"Great events need the right setting," also says Gary Pott, Managing Director of the Grand Hall ZOLLVEREIN. That's the reason why he always invites interested corporate decision-makers to a personal meeting in the north of Essen first. "Some things you just have to see for yourself."

The fine art of a successful event: experiencing an inspiring place.

For him and his team, it's always great to see how excited and amazed visitors are from the moment they enter the Grand Hall. The fascination that emanates from the historic compressor hall, which was converted in 2017, has already captivated some big company names. These include corporate groups such as HAGEDORN and Valora, the Customer Service Association of Germany (KVD) or vgbe energy, the publishing house of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.) or the Lebensmittel Praxis Verlag (LPV). And perhaps because the first impression is a lasting one, many companies come back when the next event is due. Some of them three or four times.

Photo Copyright: HAGEDORN Group of Companies

Listening to find out what the real purpose of an event should be. Sounds sober? It isn't! After all, there are countless reasons why companies invite people to events. For example, a company anniversary is to be celebrated with the entire staff, customers and partners, an information event is to be given the right setting or a congress is to end with stylish evening entertainment.

Simply greet guests in a good mood

"As event technicians, we have two main target groups in mind," Kohn explains. "The hosts and the guests." On the day of the event at the latest, hosts should be able to relax and guests should feel comfortable. "After all, board members or managing directors have a completely different job site than running the event; they simply want to greet their guests in a good mood." Florian Kohn has up to 40 employees on the job. Depending on the size of the event and the effort involved, he can also bring in freelancers. With his crew, he covers everything: logistics, lighting, stage construction, and sound and video technology. What happens in the background, what strings are pulled, remains invisible to the outside. This is also the reason for the name of his company. Blue Wheels is the name of the blue wheels that are mounted under most flight cases. Anyone who has ever worked at an event or trade show will know them. They run as smoothly as they do quietly and leave no traces.

The visitor was presented with an outstanding picture: exclusive kitchen setups, skilfully interrupted again and again by tasteful retreats such as sofa landscapes, blended charmingly into the industrial backdrop of the hall. At the same time, the association incorporated the club and foyer on the lower level. GfM partners, including Neff, Siemens and Miele, showed the latest in fixtures and technical appliances, framed by massive concrete piles.

"We couldn't have picked a better place for," Ottenbacher expresses his enthusiasm. "We have so many opportunities to exhibit, make contacts and give presentations here." In addition, the Grand Hall with its great service lends itself to celebrating a party including a large buffet after the trade fair days. And then later to spend the night at the Hotel Friends on the grounds of Zollverein. "We have never before booked the same location twice in a row for our trade fair," says Ottenbacher. That's changing now: The reservation for the next GfM Trends has long been fixed - naturally and not hard to guess: 2024 in the Grand Hall.

Regardless of the season, it is the industrial charm of incorporating the outdoor area that is particularly convincing. Workshops, meetings or events can be held indoors - while the company's own fair or a small winter market awaits guests outside.

In addition, many companies appreciate Zollverein's general cultural offerings. "If you invite your customers and partners and start with a guided tour through the Ruhr Museum or over the slagheaps, you offer real added value," knows Gerald Pott, Managing Director of the Grand Hall. At the same time, he says, his team implements the sustainable strategy of the one-stop location in cooperation with all partners and suppliers. "So that the event is not only well-rounded, but also as resource-friendly as possible."