O2 Universum Congress Center Celebrates 5 Years of Operation – Interview with Business Development Director Marek Chmátal

A reflection on five years of one of Prague’s most modern multifunctional venues through the eyes of Marek Chmátal, Business Development Director at Bestsport, a.s.

Marek has been with Bestsport for 7 years. He was there at the inception of both the O₂ universum and STAGES Hotel Prague and witnessed their grand openings. Since 2019, he has overseen the business strategy of this state-of-the-art venue, which has brought a new dimension to corporate events in the Czech Republic.

Five Years of O₂ universum – the Largest Congress Center in the Czech Republic

What are the achievements you’re most proud of from the past five years?

Several milestones stand out: Prague welcomed a brand-new multifunctional center funded by a private investor. After two years of construction, we opened our doors in September 2019. Within the first six months, we hosted major events and hundreds of client tours. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to temporarily close just as we were gaining momentum. Despite the restrictions, we ran two large virtual studios and hosted several major international congresses online. We also became a national vaccination center operated by UVN, vaccinating over 300,000 people. From April 2022, we fully reopened and since then, we’ve hosted over 400 conferences and congresses with hundreds of thousands of attendees.

The Vision of O₂ Universum

What was the initial goal behind O₂ universum, and was it achieved?

Our original goal was to complete the “Small Arena,” whose structure was part of the original O₂ arena construction. After being unused for nearly a decade, we expanded the idea into a venue with a 5,000-capacity concert hall and smaller halls and lounges for conferences, congresses, and corporate events. Looking at the scale and volume of events held here, I’d say we’ve definitely fulfilled that vision.

Notable Events

Which events stand out the most to you?

We’ve hosted many, but highlights include the world premiere of the Škoda Enyaq electric car (2020), the Škoda World Dealers Conference (2022), major medical congresses like EAACI, HFA, and GES, and significant celebrations like Metrostav’s 50th anniversary party. Corporate events and holiday parties are also a big part of our calendar.

Challenges and Change

What were the biggest challenges and how has the center evolved?

We had to complete construction, launch operations, promote the venue, and sell it. I’m proud that O₂ universum is now well-known not only in the Czech Republic but increasingly abroad, with a growing share of international events.

Event Industry Trends

What trends have emerged in the last five years and how has O₂ universum adapted?

During the pandemic, online events became essential. We established two permanent virtual studios and still offer hybrid formats today. Events have become more creative, with clients placing greater emphasis on decor, technical solutions, and sustainability. There’s a notable shift toward local sourcing, vegetarian catering, and reusable tableware.

Shifts in Event Demand

Have demands for event types changed?

Yes – creativity, sustainability, and efficiency are increasingly valued. Our venue appeals to organizers of larger events (200+ people), and we’ve seen a rise in both the number and scale of such events.

Future Plans

What are your future development plans for O₂ universum?

We’re constantly improving. We’ve renovated the Meeting Hub (formerly the shopping ring), upgraded acoustics in Hall A, enhanced our interior design, and expanded technical equipment. Many of these improvements are inspired by client feedback, which we take seriously.

Technology and Innovation

How do you use new technology to enhance the visitor and organizer experience?

We increasingly use large projection surfaces, LED walls, and advanced sound systems. One recent event featured videomapping on dining tables synchronized with meal service – a truly unforgettable experience.

Sustainability

What sustainability trends are important for the future of O₂ universum?

We aim for the most eco-friendly operation possible – from waste sorting and energy-saving technologies to promoting trams over buses for transporting event attendees.

Personal Perspective and Vision

As Business Development Director, what gives you the greatest satisfaction?

I have an amazing team that’s the driving force behind everything we do. Securing a large event and seeing it come to life seamlessly is incredibly rewarding. That’s what I love most about this job.

What do you want O₂ universum to represent for Prague and the Czech Republic?

A place for the most important and memorable events – a venue people speak about with admiration and look forward to returning to.

Do you have a dream or vision for the future of O₂ universum?

We’d love to bring major congresses to Prague – the kind that previously couldn’t fit here – by combining O₂ universum and O₂ arena for a unified experience.

Marek, thank you for the interview.
Wishing you continued success and many more landmark events that fill both O₂ universum and O₂ arena.

Veronika, on behalf of Bestsport, a.s.

Marek Chmátal – LinkedIn | PRONÁJEM PRO FIRMY