MARKENCAMP

What MARKENCAMP does

MARKENCAMP e.V. is a German registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein, VR 205046) founded in 2013 by Norbert Gierlich, headquartered in Munich with operations managed from Ingolstadt. It operates as an interdisciplinary networking and education platform for brand professionals ("Markenmacher") in Germany — a positioning explicitly intended to cut across the silos that typically separate brand strategy, design, UX, brand law, communications, and consulting. Its core products are the annual MARKENCAMP conference, which travels to different German cities each year (Munich 2013 and 2019, Köln 2014, Dresden 2015 and 2025, Bremen 2026, Düsseldorf 2027) and features lectures, workshops, break-out sessions, and two evening networking parties (WHITE NIGHT and RED NIGHT), and three regional MARKENLOUNGE evening events per year, which host presentations from major brands and include both in-person and virtual formats launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue mechanics rest on three legs: annual membership subscriptions (individual at 199 EUR/year, corporate at 999 EUR/year for two named representatives, plus a junior/student tier available on request), one-time conference ticket sales bundled with food, drinks, and party access, and sponsorships/partnerships from major enterprise brands (BMW Group, Lufthansa, Vodafone, Nestlé Wagner, BSH Hausgeräte, Evonik, De Longhi, Shiseido, Gaggenau, Sixt, Metro AG and others) that host or sponsor MARKENCAMP events. Non-members can attend Markenlounge events for a 29-35 EUR contribution toward food and drinks. Distribution is direct via the association's website (ticketing and membership applications), email newsletter, and an active social media footprint on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Xing, and YouTube, supplemented by word-of-mouth referrals through members and brand ambassadors (Markenbotschafter). The association has no proprietary technology stack, no app, no API, and no AI/ML capabilities disclosed — it operates through standard event and community infrastructure with volunteer effort from a three-person board (Norbert Gierlich as Chairman, Michael Eckstein as Treasurer, Jennifer Chur as Secretary) supplemented by brand ambassadors, an advisory Beirat, and a track record of partnership-driven programming that sustains a low-overhead, community-led operating model.

Name

MARKENCAMP

Legal name

MARKENCAMP e.V.

Website

https://markencamp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

MARKENCAMP e.V. is a German non-profit association that operates an annual interdisciplinary brand conference and three regional networking events (MARKENLOUNGEs) per year, serving brand strategists, designers, lawyers, consultants, and marketing decision-makers across Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Brand professional association and events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAHACAK

Sponsorship, Exhibitor & Partnership Management Services

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) & Meeting Planners

SECONDARYTHAHADAH

Event Production & Theming (Décor, Creative, Entertainment Booking)

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Destination Management Companies (DMCs) & Incentive Travel Specialists

Keywords

• Brand professional networking
• Interdisciplinary marketing conferences
• Industry association membership
• Regional brand events
• Marketing community platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Ingolstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Conference Tickets: Revenue from ticket sales for the annual MARKENCAMP conference. The conference offers a comprehensive package including entry, food, drinks, networking events (White Night and Red Night parties), and educational content.
2. Individual Membership: Annual membership fee providing access to all association events, networking opportunities, and member benefits. Single membership at 199 EUR per year.
3. Corporate Membership: Business membership for companies with 2 named representatives at 999 EUR per year, providing enhanced business networking and member benefits.
4. Markenlounge Guest Fees: Non-members can attend regional Markenlounge events for a small contribution (29-35 EUR) to cover food and drinks.
5. Sponsorship and Partnerships: Companies sponsor and host Markenlounge events or provide in-kind support for annual conferences in exchange for brand visibility and access to brand professional network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MARKENCAMP e.V. is a registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) that runs an annual interdisciplinary brand conference held in a different German city each year (MARKENCAMP Konferenz) and three regional networking evenings per year (MARKENLOUNGE) for brand makers. It funds these programs through Individual, Corporate, and Junior memberships and event sponsorships, providing members with access to a national brand professional network across strategy, design, law, communications, and consulting disciplines.

