Interlaken: Sustainable Events Amidst Swiss Peaks

Magazine:
29th Apr, 2024
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Interlaken stands out among other global MICE destinations as a perfect blend of breathtaking natural beauty and an intense commitment to sustainability to safeguard the unique Swiss Alps Jungfrau Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interlaken goes beyond the traditional conference destination to offer an immersive experience of Swiss splendour. The historic village, favoured in the 19th century by iconic figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, is now a sought-after holiday and business event destination.
In Interlaken, every event is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired in the heart of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, surrounded by the majestic scenery of the blue lakes of Thun and Brienz, glaciers and the perpetually snow-capped peaks of the Top of Europe. But Interlaken's appeal to MICE planners lies not only in its stunning surroundings, but also in its unparalleled venues and Swiss top quality. The Congress Kursaal Interlaken is Interlaken's crown jewel, combining historic charm with state-of-the-art facilities and the capacity to host events of all sizes, from workshops to international conferences. The congress centre is proof of Interlaken's evolution from a renowned holiday resort to a global congress destination. With 5,000 square metres of event space and 19 versatile halls, including three grand halls over 900 square metres, Kursaal Interlaken harmoniously combines historic elegance with high-tech facilities.
With the Swiss Economic Forum, the 12th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council, and the Swiss Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Fall Meeting all set to take place in Kursaal in 2024, Interlaken promises to deliver a combination of top-level research discussions, proving that the destination is much more than just a beautiful setting – it is a place for innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing across many sectors.
 
Swisstainable Adventures Beyond the Conference Room
 
As we said, events in Interlaken are more than just events; they're steps forward, capturing the true spirit of Swisstainable tourism and business meetings. This programme, an initiative by Switzerland Tourism, has found an enthusiastic supporter in Interlaken, designated Energy City for a good reason, because the balance between the peace and quiet of nature and the buzz of global business meetings is meticulously kept, and extends beyond the conference venues into the experience that the town offers visitors before and after the meetings. Beyond Kursaal Interlaken, hotels such as Beausite, Carlton Europe, Metropole, Eden Spiez, and the Beatus Wellness & Spa Hotel have committed to the Swisstainable programme, offering environmentally friendly accommodation that reflects the region's commitment to preserving its unspoilt environment all year-round. For activities before and after the conference, visitors can choose from more than 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chairs and ski lifts, providing access to 200 kilometres of slopes as well as a rich hiking trail network. For those who prefer to enjoy the lakes on a boat trip, historic steamships ply the shimmering waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz.
 
Would you like to hear from Interlaken’s business events professionals?
 
Michèle Gerber, MICE Coordinator at Congress Interlaken, tells us more about her job.
 
  • What makes working in Interlaken so special for you? The interplay between organisers and our dynamic team, as well as the diverse needs of those organisers keeps each event fresh and exciting. Seeing the satisfaction of our guests and the fruition of our efforts into successful events truly inspires me daily.
  • What’s the most challenging part of your job? Each client brings unique expectations and sometimes unusual requests or wishes. Meeting these different demands keeps me on my toes and ensures that no two days are the same.
  • Speaking of the Congress Kursaal Interlaken, why do you like working there? The atmosphere of the place, the different halls, each with its own character, and the breathtaking view of the park on the Jungfrau peak when the weather is good. I think that makes every event here unforgettable. Interlaken still has that holiday feeling for me.

Events in the pipeline:
  • Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council - May 2024
  • STEP Alpine Conference - May 2024
  • Swiss Economic Forum - June 2024
  • Swiss Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Neck and Facial Surgery - November 2024
 

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