Send e-mail
At the Open-i event organized by NZZ Connect at the Kongresshaus Zurich, Kilchenmann provided support in the form of supplementary AV technology, specialized presentation direction, an integrated intercom system, and professional recording, ensuring that everything ran smoothly on both stages.
On November 27, 2025, the second edition of Open-i, the event series organized by NZZ Connect, took place at the Kongresshaus Zurich. Around 1,200 participants and 60 high-profile speakersused the Blue and Purple Stages as a platform for forward-looking discussions on relevant topics from the worlds of business, science, and politics. Partner sessions and deep-dive formats promoted interdisciplinary exchange and discussed whether and how Switzerland can translate its excellent technologies into scalable business models and social benefits.
Initial situation/requirements
Kilchenmann has been an active technology partner at NZZ Connect for many years. For this year's edition of Open-i, the task was to specifically expand the existing technical infrastructure of the congress center and optimize it to meet the requirements of a demanding live event. The focus was on targeted presentation technology, professional audio quality, high-precision stage management, and the seamless integration of all speakers and presentations.
Coordinating the two stages —Blue and Purple—and the exhibition area posed a particular challenge. All technical teams had to work together efficiently to ensure that the complex processes ran smoothly. To this end, Kilchenmann implemented a professional intercom system that ensured smooth communication between all control rooms and teams.
Technical implementation
On the Blue Stage, Kilchenmann used the Barco E3 image controller for the first time and oversaw audio production, radio and in-ear systems, PowerPoint presentations with timers, and effect lighting with small LED spots (Astera AX3). Three PTZ cameras for professional recordings and live images were also in use. A small B stage was also set up in front of the stage. A total of seven technicians plus project management were working on the Blue Stage.
Kilchenmann equipped the Purple Stage with a 7×3 m LED wall (2.5 mm pitch), controlled via an image controller. Here, too, a PTZ camera was used for recording, with the signal being transmitted directly to the control room. The audio control room included wireless and in-ear systems to ensure clear speech intelligibility and precise stage monitoring. PowerPoint presentations and timers, additional Ambilight, and stage lighting were also used on the Purple Stage. A total of five technicians plus project management were involved.
The exhibition area was set up in the foyer (Gartensaal) of the congress center, where 30 displays from Kilchenmann and 30 from NZZ Connect were installed on steles. Both teams worked together on the installation and operation to ensure that the content could be presented reliably during the event.
Conclusion
Open-i 2025 impressively demonstrated the importance of prprofessional technical implementation for complex events. Kilchenmann contributed to the fact that both participantsparticipants and the speakers could experience a smoothseamless event with high-precision presentation technology and perfect audio quality. The combination of modern AV technology, experienced technical teams, and close coordination with the organizers made the inspiring occasion a successful and technically flawless experience.
