The European Association of Event Centres (EVVC) has issued a comprehensive call to action directed at political stakeholders in Baden-Württemberg as the state prepares for its upcoming parliamentary elections in March 2026. While the region is globally recognized as an industrial and economic powerhouse, the EVVC highlights a significant disconnect between the state’s economic status and the support frameworks provided to its event and convention industry. As the sixth-largest economic sector in Germany, the event industry serves as a critical engine for innovation, tourism, and regional development, yet industry leaders argue that the current legislative and financial environment requires urgent modernization under the next state government to maintain competitiveness.
The Economic Impact of the Event Industry in Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg’s reputation as a "Ländle" of innovation is bolstered significantly by its capacity to host international trade fairs, scientific congresses, and cultural events. According to the EVVC, the event industry is not merely a service sector but a fundamental pillar of the state’s macro-economy. To illustrate the scale of this impact, the association points to a recent study conducted by the German Institute for Tourism Research (dwif). The study focused on the Messe Karlsruhe, revealing that the venue alone generates approximately €193.8 million in regional economic impulses annually.
This figure represents a "multiplier effect" where spending within the event venue trickles down into the broader local economy. This includes revenue for the hospitality sector, local transportation, retail, and specialized event service providers. Despite these impressive figures, the EVVC argues that the state has yet to fully capitalize on this potential due to a lack of dedicated promotional tools that are already standard in other German federal states.
The Case for a State-Level Congress and Event Fund
A primary point of contention raised by the EVVC is the absence of a dedicated "Veranstaltungs- und Kongressfonds" (Event and Congress Fund) in Baden-Württemberg. Several other German states have successfully implemented such funds to incentivize the hosting of large-scale business events, international scientific symposia, and trade fairs. These funds often act as a deciding factor for organizers when choosing between competing locations like Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt.
Frank Kowalski, Managing Director of Bruchsaler Tourismus, Marketing & Veranstaltungs GmbH and a member of the EVVC Board, emphasizes that the lack of such a fund represents a "missed opportunity" for the state. He notes that while individual cities strive to attract business, they are often competing on an uneven playing field. "The numbers speak a clear language: events are motors for tourism and the local economy," Kowalski stated. He further advocated for a broader vision, suggesting that the industry should eventually move toward a nationwide, uniform state congress fund. Such a mechanism would ensure that all German federal states are promoted equally, strengthening Germany’s position as a global leader in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.
The Financial Crisis of Municipal Event Centers
Beyond the promotion of new events, the EVVC is sounding the alarm regarding the physical infrastructure of existing venues. In Baden-Württemberg, a significant portion of event centers, town halls (Stadthallen), and cultural venues are under municipal ownership. These facilities are currently facing unprecedented financial pressure. The combination of rising energy costs, stringent environmental regulations, and a backlog of necessary renovations has created a "cost trap" for local governments.
Sabine Arnegger, Head of the Cultural Office for the City of Ravensburg and an EVVC Board member, highlights the social stakes involved in this financial struggle. She points out that these venues are far more than just commercial spaces; they are "places of experience and encounter" that are vital for social cohesion. Whether hosting a local political debate, a high-school graduation, a theatrical performance, or a regional business summit, these centers serve as the heart of public life.
Arnegger warns that the current trajectory of maintenance and renovation costs is unsustainable for many municipalities. Without state-level intervention or a restructuring of how infrastructure projects are funded, there is a risk that these essential community hubs could fall into disrepair or be forced to limit their operations, thereby diminishing the quality of life and the economic attractiveness of smaller and medium-sized cities.
Regulatory Challenges: The Role of the MVStättVO
The EVVC’s appeal also extends into the realm of legal and regulatory frameworks, specifically regarding the Model Venue Ordinance (Muster-Versammlungsstättenverordnung or MVStättVO). While the ordinance provides a national blueprint for safety and operations in public venues, its specific interpretation and implementation are the responsibility of the individual federal states.
The association argues that the legal framework must evolve to meet the changing needs of modern event management. The EVVC has submitted a series of amendment proposals for the upcoming revision of the MVStättVO, expected later this year. The association urges the Baden-Württemberg state government to adopt these proposals and tailor the state-specific version of the ordinance to support operational flexibility without compromising safety. Key areas of concern include digital integration in venue management, sustainable building practices, and streamlined bureaucratic processes for event permits. By aligning state law with the practical realities of venue operators, the EVVC believes the government can foster a more resilient and agile industry.
Chronology of the Industry’s Evolution (2020–2026)
The current demands of the EVVC are the culmination of a turbulent six-year period for the German event industry. Understanding this timeline is essential to grasping the urgency of their current appeal:
- 2020–2022: The Pandemic Era. The industry faced near-total shutdowns. During this time, the "Special Fund for Culture and Events" was established at the federal level to mitigate losses, but it highlighted the fragility of the sector’s funding models.
- 2023: The Recovery Phase. Events returned to full capacity, but the industry was met with a new set of challenges: a severe shortage of skilled labor and skyrocketing inflation affecting energy and material costs.
- 2024: Strategic Realignment. The EVVC and other industry bodies began pushing for long-term structural changes rather than temporary subsidies. Discussions regarding the modernization of the MVStättVO gained momentum.
- 2025: Political Advocacy. Ahead of the federal and state elections, the EVVC intensified its lobbying efforts, focusing on the "Value Added" (Wertschöpfung) that events bring to urban and rural development.
- 2026: The Decision Point. With the Baden-Württemberg state elections scheduled for March, the industry has positioned its needs as a central issue for the next legislative period, demanding a commitment to both promotion and infrastructure.
Analysis of Implications and Future Outlook
The EVVC’s push is not merely about securing subsidies; it is about recognizing the event industry as a sophisticated economic ecosystem. If the next Baden-Württemberg government ignores these calls, the state risks a "brain drain" of major events to neighboring states or international competitors.
From an analytical perspective, the establishment of a state congress fund would likely pay for itself through increased tax revenue generated by the hospitality and service sectors. Furthermore, investing in the renovation of municipal halls aligns with the state’s broader climate goals, as modernizing these large structures is essential for reducing the public sector’s carbon footprint.
The social implications are equally significant. In an era of increasing digital isolation, physical gathering spaces are essential for democratic discourse and cultural exchange. By supporting the EVVC’s demands, the state government would be investing in the social fabric of Baden-Württemberg, ensuring that cities remain vibrant centers of activity rather than just residential or industrial hubs.
As the election campaign intensifies, the response of the various political parties to the EVVC’s "Nachbesserungsbedarf" (need for improvement) will be closely watched. The association’s message is clear: for Baden-Württemberg to remain a global economic leader, it must treat its event industry not as a luxury, but as a vital infrastructure necessity for the 21st century. The outcome of the 2026 elections will likely determine whether the state maintains its status as a premier event destination or falls behind in an increasingly competitive national landscape.