How do you plan a convention for over 10,000 people? How do the technology, logistics, and catering work? And what goes on behind the scenes at an event like this?
Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in Tourism & Hospitality Management were able to experience this firsthand as part of their specialization in Event & Congress Design at one of Europe’s largest medical conferences: the EASD – European Association for the Study of Diabetes Congress. This took place in September at the VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center and brought together around 12,000 experts from all over the world to discuss the latest findings in diabetes research.
A look behind the scenes of a major international conference
For the students, the visit offered a unique opportunity to experience the theoretical content of the lecture in practice. The organization and implementation of an international conference of this magnitude was a special example of professional conference management—from logistics and participant management to technical implementation and sustainability aspects.
Discussion with industry expert Oliver Heinke from Interplan
A particular highlight of the visit was the meeting with Oliver Heinke, Key Account Manager for the EASD Congress at the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) Interplan. He gave the students exciting insights into the challenges and success factors involved in organizing an event of this magnitude.
The visit to the EASD Congress demonstrates how practical the studies at FHWien der WKW are. The close link between theory and practice allows students to directly apply their knowledge in the field of event and congress management and develop an understanding of the requirements of the industry.
Excursions like this not only provide valuable insights into the professional world but also enable students to establish contacts with industry experts—an essential building block for their future careers in tourism and event management.
>> More information about the Bachelor’s program in Tourism & Hospitality Management