The Convention Bureaus of Karlsruhe and Strasbourg Seal a Strategic Partnership in the Upper Rhine Region

Karlsruhe, March 23, 2026 – A significant step for cross-border cooperation in the heart of Europe: The Convention Bureau Karlsruhe & Region and the Strasbourg Convention Bureau have officially sealed a strategic partnership. The agreement was signed by Pia Kumpmann, Director of the Karlsruhe Convention Bureau, and Joël Steffen, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg. With this new agreement, both cities are strengthening their position in the international MICE market and sending a clear signal for deeper Franco-German cooperation in the Upper Rhine region.

“The close ties between Karlsruhe and Strasbourg open up enormous potential for innovative, sustainable event formats in the heart of Europe,” emphasizes Pia Kumpmann. “Together, we are enhancing the appeal of the entire Upper Rhine region as a leading destination for business events.”

Under the new agreement, both convention bureaus will intensify their exchange of knowledge and market information from the MICE sector and represent each other at trade fairs and industry events. In addition, Karlsruhe and Strasbourg plan to organize joint delegation trips and site inspections to give decision-makers a firsthand look at the region’s strengths. Another goal of the cooperation is to strategically expand the international visibility of both destinations, thereby positioning the Upper Rhine region as a whole more strongly as a competitive location for business events within the European context.

Strategic partnership sealed as part of a Franco-German exchange

The signing ceremony took place as part of a half-day Franco-German exchange in which the Convention Bureau Karlsruhe & Region participated alongside the VDVO (Association of Event Organizers). The event was hosted by the Alsatian city of Strasbourg.

The varied program offered insights into the highlights of the French partner destination—from a traditional Alsatian lunch to a walking tour of the Grande Île and the Neustadt district, and a visit to the European Parliament. The day concluded with a networking event at the AC Hotel by Marriott Strasbourg, attended by numerous institutional partners.

Another plus for future operational cooperation: Thanks to the excellent rail connections provided by SNCF and Deutsche Bahn, Karlsruhe and Strasbourg are connected in less than 45 minutes—a significant advantage for cross-border event projects.

About the Karlsruhe & Region Convention Bureau

The Karlsruhe & Region Convention Bureau serves as the central point of contact for event planners and promotes the region as a high-performing and sustainable destination for conventions, conferences, and business events.
 

For more information about the Convention Bureau Karlsruhe & Region, please visit: 
www.100pro-MICE.de 
 

Your contact person:

Pia Kumpmann, Head of Convention Bureau Karlsruhe & Region

Phone: +49 (0) 721 602997-700

Mobile: +49 (0) 151 58954030

E-mail: pk@100pro-MICE.de

https://www.conventionbureau-karlsruhe.de/