Conference & Meetings World 131 | Page 37

City profile

Building conferencing castles on the RhineMain

F rankfurt , strategically nestled in the FrankfurtRhineMain metropolitan region , stands tall as one of the premier conference destinations in Germany and Europe . This dynamic city , known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and colourful diversity , has been a central hub of transport , trade and commerce for over 800 years . Today , Frankfurt continues to be a fertile ground for not only finance , but creative ideas and innovative thinking , and all that offers an ideal environment for business events .

Accessibility and innovation Frankfurt ’ s ease of accessibility , attractive event locations , and a plethora of accommodation options make it an exemplary location for conferences and trade shows . The city ’ s well-established infrastructure and robust industry networks also feed in to a scenario for creating successful events .
Economic powerhouse Financial Sector : Frankfurt is the financial heart of Europe , hosting approximately 260 banks and 160 insurance companies . This financial prowess contributes significantly to the city ’ s status as a leading business event destination . Germany ’ s fifth largest city is the country ’ s financial hub and also hosts one of the world ’ s top five stock markets . Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank , as well as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank . Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry : The Rhine-Main region encompasses the entire value chain of the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors . Industriepark Höchst , home to over 90 companies with 22,000 employees , is a key component of this industrial landscape . Logistics and Transport : Frankfurt ’ s state-of-the-art logistics and transport infrastructure connects international air , road , rail , and inland water transport . This sector is pivotal , providing numerous jobs and facilitating seamless business operations . DHL , based at Frankfurt Airport , is constructing a new air cargo centre , expected to open there in mid-2025 . Frankfurt is also the main hub for German flag carrier , Lufthansa . Information and Communication Technology : Known as Europe ’ s Silicon
Valley , Frankfurt generates over 40 % of the sales revenue of Europe ’ s topgrossing software companies . It is also a crucial internet hub , with DE-CIX handling 90 % of German and 35 % of European internet traffic . Creative Industries : Frankfurt is a thriving hub for communication agencies and the gaming sector . The city hosts a high concentration of game developers and publishers , unparalleled in Germany . The Frankfurt Economic Development initiative supports creative thinkers and start-ups , fostering innovation and growth .
Green and sustainable Frankfurt is renowned for its unique skyline and expansive green spaces , including the Stadtwald , one of the world ’ s largest municipal forests . Approximately half of the city is natural , and 80 % of residents live within 300 metres of green space .
The event industry in Frankfurt is increasingly embracing sustainability with a growing trend towards ‘ green meetings ’. Numerous event venues are officially certified for their eco-friendly practices , and new building projects prioritise sustainability from inception . The local hotel industry also contributes by responsibly using natural resources .
Frankfurt ’ s compact size and efficient public transport system facilitate green mobility . The city ’ s Congress and Congress Combination Tickets enable unlimited use of public transport , promoting environment-friendly travel .
Scheduled for 30-31 October 2024 , the IMPACT FESTIVAL at Messe Frankfurt will be the largest B2B event for sustainable innovations in Europe . It aims to showcase sustainable solutions , inspire networking , and equip participants to tackle the challenges of a transforming event industry .
Left : Kap Europa
Messe Frankfurt Messe Frankfurt , home to the European edition of the IMEX trade show , is a major player in the global exhibition
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