6^th European Hostel Meeting - Interlaken 2007

The skis have been packed away, the adrenaline is still on a high and we are pleased to have wrapped up yet another successful European Hostel Meeting! With over 230 delegates from all over Europe and beyond, the weekend was full of opportunities to learn, network and be inspired by one another. In the next week a full review of workshops & presentations, as well as pictures from all events, will be posted on this page. Keep your eye on this space.

We look forward to welcoming you into Barcelona, Spain for the 7th European Hostel Meeting, March 1^st & 2^nd, 2008!!

Thanks!

Year upon year – this meeting would not be possible without such strong support from so many passionate people. This year’s meeting changed to a two day structure and this would not have been possible without the help & contribution from our sponsors. Many thanks to our Platinum Sponsors: GOMIO.COM & Scottish Newcastle. More specifically, thank you to Verity Gale & Morgan Zuill from Scottish Newcastle for their ongoing help in everything from venue scouting… to of course plenty of beer & cider throughout the weekend! Silver Sponsors: Online Systems, thank you Andrew Guzowski & Christopher Guzowski for braving the overseas flight, Casino Kursaal & Interlaken Adventures & Hostels.

Every step of the way, we had the expertise & help of the Swiss Backpacker Network – from help with venues, to stuffing envelopes – this meeting was undoable without them. Special thanks to Catherin Quirin & David Buehler from Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof for their constant efforts & work this year.

For their hospitality during the welcome drinks – further thanks goes to Erich Balmer, Sandy Bolland, Brad Shepheard and all the superb staff at Balmer’s Herberge. Bart Stapel from Happy Inn Lodge/Brasserie 17 was key in keeping the party spirit going with his staff on Saturday night in the Kletterhalle K44,. Rounding off the weekend would not be possible without the help of Martin & Pitsch Buhler from Mattenhof Resort/Funny Farm for the brightest location around for the European Hostel Trade Show. And for keeping our bellies full, an extra thank you to the hostels of Interlaken who were our gracious hosts for a breakfast that lasted well into the later stages of the day for our late comers ;).

For increasing our knowledge base, a HUGE thank you to all those who hosted workshops & presentations during the meeting; Guy Verlinde (Inside Out/ i-Hostels), Morgan Zuill (Scottish&Newcastle), Romain Veinnois (St. Christopher’s Inns), Rod Macrae (Macrae Media & Communications), Katrin Stuessi (Grisch Consulta), Gerald Reisecker (Packed Magazine), Urs Graf (Mayor of Interlaken), Urs Kessler (Jungfraubahnen), Stefan Otz (Managing Director, Interlaken Tourism), Erich Balmer (Balmer’s Herberge), Rene Klopfer (Hotel Association, Interlaken), Tobias De Pessemier (USE-IT Europe), Susann Koschmeider (GOMIO.COM), Massimo Solofria, Fabio Belli, Pepe Castello & Exequiel Tiscoma (all from Home Hostels & movingslowly.com)

Special mention to Amanda Grybko who has worked on every detail of this meeting for the past six months. Her enthusiasm, organization and passion helped make this weekend a smooth and enjoyable one! As well to Susann Koschmeider, the General Manager of the European Hostel Cooperation, who jumped in right away to assure success!

Thank you is greatly owed to Katrin Schoenig. As General Manager of the European Hostel Cooperation she has placed her mark on each area of this meeting and indeed in the company itself. This was her last European Hostel Meeting in this role and she has now left the EHC to pursue other opportunities. Thank you for your help, hard work & support Katrin! You will be missed!

And of course, to the 25 countries represented across Europe & the world through all those who came out to Interlaken – thank you for your support and growing excitement year upon year!