visitBerlin hosted its third annual Bestival last week, bringing together more than 1,000 MICE and travel industry professionals from all over Europe. And micebook tagged along for the ride…

The third edition of the business festival, held in partnership with three industry associations – visitBerlin Partnerhotels, BEN Berlin Event Network and INTOURA – took place on 6-7 July.

Over the course of two days, the event included exciting keynotes and workshops, networking opportunities and live performances, giving attendees a taste of what Berlin has to offer.

micebook joined agency and corporate buyers from companies including Jack Morton, Oddity Events, Bray Leino, Informa Connect, Audience, Howdens Insurance and more. There were various groups who were invited by different associations to come together and experience the German capital in a unique way.

Our group spent the first day attending interesting panel discussions and informative lectures including speakers such as Dina Padalkina from Circular Berlin, Heinrich Carstens from POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair, Dr. Katharina Reuter from the German Sustainable Business Association, Matthias Schultze from the German Convention Bureau and Thomas Hoff Andersson from BER Airport.

The morning discussions were held at the industrial landmark Magazin in der Heeresbäckerei before the group moved on to some fun workshops at the SAGE Beach where the evening concluded at the same location with a live band, live music and a DJ.

‘All of Berlin’ was the motto for the second day and it certainly set the precedent. There was a wide range of options from discovery tours and site inspections to partner events. Options included tours of Potsdam, cycling tours around the city, a cultural tour to explore the theatre and art scene of Berlin, and the opportunity to visit Checkpoint Charlie, The Wall and other infamous landmarks of the cosmopolitan city.

The two days came to an end with everyone convening at the ‘Lange Nacht der Hotels’ (Long Night of Hotels). Each group experienced three different hotels, enjoyed sumptuous food and enjoyed some well-deserved beverages!