Rhine cities join forces to showcase their wide range of “MICE” sector services
COLOGNE. The Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) and the convention bureau DÜSSELDORF (cbD) are showcasing the services offered by the Rhine convention destinations as a twosome for the first time at IMEX. From 25–27 May 2010, the Rhine cities will be presenting their services together with their partners in Hall 8 at the Frankfurt am Main trade fair. The Cologne-Dusseldorf stand (G 010) is attached to the German Convention Bureau (GCB) exhibit as an open area stand. In 2010, over 3500 exhibitors from more than 150 countries will be presenting their services at Germany’s most prestigious trade fair for meetings and incentive trips.
Cologne is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for conventions, conferences and incentives. “Cologne’s central location at the heart of Europe, its multitude of excellent locations, its status as a media, business and university metropolis, and the open, friendly atmosphere all play a key role, and make the city the perfect environment for successful events”, says Stephanie Franke, Head of the Cologne Convention Bureau. At this year’s IMEX, the CCB is showcasing its wide range of conference and convention possibilities in Cologne together with four local industry partners: Bayer Gastronomie GmbH, KölnKongress GmbH, Radisson BLU Hotel Cologne and Take Five Hotels.
The CCB has created a whole host of exciting media specials for meeting and incentive trips for 2010 and has consequently refined the Cologne Tourist Board theme for the convention area, which this year is “City of Media”. Visitors can book such media specials as an individual performance of game show classic ‘Family Fortunes’ with original host Werner Schulze-Erdel or enjoy an exclusive silent picture classic with live music. From cookery events to teambuilding exercises and outdoor activities ranging from golf to rap jumping — the CCB and its partners offer a wide variety of other novel ideas for supporting programmes and incentives.
The Cologne Convention Bureau website www.conventioncologne.de provides all there is to know about the convention city of Cologne. “The aim of our website is to offer event planners a platform where all information relating to Cologne as an event location is assembled in one place”, explains Stephanie Franke. The website now also boasts a brand new feature — the convention preview, which provides an overview of the current calendars for the various Cologne event venues in the MICE sector, and allows organisers to find the most suitable date for their event using an online search function. A digital meeting planner also provides tailored solutions in relation to locations, hotels, agencies, caterers, technology, etc. for the scheduled event in Cologne.
At this year’s IMEX, the Cologne Convention Bureau will also showcase the new “Meeting Point Cologne” and accompanying CD hot off the press. The new edition of the brochure provides detailed information and addresses for the numerous venues available for conventions in Cologne. This and more information can also be found online at www.conventioncologne.de.
In connection with IMEX, Cologne will also be the destination for a post-convention tour for Chinese hosted buyers. Together with trade magazine “MICE China” and supported by Cologne industry partners, the CCB is organising a three-day stay for Chinese event planners, who will be able to see for themselves everything that Cologne has to offer.
Bayer Gastronomie GmbH
Be it a convention, conference or company event, Bayer Gastronomie offers a wide range of event possibilities in numerous locations, and all this with a completely customised style and to suit different scales. Customers can truly benefit from the seamless infrastructure and the professional expertise in all things gastronomic.
Radisson Blu Hotel Köln
The IMEX in Frankfurt also provides the perfect platform for the Radisson Blu Hotel Köln to showcase its expertise. Its prime location directly opposite the Cologne trade fair centre and its perfect links to the A1, A3 and A4 motorways makes the Cologne hotel incredibly accessible. The Köln-Bonn Airport is also close by and is just 15 minutes by car. The S-Bahn is another convenient option; with Köln-Deutz station situated just a short walk away from the hotel. The hotel boasts ten well-lit conference rooms spread over 1000 sqm and a potential outdoor event space of 1500 sqm, making it the ideal venue for the widest range of events. To round off the package, the hotel serves high-quality cuisine and has a friendly, professional service.
KölnKongress GmbH
With its wide range of unique venues all situated in Cologne city centre, Cologne’s largest provider of event venues, KölnKongress, is the reliable and professional partner for events on location. From doctor’s conventions to rock concerts, event organisers can choose from ten extraordinary locations with over 60 rooms, all of which are equipped with the latest technology and are suitable for as few as eight people or as many as 9600.
Take Five Hotels
Take Five Hotels, the marketing amalgamation of 12 TOP hotels in Cologne, are also looking forward to being represented at this year’s IMEX. Take Five Hotels provides information regarding the various offers available for 4 and 5-star hotels, as well as the unique one stop agency, which informs potential event organisers about current availability at Take Five hotels. “IMEX is still the TOP trade fair in the MICE sector and is an absolute must for every hotel provider”, explains Take Five spokesperson Wilhelm Luxem.
Cologne Convention Bureau
As an independent entity of the Cologne Tourist Board, the Cologne Convention Bureau officially commenced operations at the beginning of August 2008, to elevate the marketing of the city of Cologne as a convention destination, with its diverse events industry. The CCB is the first neutral contact point for those interested in Cologne seeking information on Cologne as a meeting, convention and incentive metropolis. In this respect, CCB acts as the umbrella organization for all subdivisions of the events business of the City of Cologne.
