Medienberichte 2014

BEDROCK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 152 Madison Ave., Ste. 802, New York, NY 10016

2014 Prime Site & Top Destination Awards 62

2014

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS

TM

SuperBook

For Association & Corporate Meeting Planners & Tradeshow Professionals

PLANNING

BY THE RULES Keys to success in today’s highly regulated medical meetings industry Judith R. Johnson, CMP

President and CEO, Rx Worldwide Meetings, Inc. Planner Perspectives: 44

Aruba 146

St. Croix 138

Switzerland 150

PHILADELPHIA: Lorenz Hassenstein New GM of the SMG-Managed Pennsylvania Convention Center 54

Switzerland Taking meeting groups to Alpine heights

By George Seli

W

ith the reliability of a fine timepiece, the picturesque country of Switzerland draws travelers from America year after year. That visitation is on the upswing as of late, with overnights by U.S. residents in 2013 at more than 1.5 million, a 4 percent increase over 2012. Switzerland’s virtues are as evident to the tourist as they are to the meeting attendee, who can enjoy everything from mountaineering to museum tours after business is concluded at a five-star hotel or high-tech conference center.

Indeed, the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau reports that the number of MICE groups visiting the country in 2013 saw no decline from 2012. At the same time, the Swiss have been busy improving their meetings infrastructure 150

with numerous hotel and convention center projects in many of their beloved cities and cantons.

GENEVA

While Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and its financial hub, Geneva, the second largest, has the distinction of being a hub of international politics. The UN European headquarters is located here, as is the Palais Wilson, headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Culture is also a focus of the city, which is home to 100 cultural associations and has Switzerland’s largest budget for culture. Groups can explore dozens of museums and stroll through Old Town, the country’s biggest historical city and FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

On the shore of Lake Geneva lies Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most visited sites and a unique choice for banquets and receptions.

the site of St. Peter’s Cathedral, the center of the Reformation movement. The Flower Clock, near the lake, symbolizes the city’s tradition of fine watchmaking and dedication to nature.

Geneva’s many cultural experiences can be complemented with gastronomical ones: The city boasts 1,200 restaurants, including 55 gourmet establishments (eight starred by the Michelin Guide) and 140 exotic food restaurants representing 30 nationalities.

The city is also known for its chocolate and wine, with 30 master chocolatiers and 1,400 hectares of vineyards. The Beau-Rivage Geneva, built in 1865, has one of the country’s largest wine cellars, and is among the city’s 15 five-star hotels.

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

The Crowne Plaza Geneva renovated its 368 guestrooms last year and added two extra floors with 60 new, bigger Club Rooms and a private function room. The hotel offers over 10,700 sq. ft. of function space. The 164-room Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, located on bank of River Rhone, is introducing a new spa and swimming pool this year. The Mandarin’s 10 meeting spaces total 2,852 sq. ft. Also of note, the Geneva Convention Bureau, together with some of the city’s major conference hotels, have set up a Green Daily Delegate Rate that includes a donation of 1 CHF per delegate to the Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman (Lake Geneva Conservation Society). Following are the participating hotels: the 398-room Grand Hôtel Kempinski Geneva (features an over 7,100-sq.151

(Above): Heart of Old Town, Geneva (Right): The striking exterior of the new SwissTech Convention Center

site; the Kuklos at Leysin, a revolving restaurant ft. ballroom); the 350-room Mövenpick Hotel & powered by solar energy, offering panoramic Casino Geneva (19 meeting rooms with nearly views of Lake Geneva and the mountains; the 13,500 sq. ft.); the 206-room Hôtel Novotel famed Restaurant Hôtel de Ville Geneva Centre (five meeting in Crissier; and cruises on the rooms, the largest at 3,200 sq. lake aboard ships such as La ft.); the 154-room Hôtel Ramada The Beau-Rivage Liberté, a replica of a wooden Encore Geneva (4,300-sq.-ft.

Geneva, built in 1865, 17th-century galley powered Conference Center and a nearly has one of the country’s by oars and sails. The canton of 13,500-sq.-ft. Events Center); and the 167-room Hotel Warwick largest wine cellars, and Vaud is also home to eight fivestar hotels: the Lausanne Palace Geneva (seven meeting rooms, is among the city’s 15 & Spa, the Beau-Rivage Palace the largest over 2,600 sq. ft.). five-star hotels. in Lausanne, the Fairmont Le CANTON OF VAUD Montreux Palace, the Royal Plaza A rapid rail network connects in Montreux, the Mirador Geneva to other cities in Europe and within Kempinski in Mont-Pèlerin, the Trois Couronnes Switzerland, including those in the surrounding in Vevey, the Grand Hôtel du Lac in Vevey and the Lake Geneva Region, which encompasses the Chalet RoyAlp Hotel & Spa in Villars. cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais. The canton of Vaud, in the heart of the region, is one of the Lausanne, the capital of the canton of Vaud, offers largest of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. Nearly 100 a prime offsite event venue for meeting groups: castles (14 of which are open to the public) and the Olympic Museum. Reopened last December more than 80 museums are found here. Other after a complete renovation, the venue features attractions include the terraced vineyards of The Olympic Room, with natural lighting and a Lavaux, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage capacity of 50 attendees; the Auditorium, with a 152

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

(Top): The Montreux Music & Convention Centre (Above): The Olympic Museum in Lausanne (Left): Auditorium of the SwissTech Convention Center

capacity of 175; The Galerie, an exhibition area, center, Beaulieu Lausanne is a vast complex of with a capacity of 200; Club Coubertin, a modular over 500,000 sq. ft. featuring 33 meeting rooms, a reception room; and a second-floor terrace with theater and a 64,500-sq.-ft. roof covered with local a capacity of 80 people. Lausanne also welcomes vegetal plants. Also renovating through 2015 is groups with two fine convention centers: the the 196-room Hotel Royal Savoy, which offers 10 Swiss Tech Convention Center and the meeting rooms.

Beaulieu Lausanne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The former facility East of Lausanne is Montreux, recently opened on the campus famous for its Montreux Jazz Lausanne welcomes of the Institute of Technology Festival and home to the groups to the Swiss Tech Montreux Music & Conven(EPFL). It houses a 3,000-seat auditorium and over 16,000 sq. tion Center. Opened in 1973, the Convention Center, ft. of meeting space with natural which recently opened Center has modernized its techlighting. The Swiss Tech Convennical equipment on the occasion on the campus of the tion Center is also the first fully of its 40th anniversary. Its nearly Institute of Technology. 200,000 sq. ft. is divided into two automated convention center in Europe, and can be converted at connected buildings: One, the the push of a button to original building, which after accommodate a particular event. Three thousand expansion and renovation is called Miles Davis, hotel rooms are in the vicinity. Through 2020, the accommodates 100-500 attendees. The other, Beaulieu Lausanne Convention & Exhibition newer building, called Stravinsky, accommodates Centre is undergoing a renovation and expan300 to 3,000. They each have several separate sion, including an accompanying hotel project, entrances and can be used simultaneously for “Taoua Tower�; by 2016 the north halls should be multiple events of different sizes, or for a single fully renovated. Located a short walk from the city large event. The Center houses an auditorium FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

153

seating up to 1,800, a conference room for up to 1,200, dozens of small meeting rooms, two exhibition halls totaling over 43,000 sq. ft. and spacious terraces overlooking the lake and the Alps.

