Festivals are creative spaces, but stage construction consumes enormous resources. With growing pressure to act sustainably, new approaches are needed. Materials like bamboo have already been used at festivals such as Mysteryland, but long-term strategies for reuse and energy efficiency are still rare. Can photovoltaic stage roofs supply power in the future? How can modular systems be designed to make both environmental and economic sense? What influence can architects like Michael Kelm from kpm3 have on more sustainable planning?

This panel discusses how circular thinking, smart materials and renewable energy can shape the future of event infrastructure. Architect Michael Kelm shares how sustainability can be built in from the start, not only in stages but also in expos and brand environments. Alex Prideaux from Special Structures brings insights into scalable structural innovations. Bob van de Pol from Masters of Bamboo adds practical experiences with bamboo construction in the festival context.

Moderation: Antje Osterburg

Speaker:

Michael Mikel Kelm (kpm3)

Alex Prideaux (Special Structures Lab)

Bob van de Pol (Masters of Bamboo B.V.)

Two dynamic global cities, two distinct approaches to festival culture, yet a shared vision: transforming urban spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs through innovative festival strategies.

Dubai and Berlin have become international beacons for event-driven tourism and cultural experience but how do these two metropolises shape their festival ecosystems differently, and what can they learn from one another?

In this dynamic Firechat, we explore the future of festivals through the strategic lenses of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Berlin’s economic development and innovation landscape. Together, our speakers will discuss how festivals drive tourism growth, create economic resilience, foster international partnerships, and position their cities as premier global destinations.

Moderation: Stine Nehrmann

Speaker:

Suhaila Ghubash (Dubai Economy and Tourism Department)

Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office)

Two dynamic global cities, two distinct approaches to festival culture, yet a shared vision: transforming urban spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs through innovative festival strategies.

Dubai and Berlin have become international beacons for event-driven tourism and cultural experience but how do these two metropolises shape their festival ecosystems differently, and what can they learn from one another?

In this dynamic Firechat, we explore the future of festivals through the strategic lenses of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Berlin’s economic development and innovation landscape. Together, our speakers will discuss how festivals drive tourism growth, create economic resilience, foster international partnerships, and position their cities as premier global destinations.

Moderation: Stine Nehrmann

Speaker:

Suhaila Ghubash (Dubai Economy and Tourism Department)

Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office)

Two dynamic global cities, two distinct approaches to festival culture, yet a shared vision: transforming urban spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs through innovative festival strategies.

Dubai and Berlin have become international beacons for event-driven tourism and cultural experience but how do these two metropolises shape their festival ecosystems differently, and what can they learn from one another?

In this dynamic Firechat, we explore the future of festivals through the strategic lenses of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Berlin’s economic development and innovation landscape. Together, our speakers will discuss how festivals drive tourism growth, create economic resilience, foster international partnerships, and position their cities as premier global destinations.

Moderation: Stine Nehrmann

Speaker:

Suhaila Ghubash (Dubai Economy and Tourism Department)

Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office)

Two dynamic global cities, two distinct approaches to festival culture, yet a shared vision: transforming urban spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs through innovative festival strategies.

Dubai and Berlin have become international beacons for event-driven tourism and cultural experience but how do these two metropolises shape their festival ecosystems differently, and what can they learn from one another?

In this dynamic Firechat, we explore the future of festivals through the strategic lenses of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Berlin’s economic development and innovation landscape. Together, our speakers will discuss how festivals drive tourism growth, create economic resilience, foster international partnerships, and position their cities as premier global destinations.

Moderation: Stine Nehrmann

Speaker:

Suhaila Ghubash (Dubai Economy and Tourism Department)

Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office)