Interview with Daniel Metzler, CEO of Wikonect GmbH

In your view, what makes Munich a particularly attractive venue for the DGP Congress?

Munich offers excellent conditions for hosting major medical conferences. In addition to its first-class infrastructure, the city’s strong appeal to tourists and high quality of life are key factors. Experience shows that this appeal leads to higher attendance figures compared to other venues, as participants can perfectly combine professional development with the benefits of Munich as a destination.

What aspects of working with the team at the ICM—International Congress Center Messe München do you particularly appreciate?

We value their expertise in conference and exhibition planning. The ICM team operates with the utmost professionalism and is thoroughly familiar with the specific requirements of large-scale events. Even when things get a bit out of the ordinary and the unexpected happens, the ICM team remains focused on finding solutions. A prime example of this was their crisis management during a two-day S-Bahn strike earlier this year: The ICM immediately organised a rail replacement service using shuttle buses. In such exceptional circumstances, it is not uncommon for the organiser to be left to deal with the situation on their own.

What new innovations or developments were presented at the conference?

The focus was on the digital transformation of pulmonology, AI-assisted diagnostics and strategies for sustainable pulmonary medicine. The ICM provided the necessary technical infrastructure to deliver innovative formats such as hands-on courses and hybrid discussion forums smoothly and without disruption.