VIECON modernizes infrastructure and gastronomy

The ongoing development of VIECON continues: while long-standing culinary partner Gerstner, a brand of GOURMET, is modernizing and redesigning the venue’s food and beverage areas, VIECON is simultaneously driving forward a series of infrastructural and digital transformations.

Today, events require far more than just functional space. They must provide orientation, create atmosphere and enable seamless processes. This is precisely the direction in which VIECON is developing the venue – with a strong partner in gastronomy and clear investments in its own infrastructure.

Part of the event experience: Gerstner modernizes restaurants and outlets

As part of the transformation of the VIECON Center, Gerstner has strategically reimagined the venue’s gastronomy: the existing restaurants and outlets have been structurally and conceptually redesigned and tailored to the requirements of large-scale trade fair and congress formats. Modern color schemes, warm materials, and flexible spatial concepts create an inviting atmosphere. This is complemented by distinctly Viennese identities such as the Donau Bar, Wiener Deli, Vienna Melange, and the Riesenrad Restaurant.

“As an experienced gastronomy partner, we know that culinary excellence is a key component of successful events. Gerstner covers the entire gastronomic spectrum – from VIP and high-end catering to congress and exhibition formats, as well as outlet operations – serving a wide range of target groups. Our close partnership with VIECON enables us to offer visitors to trade fairs and congresses a truly compelling overall experience,” says Herbert Fuchs, Managing Director of GOURMET.

Sustainable infrastructure and safety

At the same time as the gastronomic transformation, VIECON is implementing comprehensive measures to develop sustainable infrastructure. One particularly visible example is the ongoing transition to LED lighting: in Halls A and C, energy consumption has already been reduced by around 70 percent through new lighting systems – equivalent to approximately 183.5 tonnes of CO₂ per year. By the end of March 2026, around 90 percent of all relevant lighting areas are expected to be converted.

Significant steps have also been taken in the area of safety. The modernization of the smoke and heat extraction systems in Hall B will allow events with increased visitor capacity in the future. Instead of the previous limit of around 4,700 people, approximately 10,000 will now be permitted. VIECON Managing Director Katharina Weishaupt explains: “For us, sustainability is not a buzzword but a responsibility. We are reducing resource consumption, increasing the efficiency of our infrastructure, and creating conditions that benefit both event organizers and guests.”

Outlook 2026: International events and green events

The positive development of the venue is also reflected in its event portfolio: around 45 events are currently scheduled for 2026, including 17 with an international audience. Eight events will be held as certified Green Events.

Highlights include, among others, the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, the Euretina Congress on retinal research, and the energy industry conference Enlit Europe, which focuses intensively on decarbonization, renewable energy sources, and the transformation of the energy system. These events underscore VIECON’s role as an essential platform for knowledge exchange and economic activity.

“We are seeing that international organizers are increasingly looking for venues that credibly combine infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of experience. Our ambition is therefore not only to provide space, but to offer a comprehensive package that simplifies organization and makes events sustainably more successful,” emphasizes Martina Candillo, Managing Director of the VIECON Center.

Digital services: VIECON launches new website

Another important step in the modernization process is the relaunch of the website vieconcenter.at. The new platform makes it easier for event organizers and visitors to find their way around, thanks to a clear structure and transparent information on infrastructure and sustainability. The new 3D venue explorer enables a virtual tour of the entire Congress & Convention Center, including possible seating configurations.

The combination of modernized gastronomy by Gerstner and VIECON’s comprehensive measures in infrastructure, safety, and digital services sends a strong signal for the future of Vienna as an event destination.

About VIECON

VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center is Austria’s largest event venue and has been part of Wien Holding since 2025. Located in the heart of Vienna, VIECON offers a total of 73,000 m² of flexible space, state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, and a comprehensive sustainability concept. Whether trade fair, congress or product presentation: hospitality is at the core, making the venue the ideal choice for national and international event organizers. VIECON creates lasting experiences – true to its corporate motto: “create unique memories.” For more information, visit vieconcenter.at

About GOURMET

GOURMET stands for quality, experience, and outstanding gastronomic expertise. The company is the market leader in communal catering in Austria and successfully operates renowned hospitality venues in Vienna such as the Wiener Rathauskeller, Café Schwarzenberg, and the café and restaurant at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. It also manages top event locations including the Wiener Stadthalle, VIECON - Vienna Convention & Congress Center), and the Ernst Happel Stadium.

With its traditional brand Gerstner, the company offers exclusive culinary enjoyment at the highest level and draws on more than 175 years of Viennese catering heritage. At the magnificent Palais Todesco on Vienna’s Kärntner Straße—the flagship location of the former imperial and royal court confectioner Gerstner—guests from around the world are treated to a unique atmosphere. At Schönbrunn Palace, the Gerstner café-restaurant invites visitors to enjoy imperial-style hospitality.

Known as the caterer of the Vienna Opera Ball, Gerstner is present in some of the city’s most iconic venues, such as the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, as well as at trade fairs and congresses at the Vienna Congress & Convention Center. Since 2021, Gerstner has been part of GMS GOURMET GmbH. GOURMET is a subsidiary of VIVATIS Holding AG. Learn more at www.gourmet.at and www.gerstner.at