World Money Fair’s gala dinner concludes events for 2019 and names Mint of Japan as guest host for 2020

As the official opening of the World Money Fair took centre stage on Friday morning with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, it was Friday evening that was the Mint of Austria’s opportunity to express their appreciation to those attending the World Money Fair.

Held at the prestigious Akademie der Künste (Academy of Arts) which is adjacent to the famed Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin, the eagerly anticipated event is organised by the executive committee of the World Money Fair on behalf of the guest host. This year saw the first WMF show presided over by the new chief executive director, Ms. Gitta Künker, who also acted as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. The dinner is attended by representatives of the mints and central banks showing at the World Money Fair as well as invited guests and attending media. The evening offers the perfect chance to welcome all of the contributors to the WMF and showcase the guest host, in this case, the Austrian Mint, which will mark 2019 as its 825th anniversary. The social setting includes a champagne reception which also offers an opportunity to showcase the country of the guest host with traditional cuisine and entertainment.

During the evening’s proceedings, the organisers took the opportunity to also recognise the achievements of an individual who has contributed exceptionally within the numismatic industry. This year, the World Money Fair presented its lifetime achievement award to the Austrian Mint’s Bureau of Engraving. The award was received on behalf of the mint’s design team by Helmut Andexlinger, who has headed the department since 2016, becoming one of the youngest directors of the Austrian Mint’s design and engraving bureau. One of Helmut’s most well-known works was the winning design for the two-euro commemorative coin issued in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the single currency and was released by all euro-zone members in 2012.

As diners were serenaded by a traditional Austrian folk quintet, Ms. Künker presided over the naming of next year’s guest host, which will be featured at the 2020 World Money Fair. It was announced that the Mint of Japan will host the WMF and with a handover by the current host to the next. 2020 will be especially important for Japan, as they will officiate with the enthronement of their new emperor after his accession later this year. Japan will also host the XXXII Summer Olympiad, the second time they will do so. For additional information about the World Money Fair, please visit their website. The precise dates for next year’s event will be officially announced in due course.

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