Complementing this facility is one of the area’s finest hotels, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, featuring 15,000 sq. ft. of function space. Built in 1906, this exemplar of the Belle Epoque architecture offers 236 luxuriously furnished rooms with stunning views over the lake and the Alps. For a memorable offsite event, planners may consider renting Chillon Castle, an 11th–century fortress on a small rocky island near Montreux.

CANTON OF VALAIS

Valais, the snowiest region in the Alps, is a world-renowned ski destination with 45 peaks.

The capital city of Sion is the site of Notre Dame

Cathedral, Majorie Castle, Tourbillon Castle and Valère Basilica, home to the world’s oldest playable organ, dating from the 1400s. In the town of Verbier, groups can find the new 123-room W Verbier, which debuted in December. The alpine resort offers three meeting rooms (maximum capacity 300), a spa, outdoor and indoor pools, fitness center and a gourmet restaurant.

BASEL

The capital of the canton of Basel-Stadt and Switzerland’s third most populous city, Basel is located on the Rhine at the Swiss, French and German borders. It is the culturally vibrant home of Theater Basel, Switzerland’s largest orchestra, and a major natural history museum. Basel is also Switzerland’s oldest university city, with the University of Basel founded in 1460.

A “Swiss Delight” for The Principal Financial Group Swiss cuisine was a major ast May, Des Moines, IAfocus of the incentive trip, and based The Principal the Fairmont cooperated with Financial Group held an the DMC for the program, incentive program in Ovation Switzerland, to bring Switzerland for the first time in a Swiss master chef and his in several years, and most of staff to stage a culinary teamthe participants — about 350 building event. “On another agents, spouses and children — day we did an activity called had not experienced the Lynne Schueler, Assistant Director, ‘Swiss Delight’ where guests destination before, notes Supplier Relations & Development, toured the Alimentarium Lynne Schueler, Assistant Food Museum as well as local Director, Supplier Relations & Meeting Planning Services, The Principal Financial Group wineries,” Schueler relates.

Development, with the Debuting as the world’s first company’s Meeting Planning food museum in 1985, the Services department. Participants’ first stately Alimentarium will celebrate the 150th impression of the country was bolstered by anniversary of the Nestlé Group in 2016 after their accommodations: the historic being transformed in the latter half of 2015.

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.

Other highlights of the four-night program included steam paddleboat dinner cruises “The Fairmont was really the only choice because of the size of property that we needed. on Lake Geneva and a “Glacier Excursion” ski outing. “Our people overall just loved And its location was really well suited for us; the flexibility of having so many different the train station is only a block and a half away,” Schueler says. Attendees took rail tours options,” says Schueler. The options were determined with Ovation’s expert guidance: of the country from that vantage point, and “Renato Grieco [Ovation’s Director of Intereven visited the town of Annecy in southeastern France for a shopping excursion. “It’s nal Support] was so instrumental in the success of our program.”

—GS been described as a mini Paris,” she notes.

L

154

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

The Kirchner Museum in Davos showcases the work of German expressionist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

When it comes to meetings business, Basel is well prepared with The Congress Center Basel, the largest facility of its kind in Switzerland and part of the MCH Group, which also runs convention centers in Zurich and Lausanne. The Basel facility has 16 meeting rooms on three floors accommodating from 303,000 attendees. The adjacent, recently redeveloped Messe Basel offers over 1.5 million sq. ft. of exhibition space.

In the facility’s environs are 4,500 hotel rooms, 800 in walking distance. The 145-room Novotel Basel opened in September with about 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

2011. Among the new properties is the 245-room Kameha Grand Zürich Glattpark, featuring an events hall for up to 1,500 participants, a conference area with space for 10 to 200, and a rooftop ZURICH terrace of over 10,000 sq. ft. Kongresshaus Zurich, Located at the northwest tip of Lake Zurich, this which offers over 43,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, major financial center is home to two restaurants and views of Lake the Swiss Stock Exchange and the Zurich, is undergoing a renovation The greater Zurich headquarters of most Swiss banks. and expansion that will be completYet Zurich also has a strong culregion will have ed in 2017. tural and artistic side, with two of more than 1,600 new Europe’s most prominent museums hotel rooms by 2015. DAVOS located here: the Zurich Museum Southeast of Zurich in the canton of of Art and the Swiss National Graubunden lies Davos, a municipalMuseum. A major part of Zurich’s ity on Landwasser River in the Swiss history of hospitality is The Dolder Grand, whose Alps. It has the distinctions of being the highest city main building, dating from 1899, was combined in Europe, at an altitude of 5,120 ft., and the host of with the new, 173-room City Resort in 2008. Among the World Economic Forum. Planners who prefer its features are a 4,300-sq.-ft. ballroom, 43,000-sq.international hotel brands have a new lodging opft. spa and a two Michelin-star restaurant. The new tion in Davos with last year’s debut of the 216-room Gallery Lounges, debuting this summer, will offer InterContinental Davos, featuring nine small meetan additional 7,600 sq. ft. of function space and ing rooms with 678 sq. ft. of space. An intriguing floor-to-ceiling windows. offsite venue in Davos is the Kirchner Museum, which features the work of German expressionist And the city is developing new lodging options Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and is available for rental. that will benefit groups. The greater Zurich region Attendees can also visit Monstein Brewery, Europe’s alone will have more than 1,600 new hotel rooms highest and cleverly promoted as “The Last by 2015, an increase of 12 percent compared to Beerstop Before Heaven.”

FACILITIES & DESTINATIONS 2014 SUPERBOOK

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Datum: 23.01.2014

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Schweiz gegen Rest der Welt

Vermarktung Warum Städte wie Basel, Bern, Genf und Zürich sich mit Metropolen wie London oder Paris messen und dafür bis nach Schanghai reisen.

Eröffnungszeremonie: 936 Teilnehmer aus 61 Ländern trafen sich am letzten ICCA-Weltkongress im Expo Center in Schanghai.

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diesen direkten Austauschen.» Für die Holland melden darf, müssen regelmässig International Congress and Genfer Vermarkter und Verkäufer sei der stattfinden (meistens im Jahres- oder

DANIELTSCHUDY

nach Schanghai äusserst wertvoll, DieConvention Association (ICCA) Trip und man plane, am nächsten jährlichen

tagte vom 2. bis 6. November 2013 im fernen Schanghai und lud weltweit ihre Weltkongress in Antalya vielleicht sogar Mitglieder ein, sich dort am chinesischen fünf Angestellte mitzunehmen.

