Two new colleagues joined Gothenburg Convention Bureau a while back. Fredrik Lundgren will work as part of the project management team to attract more new meetings, while Lena Edemell will deal with research and support for meetings that have already been decided on.

Fredrik has extensive experience as a project manager within marketing and sales, and in recent years has worked with some of the largest Swedish and international sporting events, including the Partille Cup – World of Handball. His work at Gothenburg Convention Bureau will focus on organisation and business meetings, and he is excited about his new role.

“I had extremely high hopes of my new position as a project manager, and they’ve certainly been met so far. Building relationships with so many fascinating, knowledgeable researchers, professors and academic and business leaders is a real bonus of the job. I’m also looking forward to making contact with international congress arrangers and other destinations.

“The scientific meetings that we’ve won at GCB will help to ensure even wider dissemination for the research carried out here in Gothenburg. This is an important driving force that leads the city, its science and its industry to identify new routes for cooperation. But it also demonstrates the importance of our networking activities.

“From a historical perspective, it feels like we’re currently experiencing a growth spurt. Whether it’s sustainable strategies for the meeting industry or new technology emerging here in Gothenburg, we’re part of the trend. The feeling of being where it’s happening and getting to scratch at the surface of the latest research is incredibly inspiring. Gothenburg is also undergoing a phase of enormous expansion, not least when it comes to hotel construction. The offering and the guest capacity are both increasing, enabling us to host more meetings and larger meetings. Overall, it feels like there are a few really inspirational years ahead of us here at Göteborg & Co.”

Lena has been in her role a little longer, having joined in autumn 2019. She previously spent several years at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where her roles included Unit Manager and RD&E (research, development and education) coordinator. Over the years, she has built up an extensive network and has valuable experience of identifying new meetings that can brought to Gothenburg, including medical congresses. Lena will also act as an external contact for support and questions relating to meetings that have already been decided on.

“Changing direction after spending many years working in healthcare for Region Västra Götaland felt like an exciting and fascinating challenge. After an initial feeling of enthusiasm combined with a little apprehension, I quickly felt very much at home thanks largely to the wonderful creative environment and my colleagues at Göteborg & Co.

“The meeting industry is exciting and is constantly evolving. It’s an extremely broad field with a lot going on, making this a fantastic journey to be on. It’s wonderful to see the synergy effects that can be achieved through the excellent cooperation we enjoy with our stakeholders. It’s quite unique and makes Gothenburg stand out as a meeting destination – it’s certainly something to be proud of!”

Contact Fredrik and Lena.