Berlin Ranked Among the Top in Meetings Market

Berlin has positioned itself in the top ranks of the international congress market. According to recently released International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) statistics, the city in 2009 reached fourth place worldwide as a destination for association congresses.

Having hosted 129 large-scale events for international associations, Berlin was able to surpass Singapore (119), and move up from fifth place, now closely following Vienna (160), Barcelona (135), and Paris (131).

In total, some 108,500 meetings, events, congresses, and incentives with about 8.26 million participants were staged in Berlin in 2009. In spite of the economic downturn, these numbers represent a 4 percent increase in events, and a 1 percent rise in visitors, compared to 2008.

The positive results can be attributed to the conditions that conference organizers find in the city: Europe’s most modern hotel landscape, exceptional value for money, diverse conference facilities, as well as extraordinary and authentic venues. Further, the Berlin Convention Office (BCO) -- which is part of Berlin Tourism Marketing -- is available to planners as a central point of contact for any type and size of event.