Getting the location right is key to the perfect meeting or conference, we give you a rundown of one of our favourites – Leipzig.

Leipzig, Germany, known for its large trade fairgrounds and its important place in world commerce, is today fast becoming a centre for multi-cultural sights and activities too. The city is a hub for conference and trade events and this has led to great developments for the urban area. Why has Leipzig become this world conferencing centre and can the city itself handle the challenge?

A thousand years old, sitting at the junction of three rivers, Leipzig is an alternative city of culture. Originally founded by the crossing of two trade routes this historic city has even been ranked by the New York Times as a top 10-city destination. It is a place rich in history and natural beauty, home to high quality universities and research centres and has a renowned music scene for classic and contemporary lovers a-like.

Progressing on from its original founding of passing trade routes, it has remained and continues to grow as an economic centre in Europe and around the world, with companies such as Porsche, BMW, Siemens and DHL located there. A trade and business epicentre, Leipzig has produced the goods to retain big companies and earned its right to hold valuable conferences.

With the trade fair and conference calendar booked up for this year and next, some of the most significant happenings coming up are;

• The Euregia conference, 22nd-24th of October 2012 this focuses on local and regional development in Europe.
• MUTEC 2012, 22nd-24th of November 2012 an international trade fair for museum and exhibition technology.
• Enertec and TerraTec, 29th-31st of January 2013 International trade fair for the generation, distribution and storage of energy and international trade fair for environmental technologies and services, respectively.

The boom in new builds shows Leipzig’s ability to keep up in the modern world.

These are just a few of the key conferences occurring at the Leipziger Messe Centre along with an abundance of interesting and educational events too. Leipzig has held many important conferences including the 50th annual International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) and was chosen to host the most important cell diagnostic congress in the world in June of this year, the ISAC (International Society for Advancement of Cytometry).

Culturally the city has a lot to offer as well. From music and art, architecture and good food even if you’re just there on business this destination is bound to impact on you positively.

Leipzig is a well-known destination for classical music lovers around the world. Famous for being home to the composer Bach for many years of his life it is where he died and is now buried. Bach held the prestigious role of Director of Music in the principal churches in the city.

The cities strong association with music has led to a tradition of musical events happening throughout each year. The highlight of the summer is set to be the “Classic Open” taking place from the 3rd-12th of August 2012. This unique affair happens right outside the opera house in Leipzig Augustusplatz. For ten days one of Leipzig’s main squares is turned into an open air, restaurant equipped, music-lovers haven, with a huge video screen showing famous recordings of opera, jazz, rock, pop and more. A feast for the eyes and ears, that is not to be missed.

As Leipzig sits in East Germany architecturally, it is heavily influenced from the GDR (German democratic republic) era, before the fall of communism. Gründerzeit style of architecture is very prevalent here, a highly elaborate and lavish style which makes a walk around the city enjoyable and awe-inspiring.

Many new builds in Leipzig have been given plenty of attention, the exceptional administration building for KPMG being one of them. Designed by German architects Schneider & Schumacher the six-story glass building is a stark contrast to the surrounding architecture. Built on an acute angled plot, it’s slim but a statement nonetheless. The boom in new builds shows Leipzig’s ability to keep up in the modern world and its ancient history provides a beautiful variation from other cities.

All these pleasant surroundings provide great places to stay whilst visiting. Whether you’re going to splash out on a lavish hotel or truly get into the culture with a cosy authentic B&B, there are plenty of options. If you want to be in the heart of things and guaranteed standards, then the Radisson Blu Hotel comes recommended. The central train station is only a few steps away and you can make your way to the top floors of the hotel and catch some stunning views of the cities skyline. With an array of suites and rooms to chose from and prices starting from only, 89 Euros the Radisson Blu is ideal for business or pleasure.

The largest terminal railway station in Europe is located here, spanning over 26 platforms and including a shopping mall, Leipzig is no trouble when it comes to transport. It is also easily accessible by car as the city is well connected to the Autobahn, the German highways system, and it boasts its own airport, Leipzig Altenburg airport. Travel can become a little slower and trickier once in the city. Tram and bus systems operate around the clock but with minimal routes and irregular service it is not highly dependable. However this is set to change in 2013 when a city tunnel will open and help advance travel in the city.

A well-equipped business destination with invigorating and lively surroundings, Leipzig deserves its title as a quality conference and trade epic-centre and is soon to be found out as city break hot spot too.