The “new” shopping mile on the 88th. Warnemünder Woche: a first look

Heiko, the shopping mile on the 88th. Warnemünder Woche is being organized for the first time by your agency Highlights Event Management. How great was your joy when you received the contract from the organizing Warnemünde Association, and what significance does the Warnemünder Woche for youh?

I was naturally very happy, as the event and Warnemünde are very close to my heart.

What is your own connection to Warnemünde and the event?

I'm a boy from Rostock and grew up in Groß Klein. Warnemünde was always my first stop. Even at a young age, we visited Warnemünde and later also the Warnemünder Woche I was already able to visit the event mile in 2018 on behalf of the tourist office and the former Warnemünder Woche I helped manage the office for two years, which is how I got to know and love the event.

Can you introduce yourself and your agency, as well as the areas of responsibility involved?

For almost 25 years, I worked for a municipal event company in Rostock, and then went into business for myself. My goal was always to establish myself in Rostock and focus on events in Rostock and the surrounding area. And Warnemünde, of course, plays a major role in that. So far, the concept has worked well.

We take care of the entire event from A to Z, from acquisition to electricity, water and waste disposal to logistics. With my agency, I take on events that have a long tradition, such as the Warnemünder WocheBut I also enjoy creating new events, such as the wine festivals, including one in Warnemünde. At all events, I make it a point to ensure that visitors know where they are, through wine barrels and real winemakers at the wine festivals or maritime decorative elements at the Hanse Sail.

What particularly appeals to you about the new task of developing the shopping mile of Warnemünder Woche to design and organize something that was in other hands for decades?

What challenges and inspires me in Warnemünde is the opportunity to give the event a new look after decades. Of course, I won't replace 90 percent of the booths, but I will rearrange and reposition them somewhat to create a fresh perspective. I want to create a different quality of stay and work extensively with decoration.

We need to promote Warnemünde as a town and event venue. It should become more modern and appeal to a large number of visitors. I would also like to incorporate regional elements.

What can visitors especially look forward to? What will remain, and what new highlights are planned?

We're still working on the details. What I can already say, however, is that I can easily imagine various themed areas on the event mile, each one extending from one beach entrance to the next and clearly identifiable. In these areas, I'd like to create lounge areas with thematically appropriate decorations and perhaps small performance opportunities to keep visitors entertained. One corner could be designed with a maritime theme, with appropriate decorations and music. The cocktail bar area could incorporate a Caribbean theme with palm trees and Caribbean music. It's important to me, however, that the volume is pleasant, so that people enjoy staying there and can also have a conversation.

Are any local changes to the shopping mile area also planned?

I could well imagine incorporating additional areas in the long term, for example, the church forecourt with a small wine village or a maritime corner. I also see potential for space along the Alter Strom. On the Neuer Strom, special ships or a street food corner could be included. I want the event to truly extend through Warnemünde.

What is the agency's next step in relation to the 88th? Warnemünder Woche at?

We have a lot of ideas and will be doing a bit of building and tinkering this winter to see if everything works the way we envision it. We'll start with small steps and develop further over the next few years.

We are excited to see what new ideas will be developed this winter and wish you much success!