The City of Vienna, the Austrian chapter of FIABCI and the Organising Committee bid you a warm welcome to the FIABCI European Congress and Business Meetings to be held from December 4 – 7, 2008 in the Capital of Austria.

About 400 participants from all over the world will be expected at this special event which is held parallel with the annual business meeting of the FIABCI.

This will be an excellent opportunity to see how the Capital of Austria – well known for its world famous culture and tradition - developed into a major European centre of real estate and financial transactions.

Few other cities in Europe can boast a wealth of artistic and cultural masterpieces comparable to that of Vienna. Many landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schoenbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace were built under the Austro Hungarian monarchy and house countless famous art treasures. The Museum Quarter is one of the world’s ten largest and modern art districts with one of the finest collections in the world, including priceless works by Klimt and Schiele. All in all, it’s no surprise that Vienna is not only a sought-after place to live, but has ranked among the top four European cities in nights spent by foreign guests for many years and counts as one of the leading congress cities worldwide.

World President's Message

Dear Colleagues,

For the second time in its history, FIABCI will be combining a Regional Congress and its annual Business Meetings.  Encouraged by the success of the combined event held in Palm Beach Florida U.S.A. in December 2006, FIABCI International has accepted the Austrian chapter’s bid to host the Federation’s European Congress and Business Meetings at the Intercontinental Hotel in Vienna, Austria from 4 to 7 December 2008. 

FIABCI Austria hosted one of the most successful World Congresses in our Federation’s history, in Vienna in 1989.  We are fortunate to have the support and talents of Past World President Alfons Metzger and chapter president Eugen Otto for the organisation of this event.

The theme of the European Congress is “European Real Estate in Global Competition”.  The Austrian Chapter, in cooperation with FIABCI’s Professional Division and institutional members, is preparing a world-class professional programme including conferences, marketing sessions and study tours. 

The Austrian chapter is also preparing a spectacular social programme in the FIABCI tradition. 

I urge you to join me and the rest of the FIABCI leadership, with all the members, at this event and very much look forward to seeing you in Vienna in December 2008!

Yours very sincerely

Luis Fernando Correa-Bahamon
World President 2008-2009 

FIABCI Austria´s message

Dr. Eugen Otto, FIABCI Austria President

Real estate investments are considered as the major and most promising future markets of Eastern Europe. The Austrian real estate companies play a decisive role in this market and represent with a share of approx. 20% by far the most important financial backers of real estate projects in Eastern Europe.
Due to it’s geographic location Vienna has not only become the ideal platform for Central and Eastern Europe but also represents headquarters of more than 300 international corporate groups and organisations like the UN, UNIDO or OPEC. In Vienna tradition, culture and quality of life are in a unique manner combined with the factors of a prospective Central European economic area.

KR Brigitte Jank, president of Vienna’s Chamber of Economy. FIABCI Austria Vice President

Vienna is the economic and political centre of Austria. The stable politic and economic conditions are significant factors that make Vienna a desirable location in worldwide competition. According to a study of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research the educational system, the number of highly-trained staff, the infrastructure, the access to the growth markets Central and Eastern Europe and the quality of life have scored the highest amongst companies situated in Vienna.

Professor Alfons Metzger, FIABCI World President from 1997 until 1998, Special Advsior to the Board
The World Congress of 1989 was one of the major achievements of the FIABCI. At that time more than 2,000 participants have discussed which development Europe and above all the former Eastern countries will undergo. On the occasion of the European Congress Business Meetings 2008 the FIABCI Austria now invites the international real estate world to Vienna in order to demonstrate how it has since evolved. It became a major European centre for real estate, investments as well as important financial transactions. The congress days will also be underlines by a very special social programme. Neither you nor your accompanying persons should miss to experience Vienna during this wonderful time before Christmas – and to be spoilt by the hosts.

Austrian Politicians´ message

Mag. Wilhelm Molterer
I am particularly pleased that a conference as important as the FIABCI European Business Meeting is taking place in Austria. This is not only a clear sign of the strength of one of the most important sectors of our economy, it also demonstrates Austria’s standing in its key role as intermediary and agent. However I believe that positive developments in the economy will only be possible in the long term through a policy of stable and sustainable management of public finances coupled with work on strengthening growth factors and the continuation of structural reforms. So on this note, I would like to offer my best wishes for a constructive exchange of views and experiences, and wish the entire sector every success for the coming years

Dr. Michael Häupl, Mayor and Governor of Vienna

Mag. Renate Brauner, Deputy Mayor and Executive City Councillor of Finance and Economic Affairs

Vienna combines outstanding quality of life with the dynamism of a successful business location like no other European city. The federal capital of Austria has fully benefited from the chances presented by EU enlargement towards Central and Eastern Europe, and has established a firm foothold as a business hub in this area. The availability of attractive real estate adds significantly to the city’s attractiveness as a business location. After all, successful enterprises require customised infrastructure. It forms the basis of innovation, economic success and growth, and Vienna is known to offer optimal framework conditions in this respect