Recently, the Austria Center Vienna was awarded the Austrian Tourism Innovation Prize in the category of event venues for over 1,000 participants. This underlines the pivotal role of Austria’s largest congress and event centre as a key driver of Vienna’s position as a leading meeting destination, and demonstrates the success of its strategy focused on modernisation, digitalisation and innovation.
“I am very proud that our venue – and, by extension, our team – has been honoured with the Austrian Tourism Innovation Award. It shows that our forward-looking approach, anticipating trends and focusing on digitalisation and sustainability, is the right one. This is also reflected in feedback from our guests, who have given us an average rating of 4.6 stars across more than 10,000 Google reviews and a Net Promoter Score of 75. This is an excellent result, as a score of 70 or above already indicates exceptionally high customer satisfaction, strong loyalty and a high likelihood of recommendation. This is how event organisers and participants experience the Austria Center Vienna,” says Susanne Baumann-Söllner, Executive Director of Congress Management and Spokesperson for the Executive Board of the Austria Center Vienna.
Modernisation, digitalisation and innovation: The secret to success
“We bring people together, inspire, and drive innovation and modernisation. The world-first kinetic installation PolyStage comprises 52 individually controllable LED elements, enabling spectacular staging and transformation in the entrance hall. In addition, more than 500 square metres of LED surfaces and over 100 screens throughout the venue create seamless and immersive event experiences. It is precisely the interactive gamification features – such as personalised check-in messages, selfie sharing, panoramic selfie points, message sharing, word clouds and live voting – that make PolyStage an unforgettable experience that our customers actively enjoy,” emphasises Susanne Baumann-Söllner.
“The fully modernised Level -2 also impresses with bright, welcoming and highly versatile halls and rooms, as well as green terraces. Our main hall on this level, Hall D, can be divided into three separate spaces in no time, each with its own climate control system and full soundproofing,” adds Michael Rotter, Director of Building and Property Management.
The centre is also working intensively with partner companies on the digitalisation of processes and online shop solutions. Together, these measures create bespoke, emotionally engaging experiences that strengthen the venue’s international competitiveness and market position, even within the highly competitive corporate segment. The Austria Center Vienna invests proactively and continues to reposition the venue, thereby supporting the domestic tourism industry.
Conferences as a key economic driver in tourism
The importance of conference centres, hotels and other event venues to the domestic economy is being highlighted this year through the Austrian Tourism Innovation Award. According to a recent study by the economic research institute Eco Austria, the Austria Center Vienna has a GDP impact of EUR 445 million – around 0.1 per cent of Austria’s total GDP in 2025. It also generates gross value added of EUR 398 million domestically and supports or creates 3,950 full-time jobs.
“The tourism and leisure sector benefits particularly strongly, accounting for around 21.8 per cent. Every euro spent at our centre has a multiplier effect on local businesses – from hotels and catering to retail and scientific networks,” says Baumann-Söllner. In 2025, for example, one in three international conference guests in Vienna attended events at the Austria Center Vienna.
Pulling together
“For me, the Austrian Tourism Innovation Award is both recognition and motivation – for a team that works every day to turn events into unforgettable experiences. The fact that our commitment and innovation are now recognised at a national level means a great deal to me personally,” the board member continues.
“For me, the award also highlights how effectively our organisation and the destination of Vienna work together to develop visions and drive innovation, as venue decisions are usually made only after the destination has been chosen. I would therefore like to thank WienTourismus, the Vienna Convention Bureau and all our partners for many years of excellent collaboration; they are an integral part of our success. Only by working together can we achieve great things and create unique experiences for our customers and participants,” emphasises Susanne Baumann-Söllner.
