RESEARCH CENTRE FOR FUTURE MEETING STUDIES
Future‑proof knowledge for business events as a communication tool.

The Research Centre for Future Meeting Studies (rcfms) is a collaboration between the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO.

It is dedicated to the scientific study of business events with the goal of advancing them as an evidence‑based communication tool within organizations and designing them to be sustainable, inclusive, and user‑centered. The results support stakeholders across the entire value chain in aligning their offerings for the future.

The rcfms is a research network that systematically focuses on the scientific and application‑oriented study and development of business events. As an independent platform, it brings together companies, associations, and innovative thinkers from the business events ecosystem to jointly develop practical solutions and forward‑looking concepts. The Research Centre builds on the long‑standing cooperation between the GCB and Fraunhofer IAO within the Future Meeting Space innovation network.

Participation Options
For stakeholders in the business events ecosystem, the Research Centre offers two progressive participation opportunities: the Research Fellowship and the Advanced Research Track.
The Research Fellowship provides an accessible entry point for engaging with the research activities and offers access to current findings and an expert network. In addition to online sessions, results are presented and discussed during an in‑person event.

For deeper involvement, the Advanced Research Track offers the opportunity to explore selected topics more intensively through workshops and research trips. The exclusive insights and targeted knowledge transfer provide direct added value for participating organizations and support the development of innovative, practical solutions.

Become an rcfms Partner Today!
Details on participation options