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A Convention in Dresden: Too Fascinating to Postpone

Dresden: A fascinating idea

 

altThe Saxon state capital is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe. It is an alluring ensemble of impressive buildings, countless art treasures and multifaceted cultural jewels. This vibrant metropolis not only attracts tourists but also top academics and employers from all over the world. The highly varied cultural programme, abundance of captivating venues and the celebrated ‘Dresden Spirit’ make the city a most attractive convention destination for international organisers and attendees from every corner of the globe.

 

Meet the world of tomorrow in Dresden today alt

Dresden is always on the go. The city is continually changing, inspiring a wealth of new discoveries. These dynamics, combined with highly qualified specialists and a strategic location in the heart of Central Europe, have created a scientific and industrial city with a clear sense of purpose. The innovative spirit has been apparent throughout the city’s long history. Not only was Europe’s first white porcelain developed in Dresden but also Odol, the world’s first mouthwash. And well before the single lens reflex camera was invented here, Dresden had already made its reputation as a city of creativity. Today, Dresden is the economic and scientific centre of the Free State of Saxony and home to many renowned research institutes such as the Leibniz Association and the Max Planck Society as well as numerous universities. Twelve Fraunhofer institutes, facilities and branch institutes make Dresden the ‘Fraunhofer capital’, and with the TU Dresden having been designated a University of Excellence in 2012, the city will continue to increase its appeal to students.

 

Concentrated excellence
The engine driving science and industry as well as the attractiveness of thematically related conventions and conferences is fuelled by Dresden’s three major areas of excellence:

1) microelectronics, information and communication technology;

2) new materials, nanotechnology, photovoltaics; 3) life science and biotechnology.

Dresden is a citadel of hi-tech industry and Europe’s leading location in the development of memory chips, which has led to the surrounding region being dubbed ‘Silicon Saxony’. Every second chip manufactured in Europe comes from Dresden, and approximately 1,500 companies, including Globalfoundries and Infineon, employ more than 48,000 people here. In the biotechnology field, theoretical research and advanced application go hand in hand. Important research currently includes the regenerative wonders of the Axolotl salamander, whilst the OncoRay centre is poised to become the leading international address for radiotherapy. Renowned scientists are bringing new materials onto the market and into use which will define our daily lives in the future. They include Dr Karl Leo who has been awarded Germany’s Future Prize for his research into organic semiconductors. alt

 

Dresden is the only region in Europe that is home to the six key enabling technologies identified by the European Union that will consolidate the EU’s stature as an industrial powerhouse and solve the challenges of today’s world. All of these technologies come together in Dresden thanks to the city’s blend of traditional strengths such as semiconductors with new developments such as biotechnology. Events and congresses play an important part in establishing Dresden as a leading location for technology and science. Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert notes: “We are very much interested in congresses and trade fairs that match the technical profile of our city.”

 

References and statistics alt

 

In the world of science, it is becoming increasingly important to choose a conference venue that provides a practical link to the subject matter. Based on its fields of world-class expertise, Dresden commends itself as a venue for high-class conferences. In recent years, Dresden has successfully hosted a number of top-level conferences based on its specific expertise in new technology:

 Semicon Europa is the continent’s number one trade fair and conference in microelectronics. In 2013, 400 exhibitors, 300 speakers and 500 participants came together in 70 seminars to discuss the latest achievements in technology transfer.

A prime example of a successful event concept is the cooperation with the German Materials Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde, DGM), based in Frankfurt am Main. DGM have developed a special event format for Dresden based on their awareness that Dresden is an important hub for materials science, with renowned experts and institutions. Next year, the German Materials Society will be hosting MATERIALSWEEK 2015 at Messe Dresden, focusing on ‘Materials for the Future’. The congress and exhibition is the meeting point for materials applicators, producers, developers and researchers exploring the megatrends of the future in energy, communication, health and safety.

 

Statistics confirm Dresden’s status as a fast climber in the conference world, with 1,345,000 participants having attended 15,430 events in 2013. Dresden now ranks 83rd in the international comparison of convention destinations and eighth in the domestic standings among Germany’s major cities. Dresden is an excellent congress location with a lot of potential. It’s the package as a whole that makes the difference: key facilities all within easy reach, great culture and exceptional quality – all at moderate prices.

 

Convention meets culture

 

A good convention links work and pleasure – another field in which Dresden excels. The city’s numerous conference altcentres, its wide variety of overnight accommodation and the compact infrastructure so typical of Dresden make it a convention location like no other, added to which its cultural offerings, Old Town attractions and recreational options provide the perfect environment for a memorable and successful stay. The historic Old Town is ideal for exploring on foot, and countless other worthwhile destinations in the region are convenient to visit on day trips. Meanwhile, numerous cultural sites and local organisers also offer tours which can be easily integrated into conference or convention support programmes as desired. It is the striking contrast of old and new, of modern architecture and lifestyle against a Baroque backdrop, that makes a full event programme so fascinating here.