Looking back – HAIlight in June Exclusive insights: Alumni explore the Heidelberg Congress Center
For several years now, a huge building opposite the rear of the main railway station has been attracting attention: the new Heidelberg Congress Center (HCC). Thirty alumni of the university took the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at the HCC. As part of the “HAIlights” event series organized by Heidelberg Alumni International, they were given a detailed tour of the building.
Red sandstone and glass – this is how the new Heidelberg conference center presents itself to the outside world. Upon entering the building, visitors find themselves in a 14-meter-high, light-filled forum. Exposed concrete and wood dominate the purist interior design. Here, Mathias Schiemer, Managing Director of Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, welcomed the 30 alumnae and alumni who had accepted the exclusive invitation from Heidelberg Alumni International at the beginning of June. Schiemer introduced the architectural concept of the building and provided insight into its technical highlights. These include a high-end TV studio offering numerous production possibilities and Germany's largest permanently installed LED wall.
The participants were impressed by the building and the informative tour. In addition to conferences, meetings, seminars, and exhibitions, the HCC can also be used for cultural events such as large concerts. A huge hall with a capacity of 1,700 people is available for this purpose. The alumni were also impressed by the wood-panelled conference rooms, the open-air SkyForum built from bamboo, and “The Kitchen” – a state-of-the-art show kitchen where guests can watch the chefs prepare the food. “I now see the Congress Center in a completely different light,” said one alumna afterwards.
The tour of the Heidelberg Congress Center took place as part of the “HAIlights” event series, which gives alumni of the university the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of their university or discover exciting aspects of culture and city history.
