Seminarloft GL

Creative meetings in Manfred Esser’s photo studios

Creative communication flourishes in a creative environment: so where better to hold meetings and gatherings than in the loft-style photo studios of star photographer Manfred Esser?

Former Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher sat here in make-up, as did pop titan Dieter Bohlen, Michael Jackson’s sister LaToya and actor Mario Adorf. Countless Polaroids, small mementos and large-format glossy photos of stars and celebrities hang in the spacious, loft-style studio spaces of photographer Manfred Esser. This creative hub in Bergisch Gladbach can now be rented – as seminar lofts for meetings, workshops, discussions and conferences in an exceptionally exciting setting. The former industrial spaces, which are over 100 years old and feature mezzanine levels, large window fronts, small alcoves and the very special charm of a photography studio, offer a truly extraordinary atmosphere for seminars in a highly versatile way. In addition, the 2,000-square-metre, park-like garden – through which a babbling natural stream flows – can be used for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

A break from the daily grind – a step into creative ideation

“I know from my own experience that sometimes you simply have to get away to develop new ideas and tap into fresh creativity,” says Manfred Esser. “And that’s exactly what I offer here: spaces far removed from everyday life. I think this also leads to exceptional results and fresh ideas during meetings and seminars.” Manfred Esser offers three different room options and two seminar packages: a small, charming Loft III, measuring 55 m², provides ample space for smaller groups or even yoga classes. The next-largest and multi-room Loft II, measuring 165 m², features a cloakroom with make-up stations, a fireplace room and a bar. It is perfect for larger groups and, thanks to its flexible layout, also offers quiet areas for group work. The largest, Loft I, spans 200 m² across two levels, with a ceiling height of 5.50 metres, floor-to-ceiling windows and a presentation area for visual media the size of a cinema screen. It can easily accommodate 60 people, and here too, individual rooms and areas can be used separately from the main group. A ground-level gate even allows a car or larger items for a presentation to be driven in. An external door leads directly from here into the park-like, tranquil garden, which is divided by a stream into two large areas with mature trees and plenty of greenery, connected by a bridge.

Clear pricing structure with fixed-price packages

“Transparent pricing was important to us,” says Manfred Esser regarding the straightforward hire rates. The small Loft III is available for 150 euros per day, whilst the two larger ones cost 250 euros. He also offers two packages. Package 1 includes a drinks allowance (13 euros per person) comprising coffee and tea (Fair Trade), organic apple juice and water. Package 2 (28 euros per person) includes, in addition to the drinks, technical and seminar equipment such as a projector, flipchart and lectern, as well as snacks and treats for the seminar participants. Extensive catering can be booked on request. It goes without saying that this is a superb venue for photography. Anyone wishing to do so can book Manfred Esser and his team at the same time and receive high-quality photographic documentation of the seminar or portraits of true star quality.

Simultaneous use as a photography studio and seminar rooms

Manfred Esser continues to use the rooms as a photography studio. Stars and celebrities still come and go here. “Above all, I’m currently heavily involved in developing new artists,” says Manfred Esser. Television production companies also frequently come here to set up large, elaborate sets and film TV shows. It was his wife who came up with the idea of also using the spaces as seminar rooms. Melanie Engelmann is a qualified psychologist specialising in legal psychology and often needs meeting rooms for her work. “And so we thought, why shouldn’t she do that here?” explains Esser. It quickly became clear that the large and small lofts were perfectly suited to hosting workshops and seminars. “That’s how the idea for the GL Seminar Loft came about,” says Manfred Esser.

About the company

For decades, Manfred Esser has been a well-established name in the market as a photographer. National and international stars and celebrities, major music labels and television production companies in particular book Esser when they want to showcase their stars in an extraordinary way. Product and advertising photography for agencies and direct clients is also part of the day-to-day business. In addition, the spacious and creatively laid-out studio spaces are available for hire by television production companies and photographers.