Back in January, our partner locations were still dark and silent. Now the Trafo Baden, the Hallenstadion, the Lakeside in Zurich, and the Kursaal Bern are overrun by customers. Our on-site project managers offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the venue service, and reveal what they’re particularly happy about.
Tradition meets modern
In Switzerland’s largest roofed event location, it’s the calm before the storm. Gerrit Schleevoigt, Venue Service Team Leader, proudly shows us his place of work. He and his three-strong team know the Hallenstadion like the backs of their hands. As the rigging and technology partners on site, they not only know how the 400 screens – known as digital signage – are controlled individually, but also where each power connection is located and how to optimally set up the impressive original hall and the various conference rooms for events of all sizes. “All those involved benefit from our years of experience,” explains Schleevoigt, who, in his own words, feels privileged to work in “Switzerland’s most beautiful hall”. But the German is especially happy about one thing: the Hallenstadion will once again be full to capacity this evening. His team has been supporting events and concerts with their services almost on an daily basis since March.
Everything from one source
Change of scene: Kursaal Bern. The most famous event location in the Swiss capital is also a hive of activity. In May and June alone, around 450 events are being held at the event and hotel complex, which boasts 33 event rooms and a hotel, in the heart of the city of Bern. Every single enquiry finds its way to Luc Balmer’s desk. The team leader has been managing the Venue Service at the Kursaal for almost 5 years: “The workload caused by the pandemic was considerable, so I’m all the more delighted that our biggest venue, the arena, only has a few remaining slots available for May and June. And things are already looking very good for autumn, too.” The Kursaal Bern and Habegger provide advisory support to customers and, if required, take over all the planning and implementation for an event. “Our customers receive all the services from one source, which is generally more economically advantageous for them than involving a third party,” Balmer reveals.
Top equipment and expertise
This is also confirmed by his colleague Till Drechsel in Baden. Together with his team, Drechsel is responsible for the Venue Service at the historic Trafo halls. “We constantly maintain the equipment, and there are no setup or dismantling times as most of the equipment is permanently installed, which makes the event less expensive,” he explains, glancing towards the ceiling of Hall 37. Brightly-coloured windows immerse the hall – where electrical transformers were still being made in the 1970s – in a unique play of light. Thanks to a special LED wall that does not require any darkening, more than 2,500 people can enjoy an event in a great atmosphere. And this is in great demand: “We hold conferences, employee events, general meetings, concerts, and even weddings.” There are very good bookings for the total of six event rooms up to the middle of July. “Life has returned to the venues”, says Drechsel, delighted.
Location with an exclusive view
Till and his team also work at Lakeside, the most beautiful event location on Lake Zurich. He is pleased that many events are being held again. “Our venue is an event location that couldn’t be more multifunctional – from work seminars to gala dinners, anything is possible,” explains Till, as he enjoys the view of the opposite lakeshore. Another very special feature of Lakeside is that it is a listed building, as one of the first cast concrete buildings in Switzerland. “We have been booked up since March and there are countless summer events planned in the coming weeks,” says Till. The location boasts the latest technical infrastructure, and is equally suitable for an aperitif overlooking the lake – or dinner and a party held on the premises. The central location makes the venue easily accessible by public transport or by car.
You can hold your event at one of our partner locations, too! We have the right venue for any occasion. We’d be delighted to help you with your next event. Do you have any questions? We look forward to a non-binding exchange with you.
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