Opening Performance: Heart Chor
BESTIVAL 2025 kicks off with a high-energy performance by Heart Chor, featuring a powerful medley including "Born This Way" - setting the tone for a celebration of courage, unity, and diversity.

Official Welcome Addresses
Marco Oelschlegel and Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin – Berlin Convention Office) officially open the event, followed by warm welcome speeches from Sabine Wendt and Burkhard Kieker (CEOs, visitBerlin). Michael Biel, State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Berlin, will offer a special greeting on behalf of the city.

Keynote: Unbreakable – How Ukraine’s Tourism Industry is Redefining Resilience in Times of Crisis
In a compelling keynote conversation, Mariana Oleskiv speaks with Manuel Wrobel about Ukraine’s tourism sector during wartime - sharing powerful insights on resilience, adaptation, and leadership in the face of crisis.

Lightning Pitches: Themes of the Day
Franziska Lienert presents the Sustainability programme, spotlighting impact-driven change. Dr. Prateep Beed introduces the Innovation theme through the lens of neuroscience and disruptive thinking. Emiko Gejic shares the vision for the Community programme, highlighting the power of culture and connection.

Musical Moment with Dr. Pop
Dr. Pop brings a playful and insightful musical analysis of David Bowie’s “Heroes”, revealing the cultural significance and emotional power of this iconic Berlin anthem.

Communal Singing: Heroes
Led by Danilo Timm and Heart Chor, the audience comes together in a communal performance of “Heroes”, celebrating collective strength and Berlin’s enduring spirit.

Curated and presented by Dr. Prateep Beed (neuro360), the Mindfulness Space at BESTIVAL 2025 offers a unique hub for event attendees to engage in well-being and mindfulness activities. Designed with neurodiversity in mind, this space ensures that all participants, regardless of neurodivergence, can fully engage in a more inclusive event experience.

From 11:00 to 13:00, the space will host intimate workshops focused on enhancing the event experience. Co-curated by Felix Rundel (futurehain and Centre for Convening Minds) and Prateep Beed, six 20-minute micro workshops will cover several aspects of the event experience, including topics about event engagement, inclusivity, mindful networking, playful learning, and the impact of sound.

Experience Berliner Street Art live at BESTIVAL! Inspired by the creative power and unique radiance of Berlin a living art piece will take shape in front of your own eyes.  On the first day of BESTIVAL from 11:00 until 17:30, the creative team from Urban Artists will bring symbols of Berlin to life, painted live on a huge recycled canvas and frame, creating the perfect colorful background for your BESTIVAL experience. 

Take the BESTIVAL feeling home with you - design your own BESTIVAL pouch from 100% recycled materials at our DIY Print Station from Booh! Outfit – die soziale Druckerei aus Berlin. Here you will not only create your own unique design from a selection of vibrant  BESTIVAL and Berlin motifs, but also get to know the innovative concept and social engagement behind Booh! Outfit.

Keynote | Disruption Meets Opportunity - Innovating to Future-Proof Business Formats
In a powerful keynote Amira Gutmann-Trieb (Berlin Partner) explores how disruption can unlock opportunity, offering bold strategies to future-proof business formats.

Panel | New Horizons: Crafting Berlin’s Skyline and Destination Identity
The conversation continues in a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin), where industry leaders Sarah-Maria Ameler (EUREF), Maxim Streletzki (Estrel Berlin), and Amira Gutmann-Trieb delve into the innovation shaping Berlin’s skyline and destination identity.

Structured speed-networking sessions and themed rounds, complemented by playful elements like XL Jenga and Connect Four. Designed to encourage both casual and fun business exchange in a relaxed, engaging setting.

AI Competence for Business Events: The Essential Playbook for Innovation, Responsibility & Competitive Advantage
In this hands-on session, legal expert Prof. Dr. Mandy Risch-Kerst and Wolfgang Roese, conductor and AI specialist, team up to explore the intersection of AI and business events. From navigating legal considerations to embracing creative AI solutions, this workshop provides participants with the essential playbook for leveraging AI responsibly and innovatively - giving them a competitive edge in the MICE sector.

Keynote | Redefining Excellence: How Sustainability is Shaping the Future of the Events Industry
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have - it’s the new standard. In her keynote, Sarah Sommerauer (Sustainable Events Academy) shares how sustainable practices are reshaping the future of events.

Panel | Sustainability at the Core: Driving Lasting Impact in the MICE Industry
The conversation deepens in a powerful panel led by Franziska Lienert (visitBerlin), with insights from industry changemakers Dr. Paulina Hübner (UEFA EURO 2024 Fan Zone Berlin), Katrin Wipper (The Changency - Agency for Sustainable Change), Hanna Mauksch (Goodlive/Lollapalooza), and Sarah Sommerauer. Together, they explore how to embed real impact at the heart of the MICE industry.

Curated and presented by Dr. Prateep Beed, the Mindfulness Space at BESTIVAL 2025 offers a unique hub for event attendees to engage in well-being and mindfulness activities. Designed with neurodiversity in mind, this space ensures that all participants, regardless of neurodivergence, can fully engage in a more inclusive event experience.

From 13:00 to 18:00, the space will transition into a dedicated hub for relaxation and mindfulness, curated by neuro360.de. Attendees can immerse themselves in VR Breathwork experiences, biofeedback meditation (using EEG headsets from neuro360), and take part in creating their own personalised essential oils. Noise cancellation headphones will also be available, ensuring a peaceful, focused environment throughout the afternoon.

Berlin native Eva Be is a versatile and dynamic artist rooted in the city’s iconic club scene. With a career that began in the '90s, she’s been commanding Berlin dancefloors ever since. At BESTIVAL, she brings the laid-back energy with a vinyl-only DJ set of reggae, dub and latin from her extensive record collection, setting the perfect summer vibe.

