Mention Copenhagen in our part of the world and images of a royal wedding or Hans Christian Anderson fairytales spring to mind but, in Europe, this picturesque city is increasingly associated with conferences, congresses and events.
These range from small and intimate through to mega size and, if size is any indicator of expertise, diminutive Copenhagen holds many surprises. German IT group, SAP’s European user conference attracted 7000 delegates. ECCO European Cancer Conference and Microsoft IT Forum Europe drew 10,000 and 3000 respectively. The 97th Rotary International Annual Convention drew another 25,000 during June. Who would have thought it of the fairytale kingdom?
Naturally, Copenhagen does a nice incentive, too. Danish themes centre on castles and banquets and Viking ships – you can sail on a Viking replica in the summertime –although many delegates are equally interested in cutting-edge fashion and design. Crown Princess Mary’s close links to the Danish design scene provoked fashion and royalty excursions and, with Danish design and architecture as backdrops at meeting and function venues, it’s hard to choose between the modern landmarks and Copenhagen’s historic sites. Logistically though, why should groups choose Copenhagen? Ulrika Martensson of Wonderful Copenhagen (www.meetincopenhagen.com), the official Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Greater Copenhagen Area, says it’s all about the city’s accessibility.
“Copenhagen Airport is Northern Europe’s major traffic hub and direct flights from 138 destinations make our city easy to get to from anywhere in the world,” she says.
“The Airports Council International (ACI) just rated Copenhagen Airport the best in Europe and, once you arrive, you can be in the city centre within 15 minutes. Add to that the fact that Copenhagen is a safe city, and largely traffic free. You can negotiate your way around very easily, even on foot because distances between attractions are quite short.”
Copenhagen’s popularity has provoked a 40 per cent increase in hotel capacity since 1999. Positive economic developments led to significant foreign investment and in January the Australian-owned Adina Apartment Hotel (www.adina.dk) opened at Nordhavn, not far from the Little Mermaid and the sleek apartments of Langelinie, where Mary Donaldson lived before she became Crown Princess. Adina has four very popular conference rooms and theatre-style capacity for up to 110 delegates. (For information on other hotels www.visitcopenhagen.com).
Historic places and mega spaces
The Bella Convention & Exhibition Center (www.bellacenter.dk) is Scandinavia’s largest conference space with 115,000 square metres. Kris Vantongelen, speaking for European Cancer Conference delegates, gave special praise to Bella Center staff when crediting the conference’s success. For medium and small conference planners, Copenhagen offers a wide range of rather unique backdrops. Among these, the Exchange Hall at Copenhagen’s 17th century stock exchange, Borsen (www.borsbygningen.dk) suits receptions for 450 participants, while smaller assembly rooms offer facilities for between 14 and 350. The Danish Design Centre (www.ddc.dk) offers a contemporary backdrop for meetings of up to 240 and receptions for 290. The Black Diamond (www.kb.dk), a 1999 extension to the old Royal Library, has conference space for up to 400 participants. Home to Soren K, which made Conde Nast Traveler’s top 100 restaurant list in 2001, it can cater for receptions in the atrium for up to 600 or dining in the restaurant for 75. Rosenborg Castle (www.rosenborgslot.dk) holds special appeal for small groups interested in cultural events or private tours.
Copenhagen after dark
Copenhagen’s restaurants boast 10 Michelin stars between them. The Michelin list includes: Kokkeriet: 64, Kronprinsessegade. Modern European cuisine in an intimate 17th century setting. Noma: Nordatlantisk Brygge. Chef René Redzepi uses the finest Nordic ingredients sourced from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. The Paul: Tivoli Gardens. An intense gastronomic experience is guaranteed. Restaurant Rasmus Oubaek: 52, Store Kongensgade. Maximum of 20 guests enjoy fine dining with Royal Porcelain and George Jensen silver. And there are many innovative bars, too. These include: SALT bar & restaurant: 24-28, Toldbodgade. Located in a 1787 granary. Sofitel Plaza Library Bar: 4, Bernstorffsgade. Wood-panelled and stately, Forbes magazine placed it within its top 10. Fox Kitchen & Bar: 3 Jarmers Plads. A specific cocktail for every course.
Getting out and about
In Copenhagen every street you turn down and every corner you take brings you smack bang into another venue worthy of closer inspection. Below are a few of the best places visitors should make time to get to during any stay: Kronborg Castle: One hour north of Copenhagen, this elegant renaissance castle and military fortress dates from King Frederik II’s time. It grew famous as the setting for William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Roskilde: Thirty minutes west of Copenhagen, this Royal city was established by Gorm the Old in the Middle Ages. Roskilde Cathedral is the resting place of 39 Danish monarchs, the first being Gorm’s son Harald Bluetooth. Five Viking ships are on view at Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum. You can sail on a Viking replica on Roskilde Fjord. Karen Blixen Museum: Thirty minutes north of Copenhagen, the former residence of the author of Out of Africa also boasts a park and bird sanctuary. Golf: There are 90 courses within a 90 minute radius of Copenhagen Airport.
Moving forward
The Union of International Associations now ranks Copenhagen the sixth most popular congress city worldwide. Upcoming events include the 13th Olympic Congress in 2009. And, for Australians, Copenhagen’s accessibility has been enhanced through Scandinavian Airlines’ (www.flysas.com.au) frequent departures from Australia in conjunction with Qantas and Star Alliance partners THAI and Singapore Airlines via Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai or Tokyo direct to Copenhagen. So what are you waiting for?
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