INTRO 2018
I often find myself wondering what is Vienna’s recipe for success. The city ranks in first place on almost all ranking lists. Usually the answer is related to the accessibility of homes and transport, the abundance of green spaces and its planning for a sustainable future. Only rarely, however, do we talk about the relationship between the city and visiting congress guests. There are cities in the world which can prove quite stressful for congress participants, and then there is Vienna. From first-hand experience I can confirm that the city is easy to get around, pleasant and enjoyable and already belongs among the so-called ‘smart’ cities of today. Vienna’s city authorities are convinced that the ‘smart’ city can grow whilst at the same time reducing the use of natural resources. One of the crucial initiatives is the intensive inclusion of the city’s residents, since there is a desire that innovations help improve living standards for all. It is all this that places Vienna among the smart cities of the future and makes it an excellent meeting destination.
NEED TO KNOW 2018
With the ambitious project ‘Smart City Wien’, which began in 2011, Vienna has been ranked number one among smart cities for several years. The city is aware that changes can’t take place overnight, therefore the project has very clearly-defined goals. The focal point of the project is the radical preservation of natural resources, the development and active use of innovations and new technologies, and a high and socially balanced level of living. The most visible result of the project is the new Aspern Seestadt residential neighbourhood, which is considered one of largest European urban development projects. It represents a first-class living laboratory for the development of sustainable and innovative energy saving technologies and optimal living, which is why Vienna ranks among the world’s leading meeting destinations.
WHAT'S HOT 2018
Every year over 3,700 congresses and corporate events are held in Vienna. It is difficult to choose the most important among then, however, below we have listed a few of the biggest events that have, or will, take place this year.
- European Congress of Radiology / 28 February – 4 March 2018
The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) is the annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology (ESR). It is a trend-setting, dynamic and service-oriented congress, well-known as one of the most innovative meetings within the scientific community, embedded in a unique and inspiring ambience.
Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 20,000 participants - EGU General Assembly / 8 – 13 April 2018
The annual EGU General Assembly is the largest and most prominent European geosciences event. It attracts over 14,000 scientists from all over the world, of which more than half are early career scientists.
Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 15,000 participants - European Heart Failure Congress / 26 – 29 May 2018
The European Heart Failure Congress is the world’s leading congress where experts in cardiology discuss strategies for a universal approach towards the prevention and treatment of heart failure.
Venue: Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center / 6,000 participants - 36th Congress of the ESCRS / 22 – 26 September 2018
The 36th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) offers a unique forum for discussion and learning, which ensures that international ophthalmological know-how is shared all over Europe.
Venue: Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center / 9,000 participants - UEG Week 2018 / 20 – 24 October 2018
UEG Week is the largest and most prestigious GI meeting in Europe and is now a global congress. UEG Week attracts around 14,000 participants each year from around the world.
Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 9,000 participants
BEST INCENTIVE IDEA
There is always something happening in the creative city. Every year around 15,000 events are held in its 120 concert halls. Events can be held in any of the 27 palaces, over 100 museums and 110 galleries. The list of incentive programmes is comprehensive and diverse and includes everything from traditional programmes to culinary adventures.
Based on the city’s characteristics, we consider that some of the most attractive and authentic programmes are those that are truly Viennese, such as waltzing lessons led by one of the capital’s best-known dance schools, or a chance to get acquainted with Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School – one of the oldest in the world. The list is practically never-ending. For more details take a look at the list of incentive ideas and social events programmes here:
PERFECT GIFT
Sachertorte is a wonderful Viennese classic cake with a moist, light texture, sweet apricot jam and a thick layer of icing made from dark chocolate, which will certainly remind you of a visit to Vienna. The recipe is still one of the best preserved of secrets in the patisserie world, even though it is copied in numerous forms throughout the world.
Today in Vienna there are two types of Sachertorte available, which differ only slightly from each other. In the Sacher Hotel version there are two layers of jam, whilst at the famous Demel patisserie there is only jam on the top and the sides.
BEST KEPT SECRETS
Vienna is regarded as the culinary capital of Central Europe. According to the latest data, it is in 10th place based on its number of Michelin stars. Real foodies will be impressed by original specialties, which are bound to also impress congress participants. The Kolbl family estate has been in existence for over 100 years. It sells its traditional products at the city’s Naschmarkt market. Kolbl is best known for its chillies which are grown over an area of 4,400m2. Believe it or not, in Vienna’s surroundings Ursual Kujal and Harald Thiesz cultivate over 50 different types of figs, which they turn into various culinary delights. Organic farming is the motto of the young farmer Oliver Kaminek, who, in addition to top-quality wines, also breeds rare Mangalica pigs, also known as ‘wool pigs’.
VOICES
VOICES OF VIENNA
Claudia Reis, Austria Center Vienna
VOICES OF VIENNA
Monika Scheinost, Hofburg Vienna
VOICES OF VIENNA
Roland Eggenhofer, 25hours Hotel Vienna
