With the opening of the expanded convention centre Davos is strengthening its position as the leading conference resort in the Alps. The area has been increased by one third to 12,000 square meters. 34 rooms with a capacity from 20 to 1,800 people are now available. Up to 5,000 participants can hold meetings in Davos. “We are able to present a modern convention centre to organizers and guests that will in future satisfy all needs of our customers”, Reto Branschi is convinced. The director of the Destination Davos Klosters (DDK), which operates the convention centre on behalf of the city, can oblige all key organizers of major conferences on a long-term basis thanks to the expansion. The contract with the World Economic Forum (WEF) has been extended until 2018. According to André Schneider, Managing Director of the WEF, “the expanded convention centre corresponds with international standards and the new plenary hall gives us all a unique presentation platform.” The oldest organizer, the AO Foundation, will hold its 50th anniversary with 2,000 surgeons in Davos and remains faithful to the congress location.
An architectural trademark
Degelo architekten from Basel, who won the architectural competition in 2008, have opened up the new convention centre with a distinctive and welcoming entrance when coming from the spa gardens. A foyer now connects the Houses A and B with the extension building C creating a spacious meeting room. “The convention centre is usable both as a unit with a powerful entrance for large events or as three autonomous houses which can be operated independently of one another,” the architect Heinrich Degelo outlines the different utilization possibilities. President Hans Peter Michel sees the centre as a factor for economic development: “The building attracts new investors to Davos, who provide for sustainable development and new hotel capacities.” The Hilton Group has started with the construction of a new hotel in the upper quality segment, directly opposite the convention centre, this summer. This development will strengthen the international reputation of Davos Klosters, tourism director Reto Branschi concludes: “With the new convention centre we now have an architectural trademark which is a top destination in the Alps.”
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