450 events on average
on almost 600 event days
with over 1.1 million visitors
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE LIVE.
Seven Locations. More than 400 events. Over a million visitors. Per year.
We from MCG were not born yesterday. Whereby, theoretically we are. As Fair location we can look back on a long tradition. 1833 we have held the first Fair in Austria, the “Flower and Industry feast”. Since 1906 we organize the now-famous Graz Fair and since the City Hall was opened in 2002, the biggest multi-functional hall in the whole country is here – there is no holding back in terms of events.
Today we manage 7 locations in the city under the umbrella brand MCG (Messe Congress Graz). The Congress, the Fair Congress, the Merkur Ice Stadium and the Sports Center Graz-Weinzödl. And we emerged as a simple event managerto to a one-stop-shop for experiences. What that means? We don`t just organize events, we deal with everything around them and know exactly what makes the difference – between simple event and unforgettable experience. We call it 360° experience.
Exactly because of that we may be old, but never old-fashioned.
Also the events themselves change over time. Instead of the “Flower and Industry Feast” there now is a variety of trade fairs, which often take several days. Or music festivals which take place in our open air arena in summer. Not to mention all the congresses! And one thing one must not forget: Our team knows the newest trends in the event industry as soon as they emerge. Sometimes even before. Because we takes to heart what we tell our clients: Dare to dream a little bigger!
Sustainability
Sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY PAYS OFF!
Since more than ten years MCG is Ökoprofit-Partner and now attracts enormous attention with a large photovoltaic system with 1.512 modules on Hall A.
Conscious, sustainable, green – these are the keywords for future oriented economies. Was Messe Congress Graz Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H. only an event organizer of relevant events like the Biomass Conference and the e-mobility up to know, it has significantly affected their own behaviour.
MEGATREND PHOTOVOLTAIC: 1.512 PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES ON TOP OF HALL A, FURTHER 780 ON STADTHALLE GRAZ
Together with Energie Graz a large-scale project on the roof of Stadthalle Graz and Hall A emerged. On the 11.000m² big roof area 1.512 Photovoltaic modules with a rated output of 385kWp are mounted. These supply Graz households with natural energy – a performance which equals a saving of 170.000kg/a CO2. New with this model is a share option for private people. “One the one side sustainable economy is part of our company’s philosophy and on the other side we have vast areas at our disposal which perfectly suit the use of solar energy.” Armin Egger states – CEO of Messe Congress Graz Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H. The photovoltaic system has already been expanded by 780 modules on the roof of Stadthalle Graz.
WITH EVVC TO INTERNATIONAL SCALES
Taking responsibility especially in topics of nature is a substantial part of the company’s philosophy. As a partner of Ökoprofit we effectively work on saving of energy and production cost since 1998. We have sensitized our employees on the topic and are internationally certified as “green company”. The sustainable action taking begins with minor details such as returnable beakers, waste separation at events or with the MCG bikes with whose the employees can commute between locations. New in the programme since 2016 there also are advertising posters made of sustainable materials – instead of synthetics Goodie Bags are prepared as bags out of felt and instead of paper bags MCG visitors now get carrying bags made of compostable material including printing of nature friendly colors. The favourite among the giveaways, the ball pen, now is sustainable as well created out of rolled paper. And MCG has one more contribution to nature protection: since summer 2016 there are boxes at MCG locations in which dead batteries are collected. The company then looks after the sustainable and correct disposal of the collection boxes.
MCG sets international standards with its long-standing membership at EVVC the European Association of Event Centers. the programme “fairpflichtet” has drafted ten principles on which the economic actions are based on. From the responsibility of the common good, a conscientious dealing with resources and energy, transparence, respect and even the strategic action-taking responsible leadership is being lived.
With the implementation of these points MCG takes a leading role. As public company MCG not only counts on a green logo but shows with explicit actions its responsibility for nature. The photovoltaic system is a big step on this way.
THE “GREEN” MCG
Taking responsibility especially in topics of nature is a substantial part of the company’s philosophy. As a partner of Ökoprofit we effectively work on saving of energy and production cost since ten years. We have sensitized our employees on the topic and are internationally certified as “green company”. The sustainable action taking begins with minor details such as returnable beakers, waste separation at events or with the MCG bikes with whose the employees can commute between locations. New in the programme since 2016 there also are advertising posters made of sustainable materials – instead of synthetics Goodie Bags are prepared as bags out of felt and instead of paper bags MCG visitors now get carrying bags made of compostable material including printing of nature friendly colors. The favourite among the giveaways, the ball pen, now is sustainable as well created out of rolled paper. And MCG has one more contribution to nature protection: since summer 2016 there are boxes at MCG locations in which dead batteries are collected. The company then looks after the sustainable and correct disposal of the collection boxes.
