Interplan and Congress Center Leipzig: Two major congresses, many synergies
Interplan has just hosted two major medical congresses at the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL). The 76th Congress of the German Society of Urology (DGU) from 25 to 28 September was immediately followed by the VISZERALMEDIZIN Congress from 30 September to 5 October. The realisation of both congresses, with around 6,000 and more than 5,000 participants respectively in the same location, was based on a demanding schedule. At the same time, a variety of synergies and operational optimisations were possible, which could be exemplary for the industry. The most important basis for successful realisation: the long-standing partnership and trusting cooperation of all participants.
While individual concepts and requirements had to be implemented for each of the two congresses, the overall aim was to find opportunities for synergies. The aim: to organise the handover of the building as efficiently as possible between the tightly scheduled events, to use infrastructures sensibly together and to achieve sustainable effects. First step: VISZERALMEDIZIN was already consistently included in the preparations for the DGU Congress.
Two congresses, one basic principle
The focus was on Exhibition Hall 2 and the organisation of both congresses followed the same basic principle: The temporary conference rooms were located in the immediate vicinity of the exhibition and catering areas. While the exhibitions were of different sizes - 183 exhibitors at the DGU Congress and 128 exhibitors at VISZERALMEDIZIN - and were individually designed accordingly, the temporary conference rooms were set up once in the hall and used by both congresses. During the conversion phase, only one large plenary hall was divided into two smaller plenary halls.
Both congresses also used the conference office, the entire technical set-up for registration and the temporary media reception in the CCL. Material deliveries were combined. All hostesses and hosts were on duty for both congresses. This meant that resources could be saved in many respects – without compromising on the high-quality equipment and quality of both congresses. At the same time, the synergies described above, especially the joint use of the temporary installations, had a positive effect on the tightly synchronised conversion schedule between the two events.
Courage and confidence to take innovative paths
In addition to Interplan and the CCL, the participating specialist societies – the German Society for Urology, the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGA) – played a key role in the success of this ambitious project. Interplan has been supporting them as a PCO for many years – the DGU for 18 years, VISZERALMEDIZIN for 32 years. The CCL has already hosted them several times. The value of the relationship of trust that has been built up over the years is now once again evident in the ambition to find practicable solutions together and to explore new, innovative avenues. “We have already set a milestone in 2021 with the VISZERALMEDIZIN congress,” recalls André Kaldenhoff, Head of Congresses at Leipziger Messe. “Following the cancellation of events due to the pandemic, September 2021 was the first major scientific and medical congress in Germany or even Europe to be held on location again. That was only possible with courage and trust on all sides.”
Common basis for successful congresses
As one of the leading congress agencies in Europe and the German-speaking countries, Interplan has regularly organised congresses at the CCL for many years. Interplan was responsible for the complete logistical organisation of both congresses, including all arrangements with the CCL and the partners involved. “We have known each other for many years and the CCL team has a lot of experience with our congresses and our way of working. A relationship of trust develops over such a long period of time. In the working environment of our congresses, where many trades and partners work together, where mutual understanding and good communication are important, it is incredibly helpful to have such a common basis,” says Bruno Lichtinger, Managing Director of Interplan. “Some of our teams have known each other for several decades. We share many values, as well as our understanding of service quality. We find solutions together, trust and appreciate each other – this results in great, successful congresses.”
About the CCL
The Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) belongs to the Leipziger Messe group of companies and is part of the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. It is one of the most modern congress and conference centres in Europe. The centre’s special features include personalised event support and a comprehensive service that covers the entire spectrum of event services. Around 100 congresses and specialist programmes take place at the CCL every year. The flexible space concept with 23 independent rooms, integrated exhibition halls and the Glass Hall as an event location allows events of almost any size and character. The CCL is part of the do-it-at-leipzig.de initiative, an association of Leipzig’s congress partners who work together to promote high standards in Leipzig as a congress location.
