The boat has to be able to handle it - staying on course when the MICE seas get rough

Exclusive event for MICE and event planners*

In the turbulent waters of life, we are constantly confronted with storms that put our stability to the test. Like experienced captains, we must learn to keep a clear course and navigate our crew safely through the rough seas. Because in the midst of crises and challenges, it is crucial to remain calm and develop effective strategies to reach our destination.

It is precisely these skills that are also crucial in the MICE and event industry. Faced with a shortage of skilled workers, constantly changing market conditions and the need for agile transformation, meeting and event planners* are facing major challenges. But especially in these times, it is crucial to demonstrate resilience, effective crisis management and pioneering leadership.

And this is exactly where the upcoming event"Das muss das Boot abkönnen" comes in. On 20 and 21 June 2024, together with our partner hotel, the River Loft Hotel & Spa in Brunsbüttel, and the Association for Event Organizers (VDVO), we are inviting meeting and event professionals to a unique experience. Led by Stefan Kruecken, a renowned author, publishing director of Ankerherz Verlag and experienced sailor, the event offers the opportunity to learn from the best how to steer your company and projects safely through any storm.

Stefan Kruecken, known for his masterful storytelling and many years of experience on the high seas, will not only present participants* with captivating stories of sailors who have conquered the wildest waters, but also share practical strategies for crisis management and leadership. With deep insights and inspiring narratives, his talk promises to not only entertain but also teach how to deal with unexpected challenges and emerge stronger.

The event "Das muss das Boot abkönnen" is tailor-made for anyone in the MICE industry who wants to integrate resilience and agile transformation into their everyday lives. In addition to the inspiring presentation by Stefan Kruecken, the event also offers plenty of opportunities for networking, to explore the topic in greater depth through maritime activities and to explore the fascinating destination at the River Loft Hotel & Spa.

River Loft Hotel & Spa in Brunsbüttel

The program:

The event offers a varied program designed to provide guests* with practical insights and inspiring experiences. The detailed program will be published by May 10, but we can already give you a taste of the planned activities:

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the event will begin with check-in at the River Loft Hotel & Spa from 3:00 pm, followed by a get-together and welcome drink from 5:00 pm. The highlight of the evening is the keynote speech by Stefan Kruecken at 18:00, followed by networking opportunities and a book signing. Afterwards, the Bootshaus River Loft invites you to a relaxed end to the evening at a community event.

On Friday, June 21, 2024, the day starts with breakfast at the hotel until 9:30 a.m., followed by a site inspection in the River Loft. Host Fabian Engels and his team will provide insights behind the scenes of the hotel and share their experiences with unusual event formats. From 11:00 a.m., further exciting activities are on the program, which will be published by 10 May. Stay tuned - the theme of "seafaring" will definitely take center stage!

The event will be rounded off at 17:00 with a short get-together where participants* will have the opportunity to share their experiences and reflect on their findings.

If you too are ready to face the challenges and guide your projects safely through any storm, then secure your place on board this extraordinary event now. Sign up today and take part in an unforgettable journey that will change the way you manage events for good.

About Stefan Kruecken: 

Personal and professional background: Stefan Kruecken, born in 1975, has dedicated his life to the art of storytelling and journalism. He lives near Hamburg with his wife Julia and their four children.

Academic background: Kruecken studied political science, German and English language and literature at the University of Cologne, where he graduated with a Master of Arts (M.A.).

Journalistic career: Kruecken began his career as a police reporter for the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger". An important scholarship from the Alfred F. Burns Fellowship enabled him to spend a formative period as a police reporter at the "Chicago Tribune" under the direction of Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Recktenwald. He later moved to the magazine "max", for which he reported from war and crisis zones. As a freelance journalist, he wrote for "Spiegel", "Stern", "Welt am Sonntag", "Tagesspiegel" and the Swiss Blick Group, among others. He was chief reporter for GQ magazine and has been a columnist for the "Hamburger Morgenpost" for more than five years.

Foundation of the Ankerherz publishing house: In 2007, Stefan Kruecken founded Ankerherz Verlag with his wife Julia. The publishing house specializes in maritime literature and has published several SPIEGEL bestsellers, including "Sturmwarnung" and "Unverkäuflich!". In addition to books, the publishing house also offers fashion, accessories and travel, for example to Iceland, Finland and England.

Other engagements and public appearances: Kruecken has also contributed his expertise as a consultant for companies such as BAYER AG and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, particularly on social media issues. He has been a keynote speaker at events for companies such as Siemens and at maritime conferences of the SPD parliamentary group. He has also appeared on well-known German talk shows such as "Markus Lanz" and on NDR television's "Red Sofa". He demonstrated his skills as a presenter at the SailingCup entry parade in Wilhelmshaven and on the "Queen Mary 2".

Media presence: Kruecken's work and Ankerherz Verlag enjoy a strong social media presence with more than 400,000 followers, mainly on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, Radio Ankerherz, which he founded, reaches a global audience via its online stream.

*Note: Only meeting and event organizers from companies, representatives of booking portals, MICE and event agencies, conference brokers and PCOs are admitted to the event.