Stockholm has long been host to international congresses and exhibitions. Known for an astute ability to organise and carry out events on a professional level, Stockholmers pride themselves on quality and dependability. Quite simply, things work the way they should or better.

When it comes to world-class events, Stockholm is second to none. Since 1901 the prestigious Nobel prizes have been presented here annually (each 10 December) to the elite of the world's scientific and cultural communities. For 1998, Stockholm has been awarded the title of Cultural Capital of Europe and will boast more than 600 cultural events.

Accessibility

There are plenty of reasons why Stockholm is chosen so often to host the world. Accessibility is just one. Arlanda Airport is only 25 minutes away from the heart of the city and is a regular destination for many of the world's leading airlines. It ranks sixth in Europe for activity. Within the city nowhere takes longer to reach. A modern mass transit system makes getting around the city fast and easy thanks to its underground system and bus routes.

Beauty on water

Beauty is a word which aptly describes Stockholm. The city is built on many small islands, creating an awe-inspiring combination of nature and exquisite architecture. The environment is something every Stockholmer is acutely aware of and Stockholm can boast the cleanest waters of any European city. The Stockholm Archipelago, with more than 24,000 individual islands, is recognised as one of the most beautiful areas in the world .

Each year, for ten days in August, the Water Festival is held to celebrate the purity of the city's water. More than three million people attend over 1,000 events. The festival culminates in the awarding of the coveted Stockholm Water Prize, established to help save the fresh waters of the world.

Solutions for every situation

Local hotels maintain high standards of quality, with more than 35,000 beds available as well as over 200 meeting facilities in the city for anything from two to 12,000 participants. Stockholm is known for its ability to handle large international events in a personal way. Communication is not a lost art. Most people speak English with ease.

See the sights

A visitor to Stockholm would be remiss not to take advantage of the many fascinating things to see. No matter what the interest, there's something for everyone. Museums abound, not to mention shopping. The Royal Palace is one of the largest in Europe.

One site not to miss is the Vasa, the pride of the Swedish Fleet - or at least it was until 1628 when it sank. In 1961, the ship was recovered from its watery grave and it is now the greatest example of 17th-century shipbuilding in existence today. In addition, the Old Town is perhaps one of the best preserved examples of a medieval core-city in the world.

Hungry for more

The smorgasbord is without doubt one of the greatest gastronomical contributions to modern mankind - a table which seemingly goes on forever and is filled with more Scandinavian delicacies than one could possibly eat. But the city offers other cuisine as well, with over 700 restaurants to choose from. The nightlife of Stockholm never stops, with the best in opera, ballet, jazz, clubs, rock concerts, nightclubs and pubs, geared to suit a vast range of tastes.

World-class innovators

Stockholm's universities and research centres, of which The Karolinska Institute is the most well-known, are home to some of the world's finest researchers and doctors. Discoveries made here have touched the lives of countless people around the world. Swedish industrial contributions to the world include dynamite, the propeller, the adjustable wrench, the three-way safety belt, the zipper and the Coke bottle design. Not bad for a population of only nine million.

Ready to help

Planning a congress takes time, money and experience. Congress Stockholm can help with not only advice but with pre-financial solutions as well. The city offers a financial programme designed to get things rolling and staying on track. There's no substitute for experience and Stockholm has plenty of it. When you've made Stockholm your choice, you've made the right choice.

For free information and further assistance with your next meeting please contact us: Stockholm Information Service, Congress Stockholm, Box 7542, SE-103 93 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 789 2400 Fax: +46 8 789 2445 E-mail: congress@stoinfo.se