Meetings and conventions: Major economic driver for Berlin

The meetings industry continues to grow. The number of participants in conferences and conventions has almost tripled in the past 15 years: While Berlin welcomed 4.2 million participants in 2001, that number had jumped to 11.37 million in 2015 (+170.7%). The number of overnight stays also tripled in that same period, jumping from 2.25 million to 7.5 million. Berlin’s meetings industry generated €2.31 bn in revenues in 2015 (2001: €0.92 bn, up 151.1%).

The visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office has played a decisive role in this growth since 2001. The BCO has brought in 1,050 different European and world congresses of international organisations. For the first time, Berlin has claimed the top spot in the current ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Having hosted 195 events last year, Berlin has surpassed both Paris and Barcelona.

Statements marking the 15th anniversary of the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office:

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin: “Berlin is in the lead in today’s international meetings industry. The long-term investment in the city as a destination has paid off for Berlin. Our challenge in the years to come is to keep our top position since the international competition is strong.”

Ekkehard Streletzki, owner of the Estrel Congress & Exhibition Centre: “In recent years, Berlin has really developed into a popular location for national and international conventions. This is not least due to the outstanding work of the Berlin Convention Office. The Estrel congratulates the BCO on this 15-year success story.”

Matthias Schultze, Managing Director of the German Convention Bureau e.V.: “The team at the Berlin Convention Office headed by Heike Mahmoud is an important partner of the German Convention Bureau when it comes to implementing key strategies for promoting Germany as a meeting and convention location. In addition, the BCO is a partner in the Future Meeting Space innovation association and is actively involved in ensuring the future viability and competitiveness of Germany as a location for meetings and conventions.”