Volunteer Kick-Off Event
It all starts here.
The Volunteer Kick-Off Event marks the very first gathering of Volunteers - your official launch into Rhine-Ruhr 2025!
Get ready for an energising mix of key info, vibrant entertainment, and relaxed networking with fellow Volunteers. We’re hosting two Kick-Off events: one in Essen and one in Berlin.
Everyone’s invited! We’re expecting around 2,000 Volunteers in Essen and 300 in Berlin – so get ready to feel the buzz.
Heads-up: The opening session will be in German, but don’t worry – simultaneous English translation will be available on-site. Just bring your mobile phone and headphones to tune in.
Date & Location
Essen
- Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 
- Location: Grugahalle 
- Address: Messepl. 1, 45131 Essen 

Berlin
- Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 
- Location: KOSMOS 
- Address: Karl-Marx-Allee 131a, 10243 Berlin 

Parking & Public transport
- We recommend traveling by public transport (Subway: Messe Ost/Gruga). 
- There are paid parking spaces available at Messe Essen. 
Food & Drinks
After Part 1, it’s time to unwind – food and drinks will be available for everyone. Fancy a cold beer or a refreshing Radler? You’ll receive two tokens upon entering the Grugahalle, good for one drink. Prefer soft drinks or water? Help yourself – there are no limits. Cheers to that!
Programme
Essen
- 2:00 PM - doors open 
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - stage programme 
- 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Get-together 
Berlin
- 1:30 PM - doors open 
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - stage programme 
- 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Get-together