Stuttgart business travel guide

BusinessTravel Guide www.emeoutlookmag.com

STUTTGART

A leading German destination for MICE tourism

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This well-connected German city combines a fascinating mix of architecture and culture with a rapidly developing offering for the business traveller Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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apital of Germany’s BadenWßrttemberg province, Stuttgart has a lot going for it.

Lying next to the Neckar River between the Black Forest to the west and the Swabian Alp to the south,

the city has enjoyed a regal past, characterised by a winemaking heritage and now also serving as a prominent industrial hub.

Although much of the city centre was destroyed during the Second World War, the rebuilt Stuttgart

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represents a mix of modern and historic architecture which managed to survive. This is reflected by the fascinating array of museums and galleries on offer, from the MercedesBenz Museum which charts the automaker’s illustrious history through

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to the tremendously varied exhibitions at the Staatsgalerie.

Stuttgarters carry a reputation for being business-like. Sharp dressers, fast drivers and hardworking, it is little wonder that the city is an economically thriving one. The fact its MICE tourism

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However, many visitors report a more relaxed vibe, helped by the many rustic wine bars and beer gardens that provide a welcome break from the day-to-day endeavours of Stuttgart working life.

The city’s surrounding vineyardladen hills are another essential escape, and with the Black Forest nearby, this destination serves many different travelling purposes.

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The Business End Porsche Museum

FACTS & FIGURES

Tourists taking a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum

STUTTGART IS IN the centre of the largest industrial zone in southwest Germany, known for holding various trade fairs and congresses, and renown for being home to leading automotive brands Daimler and Porsche.

Tourism, especially related to business travel, is a thriving sector. Karina Grützner, Director of Convention Marketing at the Stuttgart Convention Bureau (SCB), comments: “I am excited about the future.

Stuttgart is steadily increasing its meeting and incentive infrastructure.

“Around 3,000 new hotel rooms will add to hotel infrastructure in the next few years. In the autumn the new Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Messe & Congress will provide significant meeting capacities and 260 rooms.

Combined with Wyndham Stuttgart Airport Messe and Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport, 800 hotel rooms

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are available at the main entrance to ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart and in walkable distance to the airport.

“Convention Center Filderhalle, close to Stuttgart Airport, will expand its capacity with 400 square metres of flexible meeting space. Design Offices will open their third venue in the heart of Stuttgart, combining workspaces and creative meeting rooms. Last year the new V8 Hotel added special experience and concepts into the meetings infrastructure portfolio of Stuttgart. Where else can you sleep in a Mercedes Benz or a Car Wash? The new Jaz Stuttgart Hotel is the only such example in Germany and worth a visit.”

Beyond tourism, the city is well known as a publishing centre and is the home of a number of advertising, marketing, and communication-related firms.

Province: Languages: Area: Population (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

Baden-Württemberg German 207.4 km² 628,032 Euro Central European +49 .de Temperate

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Enjoy warm hospitality at the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport, situated in a unique location only 50 metres from Stuttgart airport.

The 4-Star superior hotel invites you to enjoy the comfort of attentive business services in a modern atmosphere.

attentive service

excellent design

Coming soon: In 2019, a second Mövenpick Hotel will open directly at the airport and the trade fair: The Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Messe & Congress. This effective combination of hotels will create one of the largest hotel meeting and event spaces in southern Germany.

Mövenpick Hotels Stuttgart Flughafenstraße 43+50 | 70629 Stuttgart +49 711 55344 0 hotel.stuttgart.airport@movenpick.com

movenpick.com

YOUR HOTEL OF CHOICE IN STUTTGART Exceptional service, stylish rooms and suites and an innovative kitchen.

Energize yourself with a run or walk through the Schlossgarten and in the 24/7 gym.

Recreate @ LeSPA with three saunas, jacuzzi and a spacious pool.

Don’t hesitate to contact us via phone +49 711 2221 2990 or email reservations@lemeridienstuttgart.com with the key word “government”.

We will ensure a tailored offer that meets your needs.