Not only the team of MCG is thinking sustainably, also the locations are being developed energy friendly. Through a renovation of the Merkur Eisstadion the heating and hot water production is based on district heat instead of gas boilers. In spring 2016 a high temperature warmth pump was installed. The waste heat from the refrigeration plant (about 40°Celsius) gets heated to 85°C. In winter and cool transition periods the majority of the heat demand can be provided for the Eisstadion. In summer this energy gets fed into the district heating system of the city Graz and used wisely. By these shiftings, believe it or not, 332 Tons CO2 can be saved per year!
Furthermore MCG is also organizing “green”. In cooperation with the major´s office of the city Graz and the Graz Tourism GmbH the Congress awards get assignment in different categories was firstly oriented and certified as “Green Event” in 2012.
Competencies
Sometimes you have a dazzling idea, but the spark won´t start a fire. This is the point where we come into play. We don´t just organize, we create individual concepts for extraordinary events. On top of that we are the experts of enactment. On and off-stage. Because what´s often missing at an event is the appropriate setting.
If we know one thing, it´s how events work. There is no formula, however, the experience and know-how our staff has make it work just wonderfully. From idea to recap. Whether it be fairs, conventions, concerts or shows, big or small events, doesn´t matter. Also the area size is secondary. The only important thing is first-class consulting which our clients always get.
Bet on us: we find the best location for any event. These are: the City Hall Graz, the fairground with outside arena B and open-air area, the fair congress, congress Graz, Merkur Arena, Merkur Ice stadium and the sports centre Graz-Weinzödl. Virtually the Magnificent Seven of event locations. Which are all so flexible they are actually more. Nearly infinite.
Once the plan is clear we make sure everything runs smoothly. It begins with shopfitting and transfers via logistics to security and catering. As event professionals we do both setup and deconstruction, as well as everything in between. Thereby we can step in immediately if anything goes wrong which means our partners, exhibitors and clients can enjoy their event free from worry.
MCG combines what goes together: Operators, companies and visitors. We mediate contacts, also within the different audiences. Because we have been doing this for so long we developed a knack for it and are able to gauge which relations will last. This way not only new connections form but regularly successful events like trade fairs, partner-events and congresses can establish.
We have a proverb: The sound makes the music. And the speech. Or the background acoustics. Therefore all our locations are equipped with the most modern technology and all sorts of technical finesses. Depending whether a rockband or a quiet speaker enters the stage we adjust the equipment on site. This way not only front-row visitors but also the back rows understand every spoken word.
Just to make sure we make it sure. Especially at our events where thousands of visitors come into one hall, security is our primary concern. Not only that: Our security team painstakingly controls if everything complies with security guidelines at all time. Day and night. Before, during and after an event. And if there is no event the professionals are still on site for fire drills.
Here comes a small sneak-peak on our events at MCG: No matter if hefty ,,Brettljause” or exclusive gourmet dinner is served. Fare is provided for guests. Our exclusive catering company offers a-la-cárte service with numerous fresh dishes and beverages on the menu – of course all special requests are taken care of. The serving of the meals is based on the form of event: we provide buffet or flying fingerfood, to standing reception or directly to the dining tables. Enjoy your meal!
From A to B, B to A or via K and T to M and back to F. Transport routes are not always direct – although the direct way is our way of choice. We make sure everything is at the right place at the right time and the event can take place as scheduled. This way we take events with all what belongs to them out into the wider world. And bring them from anywhere to Graz.
Sometimes it has to bed a red carpet. On other days a plain wooden floor is enough. How we style a location depends on the respective event. Basically anything is possible. Down-to-earth, exclusive, unobtrusive or casual. The only thing important is that visitors feel the atmosphere right from the start. Therefore there is a hanging chandelier on friday and on saturday we quickly fixate colorful LED-Lamps.
Our jointly developed corporate mission elucidates the values to which we want to orientate ourselves in our daily work and through whose we create space for positive emotions in clients and suppliers.
CLIENT ORIENTED
We ensure the continued existence of the company through customer oriented and flexible behaviour.
APPRECIATING
We meet one another with appreciation in a climate of trust, openness and fairness.
INNOVATIVE
We create new incites through creativity, courage for change and own initiative – for our clients and our company.
TEAM ORIENTED
We reach our goals with trans-sectoral, team oriented action taking.
RELIABLE
We stand for a reliable togetherness – within the company and to the outside.
EXCITING
We master our challenges with passion and go beyond expectations.
Mitchell Owens
You are uncomplicated if you know exactly what you are doing. MCG is an expert for moments that bring people together in one place.
