GCB and Partners at Smart Meetings University

This edition showed the strongest attendance since March 2020, demonstrating yet again the meetings industry's resilience and strong preference for face-to-face meetings. According to one of the latest surveys conducted by Northstar Meetings Group (the parent company of Successful Meetings University), nearly 80% of planners who planned international events pre-covid are planning them now. 

The German representation was strong, with 12 of our hospitality partners interested in the North American market in participation:  
 

• Vienna House Andels Berlin
• Düsseldorf Convention 
• Hamburg Convention Bureau
• Grand Elysee Hamburg
• Frankfurt Convention Bureau
• Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center | Sheraton Frankfurt Airport
• JW Marriott Hotel Berlin 
• visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office 
• Cologne Convention Bureau - KölnTourismus GmbH  
• Deutsche Hospitality 
• Maritim Hotels 
• Radisson Hotel Group 

“Thanks to participating in the SMU for the Cologne Convention Bureau, I have gained valuable knowledge and established valuable contacts that will support our destination and myself personally on our path to success.”
Lisa Bewersdorff, Business Development, Cologne Convention Bureau - KölnTourismus GmbH

"I had very good meetings, and I can see good potential for my destination. As a "first-timer“ I‘d also like to point out that I really like how the event is organized! I think we did a great job in representing Germany. We have also been recognized as a diverse MICE destination."
Ramona Rutert, Marketing Manager Conventions, Frankfurt Convention Bureau 

“I found SMU very worth the trip- well organised, good clientele, some even with specific potential or leads; to meet in person makes a difference which they appreciated; and it was great to have had a strong German presence.”
Anke Bunz, Account Manager Northern Germany, Radisson Hotel Group 

“SMU is a serious show ideal for serious buyers and suppliers to meet on a 1-to-1 opportunity. With 25 appointments agreed with interaction prior to see those buyers and suppliers you wish you have guaranteed a good appointment schedule. What stands out for me are the additional opportunities to interact with receptions and early breakfasts to endorse making more business contacts so you can easily meet another 20-30 buyers in between set events.”
Mark Spivey, Director of International Sales, Maritim Hotel Group
 
 

"I appreciated and enjoyed the exchanges with the buyers. There was great transparency from them. Many were eager to learn and ready to conduct business! I enjoyed my first SMU."
Ronald Wu, Regional Director of Sales, Eastern USA, Deutsche Hospitality

"SMU was a very successful event for us with high quality conversations and leads generated. The evening events were a great way to further network and intensify relationships. The organisation before and during the event was very good. We look forward to participating again in 2024."
Florian Gerdes, Business Development Manager, Hamburg Convention Bureau 

“Germany is back on track and the people are more then happy to connect again face to face. The concept of SMU was really nice, new potential clients and amazing conversations. Happy to see you all next year at the SMU.”
Philip Wundermann, Assistant Director of Sales, Vienna House by Wyndham Andel´s Berlin 

Attendees learn from industry experts, make invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable activities at New York City's iconic landmarks. The event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group's leading brands: Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive Magazine.