"In order to successfully organise this major conference, preparations and detailed discussions have been underway for more than a year with our local partner, the University of Salzburg, and the supporting organisations," says Robert Hild - Head of Congress at Salzburg Congress. During the conference, 8 plenary sessions and up to 80 parallel sessions took place, which were also broadcasted live for online participants.
"The entire destination of Salzburg and we as a congress location benefit from the work of the Salzburg Convention Bureau and its partners. Who are cooperating with local scientist for futurecongresses. Processes like this take many years before a decision is actually made in favour of a location," Hild continues.
Crucial for success
Hilary Hanahoe from the International Data Week team explains: "Salzburg impressed us with the overall package it offered. The congress experts have put together a well-founded concept with the scientists from the local university. That was the special thing about this bid and also decisive for the choice of destination." The research focus on data science at the University of Salzburg has gained international recognition through the organisation of this conference.
Above all, the organisation by the local university was a major plus point and criterion for the supporting organisations. The local team enabled a professional and smooth event for all participants, exhibitors and sponsors alike.
The challenge of data science
Professor Dr Arne Bathke, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Salzburg, was one of the congress hosts for IDW 2023 and explains: "Of course, all the major challenges facing humanity, including climate change and so on, can only be solved if scientists work together. And an important resource here is sound data on the basis of which decisions can be made." This is one of the reasons why it is particularly fruitful for global experts in this field to meet live in Salzburg and work on the challenges of the future.
The congress is also important for the local impact, as Professor Dr Arne Bathke adds: "The economic location wins, because the sensible and insightful use of data has increasingly become a decisive factor for competitiveness in recent years." The University of Salzburg took on a pioneering role in Austria in 2016 with the introduction of the first Master's degree programme in Data Science.
Salzburg in the spotlight of science
The International Data Week brought together world-leading scientists, entrepreneurs and data experts from over 100 nations, thereby placing an international focus on Salzburg as a university location. For the University of Salzburg and Dr Bernhard Zagel's team, it was exciting to accompany this international application process. By organising such a conference, the university can also give something back to the region, explains Zagel. The interdisciplinary exchange between the participants from a wide range of specialist areas extends far beyond the congress and ensures that it is not only recognised locally.
Application process lasting several years
The entire application process was coordinated by the Salzburg Convention Bureau and took several years. The first contact with a representative of International Data Week was made in Paris in autumn 2016. At that time, the Salzburg Convention Bureau and Salzburg Congress hosted an event for the opening of the "Geste Baroque" exhibition at the Salzburg Museum in the Louvre.
In Europe for the first time
International Data Week 2023 made its first stop in Europe in October. Heidi Strobl - Managing Director of the Salzburg Convention Bureau explains: "As a small city, Salzburg can join the ranks of major players such as Denver, Botswana and Seoul and benefit enormously from the exchange and added value of this congress.”
The next edition of International Data Week will take place in Brisbane, Australia, in 2025.
High added value for Salzburg
Conferences and congresses are an important economic factor for the province of Salzburg. Industry and business congresses in particular ensure a high level of added value. Congress participants are considered the target group with the highest added value compared to other guests. On average, up to 540 euros per day are spent per participant.
Key facts
- Title: International Data Week
- When: 23rd – 26th October 2023
- Attendance: 800 participants on site and 120 virtually
- Location: Salzburg Congress
- Weblink: www.internationaldataweek.org
The SCB-Team looks forward to dealing with further questions and inquiries:
T. +43 / (662) / 88987 271
E. team@meetsalzburg.com
Salzburg Convention Bureau
www.meetsalzburg.com