More than 30 years of conferences, meetings, and corporate events – here is the history of Trinity Hotel and Conference.
Trinity’s History
Trinity Hotel and Conference had its groundbreaking ceremony on July 17, 1989, after many years of consideration. In the 1970s, Kristeligt Dansk Fællesforbund (KDF) experienced a steadily increasing number of members. On April 1, 1974, membership reached 1,047. This led KDF to desire a modern training center for its members.
However, it took another 14 years before they finally decided to purchase land for the construction of Trinity Hotel and Conference. In 1987, they acquired 5.5 hectares of land in Snoghøj.
In 1989, the first groundbreaking for Trinity Hotel and Conference took place. Chairman Gerhard Søndergaard stated: “Trinity must be an ethical locomotive.”
The topping-out ceremony was a grand celebration on May 10, 1990, attracting significant attention from both internal members and the public.
Facts about the Original Building
- Engineer: Strunge & Hartvigsen, Vejle
- Architect: Svend Aage Jensen, Lemvig
- Landscape Architect: V. Overgård Nielsen, Holstebro
- Built area: 7,598 m²
- Divided into: Main building: 2,032 m², Guest room pavilions 2, 3, and 4: 2,960 m², Connecting corridor: 313
Trinity Hotel and Conference Officially Opens on August 31, 1991
On Krifa.dk, it is written: “KDF’s own Training and Conference Center, Trinity, is built in Fredericia. It replaces the Ganløse Camp on Zealand and the Stendis Camp in Jutland, which had previously served as gathering places and venues for major decisions.” (Source: The Beginning of Krifa – Watch the Video on Its Founding Here).
On August 31, 1991, Trinity was officially inaugurated with a grand opening speech by County Mayor Erling Tiedemann. The cost for the 7,598 m² facility amounted to 82 million DKK.
However, what many don’t know is that before the official opening date, operations had already begun. On March 1, 1991, five employees started working, and Torben Holm was the first appointed director.
A daily morning devotion for employees and guests was introduced. This was later changed to a weekly devotion in 1996 and eventually discontinued in 2005. Up until 2014, this remained a symbolic tradition at staff meetings. It is a myth that morning songs are still sung today – but if anyone wishes to start the day with a song, we are always ready!
Trinity Hotel and Conference also received its alcohol license on August 14, 1991, marking the final administrative step before the official opening on August 31, 1991.
The bold color choices in the original interior design were described by color consultants Jonna Thomsen and Vibeke Jerrikow as follows: “The color scheme should be lively and exciting without being flashy or overwhelming: red-violet, turquoise, matte green, and blue – with each pavilion in its own unique color.”
Offering Training and Conference Facilities to External Customers and Guests
By 1992, Kristeligt Dansk Fællesforbund reconsidered Trinity Hotel and Conference’s concept. They decided to open up their facilities to external customers and guests, leading to the formation of Trinity Holding A/S and Trinity Kursus og Konferencecenter A/S. Trinity Holding A/S owned the buildings. Trinity Kursus og Konferencecenter A/S rented the facilities from Trinity Holding. On September 1, 1992, Jes Jessen took over as director.
Already in 1993, our 2024 slogan, “Where Extra is Standard,” was beginning to take shape. A large international conference was held with 24 nationalities represented – and Trinity’s staff personally picked up guests from Billund Airport in their private cars.
Fun fact:
- In 1993, it was decided to send out newsletters.
- In 1994, a stationary bike was purchased for guests.
- In 1994, music was introduced in the restaurant.
Continuous Expansion in Snoghøj
It didn’t take long before Trinity Hotel and Conference needed to expand again. In 1995, the kitchen was renovated and expanded. A new service corridor, bakery, and staff cafeteria were added.
1994
In 1994, an electronic calendar system was introduced, along with email and document management, following the introduction of the first type of internet at the hotel.
Fun Fact:
In 1997, the term “Krifa” was first used in connection with Krifa’s membership magazine, “Krifa Press.” The term later became widely used for both Kristelig Fagforening and Kristelig A-kasse (Christian Trade Union and Unemployment Fund).
1998
The auditorium received a new sound system.
1999
In 1999, discussions began again regarding another expansion as Trinity was now marketed as a hotel.
2000
In 2000, a major expansion project was approved, covering: New guest rooms, Additional meeting rooms and Restaurant expansion
2001
By 2001, Trinity underwent a 30 million DKK expansion, adding: Pavilion 5, Meeting rooms S4 and S5, the U-meeting rooms and a larger restaurant.
2004
However, it wasn’t long before another pavilion was needed. In 2004, plans were made for: The construction of Pavilion 6 and a complete renovation of the auditorium
2005
By 2005, the renovations and expansions were completed.
Success in Fredericia with Awards and New Certifications
From 1994, when we introduced our first digital system, to 2020, when we transitioned from Notes to Office 365, a lot has changed.
2009
Things are going well at Trinity Hotel and Conference, which in 2009 received the prestigious Børsen Gazelle award. This achievement was celebrated with a trip to Copenhagen.
A major restaurant renovation began in 2009, transforming it into an à la carte restaurant. That same year, the fitness room at Trinity was also inaugurated.
2010
In 2010, Kristelig Arbejdsgiverforening sold its shares in Trinity Hotel and Conference, making Krifa the sole owner.
2015
In 2015, Trinity Hotel and Conference won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award at their annual ceremony.
2016
In 2016, Trinity Hotel and Conference celebrated its 25th anniversary.
On May 3, 2016, Trinity was awarded the Green Key certification. Green Key, originally founded in Denmark, is now the most widely recognized eco-label in tourism.
For the second consecutive year, Trinity Hotel and Conference received TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award.
In 2016, Trinity also installed its well-known roadside pylon, which delivers a daily message to passersby.
2017
In 2017, the kitchen was expanded with an additional section.
2018
The Trinity you know today, with its glass entrance and reception area, was completed in 2018.
2019-20
During 2019-2020, the guest rooms in Pavilion 5 were renovated.
Corona
On March 11, 2020, Denmark went into lockdown, and Trinity Hotel and Conference temporarily closed its doors.
From 2020 to 2022, Trinity strictly followed all guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By 2022, Denmark was slowly returning to normal, and business life began to resume.
Trinity in Recent Years
In 2023, the restaurant underwent a major renovation, and by the end of the year, it was fully completed and ready to welcome guests.
Robot lawnmowers were introduced in 2023 to maintain the greenery around Trinity.
In 2023, Trinity also developed its first ESG vision and action plan, a strategy to guide the future of the hotel and its environmental impact.
As 2023 transitioned into 2024, Trinity underwent a rebranding – the largest visual update since the 1990s.
In 2024, Trinity acquired its first composting machine, which converts all organic waste into compost soil. Guests and visitors are welcome to take the compost home for free.
To Be Continued…
