Switzerland wants to be climate-neutral by 2050. The energy solutions company Helion Energy has set itself the goal of actively driving forward the new energy world. But how does Helion Energy manage to prevail against 700 competitors in a highly competitive market? Especially in the field of solar systems, heat pumps and charging solutions, where comparable services are offered. The answer: with an outstanding digital user experience, including in the form of the best Swiss app of 2024 (BOSA) - the Helion One app.

The Video of the LSA Live Talk from Wednesday is now online.

Goba is relying on celebrity support: former World Cup winner Tina Weirather is to become the face of the Flauder drinks brand. With her experience in skiing and her fame as a TV expert, she is set to provide fresh impetus for the brand.

According to the company, the collaboration is based on shared values such as quality and passion. Measures are planned that combine sporting dynamism with Flauder's attitude to life - through exciting insights and inspiring stories, as they say. Nothing more concrete is yet known.

After fourteen months, the "Direct." pilot project in Lucerne, which tested digital direct sales of regional products, came to an end. Consumers were able to access the store via smartphone, scan products and pay - without a till or staff on site. Food waste was also avoided in cooperation with the "Too Good To Go" initiative.

Positive feedback

The response was consistently positive. The availability of local products, the proximity to the neighborhood and the ease of use of the technology were particularly appreciated. Younger customers in particular described the system as "contemporary" and "simple". There was criticism of the legal restrictions on opening hours, which were seen as unnecessary and unfair.

The project also provided insights for retailers. "New technologies do not necessarily replace existing structures, but open up new areas of business," say those responsible. In addition, a discussion about adjustments to the cantonal law on store closing times was initiated.

Echion Communication provided an overall solution for in-store communication for the project, a software for cashless access. External communication was supported with traditional advertising and the project's own Instagram account.

Further developments planned

Kevin Klak from Digitalrat emphasizes the importance of such tests: "Innovation is not a one-off project, but an ongoing journey." Based on the findings, further developments and adjustments will now follow.

The acquisition of Teads by Outbrain creates a new player in the digital advertising market. The merged company combines branding and performance advertising on a platform that enables advertisers to achieve end-to-end measurability across various channels - from web and mobile to connected TV (CTV). The technology is based on a combination of contextual and behavioural data as well as AI-supported predictive optimization.

The transaction value is reportedly around 900 million dollars - of which 625 million in cash and 43.75 million Outbrain shares. With an estimated advertising revenue of 1.7 billion dollars (2024) and synergy potential of up to 75 million dollars, the merged company Teads intends to further expand its position in the adtech market.

The new company, which claims to reach around 2.2 billion consumers worldwide, will be led by Outbrain CEO David Kostman. "This transformative merger creates a company that directly addresses a major gap in the advertising industry: a scaled end-to-end platform that can drive results from branding to purchase decisions across all screens," Kostman is quoted as saying in a press release.

The previous Teads bosses Jeremy Arditi and Bertrand Quesada will assume the roles of Co-President and Chief Business Officer for America and the international markets respectively.

A jury of experts nominates the ten best projects from all those submitted and offers them the chance to win the title "Master of Swiss Web". Click here to register.

Tips for submission

The sponsors have compiled a few important points to ensure that the submission is successful:

• Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the project and select the appropriate categories.
• Describe the project briefly and precisely. The information can be submitted as a PDF or website.
• Don't forget to include a screencast. This will be broadcast during the presentation of the awards.
• Be sure to enter the correct contact details.

Adobe Research Switzerland new member

The sponsors also welcome Adobe Research Switzerland as a new partner of Best of Swiss Web. The Swiss research institute of the US software company will be involved for a period of three years. (Dajana Dakic/Tanja Mettauer/swi)

This article first appeared in Netzwoche.

