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)

When festivals become an integral part of holiday planning, they generate a strong boost for regional economies.

This panel explores the intersection of tourism and festival attendance – for example, a two-week summer vacation in the sun combined with a music festival.

What effects does this have on local businesses, accommodations, gastronomy, and transport providers? How do service providers from across Europe contribute to the efficient implementation of temporary festival infrastructure – from travel to accommodation? And how can organizers bring festival formats to new regions and inspire their loyal communities to follow?

Moderation: Mia Heresch

Speaker:

Oszkó-Jakab Natália (Valley of Arts Festival, Hungary)

Benjamin Besselsen (Liffin)

Greta Hoffmann (ICS / Wacken)

When festivals become an integral part of holiday planning, they generate a strong boost for regional economies.

This panel explores the intersection of tourism and festival attendance – for example, a two-week summer vacation in the sun combined with a music festival.

What effects does this have on local businesses, accommodations, gastronomy, and transport providers? How do service providers from across Europe contribute to the efficient implementation of temporary festival infrastructure – from travel to accommodation? And how can organizers bring festival formats to new regions and inspire their loyal communities to follow?

Moderation: Mia Heresch

Speaker:

Oszkó-Jakab Natália (Valley of Arts Festival, Hungary)

Benjamin Besselsen (Liffin)

Greta Hoffmann (ICS / Wacken)

Festivals act as cultural anchors, economic drivers, and social gathering spaces – but rising costs are putting increasing pressure on their financial sustainability. While EU programs like Creative Europe promote cultural funding across Europe, national initiatives like Initiative Musik (Germany) provide targeted support.

What structures are needed to develop long-term, forward-thinking funding models for festivals?

This panel explores the key factors that contribute to successful festival funding, the strategic planning and political decisions required, and how decision-makers can be urged to secure festivals as an essential part of cultural heritage.

Moderation: Pamela Owusu Brenyah (Musicboard Berlin)

Speaker:

John Rostron (Association of Independent Festivals)

Anna van Nunen (ESNS)

Tatjana Kaube (Initiative Musik gGmbH)