Two Years of the Bavarian Congress Initiative: What Has Been Seen in Practice

Two years ago, the first projects under the Bavarian Convention Initiative were approved. Since then, Bayern Innovativ has supported numerous event organizers, become familiar with a wide variety of convention topics, and gained many insights into the organization of professional events.

What has become clear during this time? What challenges do grant recipients face most frequently? And what recommendations can be drawn from two years of grant-awarding experience?
In this interview, Frank Brändlein, project manager of the Bavarian Congress Initiative, looks back on formative experiences, memorable project moments, and insights that can help event organizers plan their congresses today.

The first grant projects were approved two years ago. Looking back today, what have you learned during this time regarding the conference initiative?

Good guidance upfront really makes all the difference—whether in person at trade shows, over the phone, or through online information sessions. We can only encourage applicants to ask every question they have and to have everything explained to them in detail.

What developments and insights stand out to you most from the past two years?

When people in Bavaria talk about conferences and conventions, they first think of the metropolitan regions of Munich and Nuremberg. However, our applicants show that Bavaria has interesting locations and municipalities throughout the state that offer the right setting for a successful professional event.

What has surprised you the most in your work for the Bavarian Congress Initiative?

No two events are alike. The variety of topics is simply fascinating and makes providing advice in the run-up to a proposal submission—as well as the actual review of the proposal—an exciting task.

Was there a moment in the past two years that particularly stands out in your memory?

The successful completion of an extremely time-consuming review of the statement of funds used for a small nonprofit that had taken on the challenge of organizing a major symposium. Both sides were overjoyed at the positive outcome of this project.

What are the three most important pieces of advice you’d like to share with grant recipients today?

1. Take a close look at our dedicated grant program website
2. Ask questions before or during the application process and take advantage of our advisory services
3. Maintain complete and thorough documentation and start thinking early on about the subsequent funding audit

If you had to describe the past two years of the Bavarian Congress Initiative in three words, what would they be?

“Challenges”
become “solutions”
on “equal footing.”