Innsbruck – For the 25th time, the network comprising Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Aalto University School of Science and Technology Helsinki, Technical University of Munich, Vienna University of Technology and the University of British Columbia will come together under the banner of the International Wood Construction Conference (IHF) to organise the world’s leading summit in this sector and address all current and major developments within the global wood industry. This edition will be the first to take place in Innsbruck.
“Welcomed with open arms”
With the International Wood Construction Conference attracting increasing numbers of participants from over 30 countries, IHF Head of Marketing Ingrid Höhensteiger explains that it was time for a new destination: “The State of Tyrol and its capital Innsbruck, the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, the Innsbruck Tourist Board and Convention Service Innsbruck, the Convention Bureau Tirol, the proHolz Tirol association and Congress Messe Innsbruck welcomed us with open arms from the very start. Given its links to wood construction, the high-quality infrastructure at Congress Innsbruck, the excellent transport connections, the large number of hotels and catering providers within walking distance and the stunning natural surroundings, this is the perfect setting for our world-leading conference.”
2,000 international attendees expected
Between 4 and 6 December 2019, up to 2,000 attendees and over 130 exhibitors from across the globe are set to descend on Congress Innsbruck for the IHF. The key players within the sector have already confirmed their participation, including Fermacell, Rothoblaas, Hasslacher Norica Timber, Steico, Isocell, and Tyrol’s very own Egger and Binderholz. Tyrol Deputy State Governor Josef Geisler is thrilled by this strong endorsement of his state’s importance to the world of wood: “Thanks to our powerful wood industry, our wide variety of innovative businesses in the sector, our status as a centre of science, and the sustainable cultivation of our mountain forests, Tyrol is the ideal host for this event. As a science and business hub, we want to use this conference to further promote the deployment of this valuable and versatile resource – and explore the untapped potential of wood.”
The Tyrolean wood industry: a global leader
Rüdiger Lex, CEO of proHolz Tirol, says it is hard to imagine a more authentic host destination for a wood conference: “The Tyrolean wood industry is a global leader, with our wood construction sector widely renowned for its innovation and high quality standards. And Tyrol itself retains the capacity to host lighthouse projects in the field of construction. It should therefore come as no surprise that the leading international wood construction event, the IHF, is relocating to Innsbruck.” Veronika Handl, Head of Convention Bureau Tirol (CBT), echoes these sentiments: “The ability to directly integrate nature and an imposing mountain backdrop into meetings is what makes our region truly stand out. As the new site of the International Wood Construction Conference, Tyrol has succeeded in attracting a leading international summit that perfectly complements and emphasises these unique advantages.”
Innsbruck region bolsters reputation as conference host
The IHF’s decision to move to Innsbruck also reflects the latest statistics from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which ranks the Tyrolean capital second in Austria behind only Vienna when it comes to major international conferences. “I am delighted that the International Wood Construction Conference has been won over by the multifunctional facilities and services on offer at Congress Messe Innsbruck. As an internationally-renowned conference centre, we relish the opportunity to power this annual conference with our combined expertise – and we are working hard to ensure the perfect conditions,” explains Christian Mayerhofer, CEO of Congress Messe Innsbruck (CMI). Mayerhofer also notes that the IHF is free to draw on the wide-ranging support of outstanding in-house conference organiser PCO Tyrol Congress, a certified member of the international association IAPCO.
Synergies between regional expertise and global developments
Christine Stelzer, CEO of Innsbruck Information und Reservierung GmbH, is well-versed in the expert service provided by Congress Messe Innsbruck and the vital importance of conferences to the provincial capital of Tyrol: “Innsbruck has been a major conference host for 150 years, and no wonder – what other city boasts such concentrated diversity? From meetings and conferences to trade fairs and company events, this blend of Alpine charm, urban flair and a plethora of leisure attractions provides a fantastic foundation for people to come together in the heart of Europe.” Franz X. Gruber, Deputy Mayor of Innsbruck, is equally enthusiastic: “Not only does Innsbruck enjoy an international reputation as a city of sport and culture and as a major hub for finance, tourism and conferences, it is also home to a number of notable universities and scientific institutions. From forest management and wood processing through to the use of this fantastic raw material in every area of life, the world of wood in all its facets is playing an increasingly significant role in our economy, our science sector and our society as a whole. As we get ready to welcome the key players from the global wood industry to Innsbruck, our focus is not only on ensuring an authentic setting for this conference – it is also about creating synergies between our regional expertise and global developments in the field of wood construction. We couldn’t be more proud about hosting this world-leading conference in our city!”