Product overview

MARKENCAMP e.V. is a German association that operates two main event products: the annual MARKENCAMP conference (held in different German cities each year) and the quarterly MARKENLOUNGE regional networking events. The association also offers three membership tiers (individual at 199 EUR/year, corporate at 999 EUR/year for 2 persons, and junior for students upon request) that provide access to these events and the broader brand-maker network. The organization functions as a platform connecting brand strategists, designers, UX experts, brand consultants, marketing professionals, and decision-makers across Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MARKENCAMP Konferenz Annual interdisciplinary brand conference held in a different German city each year, featuring lectures from brand experts, workshops, break-out sessions, plus two evening parties (WHITE NIGHT and RED NIGHT) for networking. Designed for senior brand professionals, marketing executives, brand directors and CMOs.
• MARKENLOUNGE Regional networking format of MARKENCAMP e.V. held three times per year, where brand makers present successful B2B and B2C concepts and campaigns followed by discussion with participants. Hosted in person and virtually at partner locations such as BMW Group, Lufthansa, Vodafone, Nestlé Wagner, Evonik, BSH, Interstuhl, and Genesis Studio Munich.
• Einzelmitgliedschaft (Individual Membership) Individual annual membership for brand professionals at 199 EUR per year, providing access to all MARKENCAMP and MARKENLOUNGE events, networking opportunities, and member benefits across the association's interdisciplinary brand-maker community.
• Unternehmensmitgliedschaft (Corporate Membership) Corporate annual membership at 999 EUR per year covering 2 named company representatives, designed for businesses seeking enhanced networking opportunities and member benefits within MARKENCAMP's interdisciplinary brand professional community.
• Junior-Mitgliedschaft (Junior/Student Membership) Student/junior membership available on request for young professionals and students in marketing and brand-related fields, offering reduced rates and access to the MARKENCAMP and MARKENLOUNGE events.

