Estonia offers a host of tailored destination supports for event organisers. These grants, provided by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, as well as the cities of Tallinn and Tartu, aim to elevate Estonia’s status as a preferred destination for international conferences. Here’s a brief overview:

Estonian Business and Innovation Agency’s Conference Grant

  • Launched in 2016: This grant focuses on enhancing Estonia’s reputation as a host for international conferences.
  • Financial Support: It covers organisational and external marketing costs.
  • Maximum Grant: max €30,000 / 70% of eligible costs
  • Eligibility: Open to legal entities registered in Estonia, including public authorities and local authorities.
  • Learn More: Estonian Business and Innovation Agency’s website for detailed information.

Tallinn Conference Grant

Starting from 2023, the city of Tallinn supports international conferences taking place in Tallinn. The maximum support for one conference is up to 30,000 euros. One of the prerequisites for receiving this support is a commitment to self-financing and co-financing, covering 40% of eligible expenses. Support is granted for up to 60% of the eligible expenses actually incurred by the applicant.

To be eligible for support, the conference must:

  1. Take place in Tallinn within 12 months of the application submission.
  2. Occur between October 1st and April 30th.
  3. Have a program lasting for at least two consecutive days, with a minimum of 4 hours of conference content on each of those days.
  4. Include participants from at least two foreign countries.
  5. Have a minimum of 75 foreign delegates attending the conference in January, February, and March, and a minimum of 120 foreign delegates attending the conference in April, October, November, and December.

Support can only be applied for covering eligible expenses related to organizing the conference, which include:

  1. Rental costs of conference venues.
  2. Expenses for technical support required for conducting the conference (presentation equipment, translation services, voting and polling systems, etc.), excluding the technical implementation of virtual and hybrid conferences.
  3. Costs associated with marketing materials promoting Tallinn as the conference destination (printed materials, videos, digital tools, etc.).
  4. Expenses related to activities introducing the destination and local culture.
  5. Costs associated with organizing cultural and entertainment programs for one reception event during the conference (fees for local performers, venue rental, catering, etc.).
  6. Expenses for conference organization services (budget planning, reporting, etc.).

Free Public Transport for Conferences in Tallinn

  • Benefit: Delegates of international events (conferences, cultural, and sports events) in Tallinn can apply for free public transport.
  • Transport Modes: Includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
  • QR Ticket System: Delegates receive QR codes for immediate ticket use upon arrival or can have QR codes printed on event badges.
  • Details: For conditions and application procedures, refer to Visit Tallinn’s website.

Tartu Conference Grant

  • Support: The City of Tartu extends substantial support to various conference types hosted by private and public legal entities.
  • Eligibility: Conferences must be held in Tartu, with a minimum of 200 overnight stays and a program lasting at least two consecutive days.
  • Application Deadlines: October 1st for conferences between January 1st and June 30th, and April 1st for conferences between July 1st and December 31st.
  • More Information: Detailed application and processing information can be found on Visit Tartu’s website.

Site Inspection Funding

  • Estonian Convention Bureau offers support for the costs associated with in-person site inspections, including travel and accommodation for key decision-makers who are exploring Estonia as a potential host for their future event.

Bid Support Funding

  • The Estonian Convention Bureau is your partner in creating compelling bid documents and presentations.
  • Support is provided to help you with the bidding process, including financial assistance for creating outstanding bid materials.
  • Additionally, support may include covering travel expenses, accommodation, and conference registration fees for presenting the bid at the preceding conference.
  • If needed, the bureau’s expert team can assist you in preparing bid documents, crafting presentations introducing Estonia as the destination, and organising site inspection visits for international organisations.
  • Feel free to contact the bureau’s team at any time for guidance and support.

 

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