Hall of the IAPCO Edge Semianar 2020 in Munich.

IAPCO Edge Seminar 2020

An Introduction to Everything Bavarian

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.

Motto: Connect & Share

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.

Meet the Locals

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.

 

About IAPCO

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.

 

 

Photos: Messe München, C. Büttner
Convention bureau
Rooftop view of Munich with the skyline of the Alps in the background.

MICE

MICE Destination Munich

Located on the Isar river, this is a dream city in an ideal location for event planners. Please find here general information about the MICE-Destination of Munich.

Located on the Isar river, this is a dream city in an ideal location for event planners. Please find here general information about the MICE-Destination of Munich.

Two women and a man working at at table with a laptop in a hotel in Munich.

Planning an event

Conventions & Conferences

The Bavarian “meeting metropolis” is synonymous with successful conventions and welcomes event planners with open arms.

The Bavarian “meeting metropolis” is synonymous with successful conventions and welcomes event planners with open arms.

Two women and a man are standing on the roof of the Olympic Stadium in Munich.

Planning an event

Incentives & events

Wheater a teambuiding event, a culinary experience or an adrenalin filled activity – Munich offers a unique variety of Incentive possibilities.

Wheater a teambuiding event, a culinary experience or an adrenalin filled activity – Munich offers a unique variety of Incentive possibilities.

Convention Bureau Munich staff.

Our Services

About us

Here you can find an overview of the Munich CVB, our services, the team as well as an overview of our memberships and network in the MICE- industry.

Here you can find an overview of the Munich CVB, our services, the team as well as an overview of our memberships and network in the MICE- industry.

Overview: Conference Hotels
Discover Munich
The Friedensengel - Angle of Peace - in Munich.

Our top 20

Sights you can't miss in Munich

In a nutshell: the most important sights at a glance.

In a nutshell: the most important sights at a glance. Our top 20 highlights that you really should see during your stay in Munich.

The Siegestor at Ludwigstrasse in Munich in autumn

The districts of Munich

Every district has its own unique beauty

Schwabing, Glockenbach, Haidhausen, Nymphenburg: an overview.

Bohemian in Schwabing, colourful diversity in Glockenbach, village idyll in Haidhausen, noble residences in Bogenhausen: Each of Munich's districts has its own unique beauty. An overview.

A man with curly hair is sitting in a beer garden in Munich and is smiling.

Eat & Drink

Traditionally enjoyed

Traditional, modern or exquisite: everything you need to know about Munich's culinary diversity.

Traditional, modern or exquisite: everything you need to know about Munich's culinary diversity.

A chairoplane at the Auer Dult in Munich.

Events

Markets, fairs and festivals

Weekly markets, fairs, Spring Festival, Oktoberfest, Christmas markets: the most important dates.

Weekly markets, fairs, Spring Festival, Oktoberfest, Christmas markets: the most important dates.

Overview: Trade Fair Hotels