Markt zu versuchen. Der Trip zum jährliDie anderen drei Vertreter bewerten chen Weltkongress war nicht billig - zuerst das riesige Einzugsgebiet China für Mee-

Zwei-Jahres-Rhythmus), jeweils in mindestens drei Ländern rotieren und zudem

50 Teilnehmer oder mehr haben. Seit 1963

hat die ICCA so über 170 000 internationale Veranstaltungen statistisch erfasst allein 2012 waren es deren 11219.

die eigentliche Teilnahmegebühr, dann der Hin- und Rückflug, mindestens vier Hotelübernachtungen, generelle Reisespesen und vor allem eine

tings, Incentives, Conven-

ganze Woche Absenz.

Maria-Lucia Gudenus, Se- Weltstädte um die Positionen und nützen nior Manager Meetings die Statistik aus, um die Politik und die

Seit Jahren sind es mit Wien (Rang 1/ tions, Events (MICE) in der 195 Kongresse) und Paris (2/181) die

Schweiz derzeit noch als gleichen europäischen Metropolen, die weniger wichtig, wobei die Liste anführen. Dahinter kämpfen die

Trotzdem delegierten die vier wichtigsten Schweizer Kongressstädte ihre Vertreter in den Fernen Osten. Insbesondere Anja Loetscher, die

Conventions von Zürich Öffentlichkeit in ihren jeweiligen Ländern Tourismus, doch immerhin von einem «Zukunftsmarkt»

auf das Potenzial des Kongressgeschäfts

Speziell in Asien findet nach spricht. Gudenus und die beiden lang- hinzuweisen. der jährlichen Publikation eine regelrechte Direktorin des Convention jährigen Delegierten bei der ICCA, Stefan Medienschlacht statt. Auch Schanghai Bureau von Genf Tourismus, Bonsels von Basel Tourismus und Bernkönnte über hohe Kosten klagen. Nicht hard Rhyn von Bern Tourismus, besuchen und Peking nehmen seit wenigen Jahren weniger als vier Mitarbeitende nahmen den Jahrestreff primär, um die Kontakte zu an diesem imaginären Rennen teil, und am ICCA-Weltkongress teil - die Ausgaben festigen und den Zugang sowie Umgang dies gar nicht so schlecht: Schanghai noch kann man sich hochrechnen, sie gehen mit der berühmt-berüchtigten ICCA-Da- auf Platz 35, Peking bereits auf Platz 13.

Loetscher bezweifelt aber die Wichtigwohl Richtung 20 000 Franken, ohne die

tenbank zu vertiefen. keit dieses Wettbewerbs: «Hier werden Rhyn dazu: «Der Austausch unter den nicht Äpfel mit Äpfel verglichen. Wie kann Destinationen ist überraschend offen, man unser Angebot in Genf mit den WeltMarkt als Hauptgrund des Trips Loetscher erklärt dazu, dass sie den man gibt Know-how und spezifische Tipps städten Paris, London oder Singapur Markt China schon seit Jahren bearbeitet weiter, wie man zum Beispiel eine be- vergleichen? Das Ganze macht einfach und dass eine aktive Präsenz ihres Genfer stimmte Kandidatur gewonnen hat.» Und keinen Sinn, und ich wehre mich dagegen, Teams diese Anstrengungen unterstreicht Gudenus fügt hinzu: «Bei normalen Mes- die ICCA-Rangliste als Bewertung unserer und mit den Kontakten in China deutlich sen liegt der Schwerpunkt oft auf dem Arbeit gelten zu lassen.» Sie könnte sich macht, wie ernst das Interesse ist. Zudem direkten Verkauf. Bei der ICCA hat man besser damit abfinden, wenn ähnlich sagt sie: «Ich setze den ICCA Congress als die Zeit und Musse, über den eigenen grosse Destinationen vergleichbaren eine Art Incentive für meine Mitarbeiten- Tellerrand zu blicken, eigene Prozesse mit Märkten direkt gegenübergestellt würden, denen der anderen Anbieter zu vergleiArbeitszeit einzukalkulieren.

den ein. Sie arbeiten das ganze Jahr im

beispielsweise Genf mit Lyon, Mailand Büro an den Leads und schreiben unzäh- chen und auch, um sich von den Mitbe- oder Salzburg. Auch für Zürich dürfte relewerbern inspirieren zu lassen.» lige Offerten. Mit der Teilnahme und der Dabei kommen aber alle Schweizer vanter sein, was in München, Strassburg Reise kann ich ihnen danken und sie oder Prag abgeht - und weniger, wie New gleichzeitig motivieren, im nächsten Jahr Vertreter nicht um die Jahresrangliste der York und Tokio abschliessen.

durchgeführten Kongresse herum. Das Trotz alledem werden die neuen Gespräch, auch in Schanghai, dreht sich «Country & City Rankings 2013» bald in immer wieder um die neusten Positionen allen Branchentiteln weltweit publiziert und darüber, welche Städte man in dieser und kommentiert werden. Jeder wünscht

Schweizer lassen sich am ICCA-

Weltkongress von Konkurrenz inspirieren.

Hitparade nun überholt hat oder nicht.

noch mehr zu arbeiten. Zudem ist das

«Hassliebe» ICCA-Weltrangliste

sich dann wieder, den einen oder anderen Platz dazugewonnen zu haben. Diskutiert

wird das dann am kommenden ICCADie «Country 8, City Rankings» der Weltkongress diesen November in der

Networking nicht nur Spass - mein Team ICCA basieren auf eigens erstellten Krite- Türkei - selbstverständlich erneut mit kann sich so auch mit anderen Conven- rien: Die Kongresse, die jedes Convention voller Schweizer Beteiligung. tion Bureaus vernetzen und profitiert von Bureau jährlich dem ICCA-Hauptsitz in

Medienbeobachtung Medienanalyse Informationsmanagement Sprachdienstleistungen

ARGUS der Presse AG Rüdigerstrasse 15, Postfach, 8027 Zürich Tel. 044 388 82 00, Fax 044 388 82 01 www.argus.ch

Argus Ref.: 52580333 Ausschnitt Seite: 2/3

Datum: 23.01.2014

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Einschätzung der Schweizer Teilnehmer zur International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) und deren Weltkongress in Schanghai Plass kn ICCA

Stadt Zürich

City Ranken 30

Kongresse..

JahrIaratICCA 70

Genf

43

49

Basel

98

26

Bern

125

.re,re a cm.

111.

Return on Investment (R01) wegen ICCA-Mitgliedschalt Datenbank, Networking, Best Brachte Networking. Ausbildung.

Mitarbeitermotivation Datenbank, Weiterbildung, Benchmark Kontakte

...OZeank.

Grund für die Teilnahme am 52.1CCA-Weltkongress vom 2. bis 6. November 20131n Schanghai (China) ChInd ist ein zentraler Wachstumsmarkt für Zürich, vor Ort wurden nach denn ICCA Congress diverse individuelle Verkaufs-Calls getätigt.

