It will take more than the indiscretions of a few greedy bankers to remove Berlin’s air of achievement and self-assurance. Germany’s largest city has faced greater adversity in the past than a credit drought. More than that, Berlin will shine as a beacon of trust and cooperation through the gloom of recession. You could pick any of the city’s socio-political triumphs that have elevated it since the Wall came tumbling down in 1989, but the one that cements it reputation in the business firmament is the city’s congress industry.
“The changes over the last 20 years have given birth to an infinite number of new things. And the city’s dynamism promises still more new prospects unfolding in the future.” - Mayor Klaus Wowereit
Berlin counts itself among the top five congress cities in the world. It’s also home to Europe's biggest convention centre - the Internationales Congress Centrum (ICC) and the equally imposing Messe Berlin have helped seal Berlin’s status as Europe’s premier destination for conferences, conventions, and incentives. “Berlin is the biggest and most important convention destination in Germany, says Wolfram Svoboda the ICC’s Marketing Director. “It is the meeting point between East and West and offers unbeatable value for money.”
The ICCA back up Svoboda’s claim having voted Germany their top European city for three years running.
Last year around 95,500 MICE-related events took place in Berlin in the area, with a staggering 7.45 million participants attending. The total revenue generated through event participants in 2006 amounted to around €1.32 billion. A selection of events held at the ICC include: DaimlerChrysler AG’s Annual General Meeting with 6,000 participants, Hewlett Packard’s Technology@Work with 3,000 participants, and the European Association of Urology’s annual congress with a staggering 10,000 participants.
The ICC Berlin’s 2009 calendar is almost fully booked, and the booming demand is promising to continue well into the future as far in advance as 2016. Messe Berlin has bookings for over 80 large-scale congresses guaranteeing nearly half a million attendees. Berlin’s Mayor Klaus Wowereit believes the city’s appeal runs much deeper than just being able to put on a good show for The Suits. “Another key advantage is quality of life, He explains. “Berlin holds great prospects for people of all ages and all walks of life.
“This is a 24-hour-a-day city with a unique cultural scene - it’s a fun and exciting place to live. The changes over the last 20 years have given birth to an infinite number of new things. And the city’s dynamism promises still more new prospects unfolding in the future.”
Berlin’s has an immense global reputation for its output of contemporary art and the galleries who exhibit and represent the city’s artists. Berlin’s cultural standing as creative hub, as well as the city’s diversity and tolerance have grown from the time when West Berlin took pride in its role as a "free city" with the motto "something for everyone."
The city enjoyed a rapid expansion into the arts once the wall came down and artists took advantage of the cheap rents that East Berlin offered. The city is now home to hundreds of art galleries and hosts the annual Art Forum international art fair.
Once a geographical and cultural backwater, it’s now the hub of the north European transport network and a creative centre, which is home to literally thousands of artists, writers and musicians. Consequently, Berlin is fully au fait with weathering storms. So, loosen your tie, roll up your sleeves, get involved, have fun, and experience the very model of a modern, multicultural metropolis where business is pleasure...
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