Copenhagen is deservedly popular as a place for meetings and conferences, since the city acts as a hub for the rest of Scandinavia. At the same time Copenhagen Airport is one of the most modern in Europe; it's just a quick subway trip from the centre of the city and it's very well connected not just to the rest of Scandinavia or Europe, but to the whole world. There are many daily flights to cities such as New York and Beijing.
The International Congress and Convention Association says Copenhagen is in the top 10 convention cities across the world. The market for meetings and conferences is worth around US$3 billion to Denmark per year, a lot for such a small country (we're only a little under 6 million people). This market safeguards more than 37,000 jobs in Denmark and the relevant boards and organisations know how important it is for a small country like Denmark, so a lot is being done to improve it and attract even more international business travellers.
Recently, Copenhagen was host for the COP15 event which saw world leaders descend on Copenhagen to talk climate. The event was held at Bella Center, one of the biggest convention centres in Denmark, which sits in a strategic location between the airport and the city centre.
Business travel, and particularly convention business, is therefore important in Denmark. What do business travellers and travel buyers need to know about the country? Here is my insider guide.
1. Bella Sky Hotel is a hub for the city
One of the most popular business hotels in Denmark is the Bella Sky Hotel. One of the reasons I think this is a good place to stay is not just the quality of the place. It's a high-end place widely used for business, but it's also the location. It is a neighbour to the Bella Center and a short subway trip from both the airport and the city centre.
Staying at Bella Sky gives you an idea of both the new and the old Copenhagen. The hotel has a great view of the city and is located in Amager, where a lot of new areas are being built. It is here you will see the ever-changing skyline of Copenhagen. At the same time it's only a few minutes from the old, historic city centre.
2. To understand Danish people, you should understand hygge
I think one the most important terms to know if you want to understand Denmark in general is the term hygge. We're famous for this concept and it's been discussed in media around the world. You can read more about it here, but generally it is an attitude that aims to create happiness and relaxation.
I wouldn't say this necessarily represents the way we do business in Denmark. We like to meet over a casual coffee, as do people around the whole world. But knowing this term will give you some insights into Denmark and it's a great icebreaker when starting conversations with your business contacts in the country.
3. Copenhagen is a small city, so even if you don't have much spare time you can still do a lot.
If you had only three hours my top recommendation would always be just walking around the old streets of the city centre, taking a boat trip in the canals of the old city or renting a bike and taking a bike trip to the different neighbourhoods of Copenhagen. What I really like in Copenhagen is the diversity of the neighbourhoods.
Copenhagen is famous for bikes, so it's also a great way to feel like a real "Københavner" (Copenhagener).
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Cycling is a popular and easy way to get around Copenhagen ©william87/iStock4. SAS needs to adapt
SAS is the old pride of Denmark, being partly owned by the State. In recent years the airline of Scandinavia has had a very difficult time. It has not had a clear positioning and has been losing money for many years now.
It does not have a product that is as high quality as airlines such as Emirates but neither does it have the best prices as, for example, Norwegian has been very focused on. SAS has been caught in between and that just doesn't work in a field as competitive as airlines.
My guess would be that the best thing would be for SAS to be bought by another larger airline and through that get profitable and have a clear position again.
5. Denmark needs more flights to Africa
As mentioned earlier, Copenhagen Airport is very well-connected, with flights to the Middle East, the United States and Asia. I would like to see more direct flights to Africa, starting with Nairobi.
Africa has such a big potential for businesses and it would definitely help the Scandinavian companies to do business there if it was even easier to get there.
6. The best meeting venue
I would definitely recommend Den Sorte Diamond which translates as"The Black Diamond". It's the Royal Library of Copenhagen; a beautiful building with a great view over the water and placed in the heart of the city.
It's a great location because the architecture is very Scandinavian, but it's also located just by some very old, historic buildings, again giving you the best of both new and old.
It's possible to get catering from the restaurant located in the building, called Soren K, which has been recognised by the Michelin Guide multiple times.
7. There aren't many traditional Danish dishes, but head to the market for authenticity
Danish food is very inspired by other parts of the world and we don't have incredible 'typical' Danish dishes. Nordic cuisine has over the last few year gained and incredible popularity, so if you're interested in fine dining I would absolutely recommend you visit one of Copenhagen's many Michelin restaurants.
If you want something really Danish, you should try the open-faced sandwiches known as Smoerrebroed. Go to the high-end market called Torvehallerne and taste it at a stall called "Hallernes Smørrebrød". The market is a good place to hang out between meetings and do some people watching.
8. To stay in the know, keep an eye on these guys
If you are going to follow any entrepreneur or person in business travel I would recommend the young people behind the online magazine Trendsonline. They are covering the Danish start-up scene and know everyone and everything that is going on. These guys would definitely be the best way into getting local contacts.