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GaggenaucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2027Premium home appliance brand Gaggenau is featured as a key presenter/sponsor at MARKENCAMP 2027 in Düsseldorf. Gaggenau represents the high-end brand positioning that aligns with the MARKENCAMP audience of brand decision-makers.
• SixtcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2027Sixt is featured as a presenter/sponsor at MARKENCAMP 2027. As a leading mobility service provider, Sixt contributes to the brand-focused content and network at the annual conference.
• De LonghicoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2027De Longhi is featured as a presenter/sponsor at MARKENCAMP 2027. The brand has also hosted virtual Markenlounge events featuring their marketing leadership.
• ShiseidocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2027International cosmetics brand Shiseido is featured as a presenter/sponsor at MARKENCAMP 2027, bringing expertise in luxury brand management and international marketing.
• Metro AGcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2027Metro AG is featured as a presenter/sponsor at MARKENCAMP 2027. The B2B wholesale giant contributes to the brand professional network and content at the annual conference.
• Counterpart Group / Mermaid & BroccoliminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 April 2026Cologne-based agency Counterpart Group and Mermaid & Broccoli will host an interactive Markenlounge on AI and organizational learning. The session focuses on creating orientation and learning spaces in organizations.
• Stilwerk HamburgminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 October 2025Design center Stilwerk Hamburg hosted a Markenlounge on greenwashing vs greenhushing with sustainability consultants green fair consulting and agency Steffen und Bach.
• InterstuhlminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 November 2024Office furniture manufacturer Interstuhl hosted a Markenlounge at their Frankfurt showroom on the future of work environments. Their Head of Marketing & Product Management presented on innovation and workspace design.
• rheingold InstitutminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 February 2024Renowned qualitative-psychological market research institute hosted a Markenlounge in Cologne on 'The Seamless Consumer'. Unit Director presented insights on future consumer behavior and communication strategies.
• Cromatics (Genesis)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2024Brand transformation agency hosted a Markenlounge at Genesis Studio Munich. The session covered deep impact and loud impact approaches to brand transformation for organizations.
• VodafoneminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 October 2023Vodafone hosted a virtual Markenlounge on how AI, AR and new technologies are transforming marketing. Head of Integrated Channel Management presented on elevating brands with emerging technologies.
• Nestlé WagnerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 May 2023Nestlé Wagner hosted a virtual Markenlounge on influencer vs creator marketing. Their Head of Digital & Brand PR discussed how the brand approaches content revolution in social media.
• BMWcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2023BMW hosted a virtual Markenlounge on digitalization and customer trends for APAC, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa regions. Head of Digitalization presented on online sales and market trends.
• InMomentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 October 2022Customer experience platform InMoment hosted a virtual Markenlounge on customer experience and brand promise alignment. Their CX Consultant presented on how brand leadership can benefit from CX management.
• why do birdsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 September 2022Berlin-based audio branding agency hosted a Markenlounge on 'The Power of Sound Branding'. The agency is Germany's most awarded audio branding agency and works with clients like GORE-TEX, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn.
• BMW GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 November 2019BMW Group hosted a Markenlounge at the be.yond academy on brand portfolio strategy (BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad) as part of their Next 100 initiative. Head of Brand Portfolio Strategy presented.
• Lufthansa GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2019Lufthansa hosted a Markenlounge event at their Frankfurt Aviation Center on the global brand refresh for their 100th anniversary. Senior Director of Brand & Marketing Communication presented on heritage meeting future.
• Evonik IndustriescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 November 2018Evonik hosted a Markenlounge event on brand positioning and corporate stance, featuring their Head of Brand Communication. The session addressed 'Brand und Haltung' (Brand and Position) including Evonik's historical reckoning work with Borussia Dortmund.
• BSH Hausgeräte (Bosch, Siemens)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 September 2018BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, one of the world's leading appliance manufacturers, hosted a Markenlounge event on holistic consumer experience and always-on communication approach. Featured their Head of Digital Marketing for Siemens brand.
• Martin et KarczinskicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2018Strategic brand consulting and design agency. Martin et Karczinski is a key partner, having hosted multiple Markenlounge events including sessions on Lufthansa brand refresh and BMW Group. The agency also founded the be.yond academy where Markenlounge events have been held.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DMEXCO: DMEXCO is a major annual digital marketing trade show and conference in Cologne with broad marketer and brand decision-maker attendance. Comparable as a German event-anchored platform for brand and marketing professionals, though at much larger scale.
• OMR (Online Marketing Rockstars): OMR runs Germany's largest marketing professional conference and community, plus a recurring event-based content platform serving a similar audience of marketing/brand professionals. Directly comparable to MARKENCAMP's conference-plus-community model.
• Marketing Club Frankfurt: Regional German marketing association serving the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region with member events and networking. Directly comparable as a regional association serving senior brand decision-makers in Germany.
• BVDW (Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft): Germany's leading digital economy trade association running member programs, conferences, and policy advocacy for digital marketing/tech professionals. Comparable as a German professional association delivering events and member services to the same broad brand/marketing audience.
• Marketing Club München: Regional German marketing association hosting recurring professional events for marketers and brand decision-makers in Munich; founder Norbert Gierlich was previously Vice President there. Direct peer in structure, audience, and event cadence.

Others

• The Drum: Global marketing industry media brand producing news, events, and awards serving marketers and brand professionals. Comparable in audience of brand professionals and event-driven model, complementary in that it is primarily a media/community platform rather than a member association.
• WARC: B2B marketing knowledge and best-practice platform producing research, events, and awards used by brand and marketing professionals. Comparable as a knowledge/thought-leadership resource for the same audience; complementary rather than directly competitive.

Broad incumbents

• GWA (Gesellschaft der führenden Werbeagenturen): German association representing leading advertising agencies with member events and industry programs. Comparable as a membership organization for marketing professionals, but serving primarily agencies rather than the cross-discipline brand-maker niche MARKENCAMP targets.
• CMO Council: Global, executive-level community for chief marketing officers with regional chapters, events, and thought-leadership programs. Comparable in audience focus on senior brand decision-makers, broader in geography and scale.

Emerging players

• D&AD: International creative/design industry body running awards, events and educational programs. Comparable as a brand/creative community gathering brand professionals, but globally oriented rather than Germany-focused.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/markencamp
• Instagraminstagram.com/markencamp
• Xtwitter.com/markencamp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MARKENCAMP