The Transformation Award

2024

Nominee

Finalist

Shortlist

Winner

UEFA EURO 2024 in Düsseldorf: A Journey of Digital Transformation

Visit Düsseldorf

Our project, "UEFA EURO 2024 in Düsseldorf: A Journey of Digital Transformation," illustrates how Düsseldorf leveraged the UEFA EURO 2024 as a powerful catalyst for significant digital and sustainable advancements. This international sporting event provided an exceptional opportunity to showcase Düsseldorf not only as a host city but also as an innovative, forward-looking metropolis on the global stage. Through creative digital campaigns, interactive visual experiences, and sustainable art projects, we enhanced Düsseldorf's profile while fostering a sustainable boost in tourism. Our aim extended beyond gaining immediate attention; we focused on creating enduring cultural and economic impacts that will positively shape the city’s image for years to come.

Key highlights included our social media initiatives, designed to engage international audiences and enable real-time interactions. Digital art installations, such as the 3D Fake Out of Home projections at the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) and the EURO Murals, created visual experiences that captivated both visitors and residents. The launch of Albärt, the official mascot as a digital tour guide, seamlessly connected EURO 2024 with the city, fostering an emotional bond. These campaigns achieved significant reach during the event and are intended to contribute to Düsseldorf’s long-term international reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking city.

To ensure these positive impacts extend far beyond the tournament itself, Düsseldorf has taken proactive steps to integrate the digital innovations introduced during EURO 2024 into the city’s long-term tourism strategy. This includes utilising Albärt, the digital mascot, to continue engaging visitors and showcasing Düsseldorf’s attractions. Furthermore, the legacy of the EURO 2024 digital art installations will be explored, with plans to adapt and repurpose them for future events and city-wide initiatives. By weaving these digital elements into the fabric of Düsseldorf, the city aims to solidify its position as a modern and engaging destination, attracting visitors and investment for years to come.

Judges Comments

Düsseldorf have presented here an all-round holistic approach to transformation, with clear recognition that UEFA 2024 represented a unique opportunity to maximise this moment to improve the city's competitiveness from positioning, to product to the overall strategy and use of data in shaping that.

The judges were particularly impressed with the timely execution of all elements, from content and campaign initiatives to product development and the digital out of home concepts. Overall, it comes together very well and has shown to be highly impactful in the media coverage and the city's tourism performance. Consideration given to eco-friendly materials for the murals was noteworthy on the one hand whilst the use of digital technologies to create AR experiences brings something truly unique to captivate a particular moment in time.

The strong focus on digital infrastructure is evident here. Whilst data, informing Düsseldorf's data strategy, took advantage of the opportunity to capture data at a unique point in time to inform future decision making. This impressed the judges and helped underpin the overall highly strategic approach to transformation.

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