IAA Young Professionals: 30 Years of Networking for Young Marketers
On June 30, more than 70 members and guests gathered at Braschler’s in Zurich to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IAA Young Professionals—a look back at three decades of fostering young talent, knowledge sharing, and community in the Swiss marketing and communications industry.
IAA Young Professionals: Three Decades of Knowledge Transfer in Switzerland
On June 30, 2026, more than 70 IAA Young Professionals, members, and guests from the Swiss marketing and communications industry gathered at Braschler’s in Zurich to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IAA Young Professionals. In addition to current board members, numerous former YP board members who helped shape the IAA’s Young Chapter in Switzerland were also in attendance.
Those in attendance were welcomed by IAA YP board members Joséphine Chamoulaud (CEO of Smile Insurances) and Ismail Wicki (Senior Manager of National Sales at Weischer.Cinema), as well as by IAA Executive Director Chantal Landis.
From its founding to the present: The Young Chapter is growing
The YP Chapter was launched 33 years after the Swiss Chapter, as Ismail Wicki noted in his welcome remarks: «I am delighted to raise a toast to three decades of IAA Young Professionals with so many young members and industry colleagues. The YP Chapter was launched here in Switzerland 33 years after the Swiss Chapter to better address the issues and needs of young marketers.»
Referring to the long-standing ties among the members, Chantal Landis added: «Many of our former YP board members are still part of the IAA today, which of course makes us very happy!»
IAA Young Professionals as a Platform for Careers and Community
Joséphine Chamoulaud emphasized the importance of community for the professional development of young talent: «The IAA is an important platform for up-and-coming talent in marketing and communications: Here, valuable connections are made, skills are expanded, and opportunities to launch a career are created. The IAA community is more than just networking—it’s a place for growth, learning, and unforgettable after-work moments.»
The anniversary is intended not only to look back on three successful decades, but also to look ahead to the future: According to the press release, the IAA Young Professionals will continue to serve as a driving force for innovation, inspiration, and cohesion within the industry, while supporting and fostering the next generations of marketing and communications professionals.
Globally rooted, locally active
According to its own statements, the International Advertising Association (IAA) is the world’s leading tripartite organization, headquartered in New York, and brings together more than 4,400 executives from the business, media, and communications sectors. It promotes the exchange of experiences among its members, addresses international developments in marketing communications, and regularly organizes events such as luncheons, evening events featuring keynote speeches, exclusive guided tours, networking events, international webinars, and study tours.
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