Geneva: your guide to a top business event destination 

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.

InterContinental Berlin: Luxury of Space for Meetings and Events in Central Berlin

The InterContinental Berlin, a landmark hotel in the city, has been a symbol of luxury since it opened in 1958 and joined the InterContinental Hotel Group in 1978. InterContinental Berlin has consistently renovated itself to stay current and uphold its reputation as a modern and luxurious hotel. The recent renovation of InterContinental Berlin perfectly captures the new concept of ‘Luxury of Space’ for meetings and events. Located in Central Berlin, the hotel emphasises its commitment to providing expansive, state-of-the-art facilities for meetings and events.

The most recent renovation, completed from 2019 to March 2023, involved a €64 million investment. This extensive renovation modernised 558 rooms, the Marlene Bar, the Michelin-starred restaurant Hugos, the lobby, the Club InterContinental Lounge, and the event spaces, incorporating new designs and the latest technology.

Lobby at InterContinental Berlin

Sustainable event planning ideas in Zurich 

Zurich is recognised globally for its commitment to sustainable event planning. 

According to a survey by Zürich Tourism in collaboration with C&IT Magazine, 97% of event organisers consider environmental impacts in their planning processes. However, despite their commitment, 35% of these organisers face significant challenges. 

Among these challenges is the difficulty of selecting destinations and venues that align with their sustainability goals. 

To assist event organisers in overcoming the challenges of planning sustainable events, I share practical and straightforward strategies for sustainable event planning. 

My insights are based on firsthand experiences from the ‘Go Sustainable’ study trip, organised by the Zurich Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Lucerne Convention Bureau

This event showcased sustainability initiatives and demonstrated them through creative and innovative examples of sustainable event planning ideas in Zurich.

These ideas will support your commitment to sustainable event planning, no matter where you are in your journey.

Sustainable event planning ideas in Lucerne

Nowhere else in Switzerland can you find the unique combination of city, lake, and mountains in such close proximity as in Lucerne. 

Just under an hour by train from Zurich, Lucerne offers a quintessential Swiss experience, complete with top-notch infrastructure for business events.

I recently visited Lucerne to attend the ‘Go Sustainable’ study trip, organised by the Lucerne Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Zurich Convention Bureau. This event brought together both destinations to showcase to event planners the extensive possibilities for organising sustainable events.

St. Gallen: Your Complete Guide to a Top Business Event Destination

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.