Geneva: your guide to a top business event destination

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The innovation that began in Geneva has had a profound impact on the world. I’m referring to the invention of the World Wide Web (WWW) by Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist who created it in 1989 while working at CERN. This ground-breaking development has always fascinated me.

Fast forward to 2024, and I had the opportunity to visit this iconic venue with the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation and the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.

But CERN wasn’t the only highlight of my visit. I also discovered Geneva’s offerings as a MICE destination. The city is renowned as an international hub for science and technology, banking and finance, watchmaking and luxury, sports, and the flavours and fragrances sectors.

Despite its international and cosmopolitan vibe, Geneva is compact and offers a unique Swiss experience. Some ideas include visiting vineyards, booking a fondue evening for your group in one of the historic restaurants, or hosting a watchmaking workshop. This combination of a cosmopolitan city with bespoke Swiss experiences is unique to Geneva and cannot be found elsewhere.

Moreover, the city is continuously evolving, with new hotels and venues opening. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how the city’s compact size, combined with its global outlook, creates the perfect environment for business events.

Accessibility and location

Geneva is easily accessible from major destinations by air via Geneva International Airport and rail.

Once there, you can navigate the city effortlessly with its efficient public transport system. Furthermore you can use the public transport free of charge if you book an accommodation for one night. The city is also very walkable, making it possible to select venues within walking distance or incorporate a guided city tour into your event itinerary.

Arriving from Heidelberg, Germany, by train, I used the Swiss Travel Pass. This pass is a single ticket that offers a convenient way to travel in Switzerland by public transport. It provides unlimited access for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days, saving both time and money.

Quartier de l’Étang (near the airport)

Quartier de l’Étang is the new neighbourhood in Geneva that presents the future of urban development. This neighbourhood offers a combination of places to work, live and relax. It is particularly attractive because it is close to the airport that has routes to 150 destinations and two train stations that connect to the entire Canton of Geneva and the city center. That offering of new urban developments with green spaces and highly accessible transport system makes it also particularly attractive for international corporate events.

Hotels in Quartier de l’Étang

I arrived and checked into the recently opened Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva. This is the first Adina Apartment Hotel in Geneva, with 140 rooms and it opened in March 2023. The rooms are very spacious and offer an extra comfort having a small kitchen in the room.

Right next door is the InterCity Hotel, which opened in September 2023 with 270 rooms. The hotel also offers event space accommodating up to 200 people for a reception.

Event venues

Science Gateway at CERN

Until the end of last year, CERN was not open to the public. However, with the addition of the Science Gateway, visitors can now explore the fascinating world of science at CERN. The Science Gateway opened in October 2023 and features exhibitions and labs. The labs are ideal for small, interactive workshops, catering to all levels of familiarity with science. This workshops can be combined with having a main conference at the CERN.

Two spaces at CERN are available for private event bookings: the Science Gateway Auditorium and the Globe of Science and Innovation.

The Science Gateway Auditorium covers 673 m² and can be divided into up to three separate spaces, with or without seating. Depending on the layout, it can accommodate up to 870 guests.

The Globe of Science and Innovation features a 300 m² auditorium on the first floor and a 340 m² event space on the ground floor. Each space can host up to 300 people, depending on the layout and activities.

Given the iconic nature of the venue, it’s recommended to include a CERN guided tour, which can accommodate up to 250 participants. Additionally, there’s the option to privatise the CERN Science Gateway exhibitions after 6:00 PM.

This iconic venue provides a unique experience for hosting events with exclusive access. During my visit I saw people from all over the world visiting, drawn by its global legacy.

Venues in nature

What highly impressed me in Geneva is the ability to change landscapes from a city and the corporate environment to a green environment, while still being in the city. There’s a selection of venues that offers this opportunity and they include:

Domaine du Grand Malagny

Located in the village of Genthod in Canton Geneva, Domaine du Grand Malagny overlooks the lake with breathtaking views of the Alps. The building, a part of Geneva’s cultural and historical heritage dating back to the 18th century, was acquired by the Franck Muller watchmaking group in 2006 and underwent a complete renovation to become an event space.

The event area spans 1,600 m² and includes multipurpose rooms, a bar area, and a fully equipped kitchen spread over two floors. The venue can accommodate up to 900 guests, making it ideal for conferences, corporate incentives, and seminars. The entire venue must be hired for events.

Additionally, there is a 5-hectare park that can be used for team-building activities, garden parties, and sporting events.

Pavillon Gallatin

Pavillon Gallatin is a heated tent 235 m² in size and offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. During the summer season, you can also book the garden terrace of the Pavilion for outdoor cocktail receptions.

What impressed me when talking to the venue representatives is how each season changes the venue’s vibe. In winter, it becomes a magical winter wonderland with snow-covered exteriors and a cosy, festive inside.

When we visited in May, the outdoor area was green and fresh after the rain, creating a calm and relaxing space. The venue, located in the Parc du Domaine de Penthes in Pregny-Chambésy, in the canton of Geneva, is just 10 minutes from the city center.

Dinner at Jardin de Penthes

For smaller group events or business lunches, the Restaurant du Jardin de Penthes and its veranda is an ideal choice. It’s just a short walk from the Pavillon Gallatin and offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. We had our dinner there on the first night.

