Convention Strategy
Connecting. Rewarding. Transforming.
At a time of dynamic change, Austria presents an ambitious vision for the future of its meetings and events sector: MEET IN AUSTRIA. Initiated by a broad coalition of industry leaders, including the Austrian National Tourist Office, the Austrian Convention Bureau (ACB), and the Convention Bureaux of all nine federal provinces, and supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, the convention strategy sets new benchmarks for a culture of encounter, innovation, and sustainable development.
“Connecting. Rewarding. Transforming.” This phrasing is positioning, guiding principle, and inner attitude at the same time. Because Business Meetings in the spirit of MEET IN AUSTRIA are intended to be humanly connecting, economically and content‑wise rewarding, and sustainably transformative in their impact.
The “MEET IN AUSTRIA” strategy aims to position Austria as a top destination for business events that offer authentic hospitality, outstanding nature experiences, and a cultivated, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Each province and place contributes its own strengths and specialties that should be harnessed synergistically.
A cornerstone of the strategy is the action area “Lighthouse Projects & Innovation,” where innovative meeting projects are jointly developed and implemented to showcase local strengths while creating sustainable value. “With new formats, genuine innovation, and a new co‑creative culture of encounter, we want to draw attention to Austria as a meeting destination,” says Gerhard Stübe of the ACB Austrian Convention Bureau.
Another focus is on education and training. The “Convention Campus Austria” program and a digital training map are intended to help prepare current and future professionals for the industry’s new challenges and opportunities.
“Network Management” and “Sustainability” are also key action areas, aiming to connect all relevant stakeholders and to take a leading role in developing sustainable meeting standards.
Areas of action
The strategy underlines the need for a clear vision and shared responsibility. “The point is that all of us—from local providers to national organizations—pull together to position our country as a leading force in the international meetings industry,” explains Sandra Neukart of the Austrian National Tourist Office.
With the “MEET IN AUSTRIA” strategy, Austria positions itself at the forefront of international competition—ready to tackle future challenges and to lead the meetings industry toward a sustainable, connected, and rewarding future.
You can download the complete “MEET IN AUSTRIA” convention strategy here.