24th Trade Union Congress of IG Metall

In 2019, satis&fy AG once again accompanied the Ordinary Trade Union Congress of IG Metall after 2015. The complex large-scale project was managed holistically, which ensured a smooth process on site.

The 24th Ordinary Trade Union Congress of IG Metall was held in Nuremberg from October 6 to 12, 2019. The union’s highest decision-making body meets every four years and defines the focal points for the coming years. In addition, a new executive board is elected. In 2019, the trade union conference was held at the NürnbergMesse under the motto “Together for tomorrow” and, in addition to the conference, also included a generously sized exhibition and an evening event in the Meistersingerhalle.

The actual meeting took place in the 8,850 m² hall 7A of NürnbergMesse. The 483 delegates were joined by numerous national and international guests and representatives of the press. The eye-catcher par excellence was the three-dimensional stage set, in the center of which the accentuated IGM logo was emblazoned. To the right and left, large backdrop polygons had been erected, into which two projection screens (widescreen in 3.5:1 format and a singlescreen in 16:9 format) were integrated.

In order to optimize the use of the screen and to be able to show all decision-makers the possibilities of the stage design in advance, the setting and screen layout were visualized with drawings and simulated in the satis&fy showroom with the help of modern digital technology. As a result, a perfectly coordinated preset list for the graphic direction was already available at the beginning of the rehearsals.

The red tones, which dominated the color spectrum used at the event as the CI color of IG Metall, were naturally also reflected in the lighting. The latter relied on larger quantities of head-mounted LED lamps: “In addition to considering which spotlights made sense to use for technical and creative reasons, the connected load for the lighting that had to be ordered from the trade fair naturally always played a role,” says Björn Kowalzig. “In the interest of the customer’s budget, it seemed sensible to keep the number of power connections as low as possible. We were able to ensure that with the LED spotlight models chosen for audience lighting.”

Special moments during the conference period included the opening event (moderated by news anchor Linda Zervakis; speeches were contributed by Federal Minister Hubertus Heil and Nuremberg’s Lord Mayor Dr. Ulrich Maly, among others) and a visit by German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, which was accompanied by extensive security measures. Here, too, satis&fy’s project management provided comprehensive support in the run-up to the necessary coordination meetings. In addition, walkways, control points and restricted areas were visualized. All project participants were provided with an overview that helped them to routinely master the challenging moments.

“The IG Metall is necessary as a social force with a clear compass!” was the conclusion of the second chairwoman Christiane Benner at the end of the seven-day conference marathon. “Whether in business or in politics, we will certainly not be out of work,” said the official, who in 2015 was the first woman elected to the top of the male-dominated union. “We are on the right track with our topic, the major transformation of work, society and the environment.” The team from satis&fy also did not run out of work during the seven-day event: the “overall package” put together by satis&fy also included various add-ons, the importance of which for the well-being of the conference participants should not be underestimated: Guests arriving by train, for example, were warmly greeted at a specially set up information stand at Nuremberg main station on Sunday before the start of the event. All in all, the IG Metall trade Union Day went off without a hitch, which can be attributed not least to the professional preparation. “The customer was very satisfied because we were able to relieve him of all aspects of the event organization,” says Isabel Winkelmann-Grm. “As satis&fy had already supported IG Metall four years ago at the trade union congress in Frankfurt, we knew exactly what to expect – this contributed to a comparatively relaxed preparation phase.” Everyone is now curious as to whether “the good vibes from Frankfurt and Nuremberg” could also be taken to IG Metall’s next regular trade union conference in four years’ time.

Photos: Anna Imm Photography