She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has professional experience in the private sector as well as in press and public relations for a police headquarters. Spornitz looks forward to working with the association’s members and with all stakeholders committed to the development of downtown areas. Together with the association’s chairman, Mayor Frank Frühauf; the vice chairs, Leonhard Stibitz and Anja Becker; and the city’s economic development officer, Sarah Wagner, the new executive director looked back on a successful fiscal year for the city marketing association.
Above all, the association, in collaboration with the economic development agency, helped revitalize the downtown areas of Idar and Oberstein through various events. For example, four after-work events were held at Schleiferplatz in Idar. This event format has now become a fixture on the downtown calendar and is very popular with visitors. Companies are also increasingly using these events for group activities and team-building.
At the same time, preparations are already underway for additional events and projects. From December 10 to 12, 2026, the city marketing association invites visitors to Schleiferplatz under the theme “CityMood – Advent Glow.” Instead of a traditional Christmas market, guests can look forward to a festive gourmet market featuring a diverse program. The focus will be on culinary delights, socializing, and a pre-Christmas atmosphere in the city center. Just like in the summer, Thursday is planned as an after-work event, giving people a chance to meet up with colleagues after work for a glass of mulled wine or something similar.
Restaurateurs are also putting their own spin on things in Oberstein’s pedestrian zone. Café Maje on Christuskirchplatz and the Alte Kanzlei on the historic market square have joined forces to revive the “Aperitivo” event series. The city’s economic development agency welcomes the initiative, and the city marketing association is also providing financial support for the events through a grant.
The classic car meet at Schleiferplatz has now become a staple on the event calendar. The event is traditionally held in mid-August in cooperation with the ADAC Automobile Club and the Kreissparkasse. Over the past five years, around 200 classic car enthusiasts have come to Idar-Oberstein each year to showcase their historic vehicles. The meet also attracts numerous spectators.
The various events are made possible thanks to the support of sponsors. The City Marketing Association and the municipal economic development office would therefore like to thank all sponsors and supporters. Special thanks also go to the long-standing members of the association, who have been supporting the City Marketing Association’s projects and activities for many years.
Gift certificate redeemable at approximately 90 participating locations
Another ongoing success story is the Idar-Oberstein gift certificate, which has been around for more than 20 years. Last year, it was given a new, modern design. The gift certificate can now be redeemed at about 90 participating locations. Café Ella’s at the train station was recently added to the list.