For the eighth year in succession, Germany has defended its position as one of the leading global destinations for meetings and conventions. The study conducted by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) showed that Germany is the top location in Europe for association meetings. Globally, Germany occupies second place. According to the rankings, only the USA has more international conventions. In 2011, the experts counted a total of 577 international association meetings in Germany – an increase of 35% over the previous year – and considerably more than second-placed Spain, which hosted 463 conventions. The United Kingdom follows in third place with 434 events.

“It is no accident that Germany is a fixture among the world leaders in organising international conventions. As well as offering very good value for money, excellent infrastructure and a wide range of event centres, Germany also scores highly in terms of innovation…” says a confident Matthias Schultze, managing director of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. The GCB markets Germany both nationally and internationally as a destination for conventions, meetings, incentives and events and is the central point of contact for all customers planning events in the country. www.germany-meetings.com