THE MICHELIN STARS OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY
The award competition for the leading destinations, venues, hotels and individuals – the Meetings Star Award – has become a reference point and sort of Michelin star selection within the meetings industry. Winners for 2023 were announced in fifteen categories at the gala award ceremony on 21 February 2024.
WHICH ARE THE BEST CONVENTION CENTRES?
Among 277 certified hotels and convention centres from 19 New Europe countries, winners were announced in five categories (city, resort, spa, boutique hotels and congress centres). A dedicated category awarded the best Slovenian hotels and convention centres.
Each hotel and convention centre can receive up to three stars in accordance with our criteria:
3 STARS⭐⭐⭐ – final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 STARS⭐⭐ – final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 STAR⭐ – final score from 4.41 to 4.6
In the category of best convention centres, 33 certified convention centres received the stars. The stars represent recognition for all recipients and prove their quality.
Size-wise, convention centres represent the quintessential strategic infrastructure for every illustrious meeting destination. On average, convention centres boast 18.7 meeting halls. Most (42.8%) feature from 11 to 15 meeting halls. The average size of meeting halls in regional convention centres is 3,167 square metres. In our comparison, 38% of convention centres have at least one hall that can accommodate between 1,000 and 2,000 event attendees. The average-sized hall can accommodate 2,484 attendees in a theatre setting, 2,589 attendees in a standing reception and 1,721 participants for banquets.
BEST CONVENTION CENTRE IN 2023
WINNER: Hungexpo, Budapest, Hungary, final score 4.97
Hungexpo is far more than a classic exhibition centre. It is the largest Hungarian convention centre and represents a transformation hub for the entire meetings industry in Budapest. Hungexpo is among a handful of exhibition centres that comprehensively renovated their exhibition centre instead of making aesthetic corrections like other venues. Their brand new exhibition centre now easily competes with regional competitors. Furthermore, they ensured the venue was fitted with the latest technological equipment, providing top-tier service needed for organising elite events. Add to that superb functional design, and Hungexpo is arguably the most balanced regional venue that offers excellent value for money, too. The bar has been set high by Hungexpo also because the management does not have to consider protecting architectural heritage. What the venue does have is plenty of space and excellent management led by GL Events. They understand the market and clients across the globe. The new Hungexpo is undeniably inspiring and mirrors the zeitgeist of the meetings industry after the COVID-19 crisis. Other exhibition centres in the region can take notes.
2. ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE
Only a handful of congress centres around the world have proven such agility, resilience and diligence to work in the interest of the entire industry.
3. AUSTRIA CENTER VIENNA
The combination of 19 halls, 180 meeting rooms and more than 26,000m2 of exhibition space and networking areas gives the Austria Center Vienna a unique advantage on the international stage.
4. BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE
What is necessary to appreciate is what is hidden below the minimalist exterior. The centre is different, Zen-like and exudes elegant luxury.
5. CANKARJEV DOM
The cultural and convention focal point of Slovenia and a place where Slovenian history is happening. One can not imagine Ljubljana today without Cankarjev dom.
6. FERRY PORSCHE CONGRESS CENTRE
The Ferry Porsche Congress Center meets every demand and has been designed to provide maximum flexibility. The up-to-date interior beautifully highlights the modern exterior of the building.
7. HOFBURG VIENNA
As an imperial conference and event centre, there is nothing like the Hofburg Vienna anywhere else in the world. For over 700 years, both past and modern history have been written within its walls.
8. SALZBURG CONGRESS CENTRE
The Salzburg Congress is determined to hold its market place and it is therefore virtually impossible to point at anything specifically wrong.
9. ICC KATOWICE
The International Congress Centre (ICC) in Katowice is among the best facilities in Poland for business events. Finished in 2015, the building is characterized by its post-industrial aesthetic and functional design.
10. CONGRESS CENTRE SARAJEVO
In June 2019, the biggest congress hall in BiH and the region was opened next to the Hotel Hills. The multi-purpose congress centre boasts modern conference technology.
10. ŠIBENIK CONVENTION CENTRE
A world-class venue offering 11 state-of-the-art meeting halls, the centre is spread out over three easy-to-navigate levels, each floor serving a different function.
We sincerely congratulate all the finalists in the category of best convention centres.
HOW DOES THE EVALUATION OF HOTELS TAKE PLACE?
The competition primarily showcases best-case examples favoured by event organisers and satisfied attendees, tailored to their needs.
The two-phased evaluation includes a self-evaluation by the hotel and an unannounced visit by the hidden congress guest. Our assessors evaluate a hotel based on clear criteria and present where the hotel can improve. The assessors are experts with a wealth of experience in the meetings industry with additional knowledge and experience from the hospitality industry.
Our evaluation matrix is named the Hidden Congress Guest evaluation, comprising 654 criteria. Each category is calculated based on the percentage of fulfilling criteria and the average grade, enabling the hotels to improve each segment and criteria. Find out more about the award competition here.
All certificate recipients can be found in Kongres Magazine’s venue and hotel finder FIND VENUES at https://kongres-magazine.eu/search-venues/. You can seek hotels according to the certificate or final mark.
