📷 Sören Funk | @soerenfunk
www.soerenfunk.com1. The Need for Purpose-Driven & Human-Centric Events
Co-founder and Co-CEO of futurehain, a solutions studio at the crossroads of science, innovation and society, Felix Rundel was the MC of the meeting. His inaugural session on the future of business events was eye-opening. He emphasized the shift toward purpose-driven events that focus on the emotional and psychological needs of participants. Rundel’s approach to human-centered design stressed the importance of creating immersive and meaningful experiences.
An innovative example he shared was a lunch break designed around a presentation on water footprints – which basically told delegates of a conference how much water was used to produce the meal they were served – merging content with experience to enhance engagement.
Additionally, his call for experimentation in event design, including the use of AI-generated experiences to tailor the delegate journey, showcased the need to integrate new influences from science and art to make events truly transformative.
2. Some Tools for Stress Management at Work
Founder of Happitude at Work and TEDx speaker, Aurelie Litynski led a session on stress management, which provided tools for improving personal well-being and team performance. She began with a brain fitness exercise, which I found immediately effective for boosting focus.
Her discussion on mirror neurons and the spread of stress in teams underscored the importance of managing one’s own stress levels. The practical techniques she offered, such as time boxing, the Pomodoro method (a technique designed to improve focus and productivity by breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks), and box breathing, are easy to incorporate into daily routines and have already had already a noticeable impact on my productivity.
Additionally, Litynski encouraged participants to celebrate small wins, add a “to-be” list alongside the “to-do” list to foster personal growth, and maintain a positive mindset to support long-term well-being and performance. This holistic approach serves as a personal toolkit for stress management and effective work habits.
3. Cost-Saving Strategies: The Voice of the Planners
A panel discussion, moderated by Marina Knittel from Vienna Convention Bureau, offered a timely exploration of how to manage event budgets in a time of rising costs.
Panos Tzivanidis from the International Olympic Commitee emphasized the need to strategically allocate resources, particularly when it comes to travel expenses. Personally I found Encore Stefica Divkovic’s insights on the post-Covid challenges, such as labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, to be highly relevant, while Anneke Hibbel, Executive Director of the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS), stated: “In light of financial constraints, it’s crucial to make strategic changes in event organization by prioritizing essential components over the ‘nice-to-haves’.”
The panelists also highlighted the importance of early supplier involvement and strategic partnerships, including collaborating with venues and educational institutions, as a way to reduce costs without compromising quality. This discussion provided concrete, actionable strategies that can help mitigate budgetary pressures while preserving the core value of events.
4. AI is a threat AND an Opportunity
Roger Oberholzer, CEO of Metaverse Academy, was the AI specialist of the meeting. During a popular presentation, he outlined three divergent perspectives on AI: as a simple tool, as a potential threat to humanity, and as a solution to global problems.
Oberholzer argued that AI is neither inherently good nor bad—it depends on how it is applied. He emphasized that while AI is not truly intelligent, it can be leveraged as a powerful tool to enhance the event experience by automating tasks and creating personalized interactions.
However, he also warned about the potential pitfalls, such as economic displacement and social implications, if AI is not carefully managed. His call to action for event professionals was to embrace AI’s possibilities while staying mindful of its limitations, ensuring that technological advancements align with human values and societal needs.
All in all, the ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting offered a wealth of knowledge to say the least. Coupled with a few outings in Zurich so delegates could experience how this very walkable and in the end manageable city offers – from The Circle Convention Center, right next to the airport, or Bauschänzli with its beautiful view of the lake – it was definitely an event to remember.
More information on Zurich as a conference destination can be found here.