our spacious and modern ground floor area or our event location on the top 2 floors known as the DomLounge. A programme highlight for every event is a thrilling ride through the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium.

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