CCH – Congress Center Hamburg: loved not only by organisers

A medical congress featuring a surgery procedure streamed live from Australia; a gigantic gaming area for the Chaos Computer Club; a colourful festival for people donning fuzzy animal costumes; artful corporate events; and 18 cultural performances including The Ice Queen on the big stage in Hall 1: The CCH – Congress Center Hamburg saw a fireworks of highlight events during the year under report. When it reopened in April 2022, hopes were high for the CCH to be able to provide an ideal venue for nearly any conceivable event by virtue of its flexibility and unlimited options; and indeed, those hopes have come true: “In 2024 we welcomed 76 events, and we are about to surpass that number by more than one third in 2025,” reports Chief Operating Officer (COO) Katariina Rohrbach who took the helm at the CCH in September 2024. “We already have more than 100 bookings for 2025, including 46 cultural events during the first six months alone. Further events have been announced on a preliminary basis. Of course we can always accommodate requests on short notice, as well, even in a year that has seen such a fascinating beginning as this one.” Fancy a few examples? Content Creator Sally presented her favourite recipes. Anastacia, Bonnie Tyler and German singer-songwriter Heinz Rudolf Kunze took to the stage, as did Nino de Angelo and Mike and the Mechanics.

According to a customer satisfaction survey, frequent CCH customers – first and foremost organisers of corporate events and medical congresses – are especially appreciative of the modern technical systems, the available services, and in particular, the welcoming culture at the CCH along with the support provided by the CCH team. Frequent reasons to hold an event at the CCH include its central location in the heart of Hamburg and the excellent access infrastructure. In view of the positive developments and approval ratings, Katariina Rohrbach sees great potential for the CCH and its occupancy to continue evolving at a high level. One means to this end will be to grow the international footprint of the CCH by cooperating with Hamburg-based associations and institutions to stir enthusiasm for the city of Hamburg among event organisers in the USA, the UK and Scandinavia. What is more, the well-versed team supporting Katariina Rohrbach is working on developing digital services and optimising the management of events held simultaneously on HMC premises. The inaugural UITP Summit (from 15 to 18 June 2025) was prepared months in advance. Plans are to hold the world’s foremost and largest congress for public transport more frequently on Hamburg’s exhibition campus and at the CCH after the 2025 Summit.

Another major focus at the CCH is on sustainability. In spring 2025, installation of a photovoltaics system on the roof of the building began while the redesign and re-planting of the rooftop garden above Hall H was being completed. “Our herbaceous rooftop garden that has been planted with so much dedication and quality is one of the largest in Europe,” says Katariina Rohrbach. “It provides the unique opportunity to add open-air activities to events booked in our halls and spaces – fair weather provided –, including custom lighting, first-rate catering, a great view over Planten un Blomen Park, and Hamburg’s fresh air.”