A stalwart of the Berlin music scene and a key part of the city’s sonic fabric, Justin McConville brings his captivating voice and guitar to the BESTIVAL stage. Known for his unwavering presence, he can be seen and heard busking at Warschauer Str. in any weather, rain or shine, infusing the streets with his unique sound and energy.

Roadmap to Sustainability: Developing Your Strategic Action Plan
Join Jessica von Dobeneck (frizzforum, FORUM Berufsbildung e.V.) and Sarah Schulze Darup (Novatopia) for an interactive session on creating your strategic sustainability action plan. Through practical frameworks and real-world insights, you'll learn how to develop actionable steps for embedding sustainability into your organisation - driving both impact and innovation.

Keynote | Berlin's Food Collectives – Pioneers for the future of gastronomy
From food to festivals, community is the thread that connects us. Alexandra Laubrinus and Michael Hetzinger (Berlin Food Week) open with a keynote on how shared culinary experiences foster connection and belonging.

Panel | Empowered Communities: How Culture and Social Movements are Shaping the Future of Business
The conversation continues in a lively panel led by Emiko Gejic (Clubcommission, Berlinsidestories), with Danilo Timm and Andi Richter (Heart Chor, Deutsche Chorjugend e.V.), Yolanda Rother (The Impact Company), Molly Stenzel (Berlin Global Village gGmbH) and Marie Lampe (WIR KÜMMERN UNS, barrierefreier Veranstaltungsservice & Initiative Barrierefrei Feiern) as they explore how culture, DEI, and collective action are driving meaningful change across communities.

Beyond Tourism: Cultivating Networks and Engaging Local Communities – Insights from Berlin’s Creative Scene
Join Emiko Gejic (Berlin Clubcommission, Berlinsidestories) for an engaging workshop on building meaningful connections within local communities. Drawing insights from Berlin’s vibrant creative scene, this session explores how to foster networks that go beyond tourism - creating lasting, impactful engagement with local cultures.

At 5.30 pm, we set off from the Alte Münze by bus on a tour of discovery through Berlin. We will visit a total of five exciting locations, each of which will surprise us with a short programme. 

STOP 1 | CAFE MOSKAU
Right in the heart of Berlin, Cafe Moskau combines the architectural charm of the 1960s with state-of-the-art event technology. The iconic location offers over 2,500 square metres of space for inspiring events, from conferences to exclusive evening events. Large glass fronts, flexible room concepts and a touch of East Berlin history make Café Moskau one of the city's most exciting event locations.

STOP 2 | RADIALSYSTEM
Located directly on the River Spree, the Radialsystem combines industrial architecture with contemporary flair. The former pumping station is now an inspiring venue for events of all kinds - from conferences and performances to exclusive receptions. With light-flooded rooms, spacious terraces and a unique view of the Berlin skyline, the Radialsystem offers an atmosphere that inspires and moves.

STOP 3 | HOTEL NHOW BERLIN
Located directly on the Spree and in the centre of the trendy district, the nhow Berlin is more than just a hotel - it is a hotspot for creative people, events and extraordinary experiences. With its bold design, professional event spaces and in-house music studio, it offers the perfect setting for meetings with a wow effect, inspiring workshops or stylish after-parties. This is where business meets beats - typically Berlin.

STOP 4 | HOTEL AMANO EAST SIDE
In the vibrant heart of Berlin, between the East Side Gallery and Ostbahnhof, AMANO East Side combines stylish design with relaxed city flair. The modern event location boasts flexible rooms, an impressive rooftop bar and a direct view of the Spree. Ideal for meetings, get-togethers or exclusive evenings with Berlin vibes.

The evening event at Holzmarkt is the grand finale of the Long Berlin Night.

From 20:00, the first BESTIVAL day will come to an exciting finale with summery drinks, good food and a musical stage programme. Of course, we also have a few surprises in store.

In the evening, regular shuttle buses will be available to the host hotels.

Programme:
20:00 – 21:00 | DJ Set Annie O.
21:00 – 22:00 | douniah
22:00 – 23:59 | DJ Set Annie O.

Discover the greenest district in Berlin - Treptow-Köpenick. Get to know impressive event locations between water, industrial charm and innovation. Accompanied by a guide, you will experience exciting places that combine history, nature and the future - ideal backdrops for unforgettable events in the south-east of the capital.

Discover Tempelhof-Schöneberg and get to know various locations in Berlin's MICE industry. From forward-looking places of sustainability to vibrant city culture and extraordinary event spaces with history. A guide accompanies the tour and offers further exciting insights during this inspiring tour.

Visit Reinickendorf in the north of Berlin. We show exciting projects and new event perspectives and offer impressive insights into change and innovation - accompanied by an experienced guide.

Discover one of Berlin's most dynamic districts - Neukölln. From the urban charm of the KINDL area to the creative rooftop spot Klunkerkranich, the stylish Café Babette and the modern new-work concept of Smartvillage - experience versatile event locations and exciting insights.

Immerse yourself in Berlin's central Mitte district. Discover the design and event location Platte.Berlin, the visionary LOBE Block, the cultural centre Silent Green and the revitalised UFA Hallen. This tour combines architecture, creative industries and extraordinary event venues.

Experience the Berlin district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf on an exclusive tour of fascinating places that combine Berlin history and impressive event backdrops. Gain further insights into the diverse history of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf from an expert guide.

Experience Potsdam on an exclusive tour of the Brandenburg state capital. Accompanied by a guide, you will discover historical backdrops, creative event locations and modern cultural centres in the midst of Prussian elegance and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour offers exciting insights into Potsdam's potential as an inspiring event destination in the immediate vicinity of Berlin.