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As the technical partner of the Kursaal Bern, Kilchenmann handled the technical implementation in the arena, in three group rooms, and during the VIP dinner for Spirit of Bern 2026.
The Spirit of Bern is a broad-based foundation with the aim of promoting exchange between various social actors. Since 2016, the event has been held annually at the Kursaal Bern. It brings together representatives, leaders, and opinion makers from business, science, and politics. The focus is on constructive dialogue on socially relevant topics.
The 11th edition took place on February 25–26, 2026, at the Kursaal Bern and was dedicated to the main theme of "Education: The Future of Switzerland." The focus was on questions concerning the further development of the Swiss education system and its significance for society, the economy, and politics. In addition to the main event, a VIP dinner was held the evening before.
Prof. em. Dr. Daniel Buser, President of the Spirit of Bern Foundation, describes the particular strength of the format as follows: "The Spirit of Bern is unique in its kind because it deliberately promotes dialogue between business, science, and politics in order to discuss relevant problems or developments. We are convinced that this is the most promising approach to finding the right solutions ."
As technical partner to the Kursaal Bern, Kilchenmann was responsible for the overall technical implementation of the event.
Initial situation/requirements
The Spirit of Bern event format combines several program components in a clearly structured sequence: Breakout sessions took place in the morning, followed by a standing lunch at noon, the main program in the arena in the afternoon, and finally a networking aperitif offering opportunities for personal exchange.
The breakout sessions highlighted different aspects of the focus topic. Topics included new technologies in teaching and learning processes, vocational training and continuing education in medicine/pharmacy, and skills in a changing world of work. The main program focused on thematic impulses and various discussion formats.
For the technical implementation, this meant providing parallel support for several rooms within a compact schedule. In addition to the plenary session in the arena, three group rooms for the breakout sessions and the setting for the VIP dinner had to be set up and supported in terms of media technology. The goal was consistent technical implementation across all event areas.
Kilchenmann took over the coordination of all technical components as well as the technical project management on site.
Technical implementation
The arena at the Kursaal Bern has a permanently installed 16-meter-wide LED wall,which forms the central visual element of the plenary hall. For Spirit of Bern, this existing infrastructure was integrated into the event concept and used for presentations, graphics, and live images.
PTZ cameras were used for image guidance. These captured presentations and discussions and transmitted the content directly to the LED wall. Image and sound signals were combined and coordinated in the control room.
At the same time, Kilchenmann provided the technical equipment for three group rooms for the breakout sessions. The rooms were equipped with the necessary presentation and audio technology and provided with technical support during the sessions.
The VIP dinner on the evening before was also integrated into the overall technical concept. A 136-inch screen and a mobile sound system were used here.
Technical project management was handled by a twelve-member technical team, which coordinated all technical processes in the arena, in the group rooms, and at the VIP dinner.
In addition to the technical implementation, Kilchenmann was also responsible for some of the video production and animation. This meant that the content was not only professionally staged on site, but also documented and prepared in high quality for further use.
Regarding the importance of location and technical infrastructure, Prof. em. Dr. Daniel Buser says: "In addition to the quality of the panel guests and the moderation, an attractive event location and state-of-the-art AV technology play a very important role in the success of Spirit of Bern. Both of these requirements are perfectly met by the Kursaal Bern arena and the AV technology recently installed by Kilchenmann. In addition to the great infrastructure, we are also very satisfied with the high quality of service provided by both companies."
Conclusion
The carefully coordinated technical implementation across the arena, group rooms, and VIP dinner ensured that the event was carried out in a consistent and structured manner. The existing infrastructure at the Kursaal Bern and the supplementary event technology worked together seamlessly, ensuring a uniform, high-quality implementation of all parts of the program.
The Spirit of Bern 2026 at the Kursaal Bern was presented as a technically coherent, professionally orchestrated, and consistently coordinated overall format.
