Moving into a Hotel: The New Oktoberfest Chief's Strategy
Hotel Manager Now Overseeing Oktoberfest Operations - Oktoberfest Organizer Relocates to Hotel During Event
Get ready for Oktoberfest 2023, because the festival's new big boss, Christian Scharpf (SPD), will be staying right next door! With a room booked at a hotel closest to the action, Scharpf aims to cut travel time and be onsite pronto whenever the situation calls for it.
Why the hotel shift? Scharpf himself spilled the beans to the German Press Agency, "I wanted a quick response time and convenience during the festival's peak hour, so I splurged on a room nearby." Living in the Maxvorstadt district, Scharpf is only a few kilometers airborne from the Oktoberfest grounds. However, during Oktoberfest, public transportation around the festival grounds can be a feverish mess, and walking can be a stop-and-go affair.
Morning calls with security agencies
The festival's commander-in-chief needs to be sharp and on point, even before the sun rises. "The first appointment is my morning briefing with the security team," said Scharpf. After that, it's a marathon of meetings back-to-back. "It's vital to stay focused, present, and make sure everything runs smoothly," he added. A self-proclaimed Oktoberfest enthusiast, Scharpf learned to appreciate and cherish the festival during his law student days in Munich, and can hardly fathom a more alluring workplace.
Hoarseness and candy for throats
Scharpf isn't just organizing the event; he's also rubbing elbows with numerous associations, organizations, and companies at Oktoberfest. "Of course, I'll be there," he admitted. Two weeks of shouting over the noise in beer tents is no picnic; nevertheless, Scharpf is stocking up on throat lozenges to keep his vocal chords in check. "I'm looking forward to the interactions, it's part of the experience," smiles Scharpf. Breakdance is his favorite ride, "It gets fast and wild, but not too high. I'm not scared of heights," he insisted.
Following in past footsteps
Scharpf isn't the first Oktoberfest chief to opt for hotel living. His predecessor, Clemens Baumgaertner (CSU), tried it out for the first time in 2022, with the same goal of staying close in case of an emergency. The hotel kicked off a tradition that Scharpf felt the need to carry on. He booked the hotel months ago, even before being officially confirmed as the new Munich economic affairs representative. Needless to say, hotels in Munich during Oktoberfest are fully booked!
Octoberfest, SPD, Munich, German Press Agency, Maxvorstadt
- The new Chief of Oktoberfest, Christian Scharpf (SPD), has adopted a strategic approach to increase his response time during the festival by staying in a hotel near the event site, veering away from his usual residence in the Maxvorstadt district.
- The hotel accommodation serves a dual purpose for Scharpf, as he prepares himself for the peak hours of the Oktoberfest, anticipating the potential congestion in public transportation and on the festival grounds, rendering walking a challenging affair.