Restaurant de la Plage

Restaurant de la Plage is the perfect choice for those who want to dine by the water with the Jet d’Eau Fountain in Geneva as a stunning backdrop. The restaurant offers a modern setting with an informal and relaxed atmosphere, serving dishes made from seasonal ingredients. Located just outside the busy city center, it’s easily accessible on foot or with a short bus ride. You can also book the entire restaurant for your event, accommodating 50 to 130 people in the fall and winter, and 150 to 300 people in the spring and summer.

Unique venues in Geneva

Next the tour continued to see some of the most iconic and unique venues in Geneva.

La Resérve Hotel & Spa

This venue has a timeless elegance. It’s located on the shore of Lake Geneva with the Alps in the background. It’s in a private area, perfect for escaping the city’s busy life and enjoying a quiet oasis. La Réserve Genève is a destination in itself, with 29 suites and 73 rooms, all thoughtfully designed to evoke the ambiance of African lodges.

The hotel has three restaurants, including Le Loti Restaurant & Bar, where we had afternoon tea. The tea selection was amazing, with unique blends like smoked and white tea. I loved the toasted brioche with tuna tartare, ponzu, and spring onion.

Another culinary highlight is The Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland. The chef, Frank Xu, is a third-generation chef with over 30 years of experience. The décor, featuring red velvet, black lacquer, and silk hangings, transports diners to the atmosphere of a grand palace hotel in 1930s Shanghai. The restaurant also has two private rooms, each accommodating 25 people.

The hotel offers small meeting rooms, with its biggest space, the Lodge, accommodating up to 200 guests.

There’s also a small boat harbour where you can take a boat directly to the city, a service the hotel offers in the summer.

Another standout feature is the large spa. If you have extra time while travelling for business, this is the biggest spa in Geneva, and it’s impressive. I highly recommend making time for it. Being right on the water and waking up to this view is something that makes the experience very special.

Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Geneva

Located in the city center, the iconic 5-star Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Geneva, offers 204 guest rooms and 22 suites with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Mont-Blanc, and proximity to the famous shopping street, Rue du Rhône.

One of its standout features is the Rive Droite facilities, which include a heated outdoor swimming pool (open from May to September), a pool bar, and a Mediterranean restaurant by Michel Roth. Thanks to its prime location, the hotel offers a unique oasis of wellness in the heart of Geneva, with a French Riviera atmosphere.

Another highlight of the hotel is its reputation as a culinary destination, having six dining outlets.

The Bayview Restaurant, led by Chef Michel Roth, has earned one Michelin star and an 18/20 rating in the Gault&Millau guide. The restaurant exclusively uses prime seasonal ingredients from the region.

L’Arabesque is Geneva’s most popular Lebanese restaurant, while Rive Droite by Michel Roth serves Mediterranean cuisine. Lastly, Glow Bar offers snacks and cocktails with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

Les Armures Restaurant

This boutique hotel blends elegance with Swiss charm. Located in Geneva’s Old Town, it’s known for its authentic Swiss cuisine. The hotel’s cosy, rustic atmosphere, like an Alpine chalet, adds a local touch to your event in the international city of Geneva.

The hotel Les Armures offers about 30 guest rooms, and its Les Armures restaurant can be booked for events. The Swiss chalet-style venue has a total capacity of 60 people across three areas: the main room, the vaulted room, and the Cervin room.

Hôtel Métropole Genève

The historic Hôtel Métropole Genève, dating back to 1854, has a prime location on the left bank of Lake Geneva, next to the English Garden and just a few minutes’ walk from Rue du Rhône.

This lifestyle hotel features rooms with artistic, modern and stylish designs that reflect a love for travel and design. Each one of the nine room categories offers a different design.

The hotel also has six fully renovated meeting and event spaces, all with natural daylight, totaling 600 m² and accommodating up to 350 people, depending on the setup. A venue buyout is also possible.

A highlight for both locals and tourists is the MET Rooftop & Lounge, offering iconic views of Geneva. They have a fantastic selection of cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, allowing you to end the day while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the international city.

Pro event planning tip:

Business trips often come with tight schedules, so how do you make the most of your time in Geneva and explore multiple venues in a short period? Here’s a tip: I’ll share how our program was designed to let us experience three different properties in just one evening.

Instead of having dinner in one place, consider this unique experience: We began our evening at the Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Geneva, with appetizers at L’Arabesque, their Lebanese restaurant. From there, we walked to Les Armures restaurant for a fondue dinner and ended the night at the MET Rooftop & Lounge at Hôtel Métropole Genève, enjoying drinks and dessert.

Experiencing so much in a short period, while walking from venue to venue, allowed me to immerse myself in the city in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. This also highlights one of Geneva’s great advantages—its walkability.

Mont-Salève

To elevate your Geneva experience—literally—take a half-day trip to Mont-Salève, located on the border with France. The renovated cable car takes you to the top of the 1,100-meter mountain in just four minutes, offering spectacular views.

At the time of writing, they are finalizing an event space that can accommodate up to 40 people. This space presents fantastic opportunities for corporate events that want to incorporate sports or outdoor activities.