The Federal Inventory of Swiss Sites worthy of Protection (ISOS) for the canton of Schaffhausen is being revised. The current version dates back to the 1980s and does not reflect the structural developments of the last 40 years. The revision is being carried out in collaboration between the BAK and the canton. In addition to updating the content, the ISOS will be digitally recorded for the first time and made accessible in an interactive map.

The revision includes site inspections and research and should be completed in four years. The canton will keep the municipalities regularly informed of progress, and a hearing will be held before the Federal Council adopts the plan. While the ISOS only covers sites of national importance, the revision of regional and local sites is the responsibility of the canton. The Schaffhausen Office for the Preservation of Monuments is currently examining suitable methods for their digital recording.

The TV streaming provider Zattoo is increasing the price of its Premium monthly subscription in Switzerland. From March 6, 2025, it will cost CHF 14 instead of CHF 12 per month. The reason for the adjustment is increased license and operating costs, the company explains in a press release. The annual subscription will remain unchanged at CHF 120 for the time being, but will rise to CHF 140 from April 4, 2025. Existing subscribers will be informed of the changes by email.

The streaming provider has expanded its offering in recent years: Over 100 new TV channels have been added, the number of HD channels in the Premium subscription has doubled, and the "Zattoothek" offers over 30,000 series and shows on demand. Zattoo also offers new functions such as live TV recommendations and a re-watch option.

The Ultimate subscription remains unaffected by the price adjustment and continues to cost CHF 20 per month. Among other things, it offers full HD quality, twice as many recordings as the Premium subscription and a function for skipping TV commercials in replay.

The agency Mjm.cc, based in Basel and Mauren FL, is continuing its strategy of personnel development and welcomes two new employees. With Jeanette Steiner as Head of Human Resources and Loris Vernarelli as Communications Specialist, the company is expanding its strategic competencies.

"Our aim is to increase our efficiency through targeted personnel additions and to work even closer to the needs of our customers," explains CEO Martin J. Matt.

Steiner will be responsible for HR development and strategy in future. With her expertise, she will provide strategic and operational support to Mjm.cc in matters of employee recruitment and retention. Vernarelli brings with her extensive experience in the communications sector and will strengthen the agency in the areas of media relations, social media, conception and marketing

The Commercial Content Revolution (Will Not Be Televised)

How gaming, virtual reality and artificial intelligence are now changing advertising.

• Authors: Norbert Henning and Florian Sievers
• Publisher: Vahlen
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 178
• ISBN: 9783800675029

Advertising is changing: artificial intelligence, virtual reality and gaming are rewriting the rules - and creating new opportunities. In their book, Norbert Henning and Florian Sievers show how brands can reach their target groups in fragmented, digital worlds, score points with co-creation and appear authentic in virtual spaces. A must-read for anyone who wants to know how to inspire their customers with innovation and interaction. Because only one thing seems certain in the advertising industry at the moment: if you carry on as before, you will be yesterday's news tomorrow.

A desire to work instead of frustration

Together for more appreciation, solidarity and productivity.

• Author: Jonas Höhn
• Publisher: GABAL
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 230
• ISBN: 9783967391848

Work is half the battle - I live in the other half! This seems to be the motto of many employees who look forward to Friday evening on Monday morning and long for their barely earned retirement in their mid-thirties. But how does this fit in with the rampant shortage of skilled workers? Not at all, says author Jonas Höhn and calls for a radical reversal: work should not make you ill; it should even be fun. With helpful tips for everyone involved, he makes it clear that no one should shirk their responsibilities. An inspiration to enjoy work more.

Becoming a Changemaker

An action-oriented guide for positive change at every level.

• Author: Alex Budak
• Publisher: Vahlen
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 284
• ISBN: 9783800673896

It is difficult to be successful in times of rapid change. Social entrepreneur Alex Budak reveals how you can still succeed: become a "changemaker". These people are optimistic about the future and empower themselves to drive change. The author is convinced that anyone and everyone can become a changemaker. All it takes is the will to develop the necessary skills and strengths and the courage to act. A book for anyone who no longer wants to wait for permission to change something, but would rather bring about change themselves.

