Austrian Trade Association Hosts Major Reception at Schönbrunn Palace on April 10

The Austrian Trade Association is set to host a significant reception for the trade sector on April 10 at the historic Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The event will run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the Apothekertrakt and is expected to attract over 400 attendees, including prominent figures from various sectors such as politics, media, industry, and academia.

Rainer Will, the managing director of the Austrian Trade Association, emphasized the importance of personal interaction in today's digital landscape. He noted that amidst geopolitical challenges, strong networks, innovative ideas, and open dialogues between business, politics, and society are more crucial than ever. This reception will serve as an excellent platform for such exchanges.

This year's gathering will address pressing issues, including the impact of U.S. tariff policies under former President Donald Trump and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, while also exploring the opportunities these developments present for the Austrian retail sector. The keynote address will be delivered by State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, with additional insights from industry leaders like Marcel Haraszti of REWE International and others.

A highlight of the evening will be the inaugural presentation of the Austrian FMCG Awards, which aim to recognize outstanding partnerships within the retail industry. Unlike many awards that focus on individual products, these honors celebrate companies and brands that demonstrate strong values, innovation, and collaborative success in their retail operations. The jury comprises respected representatives from Austria's food and cosmetics retail sectors, ensuring a well-rounded selection of awardees. Günter Thumser, managing director of the Brands Association, will oversee the awards.

The event will be hosted and the awards presented by Julia Furdea from Puls 4. This year, the Austrian Post serves as the main sponsor, with proceeds from a charity raffle benefiting Tafel Österreich, an organization that provides food assistance.

The reception will cap off the Austrian Trade Symposium, scheduled for the same day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This symposium is the country's leading trade congress, featuring prominent speakers such as Social Minister Korinna Schumann and others, and has already sold out. However, last-minute tickets for the evening reception are still available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For attendees associated with the Trade Association and members of the media, participation is free of charge. Other interested individuals can purchase last-minute tickets at a nominal fee of 104 EUR.

Event Details:
Date: April 10, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Apothekertrakt, Schönbrunn Palace, Meidlinger Tor, Grünbergstraße, 1130 Vienna, Austria
For more information, visit the Austrian Trade Association's official event page.