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Ahead of the Meetings Star award ceremony, honouring the best regional hotels, destinations and most influential individuals in the meetings industry, we talked to the finalists of the esteemed competition. Oliver Staerz, CEO of Ferry Porsche Congress Centre, discussed why education and respect are two cornerstones that can help us thrive in a harmonious environment and why event organisers should take AI tools seriously.

INTRO: Can you describe your convention centre using only four words?

Friendly, modern, variable, and economical.

Q1: What differentiates your convention centre from others?

The innovative room concept with versatile room options.

Q2: What are the novelties of your convention centre in 2024?

Cooperation with the National Park „Hohe Tauern“; FOC certification of green events.

ferry_porsche_congress
Photo: Ferry Porsche Congress Centre

“Education and respect – I think these are two cornerstones required to accept different ways of thinking and would thrive in a harmonious environment.”

Q3: As one of the leading experts in the industry, what are your thoughts on the ChatGPT craze? Is this another marketing hype or an actual tool that will make boring, routine jobs a lot easier?

ChatGPT should be taken seriously. We should also put more emphasis on implementing new IoT tools into daily job routines instead of finding arguments against them. That means that we have to, of course, offer training possibilities for our employees to learn how to use such new tools instead of being afraid of them.

Q4: What skills should a 21st-century event organiser possess?

Open or large-mindedness, flexibility, and a positive view of life.

Q5: We cannot avoid discussing the sustainable transformation of our industry. What must we do to create a world where more than nine billion people can live decently within planetary boundaries?

Education and respect – I think these are two cornerstones required to accept different ways of thinking and would thrive in a harmonious environment.

Q6: What is your definition of true hospitality?

Treating someone like a fan.

Photo: Ferry Porsche Congress Centre

“We could come up with a master plan of how to make our buildings more efficient and more environmentally friendly.”

Q7: Can you name one problem the entire meetings industry should solve together?

Transportation/mobility – finding a way to decrease emissions considerably. Why can’t we think of “joint meetings” taking place concurrently but in different locations to reduce transportation requirements considerably? Also, we could come up with a master plan of how to make our buildings more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

Q8: Do you enjoy podcasts? Which is your favourite?

Sometimes yes. My favourite is “Creative Exchange”.

Q9: What is the best travel advice you have ever received?

Walk, don’t drive!

Q10: If you could take anything home from your favourite hotel, what would it be?

The friendly early morning wake-up call.

Learn more about Ferry Porsche Congress Centre here

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