How can it be that a MICE networking event is repeated year after year and is so unique every time? Since 2005, Susanne Illerhaus has been organizing the MICE industry get-together at Lake Starnberg, which is second to none. To uncover this secret recipe, we spoke to the people who need to know: an exhibitor who has been there from the beginning and now works in the ILLERHAUS team, a long-time companion and various event planners. 

Massimo Ferraro, were you at the very first boat event in 2005? Were your expectations met?

Massimo Ferraro:

I was immediately convinced by this concept. There is no substitute for the human factor and personal discussions - especially in our industry. My first thought about the ship event was: "Wow, that's great, there's plenty of time to talk, because nobody can just leave". And so it was: extensive discussions with inquisitive participants who actually booked afterwards. Plus the unique atmosphere on the ship with the surroundings of Lake Starnberg - I was completely thrilled.

And now you've recently switched sides and are part of ILLERHAUS. Can you tell us why the ILLERHAUS "in-house exhibition" in particular has not lost its appeal even after 19 years?

M.F.: For many people, there is a growing need to meet in person again and not stare at a screen during a conversation, but into the eyes of the other person. Coupled with the quality of the participants, the informal atmosphere and the opportunity to get to know new destinations or hotels, the format simply doesn't get "old", but has established itself as THE meeting place for the industry. I am very happy and proud that I can now contribute to its success as part of the ILLERHAUS family.

Thank you, Massimo.Michi Götz, you are a loyal companion of Susanne Illerhaus and her MICE networking formats. Why are you so often at Lake Starnberg?

Michi Götz: We at Tegernsee have appreciated the format for many years and have already taken part in several Illerhaus events.

What is so special about the MICE Branchentreff Starnberger See?

M.G.: A large proportion of our guests and customers come from Bavaria and the Munich metropolitan region. This event is therefore strategically very important for us, as it addresses both the regional market and a supra-regional customer base. 

For event planners who have never been before. Why shouldn't you miss this event?

M.G.: All of Susanne Illerhaus' industry get-togethers are characterized by the special and personal proximity between exhibitors and customers. You can have professional discussions with customers in an almost informal atmosphere. 

The event planners themselves see it the same way, as you can read here:

"As always, it was a great atmosphere on the ship and superbly organized with very interesting exhibitors and destinations."
Elisabeth Stolz-Thalmaier, EST-ONE (Events, Roadshows & Incentives)

"Many thanks for the extremely successful event! The planning was great again and I was able to make lots of interesting contacts."
Dr. Eva Dempewolf M.A., Coaching.Training.Psychotherapy.Supervision

"We were there for the first time and were absolutely thrilled. Such a great selection of exhibitors in a familiar atmosphere, where we had the opportunity to get the best information in very personal discussions. We already have concrete plans for our next conferences!"
Stefanie Schmied, VERLA-PHARM Arzneimittel GmbH & Co.KG

That is probably the secret recipe for the MICE industry meeting at Lake Starnberg. But basically, you simply have to experience it. If you are a professional or manager from the event industry and have not yet registered for July 18, you should definitely do so here

One last place for the subsequent Fam Trip to Franconia is also still available. So it pays to be quick.