Last week, micebook hosted our third nineteen agency leaders retreat in Berlin, in partnership with visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office and All About Flights.

Leaders from ten agencies including Strata, OrangeDoor, Chorus, Powwow Events, Broadsword, Nteractive, TTA, Cheerful Twentyfirst, SevenEvents and Noble Events, took part in the immersive and though-provoking three-day programme.

Broadsword shares some of the highlights from the trip…

The retreat was a great opportunity to be immersed in the city’s contemporary art and culture. The historical adventure was intertwined with poignant stories while visiting sites along the War Memorial Walk such as The Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial. We were also able to experience the magic of Christmastime in Berlin, with the city draped in snow and the many festive pop ups across the city.

Day One: Contemporary Berlin

Fotografiska
The retreat started with discussions on current challenges at the newly opened Fotografiska. The contemporary museum of photography, art and culture has a signature industrial style and graffiti walls. The space opens as a destination for world-class food and beverage experiences with its Veronika restaurant, where we enjoyed a visually stunning lunch.

Telegraphenamt Hotel
We were invited to ​‘stay in history’ at The Telegraphenamt Hotel. The Hotel’s historical significance made it the natural choice in the context of the trip, in the heart of Berlin and next to Museum Island.

The hotel’s name and industrial features come from its origin as the post office branch responsible for telegraphy in the 1910s, being Berlin’s epicentre for communication. Following a timeless renovation, the hotel opened its doors at the end of 2022, with features such as the original letter shoot still intact and integrated into the design throughout the venue.

Day Two: Walk Through History

Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann
Following a poignant War Memorial walk, we visited The grand mansion which was built in 1914, in the style of a French palace, and has served as an embassy and naval club. Since then, it has been designed by Karl Lagerfield in the 1990s and redesigned in 2014 by German Fashion Designer, Patrick Hellmann as the five-star hotel it is today.

As a palatial getaway from the city, set in Grunewald’s green surroundings, it is magnificent venue that oozes luxury from its gilded rooms to grand spaces.

Embracing Berlin’s sustainability
Velo Taxis, an electric alternative to public transport, can be found throughout the city and were enjoyed during the retreat as our mode of transport to one of Berlin’s magical Christmas markets. These taxis allow you to explore the city on the move.

Berlin is a city from which many lessons can be learnt including its embrace of sustainability, with cycling and green parks being integral to the metropolitan.

In 2019, Visit Berlin launched the Sustainable Meetings Berlin initiative in cooperation with venues in the city to provide a platform for sustainable event planning in the MICE sector.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski
As the day came to an end, we enjoyed dinner at the prestigious Hotel Adlon Kempinski, ​‘the home of timeless luxury’. This landmark hotel has possibly the best address of all the city’s venues, situated on Under den Liden in the heart of Berlin, with an incredible view of the Brandenburg gate. The hotel blends contemporary luxury with historical features and a very special gingerbread house, made especially for Christmas.

Day Three: Pathways to the Future

Waldorf Astoria Berlin
On our final day, we enjoyed a breakfast session to explore the future of the MICE industry in the Library of the Waldorf Astoria.

Located on the 15th floor of the skyscraper hotel, The Library has a relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views over the rooftops of Berlin.

Hotel Amano Grand Central
This warm and contemporary hotel offers several versatile event spaces including bars, restaurants and meeting rooms. For this retreat, we were invited to enjoy a lunch at their ski lodge chalet, perched atop the rooftop over the holidays. The intimate winter retreat, with its alpine inspired ambience was the perfect setting to enjoy winter dishes while reflecting on our visit.

A special thanks to micebook and its partners for this incredible trip.