Who establishes a new fair during the Corona crisis?

m&kMr. Stoldt, isn't it inconvenient to launch a new trade fair during the Corona crisis?

Oliver Stoldt: No, not at all. Right now is "entrepreneur time" and we have the perfect setup with the location, with the themes and the timing to next July. Everyone wants to experience something new after the Corona restrictions. That's what we offer at The Circle Conference.

Do we even need the umpteenth trade fair in the tourism environment?

This is not the umpteenth trade fair. Reto Schlumpf and I invented KonferenzAnrena in 2013. Now we want to go back to the roots - with completely new topics and content. The industry is changing completely and we are showing what will be new. Both technologies and human factors.

Why is The Circle in the Circle and not in the city center near the main train station?

The Circle at the airport is the absolute prestige construction project in Switzerland with an investment volume of around 1.3 billion. Everyone wants to go there, we are there. Logistically, The Circle is perfectly accessible: Its own train station, airport, streetcar station and bus terminal are right outside the entrance. There's no easier way to get to an event location.

What will be offered at the fair?

The latest technologies and trends in the global meetings market will be on display. The first inquiries have already come in from exciting suppliers who want to offer their services and ideas. Plus a conference program that alone is worth being there for.

Who is the target audience?

The target audience is anyone involved in meetings, events, event technology and new event formats. "The Future of Conferencing" - that will be the exciting hook for everyone to be at The Circle Conference.

How is the trade fair laid out? Physical on site? Hybrid? Virtual?

The Circle Conference is planned as an attendance event and we are also pursuing this goal. Security concepts have already been fully incorporated into the planning, so that there is even a one-way system integrated into the hall plan.

Where is the MICE market going in the age of Corona?

We, the MICE Service Group, are currently experiencing everything from live meetings & trainings, hybrid events to online coaching and virtual meetings. Therefore, flexibility and fast rethinking is essential for the requests we receive again and again every day. Our team members are now experts in meeting technologies and new event formats.

Are there any current MICE trends?

Yes and no. What will the world look like after Corona? Let's wait and see how long this pandemic has us in its grip and what "The New Normal" looks like. The important thing for everyone is that travel is allowed again and business meetings are live again. It's only now that many ventures are realizing the importance of face-to-face meetings, because F&B functions like coffee breaks and lunches are where the business is done. Online, you can transfer know-how, but only emotions and shared experiences create the trust needed to do business together.