The diploma ceremony of the marketing and sales managers 2020 took place virtually for the first time

A fixed date in the Swiss marketing and sales scene: the graduation ceremony for marketing and sales managers always takes place in Interlaken at the end of November. It's a live event with people congratulating each other, hugging and toasting each other.

For once, things were different for the class of 2020. The virus also made itself felt at the graduation ceremony and prevented the awarding of diplomas in the usual form. The organizers therefore implemented a diploma distancing, a celebration via live stream on the online channel. The 2020 graduation ceremony took place in the streaming studio of event technology specialist Opera

Moderation with Salar Bahrampoori

Salar Bahrampoori hosted the show in the streaming studio. The "Glanz & Gloria" presenter used a film clip to bring back memories of the written exam in Basel, which took place in dog-day temperatures.

The pandemic was already an issue back then. Masks were compulsory throughout the building, and only during the exam itself could the candidates sit without mouth and nose protection. "The candidates passed the exam with flying colors despite the difficult conditions," said Markus Hinder, President of the Examination Board and Head of Sales, in the film. Unfortunately, Hinder was unable to take part in the live streaming. Ibi Bertschi, President of the Examination Board and Head of Marketing, held the fort, introduced the live stream, congratulated the successful graduates herself - and waved to Hinder, who was probably watching the digital ceremony on his screen at home.

Many of the best students of the year present in the streaming studio

For the most part, the best students in each exam section were live in the studio and were able to receive their well-deserved award themselves. Those who were unable to make it to the studio were connected via video call. All successful graduates had already received a package with sparkling contents in advance: Prosecco to toast.

180 successful graduates

A total of 180 successful graduates were certified as marketing and sales managers. There were 38 marketing managers, of which 29 or 76.3 percent passed successfully. Overall grade average: 4.1.

A total of 256 candidates were examined for sales managers. 151 passed, which corresponds to a pass rate of 63.3 percent. Michael Winterberger was the top performer in the Marketing Manager category and Marco Reolon was the top performer in the Sales Manager category. Both were presented with a "Swiss Marketing Award" for their achievements.