The Graz host team (children’s museum FRida & freD, Universalmuseum Joanneum, Science Center Netzwerk) of the Ecsite Conference 2016 “Colours of Cooperation” won the Congress Award from the City of Graz in the category… innovative and very special conference!

The Congress Award Graz recognizes event organizers from the fields of science, research, business and non-profit organisations, who have rendered outstanding services in the implementation of meetings and conferences as ambassadors of the city of Graz.

With these awards the city of Graz expresses its appreciation and gratitude towards conference organisers.

More about the award

Every year, a jury is constituted of five to seven members approved by the rectors of the four universities of Graz, namely Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, Medical University of Graz, University of Music and Performing Arts, the technical colleges of Graz, Academy of Sciences, schools of education, as well as the board of Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH., the board of department 8 for science and health of the Styrian provincial government and the Cultural Office in its role as promoter of science on behalf of the city of Graz. From all applicants, the jury nominates the award winners in the various categories.

Evaluation takes place essentially according to the following criteria:

• Internationality of the event
• Technical significance on either a national and/or international level
• Number of overnight stays and indirect returns
• Scale and number of participants
• Impact in terms of image for Graz/social standing
• Commercial relevance / turnover and budget
• Regularly recurring event
• Innovation, originality and initiative
• Consideration of sustainability (“green meetings”) during organizing