Choosing a Congress Destination: In Conversation With Bern Convention Bureau
Since Kuoni Tumlare Congress and Bern Welcome strengthened their cooperation, how has the partnership developed in practice?
The collaboration is built on partnership and a strong customer focus. We look after clients together – an association approaching us about hosting an event, for example. Our close working relationship with Bern’s hotels is well established and works extremely well.
The partnership brings together the expertise of both companies. The Bern Convention Bureau makes contact with local partners and provides professional advice and assistance through the whole process of planning, organising and delivering a congress.
In your view, how does closer collaboration between a convention bureau and an international congress partner translate into real value for associations and organisers?
The combination of international expertise and in-depth local knowledge is a real advantage. For clients it means first-class support, a strong network and trusted partners who make things happen on site. Effective hotel management also creates a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Where does this cooperation make the biggest difference in practice, in the bidding phase or in delivering congresses on the ground?
Both phases benefit. During the bidding process we can work together to develop a compelling proposal. Once the event takes place, the strength of the network really comes into its own: we bring the right people together and help make sure the congress runs smoothly. That also means the right hotel capacity is available to meet the client’s needs.
What can organisers expect when working with Bern in terms of local support, coordination and access to the destination’s network?
Personal support, fast response times and efficient processes. We know our partners and connect organisers directly with the right people, which makes collaboration straightforward from start to finish.
Bern Welcome also has a broad network across key sectors including energy, medicine, agriculture, education, politics and culture. That lets us connect congress organisers with relevant institutions and experts in those fields, creating valuable networking opportunities as part of the congress.
And, of course, delegates get to experience Bern authentically while they are here.
From your perspective, what are the key factors associations should prioritise today when selecting a destination?
Excellent accessibility, suitable infrastructure, hotels, cost and sustainability all matter. But another question is just as important: does the host city suit the participants and the identity of the association? As Switzerland’s federal city, in the heart of Europe, Bern is an ideal choice for many associations. Its compact layout and short distances make it particularly easy to navigate, and its strong clusters are a further advantage, with relevant companies, institutions and university faculties based locally across a wide range of sectors.
When associations are comparing several destinations, what should they look at beyond financial support and venue availability?
My strongest recommendation is to come to Bern and experience the city for yourself. Bern is compact, authentic and surprisingly varied: short distances, strong partners and a city that stays in participants’ memories long after the congress is over. Thanks to the Bern-Ticket, hotel guests can also use public transport in the city free of charge. On price, Bern is highly competitive with other European destinations, particularly for hotels and venues. We would be delighted to show you what Bern has to offer.
About the Bern Convention Bureau and the Congress Hub Bern
The Bern Convention Bureau (bern.com) advises and supports organisers of meetings, incentives, conferences and events in the city and canton of Bern, from the tendering process through to delivery. The Congress Hub Bern (bern.com) is an alliance formed in 2023 by Bern Welcome, Bernexpo and Kursaal Bern to pool their networks in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Choosing a Destination, and a Partner
Mischa Niederl’s answers point to a consistent theme: what a destination contributes is not only its venues and hotels but the network behind them, and how quickly an organiser can reach it. Our guide to choosing the right destination for your international congress sets out how that sits alongside accessibility, cost and venue fit in a structured comparison. Bringing venues, hotels and accommodation together into one credible offering is the work Kuoni Tumlare Congress does through its Destination & Venue Partnerships service, supporting bureaus and venues across Europe.
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