LE MERIDIEN Stuttgart Willy-Brandt-Straße 30 70173 Stuttgart Germany lemeridienstuttgart.com

N 48 46‘ E 9 11‘ DESTINATION UNLOCKED

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Out & About FROM ENJOYING THE fineries of regional wine, beer and food to a unique mix of palaces, museums and art galleries, there is plenty to occupy visitors in Stuttgart.

“One of the best ways to explore Stuttgart is a steps tour,” Grützner adds. “Owing to Stuttgart’s geographic location in a valley basin, it has more flights of steps – known to the locals as “Stäffele” and originally built by winemakers to access the vineyards – than most other towns.

Idyllic paths and beautiful scenic lookouts guarantee so much variety on this original circular walk with no shortage of steps, so you won’t get bored, even after the 100th flight.”

The view from the top of the Fernsehturm scales not only the city itself, but also the surrounding blanket of forest and hills

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The aforementioned TV tower, or Fernsehturm, is another key landmark, not least because it represents the first of its kind in the world. The view from the top scales not only the city itself, but also the surrounding blanket of forest and hills.

Grützner also points to destinations out of town which can form the basis of a day trip.

“I also strongly recommend a visit to Esslingen and Ludwigsburg,” she adds. “These cities are only a short drive out of Stuttgart and impress with the largest baroque palace – Ludwigsburg – and Germany’s oldest sparkling wine producer, Kessler.”

Owing to Stuttgart’s geographic location in a valley basin, it has many flights of steps – known to the locals as “Stäffele”

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Have a look @ Swabian sophisticated style Occupying a tranquil spot within the heart of Baden-Wuerttemberg’s capital, the Maritim Hotel Stuttgart adds a modern twist to the state’s unmistakable style. Regional specialties such as Swabian noodles are served in the hotel’s stylish restaurants, while cool cocktails and live performances by local artists can be enjoyed in its trendy bar. Comforts such as Smart TVs complement the cosiness of the 555 rooms. Use of the swimming pool and wi-fi is free for guests.

The state-of-the-art conference infrastructure includes 15 spaces of varying sizes.

Maritim Hotel Stuttgart · Seidenstrasse 34 · 70174 Stuttgart · Germany · Tel. +49 (0) 711 942-0 · info.stu@maritim.com · www.maritim.com Business premises of Maritim Hotelgesellschaft mbH · Herforder Strasse 2 · 32105 Bad Salzuflen · Germany Image 4c 160 96 STU Convention Bureau 4.19.indd 1

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Stuttgart Convention Bureau THE STUTTGART CONVENTION Bureau is mandated with the promotion of the German city as a go-to MICE destination, established in 1994 and developing into an important trade association.

Karina Grützner, discussing both SCB’s remit and Stuttgart’s tourism scene, answers more of our questions.

EME Outlook (EMEO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Stuttgart Convention Bureau, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Karina Grützner (KG): Stuttgart Convention Bureau started its work in 1994. One can say we were among the Convention Bureau pioneers in Germany. This underlines the importance of meetings, conventions and events in Stuttgart. Our vision is to connect people to unlock ideas and gain knowledge. The SCB team passionately promotes Stuttgart as a meetings destination, its easy accessible meetings infrastructure, innovative economy and strong local heritage. Event professionals, corporate meeting planners and incentive organisers appreciate us as

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Karina Grützner

the first point of contact; they value our local expertise and services, saving them a lot of time. We offer free impartial advice, while the largest local location database and venue sourcing support is especially valuable for international planners. We initiate connections with service partners that care for the needs of our client, like venues, hotels, special locations, DMCs – we organise site inspections and provide accommodation service free of charge.

EMEO: Since inception, how has the Stuttgart Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

KG: Our staff has increased from one person at the beginning to four women in 2019. In 2012, a strategic partner model was installed with the largest convention venues like Messe Stuttgart/ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart and Convention Center Liederhalle, Stuttgart Airport, Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation, other convention centres and hotels.

The partners strongly support our work and clients benefit from this strong local network. Thanks to this development, Stuttgart could extend its presence in international markets like the UK and US and intensify its domestic marketing activities.

Collaboration is key. Today Stuttgart is amongst the top German trade show and conference destinations.

