For decades it has been an ICMA tradition to spend one day – the Wednesday of the conference – together in a relaxing atmosphere outside the conference hotel and without working sessions. This is an excellent occasion to get to know each other, to develop new and strengthen existing relations and to build up friendship and mutual understanding.

© Berlin Partner/FTB-Werbefotografie

For ICMA XVII, an excursion to Berlin, the German capital, is a "must". Only 3 hours away from Hamburg, Berlin is easy to reach and fully deserves a visit. It is full of history – from the Prussian kings to the Nazi terror and from the Cold War to the German reunification – and full of exciting sights: museums, cathedrals and governmental buildings, not to mention the outstanding shops. No doubt, the trip to Berlin will be your highlight of the social programme during ICMA XVII.

Coaches depart in front of the Empire Riverside Hotel at 0700