China wird seit Jahren aktiv bearbeitet Genf wird in China langsam als Kongressstadt bekannt, nach dem ICCA Congress wurden diverse Verkaufs-Calls getätigt.

Für das Kongresssegne. wird China «nun, als Zukunftsmarkt gesshen, es gibt noch keine NSetest-hen Anstrengungen.

Aus China werden derzeit keine Leads erwartet, die Teilnahme war nicht destinationsbezogen.

Medienbeobachtung Medienanalyse Informationsmanagement Sprachdienstleistungen

Kontaktperson Maria-Lucra Gudenus, Sanier Manager Convenhons, Zürich Tourismus Anja Loetschen Director Convention Bureau, Genf Tourismus Stefan Bonsels. Sales Manager Convention Bureau, Basel Tourismus

Bernhard Rhyn, Direktor Bem Incoming, Bern Tourismus DISAPIKH.EIWYGNKPALE

ARGUS der Presse AG Rüdigerstrasse 15, Postfach, 8027 Zürich Tel. 044 388 82 00, Fax 044 388 82 01 www.argus.ch

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Client: Source: Date: Page: Reach: Size: Value:

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Swiss Precision Excellent service and a picturesque setting draw meeting planners to Zirich. rr RoN BERNTHAL

Doerfli ("little village"); an efficient public transit system; and

stunning natural landscapes, with 40 percent of the city considered green space. In the 2Ol4Mercer Qualityof Living Surveywhich rates hundreds of world cities on the quality of health care, recreational facilities, auto traffic, air pollution, political stability and crime levels,

Zirichplaced second, just behind Vienna.

tallest building, Prime Tower fashion with

as

modern skyscrapers, as seen in London or Dubai, or for colorful, neon-clad, Shanghai-style downtown office towers. In fact, Ziirich's

- constructed in 2011 in typical Swiss poured-in-place concrete core and unexciting precastconcrete columns - rises only 36 stories above the postindustrial warehouses-turned-art-galleries-and-restaurants of the Ztirich West a

district.

Although downtown Zirichmay never have a flashy urban skyline like other global business centers, there are good reasons for this, including strict building codes that protect the city's natural environment. The result is a well-run city with a small-town feel that attracts thousands of MICE participants. They happily trade the glitz of soaring glass towers for the beauty of a clear freshwater lake and river and nearby snowcapped Alps, and for the political stability and personal safety of being ensconced within Switzerland's borders.

meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions

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Former gritry neighborhoods like the Kreis 5 district, aka Ziirich West, are dressed up with fashionable restaurants and boutiques.

An old shipbuilding factory, Schiffbau, was converted into a theater, restaurant andjazzclub; the Lowenbrdu Areal development includes art galleries and upscale apartments in a converted beer factory; and expensive little shops tuck under the arches of an unused 19thcentury railwayviaduct, now a trendy shopping area known simply

hile Ztirich maybe Switzerland's commercial and cultural center and, with 380,000 residents, the country's largest city, it will never win awards for striking, post-

MICE:

.'*"**1:*

The City of Ziirich's buildings department has thousands ofwritten regulations like '... the charm and the presence of the lake shall not be threatened by high-rise buildings" and "No high-rise buildings in Old Town, this district is a protected ensemblel' Strict zoning and "lifestyld' regulations equate to a guarantee of high-quality meeting venues for MICE planners; a genuinely historic Old Town, known

46 | GLOBALTRAVELER I August2014

Im Viadukt.

Of course, being surrounded by Swiss quality doesn't come cheap.

Economisfs}}l4Worldwide Cost of LMng surveyplaced Ziirich as the fourth-most expensive cityto live in; and in Business TravelNews' 2Ol4 Corporate Travel Index (a city per-diem guide for corporate The

travel managers that considers prices for hotels, restaurant meals and other costs for business travelers), Swiss cities were among the most expensive destinations in the world to visit, with Geneva No. 2, at $547 per day, and Ziirich No. 6, at $509 per day.

Still, for corporate and association planners who desire a Central Europe location, excellent service and lots of unique off-site venues, Ztirich's high cost is not a deterrent to booking grouP events at the city's best hotels. "Our |uly 2013 incentive event for 200 was held at Zi.irich's Dolder Grandi'said Amie K. Devine, director of operations, The Hybrid Group, a Los Angeles-based software developer. "From the staff to the amazingviews, the group was completely satisfied.

The easy access from the airport [10 minutes by train; 20 minutes by taxi] and Swiss trains make Zirich a one-of-a-kind destination,

globaltravelerusa.com

and the group was also impressed with Swisscom for the exceptionally reliable and fast Internet access."

The Dolder Grand, built in 1899, features 173 guestrooms and 13 conference rooms, and its elevated location offers spectacular views of the city, Lake Ztirich (Zi.irichsee) and the AIps. Most of the hotel's interior has been completely redesigned, and this month the property unveils its new Gallery Lounges, a trio of flexible meeting spaces that total 3,700 square feet, with every room offering floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with a lawn and south-

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Other high-end hotels with meeting space include the historic Baur au Lac (1844) in the city center with 120 guestrooms and 45 suites; the Park Hyatt (2004),located in the financial district with L42 guestrooms; the Zirich Marriott Hotel (1972) near the Central Station and business district with 255 guestrooms and 15 meeting rooms; and Marriott's Renaissance Tower Hotel (2011) with 252

ConventionPoint six-group.com

The Dolder Grand thedoldergrand.com Eden au Lac edenaulac.ch

guestrooms,48 suites and l0large conference rooms. The luxurious Eden au Lac (1909), Iocated directly on the lake,

Kameha Grand Ztirich

offers 50 guestrooms and small-group meeting space; and the a 47

kamehagrandzuerich.com

-roomlakeside boutique

Komplex No.457

property about 10 minutes from city center, includes six conference rooms for 60 persons.

The city's newest deluxe hotel, the Sheraton Ztirich, opened in fanuary in the Zirich West neighborhood with 197 guestrooms and eight function rooms. The property also includes the chain's signature "Technology HuU'; the 10thfloor Sheraton Club Lounge; and Restaurant Route TwentySix, showcasing cuisine from Switzerlandt 26 cantons.

The Kameha Grand Zirichwill open in spring20l5 with 245 guestrooms and suites, an event hall accommodating 960

people, six business suites, numerous meeting rooms and

ConventionPoint is a meetings and events venue located at the Swiss Stock Exchange, with space for conferences, workshops and receptions. All rooms have a modular setup with a capacity of 230-400 and are equipped with state-ofthe-art audio-video technology. Komplex 457, an attractive, high-energy space often used for entertainment productions, offers several stage, dining and beverage possibilities for corporate events, with outdoor space as well.

Off-site cultural venues that work with MICE planners include Museum Rietberg; Kunsthalle Zirich (contemporary

and largest mixed-use projects, encompassing high-end

art); Museum Haus Konstruktiv (postmodern art); and Museum Mtihlerama, a former l9th-century grain mill converted into a unique cultural center.

