Scaling new heights

Many destinations promise the chance to escape the hustle and bustle - but in Austria, the stunning scenery just outside its thriving metropolises can inspire delegates to new heights.

For those who love the city life, Vienna is the key draw, yet there's plenty to please those who head away from the capital to areas like Upper Austria or Tyrol to the west.

"Austria's central location in the heart of Europe bordering no less than eight countries is a bonus, and travel to and within Austria is very easy; Austria is just a two-hour flight from the UK, and travel from the airport to the event locations is usually just one or two hours depending on the location," says Martina Jamnig, UK market manager for the Austrian National Tourist Office.

Jamnig cites the country's exceptionally modern infrastructure "powered by cutting-edge technology and world-class knowledge hubs" as fostering success across all industries. Its USP lies at the crossroads of its historical, cultural and creative influences with nature, wellness and sustainability "which have all played a key part in defining our nation".

Vienna, which topped the ICCA world rankings in 2022, excels in large-scale congresses: big wins include the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation which will come to Vienna for the first time in 2026, while more than 17,000 participants from 122 nations met in person and on line in March for the European Congress of Radiology. Support is available until next year for events through the Vienna Meetings Fund.

At country level, Austria ranked 11th worldwide, due to the wealth of choice from bigger destinations like Salzburg to more remote get-away-from-it-all Alpine spots.

Vienna

Take a trip back in time at the newly reopened Casino Zogernitz; its ballroom dating back to 1837 features impressive lighting and sound tech that make the most of its incredible acoustics.

Ovation Austria DMC recommends making the most of Vienna's small palaces for a gala dinner: centrally located Freyung square is home to the stunning Palais Ferstel or Palais Daun-Kinsky.

The beautifully appointed Almanac Palais Vienna, a boutique 5-star luxury hotel which opened in March, boasts 1,000 sqm of event space alongside it 31 luxurious rooms and 80 suites. Or for something different, check out the Heidi Horten Collection. The palace-turned-museum is home to works by Klimt, Picasso and Warhol and can be hired for events: the Tea Room is ideal for 20 or, for a larger event with impact, the Atrium can accommodate 150.

Out of town, the splendour and impressive views at the new Weitsicht Cobenzl are hard to beat: the modern building has six different seminar rooms as well as terraces that make the most of the stunning scenery. Together with the neighbouring historic Schloss Cobenzl, it can host up to 2,600 delegates. A top tip from Ovation Austria: check out the nearby vineyards, one of Vienna's best-kept secrets.

Salzburg

In October, the Mozarteum in Salzburg opened two new foyers on two levels to connect the listed parts of the building: the 200 m2 City Foyer on the ground floor can be used for events for those looking to celebrate all things Mozart.

Or make the most of the most beautiful lake terrace on Lake Wolfgang at the unusual new valley station of the Schafbergbahn, Austria's steepest cog railway. Hire the EQ restaurant with terrace for up to 140 guests or take over the whole event space out of hours for a memorable event for up to 300.

Burgen land

Don't miss the stunning new 118-room hotel opened by winemaker Erich Scheiblhofer a year ago in the south of the country. The sleek Scheiblhofer The Resort offers seminar rooms which can be combined to form a large ballroom; the chic restaurant seats 300 and the Scheiblhofer winery is just a five-minute walk away.

The Tyrol region

The diamond-shaped Gurgl Carat Congress and Event Centre in Obergurgl opened in July 2022 and offers a flexible room layout for up to 500 in a picturesque Alpine setting that is crying out for hiking, biking or climbing off-site excursions.

The University of Innsbruck is expanding its range of event spaces this summer with a new multifunctional building on the lnnrain campus that will include a new 600-seat auditorium. And, with an event hall that can accommodate up to 600 people, it's easy to put relaxation on the agenda at the new Silvretta Therme lschgl, a beautiful four-storey spa that hugs the curves of the hillside.

View from the experts:

Martin Hodi, Managing Director of e+o meeting, event & travel management, shares his recommendations:

MEETING FOR 500

The Hofburg Vienna, the former winter residence of the Habsburgs, boasts 17,000 sqm across 35 rooms for events for up to 4,000 guests; the Festsaal (Festive Hall) can accommodate 1,200 theatre­style and includes a permanent stage and integrated interpreter booths.

GALA DINNER FOR 250

The 15 state rooms in the Salzburg Residenz Palace served as the archbishop's living quarters - the palace's largest room is the Carabinierisaal, built in the 17th century, with space for 360 banquet­style.

INCENTIVE ACTIVITY FOR 50

Classic cars: from scenic tours driven by clients (usually two per car) around Austria's most beautiful regions to more competitive classic car rallies, these can last half a day or span several days.
Dragon boat racing: Whether in Vienna on the River Danube or on a lake elsewhere in Austria, this teambuilding activity is always fun and energetic.