„20 Years of Freedom in Europe“ – Thank you!

This was the motto of a special series of events organized by POOLgroup on behalf of the German Ministery for Foreign Affairs in early summer 2009. Thanks to Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia for their support on the way to the opening of the German-German Border – an event, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009.

A special thank for this support was not only intended to be granted to the Government of the above mentioned countries but in particular to their population. Therefore a concept was required, which was able to express our personal and individual thanks. And the idea was: “Visit these countries - go there”. The “normal” Hungarian, Polish, Czech and Slovak could only be met in his home country! Time and logistics, however, did not allow time-consuming visits, but at least visits in the countries’ capitals, thus realizing direct contacts to almost hundreds or thousands of compatriots.

For the realization of this idea a “tour package” was created – a package which comprehended not only information about the events 20 years ago for a period of 3 days taking place at five stations (Danzig was a further stop in Poland), but which also promised fun and was intended to express our thanks.

The German Ministery for Foreign Affairs cared about the contents and creative design basics were also available, but how could these ideas be realized? This was a question for POOLgroup. And the answer was: outdoor! On a place as central as possible. Because the “most normal” person could be met in the streets! In order to realize these accidental meetings successfully, POOLgroup developed a technical and logistical concept. It should not only guarantee an attractive and impressive presentation, but also take into account the various local conditions.

For this purpose five so-called “module boxes”, cubic elements, were equipped. While opening their side walls airy covered rooms were revealed. Dependent on existing space these boxes could be positioned in different combinations. They accommodated, besides classical information media, attractive entertainment activities and further possibilities for personal contacts.

In close cooperation with the corresponding German Embassies a “tailor-made” concept for each city was created. Where possible, a mobile stage was additionally used to realize a performance of larger bands. Discussions and lectures were also included as well as – of course – the presence of important political VIPs such as the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

A permanent POOLgroup team has been attending this event for 5 weeks not only from the technical but also from the logistical point of view and assisted in realizing the various actions. There was no better way to get into contact with the people, wasn’t it? And this was at least the final intention of these activities.