Transactional coaching

A handbook for practice.

• Author: Werner Katzengruber
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 400
• ISBN: 9783527511655

Coaching is rarely one-dimensional. It often involves a complex interplay of feelings, relationships and circumstances. Transactional coaching takes this complexity into account. In this book, the author provides an insight into his extensive coaching experience. He explains the goals, principles and methods of transactional coaching in a differentiated and detailed manner. The numerous examples in the form of transcribed sessions show how professional coaches can apply this approach in practice. Thanks to its clear structure, the handbook is also ideal as a reference work.

The Skipp Communications agency is increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence and neuromarketing. By opening its own neuromarketing laboratory, it aims to establish new standards in data-based advertising effectiveness research. The aim is to carry out AI-supported analyses in real time and thus make campaigns more precise and efficient. "We can carry out salience analyses in real time and with combined artificial intelligence," explains Skipp founder FiFi Frei. The accuracy rate is over 90 percent - regardless of whether it is a poster, a social media story, an advertising clip or a website.

The new laboratory in Fürstenau will also serve as a competence center for other agencies. Skipp is cooperating with universities of applied sciences and a company specializing in neuroscience in Scandinavia. "Our test runs in recent months have shown that significantly more than half of today's campaigns are not set up optimally and therefore do not have the desired effect.

achieve," continues Frei. With a data-based approach, the agency wants to help companies to use their marketing measures in a more targeted and cost-efficient manner.

Fairtrade Germany is once again calling for "Fairbruary" in February. The campaign, developed by the Normal agency, aims to put the spotlight on fair trade. The aim is to encourage people to shop fairly for a month and thus support better working conditions in the Global South.

The campaign relies on striking linguistic wit: bananas become "Fairnanen", chocolate becomes "Fairolade". Illustrations show faces enjoying a "Fairpresso" or giving away "Fairosen". Bright colors from the Fairtrade palette are also intended to ensure maximum visibility in the grey winter months.

The campaign is divided into two phases. The first phase focuses on general messages to spread the idea of Fairbruary. In the second phase, 14 retail partners - including Aldi, Edeka, Lidl, Globus and Rewe - present specific fair product offers in flyers and apps. The campaign is complemented by social media, influencer contributions and campaigns at schools and universities.

With a gross media value of around three million euros and 30,000 posters, the Fairbruary 2025 campaign aims to reach a large audience. According to figures, 500 million contacts were already reached last year - a figure that is now set to be exceeded.

Responsible at Fairtrade Germany: Jan Zuther (Head of Trade Marketing), Jasmin Elambasseril (Trade Marketing Manager), Marla Carus (Trade Marketing Manager), Tom Jarosch (Student Assistant). Responsible for Normal: Sven Loskill (Digital Director), Martin Arnold (CD), Maurus Zehnder (Illustration). HUisHU (Animation). Supersteini Musikmarketing (Media).

Whether it’s cyberattacks, corporate scandals, or public crises—the demands placed on crisis communication have increased. In their new book, Marco Cortesi, longtime press spokesperson for the Zurich City Police, and communications expert Stefan Häseli show how companies and institutions can handle sensitive situations with confidence.

The guide combines theoretical principles with case studies from business, public administration, and politics. The stories told in the book are intended to make abstract concepts tangible and understandable. Topics covered include the influence of social media, dealing with the increasing pace of news reporting, and the importance of transparency and honesty.

In addition to traditional crisis scenarios such as public scandals or train accidents, the book also addresses new threats such as cyberattacks and data breaches. Using concrete examples, the authors demonstrate how strategic communication can maintain or even strengthen trust.

The book is aimed at communications professionals, executives, decision-makers, and anyone else who wants to prepare for crisis situations. Drawing on decades of experience in crisis communication, Cortesi and Häseli share practical strategies for finding the right words in challenging times.