Trend towards sustainable events that last several days

While the renovation and extension of the Festspielhaus Bregenz is progressing rapidly, demand is also on the rise. Cultural and social events account for around 60 per cent of it, while the MICE category (Meetings, Incentives, Congresses, Events) makes up 40 per cent. "Enquiries from new clients in the MICE segment have risen by more than half. That's a nice validation of our endeavours to further expand this area," says Director Gerhard Stübe. He is particularly pleased that sustainable events lasting several days are in demand. The Festspielhaus itself is a Green Location and is certified for green events and green meetings. "With us, organisers not only get the label, they're also located in an energy-efficient town and in a region that's aspiring to certification under the Austrian Ecolabel. This is becoming increasingly important to customers," says Stübe.

Whether in terms of sustainability, technology or event design, the team provides comprehensive support. "Our efforts are bearing fruit – we're perceived not only as a business that lets out event space, but also as consultants. This helps us win new customers," Stübe says with gratification. One example is the 'Best Place To Live' innovation conference in May, which is dedicated to the future livability of the Alpine region. "We are contributing our expertise from the micelab:bodensee research network in order to facilitate good interaction and dialogue on an equal footing between the participants." The conference is also a good fit for the region in terms of content. "It contributes to the development of our living space. The future of the MICE industry lies in such meaningful events," Stübe says with conviction.

The new four-day STAGE Bregenz art fair kicked off the sustainable events programme this year and was a great success, attracting 5,500 visitors. The 2024 programme also includes the multi-day Destinationcamp – which focuses on the further development of tourism in the region comprising, Austria, Switzerland and Germany – in addition to the Iyengar Yoga Convention and the annual conference of the Austrian Society for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

(pzwei)