The city's reputation as a research and development center also attracts conference planners. Microsoft, IBM

retail outlets and designer showrooms, corporate offices and

and Google's European Engineering Center all opened large

restaurants, and entertainment and cultural venues. TWo hotel properties, the Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place, will offer 550 guestrooms between them, with large convention and meeting spaces.

Most international conferences attract 500-800 participants, including last year's Nutrition Conference (690 participants), the ACM International |oint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing (710) and the European Control Conference (870). Larger events,like the International Conference on the Physics of Semiconductors (1,160) and the International Conference on Software Engineering (1,300) are easily accommodated in the cityt large multi-use venues like the Zirich Exhibition Center; Kongresshaus Zi.irich; and Hallenstadion, the largest multifunctional arena in Switzerland, which can accommodate groups up to 13,000. This month the city hosts the European Athletics Championships, with 1,400 athletes.

R&D centers in Ziirich severalyears ago. Theyjoined dozens of other international corporate and academic high-tech and bio-tech research centers which enjoy Switzerland's multilingual environment and the often favorable Swiss tax regulations. Access to the talent pool at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, known as the "MIT of Europel' provides a great resource for conference guest speakers and contributes to the city's brain power.

Ziirich's reputation as a place to have fun, in addition to serious work, does not go unnoticed. "When we organize the worldwebforum event in Ziricheach year, we know that international visitors appreciate the ease of traveling by train

several dining venues. Its location between the city center and the airport means a short drive from either.

When The Circle atZirichAirport opens in 2018 adjacent to the terminal buildings, it will be one of Ziirich's newest

globaltravelerusa.com

PHoro:

; l:"t" :v'

facing views.

Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac,

Z1ilch Airport

or car to the Nptl'said Fabian Hediger, CEO and co-founder,

beecom AG, a Zirich software company. "Participants also have nice nightlife, restaurants and an open-minded culture. Meeting organizers have excellent event agencies, photographers and caterers all here in Ziirichl'

komplex457.ch

Kongresshaus Ziirich kongresshaus.ch

Kunsthalle Ziirich kunsthallezurich.ch

The Museum Haus Konstruktiv hauskonstruktiv.ch

Museum Rietberg rietberg.ch

Park Hyatt Ziirich park.hyatt.com Renaissance Z0rich Tower Hotel renaissa nce-hotels. ma rriott.com

Sheraton Ziirich Hotel sheraton.com

Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac de.steigenberger.com

Switzerland Tourism myswitzerland.com

Zfirich Marriott Hotel marriott.com

Ztrich Tourism/Meetings & Conventions zuerich.com

August 2014

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GLOBALTRAVELER

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47

INSIGHT

SWITZERLAND Henry Martin

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02.

03.

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“ZURICH, THE LARGEST CITY IN SWITZERLAND, IS BENEFITING FROM POST-RECESSION OPTIMISM AND IS STRIVING TO BE A PLACE WHERE BUSINESS AND LEISURE SLOWLY MERGE TOGETHER.” atmosphere thanks to a combination of its legendary charm, the interplay of visionary modern architecture with the world-famous medieval quarter, and the manageable size of the city. Bern offers an ideal backdrop for almost any kind of event, with the venues of offer including the historic Kornhauskeller, the modern conference centre, and Daniel Libeskind’s architectural gem Westside. port connections and modern infrastructure make it one of the most important trade fair and congress cities. Congress Center Basel, located in the centre of the city, is the largest congress centre in Switzerland, offering versatility and professionalism. Getting there is easy because the EuroAirport is located only 15 minutes from the city centre. Rail travellers can arrive either at the Swiss Railway station or at the Badische Bahnhof.

Cosmopolitan Geneva is a meeting venue ideally situated in the heart of Europe and a

This elegant city, set among vineyards beside Lake Geneva, also has much more to offer, not least its many famous cultural attractions.

Outside of the cities, the Alps shelter numerous dreamy locations for meetings set in unspoilt nature. Glamorous St. Moritz and the glacier village of Pontresina are two of the most appealing incentive and conference destinations in the whole of the Alps. The ultra-modern Convention and Event Centre, numerous top-class seminar and conference hotels, as well as various mountain huts are available as venues for a great variety of events. Surrounding all of them is the natural landscape of the Upper Engadin, an unrivalled backdrop for a host of outdoor activities and social-programme events.

Elsewhere in the Alps, in Gstaad, organisers of meetings can choose from a unique activities, unspoilt nature in an alpine environment and a range of wellness and spa facilities that the Swiss Tourist Board has awarded the ‘Wellness Destination’ quality seal. Gstaad is home to several hotels that have a full range of wellness facilities. What makes staying here so attractive are the car-free promenade and the numerous attractions that are always accessible, including the extensive network of cycling and hiking trails.

One ranking sums up Switzerland’s appeal: FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index, which measures and compares global perceptions of the world’s nations. In the latest out of 118 countries. Pioneering and innovative, eco-friendly, clean and safe, Switzerland has earned its reputation for perfectionism and professionalism through proven success. Event organisers who opt for this small promises quality and guarantees that events will run smoothly.

01. Fraumunster Church and Church of St. Peter at night, Zurich, Switzerland.

--------02. Fusshorn (3627m) and Geisshorn(3640m) with small lake. View from Bettmerhorn. Part of

The city is a unique and particularly privileged setting for business tourism, giving it that little extra needed to make meetings special.

Lausanne, meanwhile, boasts top-notch meetings facilities as well as professional services.

New European Economy

the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage, Wallis, Switzerland.

--------03. Geneva City and Lake Leman in A Panoramic View.

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INSIGHT

MEET IN BERN AND THE BERNESE OBERLAND

01. View from Kursaal Bern on the Bernese Alps.

--------02. Kursaal Bern.

ern and the Bernese Oberland offer the best of Switzerland! The region is centrally located and enjoys excellent transport connections, while the diverse contrasts between the relaxed yet bustling urban atmosphere in the capital city of Bern and the superb scenery around Lakes Thun & Brienz and of the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps make it a popular destination.

The Bern-Bernese Oberland is an ideal year-round destination for all types of events ranging from meetings, seminars, workshops and conventions to corporate and private anniversaries and incentives. For your event, choose from such top locations as the Swiss capital Bern, which has its own airport, two lakes in Interlaken, glamorous Gstaad and other fascinating places including the Jungfrau Region. madeinbern.com

B

BERN Whether you are planning a convention, conference, trade show or an annual meeting, with Bern as your event destination, you will be right on target. The unique charm of the Swiss capital, the unparalleled mixture of traditional and modern, its compact size and its location as a gateway to the Alps make Bern the perfect region for your next event.

The city of Bern has an outstanding congress infrastructure, all close to the practically car-free UNESCO protected Old Town.

Besides 40 hotels with over 2,000 rooms and more than 300 restaurants, bars and cafés, the Swiss capital also boasts BERNEXPO, the largest open-air convention grounds in Switzerland for events of up to 5,000 people and Kursaal Bern, one of Switzerland’s most spectacular congress and event centers.

