The second General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 20 September 1958 launched the opening chapter in the Hofburg Vienna’s new life as a public conference and event centre. And 55 years later, the Hofburg Vienna will mark this major milestone in its history with a whole host of innovations, new ideas and special focus events.
In the first half of the year we invested heavily in the technology needed to support contemporary mobile working practices, as well as in new hardware and a number of exciting new hybrid services. Now the Hofburg Vienna team can respond even more quickly no matter where they are, and offer unprecedented interaction between the centre and its customers. We are investing in fully redundant IT infrastructure to keep up with the rapid pace of technological developments, opening the door to even more hybrid meetings.
In June the Hofburg Vienna management team and owners invited customers to participate in a broad-based strategic survey commissioned to coincide with the centre’s 55th anniversary. Conducted by leading market researcher Gfk Austria, it looked at the changing social and economic climate by canvassing opinions on a wide range of subjects including professional associations, image, services, amenities, external influences and future trends. The findings will be used to ensure that the conference centre is better placed to respond to its customers’ changing requirements.
In autumn, the revamped Hofburg Vienna website with various new features will be unveiled to the public. “The innovative new room plans and floor layouts make planning an event at the centre even easier,” explained Hofburg Vienna Managing Director Renate Danler. Programmed according to the principles of responsive design, the website is being optimised for PCs, tablets and smartphones.
Special focus events such as the 5th Education Day (March 2013) and walking tours with Vienna tour guide and actress Joe Harriet in July and August 2013 are designed to give anyone with an interest in the building a fascinating insight into the Hofburg’s history and current use, outlining the former Habsburg residence’s leading role on the international conference and meetings scene.
“The main aim of these activities is to ensure that the Hofburg Vienna continues to resonate with visitors for the next 55 years, while setting new standards for the event industry,” Danler concluded.
