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Oktoberfest Organizer Shifts Base to Hotel During Celebration Period

Relocating Hotel Operations for Oktoberfest Leadership

Throngs typically form en route to Oktoberfest (archived image)
Throngs typically form en route to Oktoberfest (archived image)

Moving into a Hotel for Oktoberfest: A Necessary Decision for Wiesnchef Christian Scharpf

Hotel relocating executive chef to Oktoberfest venue. - Oktoberfest Organizer Shifts Base to Hotel During Celebration Period

For next month's Oktoberfest, the financial affairs chief and new Wiesnchef, Christian Scharpf, from the SPD party, has decided to reside in a hotel instead of his dwelling in the Maxvorstadt district. The reason behind the hotel stay? To ensure he's just a stone's throw away from the event's heartbeat!

Scharpf shared with the German Press Agency his eager anticipation for the move: "I've nabbed a room right next to the Wiesn at my expense, so I can jet there at a moment’s notice during the festival's peak." With over five decades under his belt, Scharpf, who took on his role in March, never imagined a workplace more charming than this.

First thing in the morning - the security briefing

Before the festivities officially kick off, Scharpf's clock reads "security briefing" with the local authorities. His calendar proceeds to fill up with meeting after meeting, each dramatically important to keep the wheels turning. "Maintaining a clear overview, being present, and smoothing out any wrinkles are paramount during the course of events," says the festival lover and former law student in Munich.

The price of jovial exchanges - potential vocal strain

Scharpf stands at the forefront of numerous networking events during the festival's fortnight. Engaging in lively conversations in the raucous beer tents day-in and day-out might take a toll on his vocal cords. "The noise levels can be ear-splitting, but my body seems to develop a tolerance. I'll be stacking up on throat lozenges beforehand to keep vocal problems at bay." Despite the discomfort, he wholeheartedly embraces the encounters as part and parcel of the Oktoberfest experience. His favorite ride? The exhilarating Breakdance.

Following in Baumgaertner's footsteps

Scharpf's hotel lodging decision mirrors that of his predecessor, Clemens Baumgaertner. "I observed Baumgaertner's approach and followed suit," Scharpf admitted. He secured his room months ago, even before his election as Munich's economic affairs chief was confirmed. Hotels within Munich are scalding hot commodities during the festival, as tourists flock to attend the world-renowned celebration.

Baumgaertner took a similar approach in 2022, setting up camp near the festival grounds for the first time to ensure his accessibility. He shared stories of his Wiesntag often lasting 17 or 18 hours straight.

[1] Proximity and accessibility[2] 24/7 involvement[3] Workload and stress[4] Enhanced security and support

The reasons behind this practice, as we've seen, are manifold: proximity for speedy response, maximal involvement, and reduced stress; heightened security and support for a high-profile figure like the Wiesnchef; and increased accessibility, particularly during emergencies. All this comes together to ensure a smoother-running event and an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

  • Oktoberfest
  • SPD
  • Munich
  • German Press Agency
  • Maxvorstadt
  1. In preparation for the upcoming Oktoberfest, Christian Scharpf, the new Wiesnchef and financial affairs chief of the SPD party, has chosen to live in a hotel near the event to ensure immediate availability.
  2. Just like his successor Clemens Baumgaertner, Scharpf has opted to stay in a hotel during the festival, not only for quick response and continuous availability but also for increased security and enhanced accessibility.

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