Convention

Hamburg, Germany

Learn more about Hamburg, Germany

Are you ready to visit the beautiful waterfront city of Hamburg? Explore the magnificent sights, delicious restaurants and cafes and array of theatres, museums and galleries that call Hamburg home. Located in the north central region of Germany, the second largest city of the country sits directly on the shores of the River Elbe and two of its tributaries, the River Alster and the River Bille. Hamburg's rivers and canals are crossed by more than 2,500 bridges, making it the perfect location to cross into the next Zonta biennium.

Besides its breathtaking views, the city is also home to notable cultural venues such as the Elbphilharmonie, which has become the city's newest, eye-catching landmark. Learn more about what awaits you in the E.U.'s largest non-capitol city by clicking the button below. We look forward to seeing you!

The convention venue will be the newly opened Congress Center Hamburg. Sustainability was a top priority for the architects of the redesign, and the CCH hopes to receive a Gold Certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).  The CCH is also committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zonta’s key Goal SDG5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Employing a high number of female managers and winning a 2015 award for its commitment to mixed leadership, Zonta is proud to partner with this facility. Click on the button below to learn more about the CCH.




Practical information about Hamburg, Germany
  • Travel to Hamburg
  • Accessibility 
    • Labeled as a barrier-free venue, accessibility throughout the CCH was developed together with representatives of the associations for inclusion. In the step-free accessible CCH, there is now not only reduced counter and handrail heights and a floor guidance system from the forecourt to the halls, but also high-contrast visual information, optical step markings and tactile floor markings. Lettering, for example in the elevators, is in Braille and pyramid writing for visually impaired and blind people. In this way, everyone can take part in events at the CCH, regardless of their individual limitations. More at https://www.cch.de/besuchen/barrierefreiheit

  • Arriving in Hamburg
  • Cell phones
    • It is important for voting that each delegate has a reliable smart phone, tablet or computer. To access the app on web or mobile, you will only need wifi and not an international plan. Please contact your mobile carrier for more information on international plans if you will need one for personal use. 

  • Climate
    • The average temperature for Hamburg in the month of June is between 10.5˚C/50.9˚F –19.9˚C/67.8˚F.  There can be plenty of rainy days so pack an umbrella and rain gear if you plan on walking the city.

  • Credit Cards, Debit Cards & ATMs
    • Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted cards in Germany, while American Express and Discover are not. Cash is the preferred method of payment.

  • Currency
    • Germany uses the Euro and is part of the European Union.

  • Disclaimer/Liability
    • In the event of a force majeure and for reasons beyond their control, the 64th Zonta International Convention 2022 and/or Zonta International and/or its agents have the right to immediately alter or cancel the Convention or any of the arrangements, timetables, plans or other items, relating directly or indirectly to the 64th Zonta International Convention 2022. The participants shall not be entitled to any compensation of damages that result from such alteration or cancellation. Furthermore, with the  exception of any willful damage or gross negligence committed by the 64th Zonta International Convention and/or Zonta International and/or its agents, the 64th Zonta International Convention and/or Zonta International and/or its agents shall at no time be liable for any direct or indirect damage suffered by the participants, including consequential and immaterial damage caused by failure to comply with any provision of this Convention document, the registration form or related informational materials.

  • Electricity
    • Standard voltage in Germany is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. It is advised to bring electric converters from home. 

  • Insurance
    • It is strongly recommended that attendees carry adequate travel and health insurance. Zonta International and/or its agents cannot accept liability for accidents, illnesses or injuries that may occur at or during the Convention or its social events.

  • Language
    • English is the official language of Zonta International, and no simultaneous translation services will be offered.

  • Lunch Options
    • To keep costs low and options high, lunch boxes will not be offered during the 2022 Convention. Just meters away, there are many options for lunch at the train station. 

  • Photography
    • There will be an onsite photographer who will be capturing the official photographs for the 2022 Convention. During the registration process, individual attendees will be given the chance to review the procedures of the onsite photographer and opt out if desired.

  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
    • Hamburg is home to so many must-see sights that it might feel overwhelming to try to see them all. Throughout the city, double-decker bus companies provide visitors a "hop-on, hop-off" experience where they can get on and off a bus whenever they please. Be spontaneous with your travel without being left behind. View more options at: https://www.hamburg-travel.com/see-explore/round-trips-tours/city-round-trips/.

  • Taxes
    • During your trip to Hamburg, you will not have to pay taxes over and above the IVA (VAT), which is already included in the prices.

  • Tours: District 27
    • Extend your convention trip with tours and sightseeing opportunities in Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Germany. These are not official Zonta International tours and are independently organized by local Zonta members. For more information and booking details, please visit the District 27, Area 03 website: https://zonta-area03-27.de/convention-open-houses-tours/.

  • Visa and Passport information
  • WiFi 
    • The CCH is home to state-of-the-art information technology and a leading-edge high-speed communications network. WiFi will be available throughout the venue.

  • Zonta Store
    • The Zonta Store will be onsite for members and guests to purchase Zonta goods and gifts. Clubs in District 27 will also be able to sell their wares in the Zonta Marketplace. 
COVID-19 Guidelines and Considerations
Zonta International’s priority in all convention decisions is the safety and welfare of our members, guests, speakers and convention planning team. Zonta is also obligated to follow the regulations mandated by Germany, the city of Hamburg, and the venues where Zonta events will be held.

At this time, guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic have eased. There are no restrictions anymore for indoor venues and testing is not required to enter the CCH. Masks can be worn, but they are not mandatory. However, we will ask that all attendees are symptom free, respect personal space and are considerate of others while at the event. It should be noted that while restrictions have been lifted for indoor spaces, masks may still be required on transportation and in medical facilities and other locations.

COVID-19 Testing in Hamburg
As COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in Hamburg, testing stations are becoming more limited in number, and you must be cautious in selecting a location because some offer the free test to German citizens. Please do not select a free test if you are an international traveler.

There is currently a testing station at the main train station which is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the CCH. You can book appointments online by visiting: https://coronatest.de/. At top of page, under locations, select Hamburg Central Station as your testing site. 

There is a testing site at the Hamburg Airport: https://www.hamburg-airport.de/en/depart-arrive/corona-test-centers-at-the-airport. This airport does certificates for Japan.

You may also contact your hotel for recommendations in this area.

The city of Hamburg also offers and interactive site for travels to locate testing centers, but you may find this more complicated to use:  https://www.hamburg.de/corona-schnelltest/.

Zonta will continue to monitor the country, city and venue requirements and update Convention attendees accordingly prior to your travel to Hamburg, Germany. 

Zonta is aware that many attendees will require a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure from Germany. A list of testing sites will be made available at Convention. As facilities may open and close, it is not optimal to publish in advance.

For more information you can visit:
• Hamburg information https://www.hamburg.com/residents/settle/health/14111762/corona-whats-new 
• FAQs (in multiple languages) https://www.hamburg.de/faq-english/
• Corona-warn-app https://www.hamburg.com/residents/settle/health/13982444/corona-warn-app/

Please return to this page prior to your departure to Germany and check the links above for updates. 
Thank you for your cooperation.