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VOICE has done an interview with Event Team Chairman Ernst Martin Kirschner which we are able to publish in advance. Read more about the hot iron topic of why Stralsund was chosen.

Since Stralsund came up as a possible location for Warpstock Europe 2009, people have voiced negative opinions. We talked about this with Event Team Chairman Ernst Martin Kirschner.

VOICE:

Why is it so important for Warpstock Europe 2009 to take place?

Ernst Martin Kirschner:

In 1999 the first Warpstock Europe event took place in Bochum, Germany. This year would see the tenth event of this kind, and we think that especially such an anniversary event should not be cancelled. But first of all, Warpstock Europe is of utmost importance for the community with regard to determination of position and exchange.

VOICE:

But in my book, 1999 to 2009 makes for eleven events.

EMK:

Correct. However, don't forget that 2003 only saw the smaller event WarpWeekend because Warpstock Europe had been cancelled that year.

VOICE:

Where did the events take place so far?

EMK:

There have been events in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The last two were held in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

VOICE:

What kinds of problems did you have to face so far?

EMK:

The worst problems definitely are decreasing visitor numbers and high prices for locations. Even youth hostels have realised events as a good opportunity for making money.

VOICE:

Why is Warpstock Europe going to be held in such a remote city this year?

EMK:

We think that an event with the name of Warpstock Europe should not always take place in the region of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and so on. Stralsund is still located in Germany, in Central Europe so to speak. In addition, cities like Hamburg and Berlin are much closer to the location than they have been before. And once in a while, interested users from other regions should be able to find a Warpstock Europe near their home, too.

Besides, very early in the process, the Steering Group conducted a survey regarding the community's opinion about the location and travelling in general. Approximately two thirds of the respondants stated that they would come, and we received some very enthusiastic answers from people who had not been able to attend such an event before. Also, nobody else submitted a bid for an alternative location.

VOICE:

What do you think are the advantages of this location?

EMK:

I already mentioned the problem of decreasing visitor numbers. This means a large financial risk for the organisers. There are fixed costs, and if there are not enough visitors, the deficit has to be handled by the organisers.

For this location, we do not pay a fixed amount for seminar rooms and technical equipment. Instead, the costs are covered by the all-inclusive package for accomodation, food, and the social event.

VOICE:

What about finding a hotel this year?

EMK:

This year, nobody has to look for a hotel because the hotel is also the event location. So there won't be problems with breakfast and lunch. Since we practically have the whole hotel for ourselves, we won't be disturbed by other guests either.

If you have been to a Warpstock Europe over the last years, you certainly will value being able to get together with the other visitors in a pleasant atmosphere. We will provide the Warpstock Pub where food and beverages will be served at moderate prices in the evening.

That alone should be worth attending! Some might be taken back by the price for the all-inclusive package. However, all costs considered, it is not more expensive than the stay at the youth hostels of the previous years was—and this time, the level of comfort is higher.

VOICE:

What enables you to offer the event at such a low price?

EMK:

The event location is a centre for integrative further education, with the hotel being part of that. There is an excess available of everything that is required for event, be it technical equipment, accomodation, or food.

VOICE:

What do you mean by excess?

EMK:

Well, first of all we have the hotel which provides 3 star level service. Then we have Internet access on every room and the technical equipment. And I definitely have to mention the included snacks and beverages during the opening hours. If required, even vegetarian or other special dietary needs can be met.

VOICE:

How do you get to the Hanseatic city of Stralsund?

EMK:

Railway connections are pretty good. Besides regional trains from Berlin there are many IC trains that stop in Stralsund. Travelling by plane is possible via Hamburg, Berlin, or Rostock. Travelling by ferry from the Baltic, Bornholm and Trelleborg is possible via the port of Sassnitz. And the port of Rostock serves visitors who want to go to Stralsund from Gedser and Trelleborg. So, there are many possible connections.

VOICE:

Could you provide some examples?

EMK:

The best would be for our visitors to take a look at www.bahn.de, www2.finnlines.com, www.stenaline.de, and www.airberlin.de. And don't forget so look for rebates! Especially for visitors travelling by train have the opportunity to travel to Stralsund and back at very interesting prices—even if your railway station is located outside of Germany.

Some examples for travelling times:

• Berlin – Stralsund: approx. 3 hours
• Hamburg – Stralsund: approx.  2 ¾ hours
• Rostock – Stralsund: less than 1 hour
• Amsterdam – Stralsund: approx. 9 hours by train, 2 hours to Hamburg by plane

VOICE:

Is this a family-friendly event?

EMK:

We are planning to offer an alternative agenda to possibly accompanying partners. On Thursday afternoon, all attendees have the opportunity to attend an extra social event.

VOICE:

That sounds like something new. Could you explain this further?

EMK:

First, we are going to visit the former cadet schoolship Gorch Fock, which has found its last home port in Stralsund. Next up is a visit of the Ozeanum, a very modern part of the German Oceanic Museum. The day will close with a tour guided by a night-watchman. Afterwards, the visitors can have dinner at a restaurant of their choice. Later in the evening, we are going to provide a shuttle service back to the hotel.

VOICE:

What offers are available for accompanying partners?

EMK:

The plan is to offer admittance for one day at the Hanse-Dom. Besides an astonishing slide and swimming pools, there are several sauna landscapes. Everything you expect from a spa. The rest of the time is available for own tours of the vicinity, e.g., to the island Rügen.

VOICE:

What are your plans for the agenda?

EMK:

Basically, we want to continue with the traditions of Warpstock Europe. Besides basic ones, also topics like online law and encryption are covered.

On Sunday, the official part is going to end around noon and we hope that we will be able to show a movie in the afternoon. Those who want or have to leave earlier should have enough time to reach their destination that way.

VOICE:

What about visitors who would like to stay a bit longer?

EMK:

That has also been arranged for, both for extensions prior to and after the event. Room booking can be extended for a reasonable price. Even off-season, the sea with its fresh breezes is very popular with the adept.

VOICE:

Thank you for the interview and a successful Warpstock Europe 2009 in Stralsund.