In a major media centre like Hamburg, the red carpet is permanently rolled out. Small wonder, since the city offers endless possibilities for celebrations, meetings and events. Those looking for the unusual will find it here: floating lounges on the water, animal backdrops at the aquarium, historic portside sheds, turn-of-the-century industrial architecture, generous ballrooms and ships of any size.
These places are not only located at the scenic waterfront, but often have their own piers and can be reached by boat. It is also important as a consular city and still holds centuries-old trade relations. Combined with a tangible flair of openness and tolerance, it is clear that Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city.
In the course of history, trade and change have given Hamburg the growth, success and the foresight to manage future challenges. The best example of this is the port, which, developed in the immediate vicinity of downtown tourist hotspots, had to adapt to accomodate giant container ships and a rising demand for space, yet still managed to defend its position as one of the top container ports in the world.
The maritime sector and the logistics industry extend their influence far into the surrounding economic centres and form the basis for Hamburg’s reputation as an international metropolis for the service industry. Every two years, Hamburg is host to the leading trade fair of the shipbuilding industry, the SMM, which comes as little surprise as 120 German shipping companies alone are already represented in the city.
Global players
Traditionally, global players and well-known brands establish corporate, German and European headquarters in Hamburg. The list includes everything from mail order companies, coffee roasters, oil companies, banks and insurers to chocolatiers and cosmetics manufacturers. Lesser known is that the metropolis at the Elbe River is the largest civil aviation centre after those in Seattle and Toulouse. Consequently, Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, mid-sized suppliers and the airport are among the region’s most important employers.
In addition, there are recognised research and educational institutions, such as the university, state and private colleges, scientific institutes and important technology centres like the German Electron Synchrotron. Hamburg is also in the headlines as a media and creative centre − and you can take that literally. After all, Germany’s most widely read tabloid newspaper is produced in the city, as well as the most popular TV newscast, a selection of leading magazines, award-winning ad campaigns, computer games, films and TV series. As one of the strongest economic regions in Europe, Hamburg occupies a top position in many important industries. It is above all the great potential of renowned scientists and specialists as well as its global trade relations that make the city an ideal meeting place.
Inspiring moments
Mainstream and avant-garde; stars and newcomers; true Hamburg citizens and people from every culture − all intermingle in this large cosmopolitan melting pot. Symphony concerts and nightlife, the Harbour Festival and numerous Jazz festivals, theatrical performances and poetry slams are just as much part of Hamburg as are luxury brands and independent labels, haute cuisine and fish sandwiches at the Sunday fish market.
It wasn’t princes and kings, but cosmopolitan citizens and art-loving patrons who laid the foundation for its arts and culture. And this is still true today. The Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall is ultimately an expression of this philanthropic commitment. Hamburg is the uncontested leader when it comes to endowments for the arts and culture; the city’s valuable treasures and unique institutions, such as the Art Gallery, the Brucerius Art Forum, the Deichtor Halls, the Ernst Barlach Museum or the Maritime Museum, are all owed to this generous spirit.
On the trail of the Beatles, those who come looking for music find this city has more to offer than others. For example, Hamburg established Germany’s first public opera house in 1678, attracted famous composers like Johann S Bach and Johannes Brahms to the banks of the Elbe River and served as a springboard for legends of more recent musical history, above all the Beatles, who in the 60s started their unprecedented career in the clubs of St. Pauli. The Beatlemania Museum and various tours remind us of the performances of the best-known rock band of all time.
Sustainable visions
Hamburg’s beauty isn’t just set in stone. The city also impresses with delightful natural surroundings, cultivated charm and clean air. Encircled by tributaries and canals, generous parks and green spaces with many plant species and old, giant trees are spread throughout the city. You can find a peaceful refuge anywhere – be it on a lakeside patio in the nearby 148 hectare city park, on an Elbe River beach or on a boat dock on Alster Lake. Woods, meadows and recreational areas make up about 15 percent of the city’s area. Hard to believe, but Hamburg boasts 29 nature reserves on its relatively small area – more than any other city in Germany.
Hamburg was crowned the most environmentally friendly city in Europe, winning the Green Capital award in 2011. And for good reason. Leading Hamburg to success was the fact that the city managed to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions, despite economic growth. By 2020, emissions are to be reduced by another 40 percent – by expanding the public transit system, which is already exemplary with its fleet of hydrogen-powered and hybrid vehicles.
Visionary technologies
Hamburg is one of the most important centres for innovative technologies like electric vehicles, wind power generation and health research. Visionary approaches for a green metropolis with a high quality of life are found everywhere – not least in the projects of the International Building Exhibition or the 2013 International Horticultural Exhibition on the Elbe island of Wilhelmsburg. The city wants to continue to grow – never at the expense of valuable green space or the climate, but using concepts that are sustainable.
A successful event is the result of details and perfect planning; those who can develop ideas save time, money and effort. Hamburg has all it takes to make this happen and is truly more than just another option. The central location of hotels and conference facilities, diverse locations, reliable service partners, and the fact that everything is nearby and can be easily reached, speaks for itself. Whether in daylight or at night, the city is unique; its hospitality is perfect and sincere, and its charm will simply blow you away. Anyone who has ever been to Hamburg will gladly come back again. Why don’t you find out for yourself?
