Discover some of the best cities for meetings and events in Germany. The destination is Europe’s third best-performing meeting location, according to the latest International Congress and Convention Association report. And that’s thanks to its dynamic business environment, vibrant and diverse culture, well-developed transport infrastructure and efficient conference facilities that attract delegates from around the globe.
Reed & Mackay client IMEX chose Germany to host its European event, IMEX Frankfurt, for these very reasons. “It’s one of Europe’s largest outbound markets for the meetings and events sector and attracts a huge international market,” IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom says.
“The city’s airport is a major international hub, offering direct connections to most participants. This also helps reduce emissions from air travel. Plus, it’s well connected to the international rail network, allowing many participants to choose this sustainable transport option.”
Reed & Mackay Events team highlights three of the best cities for meetings and events in Germany – Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. “Berlin offers a vibrant cultural scene and historical landmarks and Frankfurt serves as a financial hub with modern infrastructure. Meanwhile, Munich combines a rich cultural heritage with a strong economy,” Reed & Mackay Events M&E Manager Leonie Spiegel says.
Berlin
Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is a cool mix of history and cultural diversity. And, with iconic landmarks including the Brandenberg Gate and the Reichstag, the city seamlessly blends its history with a dynamic present, offering a unique combination of art and music.
Getting around
Berlin’s public transport network is one of the best in the world. The underground system, the U-Bahn, has 175 stations across nine lines. It operates from 4am to 1am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekend days and is an ideal way to get around the city. Furthermore, the S-Bahn tram system and taxi services provide added transport coverage.
Where to meet
JW Marriott Hotel Berlin. One of the largest conference hotels in Berlin, the hotel offers 48 function rooms ranging in capacity for between two to 250. There is also a 2,300-capacity ballroom and more than 5,000 square meters of event space.
bcc Berlin Congress Center. In the heart of the city center, bcc is a multi-story purpose built event space. It has more than 5,000 square meters of customizable space across three floors, including The Domed Hall.
AXICA. Close to the iconic Brandenberg Gate, AXICA offers 10 event spaces ranging in size from 200 to 730 square meters.
Where to stay
Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz. A short distance from some of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, the hotel is renowned for being eco-friendly and committed to sustainability.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. This five-star property is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Opposite the Brandenburg Gate, it also offers a two-star Michelin restaurant.
The Hoxton Berlin: The Hoxton, which opened in summer 2023, is at the heart of Berlin’s modern art scene, just a 15-minute journey from the city’s central station. Look out for its art nouveau-inspired design details.
Munich
The world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations take place in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, yet the city is also a business powerhouse. It’s home to major corporations like BMW, Allianz and Siemens as well as the historic Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. The city marries modern cultural vibes while holding on to its Bavarian roots.
Getting around
Munich is predominantly a pedestrian-friendly city, boasting an extensive public transportation network, including the S-Bahn tram, U-Bahn underground and buses. Indeed, the transport system is covered by a single ticket system called MVV. Conveniently, day tickets can be purchased for those making multiple journeys in a single day.
Where to meet
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München. With 27 conference rooms and 7,000 square meters of exhibition space, ICM offers flexible room solutions for events of varying sizes.
Munich Marriott Hotel City West. Offering 20 flexible-capacity meetings rooms, the property also boasts a rooftop terrace with space for 400 guests.
The Westin Grand Munich: Located just 10 minutes away from the city center via subway, The Westin Grand Munich has more 1,000 guest rooms. Its 21 meeting rooms and more than 31,900 square metres of event space make it ideal for large company events.
Where to stay
Cortiina Hotel. Situated in the heart of Munich’s historic old town, Altstadt, the Cortiina is also within walking distance of the iconic Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt.
Munich Marriott Hotel City West. The Munich Marriott Hotel City West is located near the Sixt Munich Central Train Station, meaning it’s in a great location to get around the city.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Opened in 1841 as the first luxury hotel in Munich, delegates can stay in a hotel that has hosted some of the most famous names in history, ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to Sigmund Freud, Mohammed Ali to the Dalai Lama.
Frankfurt
A European center of banking and business, Frankfurt is also an artistic and cosmopolitan city. IMEX’s Bloom explains why it deserves to be known as one of the best cities for meetings and events in Germany.
“Like many large, business-centered cities, Frankfurt’s always changing,” he says. “New hotels, parks, museums, galleries and restaurants – there’s always a new opening to look forward to. So when we first started IMEX more than 20 years ago, for example, it was hard to cater for vegetarians. However, that’s all changed and its foodie scene is now far more varied.”
Getting around
The city has a comprehensive transport system comprising the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and trams. Travelers can purchase a Frankfurt Card, which then offers free travel on all public transport within the city limits, including the airport. In addition, the card also provides up to 50% discount on city tours and museums.
Where to meet
Messe Frankfurt. Home to an impressive 400,000 square meters of space across 100 conference halls. Messe Frankfurt is also committed to being a sustainable venue and has recently become EMAS certified.
Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center. Situated in the city’s airport Terminal 1, the Sheraton offers great convenience for international delegates, thanks to its location and 58 meeting rooms. Its 1,130 square meter congress center is one of the largest in the region.
Melia Frankfurt City. Located in the heart of the city, Melia provides a formal and convenient setting for meetings, featuring 431 guest rooms and 1,400 square meters of meeting space across 15 rooms.
Where to stay
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hotel: Opened in 1876, this five-star hotel is situated in the middle of the historic financial district, close to St Bartholomew’s Cathedral.
Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. Conveniently located in the city center next to the Alte Oper (Old Opera House) and the Liesel-Christ Park, the hotel is also close to the financial district and the airport.
Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper. Situated in the old town, the Adina Apartment Hotel is surrounded by historic landmarks such as Romer, St Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the Goethe House and St Paul’s Church.
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