Mont-Salève is a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering options such as paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, trekking, and even cross-country skiing in winter—all of which can be added to your business event.

Swiss experiences in Geneva

Your corporate event in Geneva wouldn’t be complete without adding a local Swiss experience to your programme, and Geneva offers several unique opportunities to do just that.

Tuktuk tour in the vineyards

As Switzerland’s third-largest wine-producing canton, Geneva has over 1,400 hectares of vineyards. There are various ways to explore this beautiful wine region; we opted for a TukTuk tour that allowed us to take in the stunning vineyard landscapes.

One interesting fact is that Swiss wine is not exported to supermarkets outside of Switzerland, making it a unique experience to incorporate into your business event in Geneva. I really enjoyed the climate and scenery of this region. The TukTuk tour allows you to visit different winemakers and sample their wines directly.

What’s also great about this tour is the opportunity it provides for bonding and networking. With four-seater TukTuks, it’s easier to connect with others in a small-group setting, which isn’t always possible in larger group events.

Fondue workshop and dinner at Edelweiss Hotel Geneva

Another way to incorporate a Swiss experience into your event is by hosting a Fondue Workshop.

We participated in this workshop at the Edelweiss Hotel Geneva, a prime location for traditional Swiss cuisine. No matter how many times you’ve had fondue, this activity never disappoints—it’s a simple yet highly effective group activity that encourages bonding and networking.

The workshop itself is straightforward: you mix key ingredients like cheese, white wine, garlic, cornstarch or flour, and kirsch, then enjoy the rest of the evening with conversations over the fondue.

We had our dinner at Le Chalet room, which is ideal for smaller groups, making it an authentic and memorable evening.

Watchmaking workshop with Inituim

Geneva is the birthplace of the luxury watchmaking industry, so to explore its origins and dive into this fascinating craft, you can book a half-day or full-day workshop with Initium.

Their atelier is located in the city center, but they can also bring the experience to any other location. The workshop provides hands-on experience with mechanical watches, offering an introduction to Swiss watchmaking.

You’ll quickly realize the level of precision and attention to detail required, gaining a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in assembling luxury watches by hand.

I found this activity particularly interesting because it’s an individual experience within your group. While most group activities focus on team bonding and networking, this one allows participants to slow down, focus on the craft, and enjoy a moment of calm and concentration.

Guided Tour of the Old Town

To wrap up a busy and productive day in Geneva, it’s a great idea to book a walking city tour to explore the city and learn about its history. There are various themed tours to choose from, and we opted for the Old Town tour. Our expert guide shared fascinating facts about Geneva’s history and pointed out significant monuments along the way. She also provided key dates for local festivals that celebrate Geneva’s traditions.

If you prefer to explore Geneva on your own, consider getting the Geneva City Pass. The pass offers discounts or free access to over 60 attractions for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Another great option is the Choco Pass Geneva, which guides you to the best chocolate makers in the city. While on your city tour, you can stop by their shops and receive a small bag of selected chocolates.

Kiosque des Bastions

The city tour concluded with a brunch at the Kiosque des Bastions. I loved the interior design, featuring botanical art-deco elements and an impressive glass roof that creates an urban jungle vibe.

The venue can also be privatised for events, with a seating capacity of 120 guests and space for 250 at a cocktail reception. One of its major advantages is the large outdoor terrace, which can be used with or without a tent.

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva is a recent addition to the city’s prime locations, opened in 2020 with 221 rooms. This design hotel is a welcome addition to Geneva’s luxury hotel scene. It has a fantastic bar with a casual atmosphere, perfect for both working and socialising, along with a healthy breakfast and barista coffee. We stayed here for two nights, and it was the perfect base for exploring city center venues on foot.

How Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation can assist

This itinerary, designed by the Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation, introduced me to the latest venue openings, iconic and unique event venues, and local programmes that gave fresh ideas on how to elevate business events in Geneva. It was my first visit in over 10 years, and it gave me a refresher on what Geneva has to offer for international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

The team at Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation can support corporate events and incentives with the following:

Expert advice: personalised guidance from market specialists on the ground
Hotel & Venue search: helping to find the most suitable venues for your event
Application support with your event proposal
Support on requesting hotels, venues and partners
Social activities: assistance with planning activities and social programmes
Site inspections: organising site inspection
DMC Selection: connecting you with top local destination management companies
Local connections: linking you with Geneva’s best suppliers

Conclusion

Geneva offers a compelling proposition for event planners seeking a destination that combines global significance with local charm. As a hub of international diplomacy and scientific innovation, it offers an inspiring backdrop for events of all sizes and across various industries.

The city’s efficient infrastructure ensures smooth planning, while the wide variety of venues and activities offers endless opportunities to create memorable experiences, regardless of attendees’ prior familiarity with the city. Even the most well-traveled attendees will be pleasantly surprised. By choosing Geneva, event planners can tap into the city’s rich legacy of fostering groundbreaking ideas and cross-cultural collaboration. This unique atmosphere will make a lasting impression and impact on your event.

Header photo copyright: Geneva-Tourism

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