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ibtm world. Christian Mutschlechner, Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the meetings and events industry during the Meetings Leadership Summit at ibtm world. Mutschlechner’s career in the sector has spanned nearly 40 years. He started as a volunteer for congresses back in 1977, moving swiftly into the PCO world at Interconvention. In 1985 Christian joined the Vienna Tourist Board and became Deputy Director of Sales and Promotions.
In 1991 the Vienna Convention Bureau became a separate department in the Vienna Tourist Board and Christian Mutschlechner became its Director, he started to re-engineer the Vienna Convention Bureau and today he leads a team of 11 people and has gained an international reputation as one of the industry’s international role models for leadership of a Convention Bureau.
During his career in the meetings industry he been a Board Member of the European Federation of Conference Towns, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and its President from 2002 – 2006. Since 2009 he has been President of the Austrian Convention Bureau.
Mutschlechner was recognised for his significant contribution to the meetings and events industry during the Meetings Leadership Summit – which precedes ibtm world as the networking event for global heads of industry and thought leaders.
Presenting the award at the evening, Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Exhibition Director said, “It is an honour to present this award to Christian who is a true trailblazer in the meetings industry. His dedication and willingness to support the industry has been outstanding from his leadership during his presidency of ICCA, through to his passion for his city and the team he leads, to his absolute openness in sharing his experiences with others – he really is an inspirational figure in our industry.”
Accepting the award Christian talked of his passion for the industry; “I am honoured and absolutely surprised to be recognised for my contributions to the meetings industry and there are two specific elements that go beyond my home town of Vienna. My participation for many years in the Forum for Young Professionals is a fantastic initiative by ibtm events that helps the industry’s young people. Also thanks to the co-operation and support that Reed Exhibitions has given to convince the UNWTO that our industry needs its own economic measurement tool, we have now achieved it after many years of both our efforts”.
The UIA adds its congratulations and appreciation for a decades long partnership with Vienna.