On 8 October 2013, the German Convention Bureau, the industry association of the German meetings industry, presented the study "Conference and Congress of the Future". Scientists from the IZT had compiled the study and, among other things, attributed particular importance to the "sustainable development" megatrend for this industry. In 2013, Germany ranked second behind the USA among all congress and conference destinations worldwide. The study made a contribution to securing this innovative strength. The summary is available as a free download.

The project analysed which social trends and challenges can be expected for the MICE industry (meeting, incentive, congress, event). In particular, it focussed on the future of meetings and congresses in the three dimensions of knowledge transfer, technological developments and architecture. Based on research, expert interviews and a mini Delphi survey, a scenario was developed for the time around 2030. The aim of the project was to provide today's conference planners with a tool for the event industry of tomorrow in order to be able to effectively monitor and even steer developments.

The client GCB published the results in 2013 (German) and 2014 (English). The GCB also commissioned the IZT with a further expert report in 2014.

More info

PUBLICATION OF THE PROJECT RESULTS The 1st study "Conference and Congress of the Future" has been available from the client for a nominal fee since 8 October 2013. Orders can be placed by e-mail: info@gcb.de 2. summary of the study "Conference and congress of the future", free of charge download possible, PDF [1,87 MB]