The significant increase in Swiss member houses by eleven establishments since August 2009 to a total of 16 clearly shows the importance of industry representation for the event industry in Switzerland. In the meantime, in addition to MCH Messe Schweiz, Hallenstadion Zürich AG, Casino Kursaal Bern, Olma-Hallen St. Gallen and Kursaal Casino Interlaken AG the Zentrum Paul Klee and the Forum Fribourg, to name but a few, are now part of the Association.

In order to analyze the interests and expectations of the Swiss colleagues a first constituent meeting of the newly founded Swiss Chapter of the Association already took place together with EVVC President Joachim König (Director Hannover Congress Centre), International EVVC Assessor Jonas Scharf (MCH Messe Schweiz Basel) and the branch office in Zurich in late March.

The primary objective of the association membership is, for most of the houses, the exchange among colleagues - even across national borders - on aspects of quality assurance, vocational training and benchmarking. On the other hand, through their membership in the largest European trade associationl, the Swiss houses expect access to the German market with appropriate marketing activities.

The EVVC will present itself at a joint exhibition stand for members and partners as early as 24th - 26th August 2010 at this year's SuisseEMEX in Zurich. Unlike in the past, there will be a detailed topical marketing concept for the exhibition stand this year: By focussing on the issue of sustainability the association hopes to address potential members as well as customers of the exhibiting member houses and partners.

As a further marketing measure specifically for the Swiss houses a FAM trip with German customers to Switzerland is planned. Further activities will surely follow.

Jonas Scharf, head of the Congress Center Basel (MCH Group) and co-founder of the Swiss Chapter: “Many problems of the industry in Switzerland are no different to other European countries. However, there are also many distinctions. I think it is important that the event venues in Switzerland network and exchange information amongst one another. The EVVC is an ideal platform on which we now wish to develop special offers for Switzerland, for example in terms of the exchange of experience, education and vocational training, marketing and performance figures. "

Joachim König, President of the EVVC and Director of the Hannover Congress Centrum added: "We are naturally delighted with this added development of our association in Switzerland. The more houses are joined in the European surroundings, the more optimal the work of the EVVC due to the increasing internationalization. This brings positive results and an improved quality of activities to all members. We welcome this development and look forward to the new insights!"