VIECON Center Modernizes Infrastructure and Catering

VIECON Center continues its consistent further development: while long-standing culinary partner Gerstner, a brand of GOURMET, is modernizing and redesigning the gastronomic areas at the venue, VIECON is at the same time driving forward a series of infrastructural and digital transformation measures.

Today, events require far more than purely functional space. They must provide orientation, create atmosphere and enable smooth processes. This is precisely the direction in which VIECON is developing the venue – with a strong gastronomy partner 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 rethought the gastronomy concept. Existing restaurants and outlets have been structurally and conceptually renewed and aligned with the requirements of large-scale trade fairs and congress formats. Modern color schemes, warm materials and flexible spatial concepts create an inviting atmosphere. Distinct Viennese identity is reflected in names such as Donau Bar, Wiener Deli, Vienna Melange and the Riesenrad Restaurant.

“As an experienced gastronomy partner, we know that culinary excellence is a central component of successful events. Gerstner covers the entire gastronomic spectrum – from VIP and high-end catering to congress and exhibition formats and outlet concepts – thereby reaching a wide variety of target groups. The close partnership with VIECON enables us to offer visitors to trade fairs and congresses an impressive overall experience,” says Herbert Fuchs, Managing Director of GOURMET.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Safety

In parallel with the gastronomic transformation, VIECON is implementing comprehensive measures for sustainable infrastructure development. Particularly visible is the ongoing conversion to LED lighting: in Halls A and C, energy consumption has already been reduced by around 70 percent through new lighting systems – corresponding to approximately 183.5 tons of CO₂ saved annually. By the end of March 2026, around 90 percent of all lighting-relevant areas are expected to be converted.

Important steps have also been taken in the area of safety. The modernization of the smoke and heat extraction systems in Hall B will make it possible to host events with significantly higher visitor numbers. Instead of approximately 4,700 people, around 10,000 will be permitted in the future.

“Sustainability is not a buzzword for us, but a responsibility. We reduce resource consumption, increase the efficiency of our infrastructure and create framework conditions that benefit organizers and guests alike,” explains Katharina Weishaupt, Managing Director of VIECON Center.

Outlook 2026: International Events and Certified Green Events

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

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

“We see 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 VIECON Center.

Digital Services: VIECON Launches New Website

Another important modernization step is the relaunch of the website vieconcenter.at. The new website makes it easier for organizers and visitors to find their way around thanks to a clear structure and transparent information about infrastructure and sustainability.

The new 3D Venue Explorer enables a virtual exploration of the entire Congress & Convention Center, including possible seating options and room layouts.

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

About VIECON

The Vienna Congress & Convention Center – VIECON Center – is Austria’s largest event venue and has been part of Wien Holding since 2025. With a total of 73,000 m², VIECON offers flexible spaces, modern technical infrastructure and a comprehensive sustainability concept in the heart of Vienna. Whether trade fair, congress or product presentation: hospitality is at the center and makes the venue the ideal choice for national and international organizers. VIECON creates experiences that last – in line with its company motto: “create unique memories.” Further information at vieconcenter.at.

About GOURMET

GOURMET stands for enjoyment, experience and gastronomic expertise. The company is Austria’s market leader in communal catering and successfully operates gastronomy venues in Vienna such as the Wiener Rathauskeller, Café Schwarzenberg and the Café & Restaurant at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. GOURMET also manages top event locations such as the Wiener Stadthalle, VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center – and the Ernst Happel Stadium.

With the traditional brand Gerstner, the company offers exclusive culinary enjoyment at the highest level and more than 175 years of Viennese catering tradition. In the magnificent Palais Todesco on Vienna’s Kärntner Straße, the historic headquarters of Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker, guests from around the world are welcomed in a unique atmosphere. At Schönbrunn Palace, Gerstner’s café-restaurant invites visitors to dine in imperial surroundings. Known as the caterer of the Vienna Opera Ball, Gerstner is present in Vienna’s most famous venues, including the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, and is also active 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. Further information at www.gourmet.at and www.gerstner.at.

Media Contact

VIECON – Head of Communications & Marketing
Kathrin Kremser
Phone: +43 1 72720 3114
Mobile: +43 676 82 32 3114
E-mail: kathrin.kremser@vieconcenter.at
www.vieconcenter.at

GOURMET Corporate Communications
Martina Baumeister, MSc
+43 664 966 45 42
martina.baumeister@gourmet.at

Lena Schiwampl, BA
+43 664 966 46 67
lena.schiwampl@gourmet.at