STOCKHOLM
From archipelagos to Absolut vodka, the Swedish capital is a scene-stealing place for a meeting or party, says Olivia Palamountain
Escape to Sweden for events in cutting-edge art galleries and museums dedicated to famous exports such as Abba and Absolut vodka
The Stockholm archipelago is a place where urban life is effortlessly combined with the great outdoors. Not only is this one of the most green and sustainable cities in Europe, it’s also a world-renowned hub for music, tech, design, finance and the arts – little wonder it makes for such a dynamic MICE destination, securing 110,000 delegate nights in 2016 alone.
Visitors can enjoy locations as varied as they are truly dazzling, from grand palaces to design-led hotels, all in one clean, compact, and convenient package; Arlanda airport is only a 20-minute train ride from the city.
New this year, the Hotel At Six is one example of how local hotels go the extra mile to satisfy business travellers, offering 2,000 sqm of funky, flexible space (including a high-tech broadcast studio) capable of hosting up to 850 people. Sweden consistently ranks as one of the world’s hottest destinations – welcome to Stockholm, the undisputed jewel in its crown.
FOTOGRAFISKA
One of Stockholm’s most popular attractions, Fotografiska combines exhibitions of photography by legends such as Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle with new and up-and-coming talent, alongside flexible conference space for up to 500 people. Housed within a huge former industrial art nouveau building, the contemporary halls enjoy magnificent views over the sea and city, and come equipped with some impressive technology. F1, the largest meeting venue, at 390 sqm, has a permanent Watchout system installed that can project images, presentations and movies along each wall to create a striking wraparound visual more than 100 metres long. For a truly remarkable entrance, you can even drive into the space from the outside veranda. Conference catering is designed to wow and, after a meal of local and international delicacies, why not complement your experience with a guided tour, art lecture or photography workshop? Stadsgardshamnen 22; fotografiska.eu/en
ARTIPELAG
The name Artipelag is a portmanteau of three elements at the core of this stunning island retreat: art, activities, and archipelago. A space where design meets nature, this destination venue is set on Varmdo, just 20 minutes from Stockholm city centre and reachable by bus, car and boat. The vision of Baby Bjorn tycoon Bjorn Jakobson, Artipelag is one of Stockholm’s largest art galleries and includes eight conference facilities, including the impressive Artbox, with its 12-metre high ceilings. Ideal for staging anything from opera performances to TV recordings, Artbox can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and also has 11 dressing and costume rooms, and a meeting/ lounge area with a private terrace overlooking the water. Two restaurants with accompanying terraces are also available for hire, but if your event requires privacy, you can book the entire venue. Artipelagstigen 1, Gustavsberg; artipelag.se/en
ABBAMUSEUM
The national obsession with all things Abba is a puzzling element of the Swedish psyche. But check in to the Abba Museum on the island of Djurgarden and you’ll be a Dancing Queen in no time. From singing the hits, to trying on a virtual wardrobe of Abba’s stage outfits with 3D avatars, or listening to a talk with Abba’s costume designer, Owe Sandstrom, visitors can enjoy some fun before getting down to business. Event spaces cater for gatherings of up to 12 in the suites, parties of 90 in the cinema and exhibition area, and conferences in the 2,000-capacity Glashuset. Dining is top-notch, and the adjacent Pop Hotel offers 49 musicthemed rooms, perfect for continuing the party. Djurgardsvagen 68; abbathemuseum.com
VASA MUSEUM
Fancy taking a trip back in time? Hire the ship hall at the Vasa Museum and you can explore the world’s bestpreserved 17th-century warship after hours. The pride of King Gustav II Adolf’s fleet of warships, the magnificent
Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and, after 333 years on the seabed, was raised and restored to its former glory. Today, the museum holds up to 800 people seated or 2,000 standing in the presence of the Vasa, making for a unique event. Begin the evening with a private tour of the ship and then feast in candlelight on delicious menus prepared from regional ingredients. Fully integrated lighting and audio systems, digital projections, and a private jetty for arrival by boat complete the picture. Galarvarvsvagen 14; vasamuseet.se/en
SPRITMUSEUM
This unusual museum from Swedish vodka giant Absolut tells the story of booze, with exhibitions focused on quirky concepts such as the Swedes’ bittersweet relationship with alcohol. It’s also home to one of Stockholm’s most beautiful boutique conference rooms, seating up to 56 guests with views of Sodermalm and the tiny island of Kastellholmen. All necessary meeting extras are included – projectors, flipboards, stationery – but the catering will blow you away. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered at the in-house restaurant, ranked as one of the world’s top-ten museum eateries; in the summer you can dine outside at the Beer Pier, a hotspot on the water that serves 17 types of draft beer and fine dishes from the outdoor kitchen. Tours of the exhibitions and drink tastings from some of Sweden’s most exciting producers can also be arranged. Spritmuseum, Djurgardsvagen 38; spritmuseum.se/en
WINTERVIKEN
Want your event to go off with a bang? Choose Winterviken, the former HQ of Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and namesake of the prestigious Nobel Prize. Dating from 1891, this restrained venue is 15 minutes outside the city centre and is packed with rustic charm – think wooden beams, exposed brick walls and shiny hardwood floors – a world away from fussy chandeliers and velvet chairs. The Big Hall is an impressive sight, with a high vaulted ceiling, and enormous arched windows that flood the space with natural light. There is dining capacity for 500 guests. The acoustics are ideal for lectures and musical entertainment, while smaller meeting rooms are available for parties from 40 to 150 people. Host and owner is Markus Aujalay, one of the country’s best-loved chefs, who will dazzle guests with his Swedish cuisine. Vinterviksvagen 60; winterviken.se