In the nearby Emmental Valley and Nature Park Gantrisch you will experience the slowerpaced, relaxed Bernese lifestyle during an inspiring conference or an unforgettable team event amidst the typically hilly scenery.

Isn’t that a winning strategy?

Bern welcomes you!

Capital Location Thanks to its central location in the heart of Switzerland and in the middle of Europe, Bern is quickly reached from all points of the compass. The city is directly linked to the internaLondon Southend), Zürich, Geneva and Basel and the international train network is served by all three of the high-speed train networks – Eurostar/TGV, ICE and CE. Bern is an ideal base for excursions to all parts of Switzerland. The local Mt. Gurten offers spectacular views across the Alps and the hilly Emmental Valley where you are introduced to true regional secrets like that of Emmental cheese. All those beautiful places that seem to beckon from a distance are accessible as pleasant day trips.

01.

Capital Culture The romantic Swiss capital owes its appeal to the unity of its urban landscape created by its sandstone buildings, countless cobbled alleyways and ancient towers and turrets from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. All these treasures are enclosed by the loop of the Aare river, curving round the UNESCO World Heritage old town like a protective shield.

Behind the historical facades of the Swiss 02.

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New European Economy

The BERNEXPO offers an attractive framework for events with up to 5,000 participants. covered event area, and the generous openair area is ideal for live outdoor performances, promotions and combined indoor/outdoor events.

Kursaal Bern is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular congress and event centers. The spacious glass-front Forum with a spectacular view of the Old Town and the Alps and the redesigned multi-functional arena for up to

NEED TO KNOW

10 Reasons for Bern

1 - Bernese Lifestyle unhurried attitude of the Bernese for stress-free meetings – grounded in tradition 2 - Meeting Infrastructure State of the art infrastructure for all kind of meetings

await your guests along with additional 26

3 - Bern Ticket Free public transportation for every hotel guest

Hotel Allegro as well as great entertainment

4 - Compact city size Short distances between conference venue, diner location, hotels and old town

Capital Activities Teambuilding Inspire people, reward teamwork, motivate employees – Bern is full of surprises with many opportunities and ideas providing the right mix of fun and action for your team – be it a fun trottibike city tour, a creative workshop or farm Olympics in the Emmental Valley.

5 - Polyglot Communication works through language.

In Bern, we speak yours!

6 - Shopping under the arcades International brands, family-owned shops, high quality merchandise and 6 km of arcades 7 - University city Lively student town and famous research

desire: from ultra-modern shops with international brands, fashion boutiques through to

Incentives Whether it is a sophisticated program for your successful sales force or an unforgettable reward travel, we draw on our travel planner instincts and detailed knowledge of

centers 8 - Central location Pleasant day trips to other touristic destinations in Switzerland 9 - UNESCO World heritage Old Town 10 - Culinary diversity

trip - be it a concert by the Bern Symphony

whether it’s a Michelin star, a 17 Gault

^

Millau points dish or a simple outdoor The six km of arcades in the old town make cheese fondue for a covered shopping promenade. Colourful ing or a cheese fondue in an idyllic igloo in the Emmental Valley. meat products are held on the Parliament Square (Bundesplatz) and Cathedral Square Excusions (Münsterplatz).

One of Bern’s main advantages is its central consultation and insider knowledge you need to make your event in Bern a success. Bern ity of attractions and excursion destinations Incoming Ltd. is a subsidiary of Bern Tourism Capital Venues Standing in marked contrast are modern can be reached on half or full-day trips. Why and as an organization with local roots provides architectural gems such as the STADE DE don’t you organize a river raft trip on the Aare the various PCO services you need for your SUISSE Wankdorf Bern, the Zentrum Paul River for your conference participants, take event, priced to correspond to the services you Klee designed by Renzo Piano and Daniel choose.

Libeskind’s leisure and shopping centre all the oooohs and aaaahs during a breathtak- www.bern-incoming.ch ing trip along the Eiger North wall up to the Westside.

Also recommended is the legendary 5-starDirect air connections with SkyWork Airlines from superior Hotel Schweizerhof Bern with its London to Bern. flyskywork.com Bern Incoming PCO Services Are you planning a convention, a seminar, an spa area and the elegant Sky Terrace which incentive trip or even a large event? Our team offers a 360° panorama view. at Bern Incoming Ltd. provides independent

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INSIGHT

INTERLAKEN Interlaken is the ideal congress and event destination – 365 days a year The imposing Alpine landscape in the Bernese Oberland, the convenient location in the heart of Europe, 3,500 beds in a variety of hotels in all categories stretching from Thun along the shores of Lake Thun to Interlaken - a location can be found to meet each and every requirement. The close proximity to a wide variety of excursion destinations, some world-famous such as the Jungfraujoch, makes Destination Interlaken with Thun & Lake Thun the ideal conference and event destination with a highquality experience factor. On 365 days a year.

Interlaken Interlaken’s tradition as an event venue is over one hundred years old. The merger of Destination Interlaken and the Thun-Lake Thun Region has increased the choice of locations and thus the perfect venue can be found to suit each and every occasion. The various premises offer the perfect ambiance for congresses with up to 2,000 participants, seminars, meetings, conferences, banquets and weddings. In breathtaking natural surroundings with views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.

01.

persons makes the Congress Centre Kursaal Interlaken the ideal venue for virtually any type of occasion. Local amenities are complemented by 10 well-appointed conference hotels, as well as other hotels in all categories with over 3,500 beds, most within walking distance.

Meetings with a unique quality All the locations in Destination Interlaken and the Thun & Lake Thun Region have one thing in common: work and pleasure can be ideally combined with very little effort.

An event in the destination of Interlaken promises to be a unique experience as the location offers breathtaking scenery and exciting activities. The fascinating mountain and natural world with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offers the perfect accompanying programme for nature lovers, water rats, summit stormers, adventurers, action addicts, cavers, dreamers and those simply out for fun. In fact for everyone!

What could be more relaxing than switching off your business brain for a moment and turning your face to the wind on a lake cruise. Or experiencing the congress destination from

Insider tip: Thun & Lake Thun Many of the locations in the attractive town of Thun are also within walking distance. Thun is located at the lower end of Lake Thun. Only twenty minutes by road or rail from Bern, it is the gateway to Destination Interlaken. In addition to attractive conference hotels with excellent facilities, the Stockhorn Arena (FC Thun’s Major congresses in Interlaken Interlaken’s compact character means that football stadium), the Culture and Congress conference participants can walk to the Centre and Thun Expo exhibition centre also Congress Centre Kursaal. The auditorium’s offer ample space for larger events.

