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:
1. 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.
2. City of Tallinn Conference Grant:
- Criteria: To qualify, conferences must meet specific criteria:
- At least two countries represented by foreign delegates.
- A minimum of 50 foreign delegates in attendance.
- A conference program spanning at least two consecutive days in Tallinn.
- Held between September 1st and May 31st.
- The conference should occur within 12 months from the grant application.
- Maximum Grant: Up to €30,000.
- Eligibility: Open to private and public legal entities registered in Estonia.
- Applicable Conference Types: Academic/association and business conferences.
- Evaluation Factors: Grants are assessed based on the number of foreign delegates, conference duration, timing, and type. Sustainability and eco-friendliness are also important.
- More Information: Explore further details at the Visit Tallinn web site
3. 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.
4. City of 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
