The innovation that began in Geneva has had a profound impact on the world. I’m referring to the invention of the World Wide Web (WWW) by Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist who created it in 1989 while working at CERN. This ground-breaking development has always fascinated me. 

Fast forward to 2024, and I had the opportunity to visit this iconic venue with the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation and the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.

But CERN wasn’t the only highlight of my visit. I also discovered Geneva’s offerings as a MICE destination. The city is renowned as an international hub for science and technology, banking and finance, watchmaking and luxury, sports, and the flavours and fragrances sectors.

Despite its international and cosmopolitan vibe, Geneva is compact and offers a unique Swiss experience. Some ideas include visiting vineyards, booking a fondue evening for your group in one of the historic restaurants, or hosting a watchmaking workshop. This combination of a cosmopolitan city with bespoke Swiss experiences is unique to Geneva and cannot be found elsewhere.

Moreover, the city is continuously evolving, with new hotels and venues opening. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how the city’s compact size, combined with its global outlook, creates the perfect environment for business events.

St. Gallen, located in the heart of Eastern Switzerland, is rapidly emerging as a leader of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The city has a strategic location with direct transportation links to Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It blends its rich historical background with its emerging status as a leading global destination for business events.

Traditional industries like precision engineering and textiles continue to anchor its economic stability. At the same time, St. Gallen is embracing a new identity. This is shaped by cutting-edge research and the fresh dynamism of startups.

This transformation is largely fueled by the collaborative efforts of local institutions. These include: University of St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen. These collaboration is bridging the old with the new.

During my visits to St. Gallen in September 2023 and March 2024, the city’s innovative spirit was unmistakable.

St. Gallen is now making significant advancements in sectors such as IT, healthcare, and agriculture. This progress is further fuelled by proactive government initiatives supporting startups.

With an investment strategy aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, the local government is enhancing St. Gallen’s economic landscape. This approach helps the city raise its global standing. It puts St. Gallen on par with top-tier destinations like London and Berlin in attracting global talents and events.