Superb seminar accommodation close to modern architecture is in perfect contrast to the Kursaal’s historic rooms. A total of 5,000 Lake Thun and with stunning views can also m2 of event space with capacity for over 2,000 be found in Oberhofen, Spiez and Merligen. a golf ball over the glacier ice on an entertaining team-building event and getting to know your colleagues better. Or exploring the depths of a dark cave with them to clear your head again. Whether on water, on land or in the mountains, in this fascinating environment

on health-giving energy as a balance to the intensive effort required in meetings. And all on offer on 365 days a year. www.interlaken-congress.ch

01. Congress Centre Kursaal Interlaken.

--------02. Hotel Seepark, Thun.

02.

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GSTAAD

In the region of Gstaad, organisers of meetings, incentive trips and conferences can class indoor and outdoor activities, unspoilt nature in an Alpine environment and a range of wellness and spa facilities that the Swiss Tourist Board has awarded the quality seal ‘Wellness Destination’.

Gstaad is one-of-a-kind in this respect: it is the only ‘Wellness Destination’ in this segment. This unique selling point gives organisers of meetings and conferences the chance to impress their customers by offering exceptional programmes and hence generating

JUNGFRAU REGION

the conditions necessary for a creative envi- extensive networking of cycling and hiking ronment, in which ideas can be developed in trails and a wide selection of leisure activities. a relaxing atmosphere.

More than 100 restaurants and top international events create a reliable basis for ensuring that business events held here are an unforgettable Where meetings and incentives are concerned, experience.

Gstaad cooperates with specialist hotels. They www.gstaad.ch have conference rooms with modern furnishings and appropriate technical equipment. They offer the services suitable for this purpose. The more than 40 hotels satisfy many different requirements and cover all possible interests.

Gstaad is home to seven hotels which have a full range of wellness facilities. Visitors other hotels and in the sports centre. What makes staying here so attractive is the car-free Promenade, the numerous tourist attractions that are accessible at all times including an

01. Gstaad Palace.

face with your experienced guides.

Enjoy a tasty fondue from the village cheese dairy made from local milk and plan your next day while gazing at the Jungfrau from your hotel room. In the Jungfrau Region and the Hasli Valley, no wishes remain unful-

oases of calm for relaxing and regenerating, and fresh mountain air for inspiration and a good night’s sleep all guarantee a varied and unforgettable conference!

storming, activities for adventure and fun,

01. Hotel Grimsel Hospiz, Haslital.

www.jungfrauregion.ch

Find inspiration and creativity surrounded by the fascinating Alpine world of the Jungfrau Region and the Hasli Valley. Let your ideas and thoughts ripen in the fresh mountain air individually. Your host takes the principles of ously: Quality always comes before quantity.

Are you looking for a special and unique location for your seminar or event? You will Select accommodations, professional activities and excursion destinations rich in variety, delicious cuisine and a view of the legendary Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau trio of peaks turn your stay into an unforgettable experience. Hold your meeting with a view of 200 mountain peaks and plan your strategy to reach the top.

Feel the wind and the power of the mountain while you stand on the mystical Eiger north 01.

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INSIGHT

the many international organisations based in Switzerland.

to working with partners they can rely on:

SWITZERLAND encourages clear thinking. Pristine natural

Year after year, little Switzerland achieves big scores in international past two years in a row. Switzerland also leads country rankings. Time and again, the Energy Sustainability Index, published by the land at the heart of Europe the World Energy Council. secures top position.

Switzerland’s cities, too, are world-class.

T

The Cities in Motion Index by the IESE busi- time and money. hese rankings help interna- ness school lists three Swiss cities in the top ten, making Switzerland the highest-ranking strategists and other business the consulting group Mercer analyses more latest edition, dated 2012-2013, Switzerland than 350 cities worldwide; three Swiss cities

destinations.

What does this add up to for event organisers? example, means that Swiss meeting prosolutions to organisers’ needs. Meeting par- participation.

Report, published annually by the World Economic Forum, has placed Switzerland

For more information on Switzerland

including research and educational establishments that also score highly in world

for corporate and association meetings: Claudio Zemp Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau +44 (0)207 845 7686 / Claudio.Zemp@Switzerland.com

in collaboration with the World Economic

01. Kurhaus Cademario, Ticino.

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www.myswitzerland.com/meetings / Twitter: @SCIB_E

02. SwissTech Convention Centre, Lausanne.

New European Economy

NOVEMBER 2014 | MEETINGSFOCUS.COM

THE DESTINATION EXPERTS

G N I K MA !

H S A L P S A ression p im ig b a e t a orts to cre ff e g in t e rk a m l Using vira

AIRPORT MEETINGS Runway Renaissance CVB UPDATE Souped-Up Services DRIVE-TO MEETINGS Escape From the City

The destination sections selected by you!

contents NOVEMBER 2014

Cover

❯ 12

Making a Splash!

Using viral marketing efforts can create a big impression, as exemplified by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge frenzy.

BY RUTH A. HILL

Features

14 Runway Renaissance ❯ Modern airport properties go beyond just convenience, with improved meeting spaces, dining options and more.

Departments

16 Souped-Up Services

8 Key Notes

Today’s CVBs are ready to do whatever it takes to help planners put together a memorable event.

❯ 9 Wide Angle: Minus5 Ice Bar, NYC

Loews Chicago O’Hare

BY EDWARD SCHMIDT JR.

Chill out your attendees with a cool Minus5 Ice Bar meeting, select the best keynote speaker and make your event memorable with healthy branded snacks.

BY ZACHARY CHOUTEAU

18 Escape from the City Stand-alone meeting venues offer accessible drive-to destinations near some of America’s top metropolises.

11 Going Green

C

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ET IN

G B U R E AU

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International

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GO

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BY PAUL D. KRETKOWSKI

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21 Close-Up: Zurich 22 Australia 25 Scotland Emirates Arena, Glasgow

DESTINATION COVERAGE of the areas you

TOURISM VICTORIA

selected follows the Features section!

6

MEETINGS FOCUS

NOVEMBER 2014

22 Yarra Valley, Australia

CLOSE•UP:

Banking on meetings

ZURICH

BY GARY SINGH

❯5

FANTASTIC

OFF-SITES

AURA www.aura-zurich.ch/en AURA offers hgh-end multifunctional event and restaurant space with superior technical capabilities, including a 360-degree video projection.

Giardino Verde www.giardinoverde.ch/en Tropical greenhouses and outdoor/indoor spaces for corporate events, weddings and private functions define this “green” space.

Giesserei Oerlikon www.diegiesserei.ch This banquet and corporate event space for up to 160 in an old foundry building is also used for weddings.

Lake Side www.lake-side.ch This congress and event center overlooks the Alps and Lake Zürich, with multimedia capabilities for up to 1,000 people.

Papiersaal und Folium www.praegebuero.ch Two unique levels of a former paper factory building are offered here, popular for corporate events, including in-house event management.

Z

urich is much more than banking. In reality, groups will discover a city bubbling with both urban style and natural beauty. And while the Swiss metropolis is clearly a global center of high finance, the city offers plenty of unique options for groups.