EMEO: How would you say Stuttgart has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

KG: Stuttgart’s tourism industry continues to expand steadily and reached a new all-time high in 2018.

With 3.91 million overnight stays overall and an increase of 3.4 percent compared with the year before, in 2018 the state capital’s tourism sector chalked up its best results. Business travel is consistently strong in Stuttgart and accounts for around 70 percent of all overnight stays. Key reasons are the strong local economy, easy accessibility and attractive meeting venues, as well as expanding meeting capacities and hotel rooms.

In 2007 Messe Stuttgart moved to

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Messe Campus

its new venue. The location is unique in Germany – only 355 steps away from Stuttgart International Airport.

120,000 square metres of hall area are complemented by around 33 rooms that offer flexible use in the adjoining ICS (International Congress Center Stuttgart). Since the opening of these new capacities, Stuttgart has hosted larger trade shows, congresses and corporate events. Messe Stuttgart hosted 65 trade fairs alone in 2018, like the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems R+T and is the meeting point for the metal working industry AMB. Today Messe Stuttgart is one of the best occupied trade fair venues in Europe.

EMEO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Stuttgart?

KG: Inventive, cultivated, relaxing

“Messe Stuttgart hosted 65 trade fairs alone in 2018... and is one of the best occupied trade fair venues in Europe”

centre is perfectly walkable and is in a valley surrounded by hills. The location, with more than 200 metres height difference, makes it unique in Germany in terms of topography. Vista points invite one to relax with a drink and a fantastic panoramic view over the city after work.

EMEO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would and enticing at the same time – that recommend? for me describes Stuttgart best.

KG: Stuttgart is famous for being the In Stuttgart, nature goes hand in cradle of mobility, so it is no surprise hand with technology, and tradition that the iconic museums of Mercedeswith innovation. Its architecture is both Benz and Porsche are amongst the baroque and ultramodern. It spans the most visited attractions. They are also diversity of the pulsating economic unique event locations that impress metropolis and a wealth of culture on with outstanding architecture and the highest level. And all of this is to be unforgettable experiences. found amidst idyllic, topographically Stroll along Schlossplatz (Palace appealing green scenery. Stuttgart city Square) and enjoy the scenery of the

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Schlossplatz Kunstmuseum

New and Old Palace, get snacks at the historic market hall. In convenient walking distance, many options invite visitors to indulge in local food like potato salad and Maultaschen (Swabian Ravioli) or beef roast with Spätzle, wine and beer. The

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Leonhardsviertel is the place to go for after work drinks.

Stuttgart has been named the number one culture capital for the fourth time because of the diverse cultural attractions. For culture lovers I recommend visiting the impressive art exhibitions at Stuttgart Art Museum – an amazing glass cube with a great view over Schlossplatz or the State Gallery. An evening in the awardwinning Stuttgart State Theatre and Opera is also highly recommended.

A short ride by underground from Schlossplatz is the world’s first television tower with a fantastic view over the city and the lush green scenery.

Stuttgart also stages festivals throughout the year, i.e. the second largest beer festival in Germany and worldwide and the

Kunstmuseum

wine festival where visitors can taste local wine specialities. The picturesque Christmas market is also worth a visit.

EMEO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Stuttgart at present? How are you responding to these trends?

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the successful future development.

Stuttgart has thus positioned itself as the first China Pay city in Germany.

With 68,554 overnight stays in 2018, they represented Stuttgart’s fourth-largest foreign visitor market. Chinese users of Alipay and WeChat Pay can pay with their preferred payment option as of now in around 65 local contact points, including retailers, museums, restaurants and hotels. The aim is to offer Alipay and WeChat Pay in as many businesses relevant to this target group as possible. Stuttgart also has been one of the first German cities providing free Wi-Fi at public places like Schlossplatz since 2015.

KG: Travelling is about experience and convenience. We focus on consistently developing the destination and creating additional attractions. Collaboration is key to success for us. Creating high-grade offers and strategically expanding the infrastructure are decisive factors for

EMEO: Is there more news that you wish to highlight?

