April 2008


Bumper year
2007 was a special year for the ACV in many ways. It was a time to take stock and reflect on a 20-year history, and it was the most successful for the venue so far.
The ACV was in the black for the fifth time in a row. Commenting on the steady growth in turnover over the past few years, IAKW CEO Thomas Rupperti said, "In 2007 we once again beat our budget target, posting an increase in turnover of EUR 2.7 million (m) or 16.7% to EUR 18.8m.”
In 2007 the Austria Center Vienna returned its best ever results in its 20 years of operation. It hosted 230 events, 47 of them international, and attracted 250,000 visitors. In addition to satisfied regular customers who again placed their reliance on the ACV’s high service standards and professionalism, the venue won new tenants who brought it a total of 122 events.
“The number of delegate days at international events was also up, to about 230,000,“ Rupperti noted. “The international events held at the ACV contribute an annual EUR 120–EUR 130m to Austrian GDP.“ Length of stay is also an important factor. According to the latest Vienna conference statistics international conference delegates spend an average of EUR 556 per overnight stay, making this the form of tourism that generates the most revenue.

Broad spectrum of events
The ACV gives organisers a wide range of options, and this multifunctionality is reflected in the broad spectrum of events. Apart from the medical and pharmaceutical events that account for 40% of event turnover, the ACV hosted a number of UN conferences of great political importance including non-proliferation treaty negotiations, the Global Forum and the preparatory meetings ahead of the climate change conference in Bali. Medical conferences such as the ECR (European Society of Radiology Congress) with 18,000 delegates, annual general meetings of listed companies, trade exhibitions and public fairs. "In recent years bookings at the ACV have reflected a growing trend towards corporate events,“ Rupperti pointed out. "This segment of the market is on the up, and the ACV is ideally suited to the requirements of companies looking to introduce themselves to a broader public.“

Modernisation drive
Thomas Rupperti and his team not only surpassed their ambitious targets in 2007, the ACV building was also given a thorough facelift. To the existing advantages of the facilities they have added state-of-the art technology, ultra-modern multipurpose rooms and more exhibition space. A small area of the building has been specially adapted to provide suitable rooms for seminars. The new look entrance area with its spectacular “ACV Wave” by architects Eichinger oder Knechtl is the crowning glory of the refurbishment programme.

The future of the conference industry
The number of conferences taking place at exotic locations is no longer growing, and there is a strong demand for top-class facilities and destinations with outstanding cultural appeal. Another coming trend is the use of rotation systems. “Some associations are already considering confining their events to just three or four destinations, and alternating between them,“ Rupperti explained. “We are therefore focusing on working with local partners to bring international associations to Vienna. Together, the Vienna Convention Bureau, which is doing excellent work on the international market, and the ACV with its fantastic facilities and state-of-the-art conference equipment should be able to convert demanding major clients to Vienna.“

Outlook for 2008
2008 will be a somewhat quieter year for the entire Austrian conference industry due to the Euro 2008 football tournament. This large-scale sporting event will not prevent the ACV from continuing to make itself still more attractive and working towards the ambitious target of another record year in 2009.

A new conference building for the use of Vienna-based international organisations is heading for completion on time and on budget in the early summer. This marks the conclusion of a major three year project. The EGU General Assembly will be coming to the ACV for the fourth time this April and will bring some 8,000 scientists specialising in geophysics and related disciplines to Vienna. In September about 3,000 water experts will converge on the city for the sixth IWA World Water Conference, and the Vienna International Postage Stamp Exhibition (WIPA) will draw up to 50,000 visitors in the autumn.