IVU Vegfests come and go and the 2019 edition has just come to the end. Every IVU Vegfest is different and every one is good - with peculiarities unique to the local, the hosting country and hosting group.
The 47th IVU Vegfest fit pretty much the moto chosen by ProVeg, our main host: IVU World Vegfest Goes Vegan Summer Festival Berlin. This was very much the case, as it was more a visit than an integral participation as is often the case. Still, IVU had some participation in every aspect of the event: some talks in the main tent, an artistic presentation and our IVU Network Tent - which worked well as a space to meet, talk and share experiences. IVU’s high point at this Vegfest was the IVU Leaders and Simpatizers Meeting, held at the ProVeg office.
47th IVU World Vegfest 24th August 2019 – 3:30-6:30 pm - ProVeg Office - Genthiner Straße 48
On the 24th August 2019 as part of the 47th IVU World Vegfest, to be held this time in Berlin (from 23 to 25th August 2019) we are organizing a Meeting for Organizational Leaders to share “Successful ideas and concepts worth spreading”. The session is meant for leaders of IVU member organizations to share ideas, learn from one another, strategize, and network. Since many challenges are similar for a wide range of organizations, creative solutions and best practices are expected to be presented and shared.
After the Meeting we will have a dinner in the Samadhi Restaurant (Wilhelmstr 77) where we can reach by a pleasant walk of about 30-35 minutes or by bus/taxi as you choose. So, please, if you want to join the dinner tell us as soon as possible so we can do a reservation (dinner will be paid by each attendee). You can bring others with you but please let us know in advance.
4:10:4:25 pm The Future of the Vegetarian Movement / best approaches and threats Cynthia Schuck – IVU Councilor
4:25-4:40 pm Case - Meatless Monday Brazil Mônica Buava – SVB
4:40-4:50 pm - How to Use Social Media to Help Animals Larissa Maluf - SVB
4:50-5:00 pm - IVU Vegfests Alex Fernandes – IVU Webmaster
5:00-5:10 pm Coffee Break
5:10-5:50 pm IVU Regions Ignacya Uribe / Monica Buava – Latin America Shara NG – Asia Pacific Sebastian Joy – Europe Jayanthy Cuddalorevenkatesan – India
5:50-6:05 pm Finances David Pye – IVU Treasurer
6:05-6:20 pm 48th IVU World Vegfest – Beijing - China Shara NG
We are pleased to invite you to the 47th IVU World Vegfest! This year the Vegfest will take place between the 23rd and 27th of August 2019 in Berlin, the vegan capital of Europe, in association with the Vegan Summerfest.
After 87 years (yes, we have history!) we are getting back to Berlin, where IVU had its 8th World Vegetarian Congress in 1936! (now Vegfest). Actually IVU was founded in Germany, in 1908, in Dresden, where we celebrated our centenary in 2008! As far as we know before IVU there were only a few International Vegetarian gatherings: the first one in Cologne, in 1889, the same year when it was launched the Vegetarian Federal Union (the forerunner to IVU). In 1960 IVU went again to Germany, Hannover and Hamburg and in 1982 (Neu-Ulm). So it is more than time to go back to Germany.
The Vegan Summerfest is the world’s largest vegetarian event and truly transforms the famous Alexanderplatz into a vegan oasis. There will be thought-provoking speakers from all over the world, inspirational cooking shows, live music and stage performances, and engaging workshops. Further highlights include a fashion show featuring sustainable vegan fashion trends, a raffle with attractive veggie prizes, an entertaining children’s program and more. Hundreds of food stands will offer a wide selection of the newest inventions in delicious vegan foods.
As a new addition this year, an IVU World Vegfest Networking Tent will be provided at the Vegan Summerfest to connect visitors and members of veg* organizations to listen to inspiring talks and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. You are very welcome to attend each day of the Summerfest starting Friday 12 pm and ending Sunday evening. More information about the programme will follow soon.
Just before the start of the Summerfest, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a two-day training by the Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy (CEVA). Run by Dr. Melanie Joy, Harvard-educated psychologist and celebrated speaker, and Tobias Leenaert, longtime speaker and strategist, you will get useful tools and tips on how to improve the efficiency of your advocacy actions. Here you can learn more about the training and how to book your spot.
To end the IVU World Vegfest on a high note, an optional cultural tour will be organised by our team on 26-27 August.Day trips can be booked and paid for in advance to ensure you won’t miss out on the exciting cultural and culinary highlights in Berlin. Join us as we cruise along the Spree in a boat, as we stroll over a market, discover lots of great vegan food and much more. Check out the full programme and book your spot here.
From Tegel International airport to the Alexanderplatz we recommend travellers to take the TXL bus, The buses departures right outside Terminals A and B, usually 6 minutes apart from each other. If you gonna stay in Berlin for at least 7 days, we recommend you to buy the 7 day tickets that costs € 30,00, it will give you access to all public transportation inside the AB zone of Berlin, more about the public transportation fees in Berlin click here.
Tickets Machines:
Tickets can be purchased at multilingual ticket machines on the platforms of S-and U-Bahn stations. In buses, fares are paid to the bus driver, in trams at machines inside the trains. In larger stations the S-Bahn and BVG provide ticket counters.
Validation of Tickets:
Before the journey starts tickets must be validated by stamping them at the yellow or red boxes on the platforms, in buses or trams. In case of inspection, a ticket that is not stamped is invalid.
Fare Evasion in Berlin
Anyone caught in public transportion without a valid ticket must pay a higher fare of 60 Euros. Even people who forgot to stamp their ticket must pay the fine. Note: Ticket inspectors are dressed in plain clothes and will not make any exceptions for tourists. Those who get caught have to show an ID, otherwise the police will be called.
It is a bit more difficult to get back to Tegel Airport from Alexanderplatz than the other way around. BUT public transport in Berlin is really easy. You´ll find everything in english and there are a lot of signs everywhere. What you do when you are starting at Alexanderplatz is taking the S3 or S5 or S7 to Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof in german). When you arrive there you follow the BUS signs (ground floor) and walk outside to the bus stations. There you take the TXL and drive straight to the airport.
We look forward to welcoming you soon on your next adventurous vegan trip!