From 21 to 23 January 2020, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers was host to the IAPCO Edge Seminar in Munich. The sold-out event offered PCOs from 26 countries the opportunity to explore the exciting advantages of Munich as a MICE destination, to share and increase their knowledge, and to make valuable international contacts.
Just how popular Munich is among travellers from all over the world is evident to anybody who has ever been to Marienplatz at lunchtime. The 43 bells of the Munich Glockenspiel play “aber heit is kalt” (it's cold today). The coopers dance. The Bavarian knight knocks the knight from Lorraine out of his saddle. And countless mobile phones record the events in the oriel of the musical mechanism for the loved ones at home, from Chicago to Beijing to Bielefeld.
One of the reasons why the Isar metropolis is so attractive for tourists is also an important argument for PCOs to choose it as a venue for congresses and conferences: an incomparable mixture of Munich savoir-vivre and Bavarian traditions, of high culture and high technology. That is why the IAPCO Edge Seminar, which took place from 21 to 23 January 2020 in Munich, covered both intensive learning and work units as well as an introduction to Bavarian “Gemütlichkeit” and the Munich lifestyle.
Two highly professional venues – the Holiday Inn Munich City Centre (near the city centre, as the name implies) and the ICM (International Congress Center Munich) on the Messe München trade fair grounds – exemplified the great variety of locations in the Bavarian capital. The Munich Convention Bureau and the congress organiser Interplan were involved as supporters and helped devise the programme.
The first day of the seminar was dedicated to the topic of teamwork. The most impressive contribution was probably made by Claus-Peter Reisch, captain of the rescue ship Lifeline. He and his crew saved hundreds of people from drowning in the Mediterranean, despite all political and legal resistance and personal disadvantages. He talked about how crucial the cooperation of many individuals is for the success of a mission and fielded the questions of his audience and the subsequent discussion.
Faculty speakers included Nicola McGrane, CEO of Conference Partners International from Ireland, IAPCO President Mathias Post from Singapore, and IAPCO Vice President Ori Lahav from Israel. The Munich MICE industry was represented by Jörg Bauler, Head of the Munich Convention Bureau, Dr. Markus Preußner, Managing Director and Co-Owner Interplan AG, Tobias Gröber, Director ISPO Group, Dr. Markus Dirr, Chief Digital Officer of Messe München GmbH, and Bits & Pretzels founder Bernd Storm van's Gravesande.
While the days were dedicated to the transfer of knowledge and learning, the evenings were dedicated to the Bavarian lifestyle and Munich’s culture of enjoyment. On the evening before the first day of the seminar Interplan employees took the participants in small groups on a Connect & Taste tour to their favourite taverns and bars. On Tuesday the delegates experienced a typical Bavarian evening in the traditional ambience of the Augustiner Keller. At the EDGE Party on Wednesday evening celebrating with style and glitter was on the agenda.
Anyone who wanted to see more of Munich on Thursday after the end of the seminar could join sightseeing tours organised by the Munich Convention Bureau. Under the guidance of official Munich city guides the guests could explore hidden backyards and alleyways on foot, let themselves be enchanted by the historic old town, discover Munich’s modern architecture, or follow the traces of famous Munich women.
IAPCO is committed to advancing the quality standards of the meetings industry and has been a recognized leader in meeting quality since its founding 50 years ago. At IAPCO Edge Seminars, renowned representatives from the MICE industry worldwide share their knowledge and practical experience as faculty speakers. Interactive workshops and discussion sessions promote exchange and social networking. In addition to PCOs and event planners, representatives from convention bureaux, associations, venues, DMCs and travel agencies are welcome to attend the seminars.
