Though known and beloved for BMWs and Oktoberfest, this Bavarian city offers far more than that for meetings groups and gatherings. Over the next few months, the city will be playing host to major conferences such as the Editorial Design Conference and World Risk and Insurance Economics Congress.
A number of new event venues have opened their doors in recent months. Among them is Spiegelsalon (or "Mirror Room"), an ornate, extravagant space in black-and-white design. It is connected to the Theaterfabrik, which hosts concerts and events for up to 1,000 attendees.
Another ideal meetings spot is Maienzeit (or "Maytime") Carrée, offering four distinctive spaces that can accommodate from 20 to 440 people. These consist of the Maytime Vault (the restored basement, accented by LED lighting and beer barrels), Maytime Gallery (of airy hallways), and Maytime Café, all connected by a central courtyard.
Cultural activities abound throughout the city. The historic Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz has been undergoing a massive refurbishment, including the modernization of its ventilation and heating systems (in some cases more than 100 years old), replacement of its plumbing, and integration of a large rehearsal stage and upgrade of the entrance hall. The build is expected to complete by the end of the year (the historic building's 150th anniversary) with a grand opening in early 2016.
Last year, Munich's historic Deutsches Theater was reopened after a six-year restoration effort. The 119-year-old institution hosts all variety of music and theater shows, from Catch Me If You Can to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
As for hotel options, this is a better time than ever for meeting groups looking for welcoming venues. Following this month after an extensive renovation, the Leonardo Hotel Munich City Olympiapark offers 196 rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and easy access to popular spots.
Aloft Munich will be opening in August in the middle of Munich's bustling city center. It offers 184 rooms, as well as a 24-hour gym and grab-and-go food station. The 202-room Ibis Munich City is slated to open in June, located a short walk from the city's main train station.
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This article appears in the April 2015 issue of Successful Meetings.