Cologne Convention Bureau presents Cologne as a MICE location at the IMEX with a unique live performance. At its first ever appearance at IMEX 2009, Germany’s most significant meetings and incentive travel exhibition, the Cologne Convention Bureau (CCB) wowed visitors with a very special performance from actors representing the rich diversity of Cologne.
In addition to an impressive stand in the open area of the German Convention Bureau (GCB), the CCB also sponsored the central IMEX cafe, which was branded with the CCB corporate design. In cooperation with Cologne’s Incomer Pool, Köln plus Partner e.V. and the Domset events agency, which was responsible for the production concept, the Cologne café was transformed into a stage. Twice each day, the distinctive characters took to the stage amid the surprised trade exhibition visitors to present Cologne as an unrivalled MICE location. A roman and a “Funkenmariechen” — a traditional dancing girl in the Cologne carnival — presented the “Constitution of Cologne” in the local Cologne dialect and English, while a young media representative highlighted Cologne’s reputation as a media and cultural hub, a business man presented Cologne’s various benefits as a conference venue and an “It girl” gushed about the nightlife. “Our unconventional idea was to stage a discussion on what is special about Cologne as a MICE location for all the visitors to witness, and to provide as authentic and conclusive answers as possible“, says Oliver Malat, Head of Marketing, Domset GmbH & Co. KG.
During the performance, multiple display screens showed venues in Cologne to highlight what each of the actors was discussing, and samples of the local Kölsch beer and traditional appetisers were handed out. The live performance went down very well with spectators. “At our first appearance at IMEX, we wanted to use more than just our exhibition stand to present Cologne as an attractive MICE location. We also wanted to bring a little bit of Cologne with us and get the spectators to relate to the perspectives of the individual protagonists“, explains Stephanie Franke, Head of the Cologne Convention Bureau.
Cologne Convention Bureau
As an independent entity of the Cologne Tourist Board, the Cologne Convention Bureau officially commenced operations at the beginning of August 2008, to elevate the marketing of the city of Cologne as a convention destination, with its diverse events industry. The CCB is the first neutral contact point for those interested in Cologne seeking information on Cologne as a meeting, convention and incentive metropolis. In this respect, CCB acts as the umbrella organization for all subdivisions of the events business of the City of Cologne.
