IAA Swiss Chapter starts the advertising year 2026: Solidarity as creative fuel
About 100 guests kicked off the 2026 communications year at the IAA Swiss Chapter’s New Year’s reception at «Thrive.» President Matthias Kiess set a clear tone: more collaboration, more diversity—and a program that already sounds like something worth marking on your calendar.
There are these industry evenings where you get the feeling: It's not just a toast - it's logged in. The traditional New Year's Apéro of the IAA Swiss Chapter fell precisely into this category. Around 100 communication and advertising professionals met at the "Thrive" to officially open the new year: with conversations, reunions, new faces - and a moment that deliberately went beyond business.
"Diversity is not decoration"
In his speech, IAA President Matthias Kiess welcomed the community - including more than 25 new members that the chapter was able to gain in the past year. At the same time, Kiess struck a reflective note. Referring to the tragic events in Crans-Montana, he called for empathy and solidarity to be practiced more strongly again - also in the market.
His diagnosis: too much individualism, too much personal agenda. His demand: more protectionism in a positive sense - and at the same time more cohesion. Because diversity does not happen automatically. It requires genuine cooperation and the will to include all market participants. Kiess' message was unmistakable: diversity is not a buzzword, but the breeding ground for creativity, innovation and impact.
The IAA year 2026: Agenda with a move forward
Anyone looking for a quiet industry calendar in 2026 is not in the right place at the IAA. Kiess gave a preview of the highlights:
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End of February: CMO Panel
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March 12: Exclusive visit to Kühne + Nagel
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June: Presence at the Cannes Lions including exclusive dinner
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September 25: Trend Talk at the Annual General Meeting - with keynote speech by Fredrik Hårén on the subject of global creativity
Speed mentoring is also being expanded in particular: two sessions are planned for 2026 - and the program is going one step further geographically. In addition to Zurich, it will also be held in Basel for the first time.
The chapter also remains visible internationally - including with the United Conference in London and Creativity for Better in Bucharest in November.
Chantal Landis: the backbone behind the chapter
A powerful moment of the evening was the tribute to Chantal Landis, who has shaped the Swiss Chapter as Managing Director for over ten years. Kiess emphasized that the IAA Switzerland has reached a top level in international comparison, both in terms of membership and event quality - and that this level is closely linked to Landis' commitment.
Panettone, networking - and a good reason to stay tuned
After the official part, what remained was what these evenings are all about: conversations, connections, new contacts - and a gift for the journey home at the end. A panettone. A small gesture, a big signal: we'll see each other again.
