While the jury, consisting of the German heads of Edeka, Rewe and Globus, retired to the Grand Hall's Schalthaus to make their decision, the guests in the hall were able to find out about the latest trends in the food sector - and taste them everywhere. A special event that combined exhibition stands, a congress and a festive awards ceremony followed by a party. And who won the title? There was one winner in each of four categories: Elli in Delbrück, Edeka Wilger in Borken, Rewe Center in Engelsbach and Edeka Cramer in Langenhagen.

Namely the one that stands in the foyer of our administration. Sven Robusch and Tom Koperek, the current managing directors of the Grand Hall and Blue Wheels, saved the historic spotlight. When they were on the road together as lighting technicians with various touring productions through Germany in the 1980-ies, they discovered the old treasure that was about to be scrapped.

Who knows about historic theater lighting?

"Since the founding of our company, it has stood in changing locations as a lucky charm in the foyer," says Tom Koperek, "and indeed it has not left us now for almost 30 years, the luck." By the way, in this context, we would really appreciate if someone has a hint for us from which year the spotlight could originally come from... We'll just take a guess: 30s?

 "We want to make the Grand Hall as energy-efficient as possible," Koperek says. For the measures, which will take several weeks, he has brought in the technology service provider Blue Wheels. Among other things, it will switch completely to LED lights. "A lot has happened in this area recently," adds Florian Kohn, managing director at Blue Wheels. "Atmosphere can now also be created excellently with LED." Not only on the stage, but also throughout the entire hall. For example, with special lighting effects that can be dimmed to any level or create colored waves.

Kilometers of cable for the best sound

But things really get complicated in the Grand Hall when a total of 15 kilometers of cable are laid for the new loudspeakers. Along the hall ceiling at a height of 8 meters. "We are installing the 40 speakers of various sizes in a decentralized manner," explains Kohn. "This will allow us to further improve speech intelligibility, for example for conferences and congresses." The technology specialists are guided by a complicated concept based on an acoustic simulation: To achieve the optimum sound, the team tried out every possible constellation beforehand.

Charging columns in front of the Grand Hall

The first big company event after the vacations is scheduled for mid-August, and everything has to be ready by then. "We're working flat out," says Tom Koperek, who is pleased that the modernization will save up to 75% in energy costs. "For our customers, that means being able to hold events even more sustainably and economically - without sacrificing quality." And then to really round things off, Koperek is also providing an e-charging infrastructure. As of soon, 10 fast-charging columns will be available in front of the Grand Hall.

Margareta Ferreira has already brought her composure with her; after training as a hotel manager, she completed a teaching degree. Only to return to the hospitality industry. Today, she is mainly involved in "planning, organizing and communicating to all sides" at the Grand Hall. "I deal closely with customers and suppliers, I can't imagine a more diverse job." She regularly sits down with the Grand Hall's partner companies - including technicians, stage builders, room designers and caterers.

Everyone is present at the trade meetings

At such "trade meetings," projects are discussed and ideas are fleshed out. "It is important that decision-makers in companies are also on site with us. They want and need to get a picture of how we work and what is possible in the Grand Hall." Often, customers have a vague idea about their event, "but that's about it." The sales team then provides support, presents setups, suggests presenters and live acts, creates mood boards for furniture and decor, and reports on their experiences.

In these situations, the event manager is in her element, just like during the event itself. With one difference: "If everything is well planned, an event runs all by itself," says Ferreira. And if it doesn't? She reflects briefly, "Then we probably did something wrong." She can't recall such a case. "Sure, there are questions in between, but we quickly find a solution together."

"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

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."