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There are many platforms for finding event locations. However, if you are an event manager looking for a quick overview of the most important congress and conference venues in Switzerland for your event planning, you will find what you are looking for in this article.
A good congress and conference location is characterised by various important features that ensure that it meets the requirements of the event and the participants. Here are some of the most important points:
Size and capacity
The location should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the expected number of participants. There should be sufficient space for admission, capacity in the main hall, rooms for break-out sessions and networking areas.
Location and accessibility
Ideally, the location should be in a central location, easily accessible by public transport and offer parking facilities. Good connections to airports or train stations are also important, especially for international conferences or congresses.
Equipment and technology
The location should have modern technical equipment, including audio and video equipment, projection facilities, WLAN access and possibly also simultaneous translation facilities. The better the equipment, the lower the event budget will be burdened by additional event technology costs.
Flexibility and versatility
A good congress and conference location should be able to offer different room configurations to meet the requirements of different events. Flexible seating options, modular walls and different room sizes are advantageous.
Comfort and facilities
The location should be comfortable and functional, with sufficient seating, toilets, catering facilities and areas for breaks and relaxation.
Professional staff
An experienced and helpful on-site staff helps to ensure that the congress or conference runs smoothly. This includes event coordinators, technicians, security personnel and catering staff.
Aesthetics and ambience
The appearance of the location also plays a role and should ideally match the content and target group of the event. An appealing design and a pleasant ambience can help participants feel comfortable and have a positive experience of the event.
Sustainability
More and more event managers are attaching importance to the sustainable operation of the location. This can relate to aspects such as energy efficiency, waste management, the use of renewable energies and environmental certifications.
But now to the overview of the 10 congress and conference venues in Switzerland that best meet these criteria.
Location: Basel
Maximum capacity for conferences: 3,000 participants
With five spacious halls and 25 conference rooms, the Congress Center in Basel offers many possibilities for a wide variety of events. In addition to its central location in Basel's city center, the congress location has the advantage of being directly connected to the exhibition grounds, making it the largest congress center in Switzerland in terms of space. (Source)
+ Association with exhibition center
+ International reputation
+ Capacity
Location: Lucerne
Maximum conference capacity: 2,815 participants
The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and offers space for conventions with up to 2,815 participants. Numerous break-out rooms offer the opportunity for parallel sessions. The concert hall is known worldwide for its outstanding acoustics and is therefore ideal for a musical show to round off a conference. (Source)
+ Acoustics in the concert hall
+ Location right next to Lucerne train station
+ Picturesque scenery on Lake Lucerne
Location: Zurich
Maximum conference capacity: 4,500 participants
The Kongresshaus Zurich describes itself as the newest congress center of its kind in Switzerland. It is located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich and, thanks to its flexible room layout, offers options for a wide variety of event types and parallel break-out sessions for up to 4,500 participants. A breathtaking panorama on the terrace offers ideal conditions for relaxing breaks. (Source)
+ Unique atmosphere: tradition meets modernity
+ Great location with a view of the alpine panorama
+ Numerous surrounding hotels in Zurich city center
Location: Geneva
Maximum conference capacity: 2,500 participants
Known for the International Motor Show, Palexpo offers eight conference rooms of different sizes with a maximum capacity of 2,500 participants. The location, which has been established for many years, only underwent a further expansion in fall 2023, adding 12 new conference rooms to its offering. (Source)
+ Combination with exhibition halls
+ Location right next to Geneva airport
+ International reputation
Location: Montreux
Maximum conference capacity: 1,500 participants
The 2m2c - Montreux Music and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose exhibition center on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, the location offers space for up to 1,500 participants for congresses. Even after the ongoing renovation until 2025, the location will remain known for its unique atmosphere and views. (Source)
+ Lakeside location with breathtaking views
+ International reputation
+ Unique auditorium
Location: Zurich, Dübendorf
Maximum conference capacity: 3,051 participants
"The Hall" in Zurich Stettbach offers around 2,000 square meters of space for congresses and conferences with up to 3,051 seats. The adjoining room can accommodate up to 500 guests for break-out sessions. "The Hall" is located right next to Stettbach railroad station and can therefore be reached from Zurich in a short time. (Source)
+ Accessibility from Zurich
+ Extendable telescopic stand
+ Private underground car park with 250 parking spaces
Location: Ecublens
Maximum conference capacity: 3,000 participants
The SwissTech Convention Center in Ecublens is one of the largest convention centers in the Lake Geneva region. It can accommodate 3,000 participants in up to three halls. The less than ideal accessibility is compensated for by a modern and impressive auditorium. (Source)
+ Contemporary auditorium
+ Integrated live streaming technology
Location: Bern
Maximum conference capacity: 1,500 participants
This classic venue in the federal city of Bern is the largest cultural and congress center in the region to date and offers 28 rooms for conferences. The "Arena", the largest hall, can accommodate up to 1,357 guests. (Source)
+ Combination with hotel & casino
+ Excellent event gastronomy
+ Central location in the city of Bern
Location: Bern
Maximum conference capacity: 4,450 participants
Better known as a trade fair location, Bernexpo will be offering new, different rooms for conferences in the federal city of Bern from 2025. The new construction of the "Festhalle" will create interesting possibilities with a capacity of up to 1,300 guests in one hall. (Source)
+ Sustainable operation without the use of fossil fuels
+ Combination with exhibition halls
Location: Lausanne
Maximum conference capacity: 4,700
The Beaulieu Congress Center in Lausanne describes itself as a combination of the tried and tested with modernity. Modular rooms offer space for up to 4,700 participants. Thanks to two bus lines, the location can be reached with a direct connection from Lausanne's SBB train station. (Source)
+ Capacity
+ Central location in Lausanne
We hope this has made it easier for you to find an event location as an event manager and wish you every success with your event planning.
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