Screenshot of Webex event;

On Tuesday 25 May 2021, the European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL; also known as the "Luxembourg Congrès") held a virtual press conference from the new ECCL digital studio.

During the press conference, ECCL General Manager Patrick Hoffnung presented the strategy and actions undertaken at the ECCL in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its relaunch strategy.

Patrick Hoffnung noted: "The exponential growth of the activity of the Luxembourg Congrès since 2013 has been abruptly interrupted with the suspension of MICE [meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions] activity due to the health crisis. This situation resulted in numerous cancellations which resulted in a decrease in turnover of approximately 74%. However, activity was maintained with a relatively contained decline (23%). Indeed, events continued to be organised but in a different form requiring less space (smaller or virtual / hybrid meetings)".

In this new context, the ECCL has considerably modified its development strategy, its operation and its relations with event organisers, service providers and partners.

A plan for resuming and relaunching activity has been drawn up in two phases and encompasses:

- Flexibility of general conditions, particularly a more flexible cancellation and modification system

- Adaptating spaces to respect the obligatory distancing and security measures and development of a reference guide for event organisers

- New sanitary standards, internal protocols respecting all the measures and provisions in force, such as: an air conditioning system using 100% fresh air throughout the site; adapted number of seats to guarantee social distancing in rooms; plexiglass partitions in translation booths, at each reception desk and in the cloakroom; redefinition of access doors for better organisation of entry-exit flows; floor markings to ensure fluidity of movement; disinfectant gel stations gel at the main entrances to buildings and at the front of rooms; more frequent cleaning and disinfection before, during and after events; readjusted event catering offer in line with the requirements of the "Safe to serve" label 

- ​​Development of technical and technological equipment to facilitate the organisation of hybrid or virtual events. The ECCL provides systems which allow for videoconferences, streaming and retransmission to listening rooms. A webcasting studio has been created to allow the organisation of hybrid or 100% virtual events.

Activity has largely resumed since September 2020. Notable events since then include "phygital" versions of ICT Spring, the Farad Finance Forum and ministerial meetings. From 1 to 3 November 2020, the ECCL hosted the North European Regional Hub of the 59th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress, organised in collaboration with the Luxembourg Convention Bureau GIE .

At present, the ECCL hosts three types of events: face-to-face, hybrid and virtual. In 2020, the Luxembourg Congrès hosted 68 in-person events, six hybrid events and four virtual events. So far this year (as of 25 May 2021), 22 in-person, eight hybrid and four virtual events have taken place at the ECCL; these figures remain stable compared to the same period in 2020.

With the flexibility of its spaces and to respond to new requirements, the ECCL has developed different packages allowing the organisation of events in spacious rooms which have been redesigned to respect social distancing:

- Easy Event Package Plus (includes room rental, technical and technological teams, security teams, cleaning and disinfection, wifi access, reception spaces and cloakrooms with plexiglass, floor markings, parking and masks - if needed)

- Xs Meeting Safe (for small meetings bringing together ten to 40 people)

- Easy Business Seminar Package

- Easy Shooting Package (e.g. for fashion shoots or filming)

- Easy Exam Package

Packages are available for a half-day / day in the new ECCL studio, with pricing depending on the type of service requested.

The virtual press conference ended with forecasts for the short and medium term, including in particular study results which highlighted the need to again meet at face-to-face events as well as the development of hybrid meetings. Green events, price-quality ratio and flexibility will remain essential elements to attract events to Luxembourg.