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The event begun with a supplier marketplace, in which attendees could talk to a number of representatives from the German event industry including the Munich Convention Bureau, Messe München Locations and IMEX Group.
Guests were invited to talk to the exhibitors to collect coloured pebbles, which then enabled them to take part in an urban gardening experience outside The Crystal. An expert gardener showed attendees how to plant and take care of a number of different herbs including rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and lavender.
Matthias Schultze, managing director of GCB, gave a keynote speech to discuss the key findings of the organisation’s most recent research study - Future Trends and Changes in the Meeting and Events Industry - A Study for International Event Managers.
Schultze discussed two of the eight key trends highlighted in the study, including globalisation and the increasing importance of events for an international market. The company’s research revealed that 22.1 million foreign participants attended events in Germany last year, compared to 14.3 million in 2006.
The second trend Schultze highlighted was technisation and the way information and communication has affected and changed the living environment. As part of its future trends study, GBA found that 25% of industry professionals surveyed felt there was a high chance that 3D technology such as projectors would be incorporated into events in the future, with 29% believing this would happen by 2024.
The research also revealed that 50% of those surveyed thought that organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which can emit light and create a variety of different atmospheres, would be used in future events, with almost 30% certain this would happen by 2019.
"The core of the study is that we now have a very realistic assessment of the industry, and we have well-rounded proposals for the decision makers in the event and meeting industry to help prepare them for the future in a structured way," Schultze said.
He added that the remaining six trends and research from the GBA would be discussed at IMEX America 2013, which takes place on 15-17 October in Las Vegas.
Martin Powell, head of urban development in the Siemens Global Cities Centre of Competence, gave a speech to delegates on how city life could be different in 20 years time, with a special focus on London.
Following the speeches, guests were treated to a three-course meal created by the catering team at The Crystal, part of Sodexo Prestige working on behalf of Siemens. They were also able to explore the Sustainable Urban Development exhibition at The Crystal, which showcases global trends and challenges, as well as existing technological solutions to build environmentally sustainable, livable and prosperous cities.
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