The networking event for the event community will take place again on July 21 - and as you know it - on the water. In 2020, the MICE industry get-together on Lake Starnberg had to be moved to Andechs Monastery without further ado. The boat trip literally fell through. The anticipation for the upcoming event is now all the greater. We spoke to agency owner Susanne Illerhaus about this.

What is the core of your networking events, Susanne?

Susanne Illerhaus: In a nutshell, planners from companies and agencies meet suppliers from the MICE industry. They get to know each other directly and network. We offer the perfect platform for this.

And that works - or is it just fun?

S.I.: Right from the start, it was very important to me that our networking events were efficient and effective for both exhibitors and trade visitors. And, of course, it's also a lot of fun - sailing across Lake Starnberg, for example. It's more the case that it works so well because it's fun (laughs). Afterwards, business is concluded on the basis of the contacts made that evening. 

How long has the MICE Branchentreff Starnberger See been around?

S.I.: In summer 2005, the event took place for the first time on the MS Starnberg; with 160 event planners and 21 MICE providers. I will never forget that! In 2020, we celebrated 15 years of MICE Branchentreff Starnberger See - unfortunately not on the MS Starnberg. But we're simply making up for it this year - because now we're back where it all began.

Congratulations! What is actually so special about you? What makes you stand out?

S.I.: Personal contact is our top priority. Our focus is therefore generally on live exchange. Our latest format is the MICE Networking Lounge, which is even more focused and personal due to the limited number of exhibitors. This year, for example, we are organizing four networking lounges - in addition to two industry get-togethers and a total of 14 fam trips. Of course, this would not be possible without my team.

Good keyword! Who is your team?

S.I.: First of all, I have to say that I have a really great team. Doreen Feldmann has been with Illerhaus for seven years, Claudia Schwebel for 2½. We complement each other, we benefit from each other and we all really enjoy what we do - bringing people together in business tourism.

You've done a lot since your company was founded.

S.I.: You could say that! Since the company was founded, we have organized 70 MICE industry meetings, over 100 fam trips and various roadshows and MICE evening events.

That sounds great! Is there anything else you'd like to say to the readers?

S.I.: If you don't want to miss our events, simply subscribe to our newsletter. And if you don't know us yet, you should do so as soon as possible.