An interview with Anita Paic, head of Vienna Convention Bureau, on what makes the city a global standout for events
Vienna had been on my wish list for years, and it absolutely delivered. From its elegant venues and vibrant food scene to the warm, thoughtful service around every corner, the city offers a blend of charm and sophistication that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, properties like Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, Hilton Vienna Park and Rosewood Vienna bring something special to the table. Add in the easy access from the airport and one-of-a-kind transportation options, and you’ve got a recipe for a truly elevated attendee experience.
I spoke with Anita Paic, director of B2B management at Vienna Tourist Board and head of Vienna Convention Bureau, about what makes the city stand out and how her team supports planners every step of the way.
What updates or investments have been made recently in infrastructure or technology to support meetings?
Vienna continues to make forward-looking investments in its infrastructure to strengthen its position as a leading global meeting destination. The city’s hotel sector is growing steadily and dynamically. As of 2024, Vienna offers a total of 40,885 hotel rooms in 433 hotels—an increase of 8.5% and 5.6%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Notably, 60% of the city’s hotel capacity is in the 4- and 5-star segment, meeting the expectations of discerning international event audiences.
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Recent hotel openings, such as The Hoxton, Vienna and the revitalized Imperial Riding School (part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection), reflect this ongoing development. Another notable example is the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, a historic property that has recently joined the luxury Anantara brand, further enriching Vienna’s high-end accommodation offering. Looking ahead, around 10 additional hotel openings with close to 1,500 new rooms are expected by the end of 2025, further enhancing the city’s capacity and attractiveness for international events. The much-anticipated Mandarin Oriental Vienna is scheduled to open in autumn 2025.
On the event venue side, Vienna is currently planning a new Event Arena, which will accommodate up to 20,000 participants and significantly expand the city’s capacity for large-scale international events. Complementing these developments are continuous improvements in Vienna’s public transport infrastructure. The construction of the new U5 metro line and the constant expansion of international night train services highlight the city’s strong commitment to sustainability and efficient urban mobility. At the same time, Vienna remains excellently connected internationally, with nearly 200 direct flight connections ensuring smooth global access for delegates.
What can planners expect when working with Vienna Convention Bureau?
Planners can expect a professional, reliable and fully neutral partner in Vienna Convention Bureau (VCB), which operates as a non-profit organization offering its services free of charge to event organizers. The team provides tailored advice on suitable venues and hotels, supports the creation of customized bid documents, coordinates site inspections and facilitates connections with trusted local suppliers.
We are structured into two specialized teams: one focused on corporate events, and one dedicated to international association congresses. This structure allows us to offer planners targeted insights and strategic support.
What truly sets us apart is our strong local network. The VCB is deeply embedded in Vienna’s meetings ecosystem and collaborates closely with city institutions, service providers, and venues. This enables us to act as a connector and facilitator, ensuring smooth coordination and unified support across all levels of the city.
In addition to logistical guidance, we also provide consulting services for organizing certified Green Meetings in accordance with the Austrian Eco-label and can assist in integrating legacy elements to create meaningful, community-focused impacts.
Do you offer any incentives or tools that help international planners feel confident about choosing Vienna?
Yes, several tools are available to support international planners in their decision-making process. One of the most valuable is the Vienna Meeting Fund 2025–2028, which provides financial support for international business events held in Vienna. The program is designed to be accessible, with transparent criteria and a streamlined application process.
Planners looking to highlight sustainability can rely on support for organizing events that meet the Austrian Eco-label’s Green Meeting certification standards—a valuable asset for clients with clear ESG goals.
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Vienna’s global accessibility is another key advantage: with close to 200 direct flight connections worldwide, including major US gateways such as New York, Chicago or Washington DC, the city is easily reached from across the globe. Once on the ground, Vienna’s compact layout ensures short transfer times and efficient logistics.
Reinforcing planner confidence is Vienna’s strong international reputation. Recently, the city was once again ranked number one in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) global city ranking for 2024 and named amongst the world’s most liveable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit in their 2025 ranking.
To further support planning processes, VCB offers a comprehensive, free toolkit that includes maps, imagery, videos and destination information—ideal for presenting Vienna persuasively to stakeholders and decision-makers.
What are some standout venues, both historic and modern, that meeting planners might not know about?
Vienna offers a unique combination of imperial heritage and contemporary design, reflected in its diverse and often surprising venue landscape. Among the city’s hidden treasures is the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, which features grand baroque architecture and manicured gardens—ideal for exclusive events in a historical setting. Another exceptional venue is Palais Esterházy, a centrally located baroque palace that has only recently opened its doors to public events, offering a rare combination of history and accessibility. Palais Berg, fusing imperial architecture with modern functionality, is another standout with a central location and high-quality infrastructure.
For planners seeking cultural flair, Vienna’s museums provide striking settings. The Wien Museum offers architecturally impressive event spaces, while institutions like Belvedere 21 and the Heidi Horten Collection provide contemporary art backdrops that add depth and distinction to any event.
Another highlight that reflects Vienna’s contemporary spirit is Loft Z13, a rooftop loft that combines industrial charm with minimalist elegance—ideal for creative formats and exclusive networking events. KELSEN, located within Austria’s recently renovated Parliament building, is another remarkable choice, combining symbolic value and contemporary design in a historic context. It is particularly well-suited for events with political or diplomatic relevance.
Can you share examples of creative group experiences that can only happen in Vienna?
Vienna offers a wide range of exclusive group experiences that blend authenticity with creativity and are deeply rooted in the city’s rich cultural heritage. One particularly atmospheric format is a private tour of the imperial wine cellars beneath the historic city center, where guests enjoy curated tastings paired with storytelling that brings centuries of Viennese wine tradition to life. For a more rustic and convivial setting, wine tastings can also be arranged at one of the city’s many traditional Heurigen—local wine taverns offering rural charm within the urban area.
For more interactive experiences, Vienna’s artistic legacy provides a wealth of possibilities. Art-based team-building workshops allow participants to create collaborative artworks while engaging with the city’s cultural identity. Themes range from classical techniques inspired by Viennese masters to modern approaches developed in collaboration with local artists.
A visit to the Spanish Riding School can be transformed into an unforgettable private experience, offering behind-the-scenes access to this UNESCO-recognized institution and deep insights into the tradition of classical horsemanship.
For socially engaged programs, Vienna offers meaningful experiences such as “sweet walks” led by a local social enterprise that addresses poverty in old age, or socially themed city tours that highlight a different, often unseen side of Vienna.
These experiences not only add depth and uniqueness to any program but also forge lasting emotional connections between participants and the city. The team at the Vienna Convention Bureau is happy to assist in identifying the ideal venues and curating unforgettable supporting programs tailored to the event goals and audience.
