Swiss Economic Forum 2020 - Montreux instead of Interlaken

For the 13th time in a row, the Kilchemann Event & Rental Service Team was the proud technical partner of the Swiss Economic Forum.

The fact that no stone was left unturned in the Corona year and the entire event had to be completely rethought is probably no surprise to anyone in 2020.

The Swiss Economic Forum really needs no introduction. At Switzerland's leading business conference, 900 leaders in business, science, politics and the media meet annually for an active exchange of views and cross-sector dialogue. Normally, and this is well known, the SEF takes place in Interlaken - but in 2020, as we know, everything is different.

Montreux instead of Interlaken

Due to the Covid 19-related requirements, it was clear relatively early on that the usual SEF location in Interlaken was too small in relation to the protection concepts required today. So the organisers started looking for an alternative - and found it in Montreux at the beginning of July. Nevertheless, they had to wait for the official decision of the Federal Council on the holding of large events with more than 1,000 people before the organisers - among them the Kilchenmann Event & Rental Service team - could really get started.

No copy-paste

Of course, no two SEFs are the same and the technical requirements are different every time. Nevertheless, it is quite different to hold a major event at a well-known venue than to start from scratch - and under difficult conditions. The Kilchenmann team travelled to Montreux twice during the preparations for the SEF, the first time in mid-July. Project manager Martin Loosli explains: "In terms of technology, this year's SEF was not relevantly different from previous editions - and yet everything was different. This was due in particular to the Corona protection measures, which included a tracking system for all the people present - and there were 900 of them during the event. Within the framework of this system, all participants, including the organisational and technical crew, were divided into groups. These groups, in turn, were not allowed to mix, which in some cases presented us with completely new challenges."

Assembly and dismantling within a very short time

The 26-member Kilchenmann team travelled to Montreux on 30 August and built the entire set on 31 August - because rehearsals were already scheduled for 1 September. The event was carried out both live on site and via stream on 2 and 3 September. On the same evening, all the displays, LED screens and players as well as the entire audio and lighting system were dismantled and transported away.

Gladly again

Despite all the circumstances and the relatively long-lasting uncertainty as to whether the SEF could be held at all, this year's Economic Forum was also a highlight in the Kilchenmann calendar. "The SEF is a great partner and this year we are particularly grateful to be part of this high-calibre event - that is not something that can be taken for granted in times of Covid-19," says project manager Martin Loosli happily.

From live streaming and webcasting to audio, conference, video and lighting technology and fireworks - Kilchenmann Event & Rental Service is your trusted partner.