In 2018, orpheo exhibited at MUTEC for the first time – with a small corner booth. During the event, one of the company's representatives was approached by an employee and the Technical Director of Königstein Fortress, who were interested in audio guides and multimedia guides. “Of course, you also notice them visiting other exhibitors afterwards – that's just how it is,” recalls Managing Director Ute Kronberg.

After the trade fair, orpheo sent demonstration devices to Königstein Fortress. However, no order followed at first. The breakthrough did not come until MUTEC 2022, when the company returned with a larger booth. This time, the newly appointed Director of Königstein Fortress came to orpheo's stand specifically to meet the team. An invitation to give an on-site presentation followed, and in May 2023 orpheo finally delivered its first devices.

“In some cases, we really have to wait a long time for orders. It can take several years,” says Kronberg. For her, the collaboration with Königstein Fortress is a perfect example of why patience matters: “Sometimes time simply has to pass before a solution emerges that meets both the requirements and the circumstances.”

With around 500,000 visitors each year, Königstein Fortress is one of Germany's most visited museums, making the demand for visitor guidance systems correspondingly high. In addition to its traditional audio guides, orpheo developed a Progressive Web App as a new option for touring the fortress. “This allows every visitor to decide whether to use their own smartphone or rent an audio guide on site,” says Kronberg. “The traditional audio guide remains very popular, as many visitors either do not want to use or are unable to use their own smartphone during a guided tour.” The app has also made it possible to introduce new accessible services, including a tour in sign language.

The story illustrates that even when results are not immediate, MUTEC can provide the decisive impetus that lays the foundation for long-term, successful partnerships.