Nature-wise, the city sits right on Lake Zurich, so aside from offering a sophisticated global meetings infrastructure, the compact metropolis--sometimes referred to as a boutique city--presents groups with a variety of natural activities to complement its modern conference facilities.

“I call it the water town,” says Roland Ottiger, head of markets & business development for Zurich Tourism.

“Here you have a large metropolitan city, but with a lake in the heart of the city. When you organize a meeting during the summer, this is one of the feelings that you get from Zurich: Yes, it is a city, yet at the same time, it has this combination of city and nature.”

Groups can meet in various venues near the lake or on the lake. For example, one can take a boat from the city center to Quai 61,

CONNECT ZURICH TOURISM www.zuerich.com/en

a lakeside restaurant, bar and event space.

Giardino Verde, in another case, provides three tropical greenhouses for numerous events. In still another instance, the Uetliberg, Zurich’s own mountain, provides panoramic views of the Alps and the city.

For planners targeting the main inner city, AURA, a luxury venue for high-tech events at Zurich’s Paradeplatz, is over the top.

Other venues like Papeirsaal und Folium and Giesserei Oerlikon are located in repurposed buildings, showcasing Zurich’s urban edginess.

When the meeting is done, Zurich has all the high-end shopping one could want, and the Zurich West neighborhood, a former industrial part of town, has morphed over the last 10 years into a combination of artisan shops, creative urbanism and high-tech companies.

All in all, when compared to London, Paris, Vienna and other sprawling European cities, Zurich is very compact, offering a very high level of infrastructure, but on a NETHERLANDS GERMANY boutique scale.

BELGIUM “You have a wide Zurich variety of experiences, but in a relatively SWITZERLAND FRANCE small area,” Ottiger says. mf ITALY London

Getting there: Less than a two-hour flight from London, Zurich Airport includes a train station that connects to the main city

in just 10 minutes. Swiss ground transportation is one of the most punctual and effective systems in the world.

MEETINGSFOCUS.COM

21

ZÜRICH

Zürich als „Luxury MICE City of the Year“ ausgezeichnet

b li ck p unk t

Alles außer gewöhnlich: Rahmenprogramme in Zürich Wer schon immer erleben wollte, wie brennbarer Abfall in CO2neutrale Heizwärme und ökologischen Strom umwandelt wird, sollte bei der ERZ Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich einen spannenden Rundgang durch das Kehrichtheizkraftwerk Hagenholz als Rahmenprogramm buchen. Man folgt dem Abfall auf seinem Weg durchs Feuer bis hin zur nutzbaren Energie. Wer es gern ein wenig kühler mag, dem sei ein Eismeißelkurs empfohlen.

Die Aufgabe für ein Team: Aus einem schlichten Eisblock eine kunstvolle, vergängliche Eigenkreation zu gestalten. Egal ob ein Firmenlogo oder eine Skulptur nach eigener Idee, der Kreativität sind bei diesem Rahmenprogramm keine Grenzen gesetzt. Übrigens: Eisschnitzen ist auch im Sommer ein Highlight bei Apéros, Team- oder Firmenevents (Dauer 1,5–3 Std., Gruppengröße 10–60 Personen, Infos über Zürich Tourismus).

Zürich Tourismus erhält Award auf der CIBTM in Peking.

Foto: Zürich Tourismus

Nach dem erfolgreichen Auftakt für Zürich an der CIBTM 2013 nahm das Kongressbüro auch dieses Jahr wieder an der Messe in China teil. Die diesjährige CITBM fand vom 17. bis 19. September 2014 in Peking statt. Gemeinsam mit Genf, St.Gallen-Bodensee und Davos informierte Zürich Tourismus über Meeting- und Incentive-Möglichkeiten am Stand von Schweiz Tourismus. Die Incentive-Destination Zürich ist bei den chinesischen Kunden weiterhin gefragt. Ein Vorteil der Metropole am Zürichsee ist sicher die Hub-Funktion – chinesische Gruppen bleiben meist mehrere Nächte am gleichen Ort und unternehmen verschiedene Ausflüge. Für diese Art von Aufenthalt bietet die Limmatstadt genügend Kapazitäten für die Unterbringung und eine Vielzahl Schweizer Ausflugsziele sind innerhalb kurzer Zeit erreichbar.

Dies dürften nur einige der entscheidenden Argumente gewesen sein, für die Zürich wenige Tage vor der Messe mit dem „Luxury MICE City of the Year“ Award ausgezeichnet worden war.

Das neue Hotel verbindet Tagung und Event. Foto: Trafo Hotel AG

Zürich Tourismus unterstützt 160 Kongresse im Jahr Beim Kongresswesen profitiert Zürich stark von den renommierten Hochschulen in der Stadt, etwa der Universität Zürich oder der Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule (ETH). Zum einen akquirieren Professoren dieser Schulen mithilfe ihres Netzwerks selbstständig Kongresse internationaler Verbände. Zum anderen recherchiert auch Zürich Tourismus potenzielle Kongresse für die Stadt und bewirbt sich dann gemeinsam mit den lokalen Professoren für eine Durchführung in der Destination. Entscheidet sich ein Organisator für Zürich, unterstützt ihn das Kongressbüro von Zürich Tourismus bei der Vorbereitung und Organisation.

Konkret bietet das Kongressbüro folgende Dienstleistungen für MICE-Planer an: Hilfe mit Präsentationsmaterial, kostenfreie Suche von Locations für den Kongress sowie Galadinners, Einholen und Verwalten von Hotelkontingenten für die Teilnehmer des Kongresses, Information über Sponsoring-Möglichkeiten der Stadt, Ideen für Rahmenprogramme, Informationen zu Airlineund ÖV-Rabatten, Vermittlung von Agenturen / PCO’s.

Trafo Baden: Neues Hotel, vier Eventhallen und Self-Check-In Am 10. November wird auf dem ehemaligen Industrieareal «Trafo» in Baden das neue Trafo Hotel Baden mit 81 Zimmern eröffnet. Als erstes Hotel in der Schweiz kommt es ohne typischen Hotelempfang mit Rezeption und Theke aus. An Self-Check-InDesks in einer offenen Lobby können die Gäste eigenständig einchecken, sich aber auf Wunsch auch persönlich betreuen lassen.

Eine kostenfreie und schnelle WLAN-Verbindung, unentgeltliche Telefonate innerhalb der Schweiz und günstige Verbindungen ins Ausland kommen besonders Geschäftsleuten sehr entgegen.

Nebst dem neuen Trafo Hotel Baden werden im November neue Eventhallen in Betrieb genommen: Die Halle 36 umfasst insgesamt 520 Quadratmeter (aufgeteilt auf drei Räume), während die Halle 37 Platz auf bis zu 1.400 Quadratmetern bietet. Das Trafo Baden beherbergt außerdem ein Kino mit fünf Sälen, ein Fitnesscenter mit türkischem Bad, mehrere Restaurants sowie vielseitig nutzbare Seminar- und Eventflächen.

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