AIPC
Centre of association attention
JULIANNE JAMMERS, MD AT SWISSTECH CONVENTION CENTER, LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, ASKS WHETHER
A CONVENTION CENTRE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO MEMBER VALUE OF ASSOCIATIONS?
t the heart of the
associations value
proposition is networking
and professional
development and the benefits of these
two features are often the strength of
the membership. Meetings have long
been the delivery method for these
interactions.
To some extent, the internet has
disrupted the meeting business,
providing an alternative method to
accessing these features through
webinars, open online courses and
networking platforms. Arguably, it has
also provided a solution for
environmental concerns, cost and hassle
of travel. But, no matter how good
technology is or gets, physical meetings
still matter.
So, while conferences remain a pillar
of association business, the reality is
that they need new and innovative ways
to deliver bottom-line value in their
meetings – and they have to be more
creative than ever before in how they do
that.
At the SwissTech Convention Center,
we offer that creative approach in acting
as a partner to associations’ programme
development – and are not just a venue.
We collaborate closely with
associations to provide an educational
environment, develop new contacts and
deliver an overall unique member
experience.
Unique value for associations
Many would argue that the role of a
convention centre is to provide
excellence in facility and conference
management and ensure that their
destination is top of mind for the ‘after
hour’ activities. At the university-based
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CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
/
SwissTech Convention Center, on the
banks of Lake Geneva, we have
developed our USP beyond just these
arguably critical elements. We play an
active role in providing access to
knowledge and talent to associations in
relevant fields.
With over 350 laboratories and
research groups on campus, the EPFL
(Ecole Polytechnique Fédéral de
Lausanne) is one of the world’s most
innovative and productive scientific
institutions. Dozens of startups and
multinationals on the campus and in the
area complement the university
environment. The convention centre is a
place for them to meet and exchange
ideas.
On the one hand, we actively identify
relevant associations that can benefit
from a close co-operation with these
experts on our campus in developing
their programmes. Complementing this,
our active outreach to our professors,
who are members of numerous
associations, allows us to help make
likely matches with the aim of creating
ISSUE 100
Julianne Jammers
is also a Board
member of AIPC
which represents a
global network of
190 leading centres
in 64 countries with
the active
involvement of more
than 900
management-level
professionals
worldwide.
For further
information contact
marianne.de.raay@
aipc.org or visit
www.aipc.org
meetings that have unique and lasting
value.
Integrating students of all levels from
bachelor to doctoral programmes into
the meetings, both as a resource for
delivery but also as participants provide
associations access to their future
members. We have helped to create
special networking sessions – a kind of
‘speed-dating’ – to encourage and create
those serendipitous moments where
relationships can form.
The SwissTech recently became a
member of the Energy Cities Alliance,
with the intent to attract energy related
Association meetings. While our
destination is not considered an energy
city, as a knowledge and research
partner, it can offer associations access
to the expertise in both traditional
energy solutions and sustainable energy
that is a strong offering on the EPFL
campus.
Value for sponsors and exhibitors
Direct access to knowledge and student
talent can be a compelling incentive for
association meeting partners and
supporters from industry. What better
place to hunt for talent than during an
event of like-minded folks under a single
roof. Industry spends significant time
and money in recruiting and
associations have an excellent
opportunity to position their meeting as
a credible platform for complementing
this effort.
By targeting associations that match
up with local, regional or national
economic strengths and creating
opportunities to access the knowledge
in the economy, convention centres can
create a win-win for all their
stakeholders.