KG: This year we celebrate two anniversaries – 10 years of the Porsche Museum and 10 years of MotorWorld Stuttgart. Both are exciting event venues with diverse meeting options or can be enjoyed by automotive enthusiasts during an individual visit. Outletcity Metzingen – home of the fashion label Hugo Boss and Europe’s number one outlet opened 16 additional stores recently and provides exclusive options for individual shopping or incentives. What about a scenic drive in a rented Porsche through lush nature and stop by in Metzingen?

Just recently, the Outletcity Metzingen was named the European leader in economic performance in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe 2018. There is a regular “shopping shuttle” to Stuttgart’s city centre. We are also excited about hosting IBA2027 in Stuttgart Region.

Exactly 100 years after avant-garde architects from throughout Europe presented their radical “exemplary residential programme for modern metropolitan man” at Stuttgart’s Weissenhofsiedlung, the IBA 2027 aims

Weissenhofsiedlung was designed by Hans Scharoun in 1927

to find new answers to the questions of how we live, work and house in today’s digital, globalised world.

EMEO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Stuttgart?

KG: Stuttgart is a hidden champion.

It is not only a business destination – it is also about enjoyment of life, great food experiences and cultural highlights. Stuttgart offers so much to explore and surprises its visitors.

I invite all excited readers to get in touch with us to create their own Stuttgart experience.

Get in touch For more information on venue sourcing, accommodation services, and the largest local location database, visit: www.congress-stuttgart.com Contact: info@congress-stuttgart.de

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Outlook Recommends “In this, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, city slickers and down-to-earth country kids walk hand in hand, with no need to compromise” – Lonely Planet

HOTELS

VENUES

RESTAURANTS

Maritim Hotel Stuttgart

MHP Arena

Hupperts

Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport

Waggenhallen

Weinstube Am Stadtgraben

Mercedes-Benz Arena

Restaurant Christophorus

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The 29th Stuttgart Summer Festival will take place from 1 to 4 August 2019 in the heart of the city

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

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Bürgerzentrum Waiblingen Meetings with a Difference www.buergerzentrum-waiblingen.de

Staatsgalerie

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Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

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Transport Links

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Above: Modern metro station in Feuerbach. Top right: Stuttgart Rack Railway - the only urban rack railway in Germany, and one of only four rack railways operating in the country

ticket for delegates. If visitors book their hotels through our reservation system, they receive a free public transport ticket for the duration of their stay (valid until 2020 in dedicated partner hotels).”

In terms of getting to the city, Stuttgart is typically well-connected to other German and international PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

AS WITH MANY German cities, Stuttgart is bicycle-friendly with no fewer than 45 call-a-bike stands offering 30 minutes of free rental and very reasonable rates thereafter.

There is also a wealth of public transport options, as described by Grützner.

“I recommend the public transport system – underground, commuter trains and busses. Did you know that Stuttgart is the only German city where a rack railway and a funicular are part of the public transport network?

“The rack railway experience is amazing because you have a fantastic panoramic view over the city and towards the Stuttgart television tower.

We offer a special priced conference

destinations.

Grützner adds: “Generally, Stuttgart is very easy to get to: Stuttgart Airport connects more than 100 destinations and Frankfurt Airport is only 75 minutes by speed train from the city centre. Rail and road access are also very convenient.”

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Landmark Attractions The Porsche Museum

“A vision becomes reality. Immediately next to the headquarters of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, you can today find one of the most spectacular car museums in the world” – Porsche

Fernsehturm

“Whether you think it a marvel or a monstrosity, the 217 metre-high Fernsehturm is one of Stuttgart’s most visible landmarks, with its needle-thin concrete spire poking up above the city. Built in 1956, it was the world’s first TV tower and the prototype for all to come” – Lonely Planet

Schloss Solitude

“Solitude Castle in the forests to the west of Stuttgart also is the work of the constructional minded Duke Carl Eugen” – Stuttgart Tourist

Weissenhof Estate

“Architecture enthusiasts are thrilled by the recent opening of the Weissenhof Estate, following many years of restoration. Built in 1927 for the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition, the estate showcases the pioneering modern architecture of the age, bearing the clean aesthetic imprint of 17 prominent architects, among them Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius” – Lonely Planet

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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 669

jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 668

www.emeoutlookmag.com