One of the best parts of what we do is getting out into the destinations where our clients could be hosting their next event.
No amount of websites, brochures or virtual tours can replace walking through a venue, meeting the people behind it and experiencing a destination exactly as your delegates would. That’s why, whenever we can, we invest time in visiting cities first-hand, building relationships and uncovering ideas that help us create even better events.
Our latest trip took us to Vienna, and it didn’t disappoint.
Looking beyond the obvious
Of course, we visited hotels, event spaces and venues, but some of the biggest takeaways actually came from conversations with local suppliers and other event professionals.
It was interesting to hear that many agencies still separate travel from event management, asking clients to book flights independently or outsourcing that part of the programme altogether. It reinforced why our joined-up approach works so well. When travel, accommodation and event delivery are managed together, everything simply runs more smoothly, giving clients one team, one plan and complete visibility throughout.
We also spent time with the Vienna Convention Bureau, who shared some brilliant insight into how the city supports international meetings and events. Their independent approach means recommendations are based on what’s genuinely right for each brief, rather than steering organisers towards preferred suppliers. It’s another example of why building local relationships matters, giving us access to trusted advice and helping us shape the best possible experience for our clients.
A city full of ideas
Vienna is packed with history, but it’s also full of experiences that can make an event feel genuinely memorable.
A customised food tour was one of the highlights, offering a relaxed way to experience the city while being completely adaptable to different groups and dietary requirements.
We also loved the idea of graffiti workshops along the Danube Canal for something a little different, while Vienna’s famous Ball Season sparked plenty of inspiration. It’s easy to imagine creating a modern take on the tradition, with elegant gala dinners, live music and even dance lessons beforehand for a memorable client evening.
Sometimes it’s these little ideas that become the moments people remember long after the event has finished.
Venues that really stood out
There were plenty of impressive venues, but a few really caught our attention.
The Park Hyatt Vienna was a clear favourite. Beautifully designed, with elegant meeting spaces and a fantastic location, it would be perfect for premium meetings and incentive groups.
For larger events, it’s hard not to be impressed by Hofburg Vienna. The scale, flexibility and grandeur of the venue are incredible, with spaces that would suit everything from conferences to spectacular gala dinners.
We were also lucky enough to visit the Belvedere Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, both offering the opportunity to host private evening events surrounded by some of Vienna’s most iconic art and architecture. They’re the sort of venues that create a genuine sense of occasion without needing much dressing at all.
For something a little more contemporary, the Heidi Horten Collection offered a completely different feel and would be a great fit for clients looking for something unexpected.
Why these visits matter
The real value of trips like this isn’t simply seeing a destination. It’s understanding it.
Knowing which hotels genuinely suit different groups. Understanding how guests move around the city. Discovering venues that aren’t always the obvious choice. Building relationships with people on the ground who can help us create something special.
Those insights are difficult to find online, but they make a real difference when planning an event.
Every destination we visit adds another layer of experience that we can bring back to our clients. It means our recommendations are based on what we’ve seen, who we’ve met and what we’ve learnt, helping us create events that feel thoughtful, seamless and genuinely memorable.
That’s why we’ll always make time to get out, explore and keep learning. Because the best events start long before the first delegate arrives.