As cities increasingly compete to attract not only businesses but also ideas, expertise, and global networks, Zurich stands out by offering both exceptional quality of life and a vibrant environment for knowledge exchange. This is important because today’s congresses are no longer just about delivering presentations—they’re about creating meaningful connections. In this context, the city itself becomes a key stakeholder in the success of an event.
The Role of Urban Well-Being
For decades, event planners have focused on accessibility, venue capacity, and cost. These are, of course, non-negotiables. But as the meetings industry evolves, so do its priorities. Organisers are increasingly seeking destinations that align with broader values: well-being, sustainability, inclusiveness, and long-term societal impact. Zurich’s top ranking in Mercer’s report is not simply about comfort—it reflects a deep alignment with these evolving expectations.
Take safety, for instance. A low-crime environment doesn’t just reassure attendees; it creates the kind of relaxed, open atmosphere that fosters informal networking and spontaneous idea-sharing. Public transportation in Zurich is not only reliable—it’s an experience in efficiency that ensures attendees can focus on the content of a conference rather than the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city.
The city’s compactness is another asset: in Zurich, there’s no need to plan for hour-long transfers between hotels, a carbon-conscious Zurich Convention Center, and dinner spots. Everything is within easy reach, promoting a seamless flow of activities and serendipitous meetings.
A High-Functioning Innovation Ecosystem
Beyond lifestyle perks, Zurich is also embedded in one of Europe’s most dynamic knowledge economies. The Greater Zurich Area boasts a higher density of big tech companies than Silicon Valley itself—home to major operations for Google, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, to name a few. The city’s thriving innovation scene is anchored by institutions like ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top technical universities, which serves as a magnet for international talent and a driver of cutting-edge research.
This ecosystem actively informs the congress experience. Events hosted in Zurich naturally tap into a dense network of academic, corporate, and startup communities, enriching the content and expanding the reach of knowledge shared. It’s not uncommon for congresses held in Zurich to feature keynote speakers who work at the bleeding edge of AI, biotech, or green tech—many of whom live or work just down the street from the convention centre.
Zurich’s leadership in innovation is complemented by a growing commitment to human-centred design in urban policy and public life. This ethos is captured by events like Open-i, an open innovation platform that brings together academia, business, and government to tackle complex social and environmental challenges.
Congresses as an Extension of Quality of Life
So how does all of this translate into the actual congress experience?
It’s about more than just the setting. When delegates arrive in Zurich, they’re not just attending a conference—they’re stepping into a city that embodies many of the values their own organisations aspire to: efficiency, openness, sustainability, and innovation.
During breaks between sessions, attendees can find respite along the shores of Lake Zurich or take a 10-minute tram to explore the city’s museums and galleries. In the evenings, networking doesn’t have to feel forced when it happens over dinner in a historic restaurant or during a boat cruise with Alpine views. Even culinary experiences—ranging from traditional Swiss fare to internationally acclaimed fine dining—speak to a culture of quality and attention to detail.
The Zurich Model
If Zurich sets a standard, it’s because it’s positioned itself as an active contributor to the intellectual and emotional outcomes of a congress.
The model Zurich offers—where city infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and lifestyle converge—provides a glimpse of what the future of international meetings should be. In a time when audiences are more discerning, budgets are scrutinised, and expectations are high, it’s no longer enough for a city to be functional. It must inspire.
The success of a congress can of course be measured by its programme, but also by how refreshed, connected, and inspired its participants feel afterwards. In this regard, Zurich isn’t just a good choice—it’s a blueprint.
More info on how Zurich Convention Bureau can help you organise conferences here.
More info on Switzerland as a convention destination: myriam.winnepenninckx@switzerland.com / www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings