Children are curious! They ask a thousand questions, see the world through different eyes and find a new adventure around every corner! When did you last see the world so full of curiosity and adventure? At Ökopark Hartberg, young visitors can ask plenty of questions and older ones can get properly curious all over again. This business park in Styria has developed a unique concept: research, business and visitor experiences are all meant to be possible on one site. The companies are closely networked with each other. Climate protection, sustainability and a self-sufficient energy supply are the focal points of their collaboration. The heart of Ökopark Hartberg is the Erlebnisreich, its discovery centre. Exhibitions, experiments and lots of hands-on stations explain natural phenomena, the laws of physics and secrets you can’t see at first glance. A realm of experience for all the senses, and the perfect setting for our AROMEA fragrances! We spoke about it with Eva Karner, head of marketing at Stadtwerke Hartberg, the town’s utility company.
Question: Look, marvel and discover: Ökopark Hartberg is a day out for the whole family. What can visitors experience there?
Karner: Ökopark Hartberg is a playground for budding researchers! Discovering, learning new things and exploring is a real adventure for young and old visitors alike! In the Experimentarium, numerous experiments await visitors, covering fundamental laws of physics and phenomenal events in nature. Distorted images and optical illusions in the mirrored light, tinkering and puzzling over building a Soma cube or the Tower of Hanoi, making waves on the oversized spring, illusions and perceptual tricks in the Ames room: all of it is entertaining and educational at once. And those are just a few of the many adventures waiting for visitors. The goal is clear: we want to create products, processes and techniques that are as functional, resource-saving and efficient as living organisms.
Question: Ökopark Hartberg is not only an adventure park but also a business and research location. What advantage does this symbiosis bring?
Karner: These are subjects that complement each other very well. It means children can be introduced to the natural sciences through play. That makes a valuable contribution to more sustainable and ecological business.
Question: Play, learn, experience: there’s a lot you can do at the adventure park. How does AROMEA scent marketing fit in?
Karner: With scent marketing, we want to increase how long people stay! People should also remember the Ökopark through their sense of smell. For guests to feel at ease, it has to smell good. Scent marketing is the perfect complement.
Question: Visitors in the entrance area are now welcomed by the fragrance “Verbena Provence”. How is this scent experience going down with them?
Karner: Very well. Because we have aquariums in our entrance area, we often had the problem of it smelling slightly of fish. With “Verbena Provence”, it smells really fresh and pleasant, which is especially important as people come into the adventure park.
Question: The Experimentarium has been completely redesigned! Here, the AROMEA Nano Pro 5 scents guests with “Mint Energy”. Why did you choose this fragrance?
Karner: Because the fragrance increases concentration. The children love it, and it boosts their joy of discovery and their urge to explore.
Thank you for talking to us!
Eva Karner on the effect of scent marketing at Ökopark Hartberg
