25TH REGULAR TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF IG METALL 2023
Time for the future
satis&fy once again provided support for the regular trade union conference of IG Metall. The motto “Time for the Future” was implemented in all design details, from the initial concept to the final realization.
The quadrennial trade union conference of IG Metall, the world’s largest single trade union, is not only a meeting place, but also a working environment, a plenary session and a political event. The highest decision-making body comes together to set priorities, review the past and prepare for the future. This is where the course is set for the future in an industry that has played a major role in shaping Germany. In addition to the 1,500 participants, consisting of press representatives, commissions, delegates and international guests, high-ranking guests from business and politics, including this year’s guest of honor, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are regularly welcomed and heard.
satis&fy has also become a familiar name in the realization of this highly complex major event. This was the third time that satis&fy was responsible for the overall technical implementation and conceptual preparation. Particular focus is always placed on the balance between effective public relations, brand integrity and practical work space and stage design.
In the spirit of unity and belonging
IG Metall wants to shape the green and digital transformation fairly – through solidarity, belonging and more co-determination. This attitude should also be reflected in the organization and design of the trade union’s conference from October 22 to 26 in Frankfurt: an event that feels intimate and familiar despite the number of guests. The aim was to convey a sense of “back to the roots” as a metalworkers’ union that is committed to strong cooperation, but at the same time looks boldly to the future. Together with the customer, satis&fy developed an integrated event concept in which precisely these points were reflected as cornerstones for the stage design, the spatial concepts of the plenary and conference rooms, and the communication and catering areas.
From concept to event
The preliminary considerations were implemented 1:1 on several detail-oriented levels. For example, the congress stage this year offered the opportunity for 270-degree seating. This allowed the delegates from seven districts to be grouped more homogeneously in the room. Two smaller side stages were used as an event space and for the accompanying band. Overall, the stage construction was extremely low-threshold, although visibility had to be ensured right to the back of the 90×76 m hall. This year, the seats for the board members were also separated from those of the delegates by only one step. The event was literally held at eye level. In this context, the lines of sight from and to the stage were particularly important, and had to be unobstructed from every point in the hall.
Layher towers equipped with monitors flanked the plenum, expanded the image area, gave the room structure and emphasized the self-image of IG Metall and the atmosphere of the event with their industrial look.
The communication and meeting area one floor below picked up on the design line. Here, Layher towers formed separate retreat spaces and sophisticated areas for the delegates to meet and exchange ideas. More than 1,700 plants broke up the steel look and emphasized that this place was not primarily about work, but about dialogue in a feel-good atmosphere. The catering areas distributed throughout the hall did the rest to create a relaxed atmosphere.
“Of course, the technology has to be right. Lamps, microphones and loudspeakers should be coordinated so that they provide both well-lit images and clear sound for TV broadcasts and enable work in plenary. Image and graphic direction, simultaneous translation – we think of all the organizational details.
However, experience shows time and again that the most important thing is to understand how the event should be perceived. How design, technology and organization can come together to convey a message. That is essential. Our customers know that we are good at technology, but this is precisely where we add real value.”
– Isabel Winkelmann-Grm, Project Manager, satis&fy
FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE
Once again, satis&fy’s many years of experience in the areas of corporate events and large-scale events, as well as its expertise in the individual needs of the client IG Metall, made it the ideal partner for the realization of this major project. After all, an event like this, which moves between politics and business, between show and work moments and between presence and stream, requires finding the perfect balance on several levels.
In the end, the customer was highly satisfied with the result, both in terms of the look and feel of the event and in terms of the consulting services provided in advance. Thanks to precise preparation and proven teamwork, both within the team and between satis&fy and the customer, another smooth trade union congress was held.
Photos: Anna Imm