Geneva is one of the world’s most important financial centres and is host to over 200 international organisations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.
With an international airport linking it to business centres across the world and an exciting variety of venues, accommodation and dining options, Geneva is an ideal destination for meetings, conferences and events.
2 conference centres, 27 conference hotels and a variety of other venues in different locations across the city and surrounding area, mean that it’s important to consider carefully which one would be right for you and your event.
Travel
Geneva’s excellent transport links and its situation at the heart of Europe means that it can be readily accessed.
Geneva International Airport provides flights to over 130 destinations and is just 3 miles from Geneva. The city is easily reached via taxi or the regular bus or train service, the latter taking only 6 minutes. Several hotels offer free shuttle buses from the airport.
The public transport network, known as UNIRESO, consists of trams, buses, boats and trains, all of which use the same ticketing system.
Venues
Geneva’s larger venues include the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG) which is located just off the Place des Nations (UN). The 27 conference rooms have seating from 20 to 2200. The adjacent Conference Centre of Varembé (CCV) has 5 extra conference rooms, which can seat up to 150.
Palexpo, just a 10 minute walk away from Geneva International Airport and its transport links, has 106,000m2 of flexible meeting space and 2 congress centres.
There is a choice of unusual venues for conferences or gala dinners including Domaine de Penthes. Set in a beautiful park with views over the lake and Mont Blanc this unique and relaxed setting can host up to 250 people. The fascinating Natural History Museum has a meeting room for up to 24 and a conference room for up to 217. You can also enjoy the panoramic scenery of Lake Geneva on a gourmet CGN Dinner Cruise
Actvities
Geneva has perfect team building events or group activities with a difference such as the famous Geneva Watch Tour, a Segway Tour of the Old Town or through the tree-lined Bastions Park or skiing in the mountains.
The Geneva Watch Tour is a self-guided tour exploring Geneva’s watchmaking history taking in the vast amount of boutiques and displays of art within the city’s historical monuments from four centuries of watchmaking.
A private cultural tour of Geneva can be arranged, with your delegates navigating around the city’s old town cobblestoned streets on segways. The tour takes in landmarks such as The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre; which dates from the 11th century and, with the adjacent square, is an interesting place to visit. Head that way on a summer evening and you may catch a free carillon or organ concert.
Formerly a botanical garden, Bastions Park was the site of the first university in Geneva, this park has a set of life size chess boards and includes the Reformation Wall, a giant sculpture which pays tribute to the founders of the 16th century Reformation. In winter the terrace of the Café is transformed into an ice rink.
A short bus ride from the city centre and a 5 minute cable car ride will bring you to the 1100m summit of Salève mountain for fabulous views, flora, fauna and skiing activities within the winter months for your group.
One of the iconic ‘must sees’ of Geneva is the 140m high water fountain known as the jet d’eau. Photos can be taken from various sites around or on the lake, including most hotels based on the lake.
Dining
Our recommendations for dining in Geneva include Café Des Négociants with private dining for up to 16 or the historic Cafe Papon. Located in the heart of the city this café has been in existence since 1808. A shady terrace and rooms full of character, with private dining rooms is available for groups.
For a rooftop experience try Rooftop 42 or Izumi. This Japanese-fusion rooftop restaurant has spectacular 360 degree views over the Old Town. Bookings are recommended for the 3 sittings each day.
Hotels
Geneva boasts a selection of luxury 4 and 5 star hotels sure to meet the needs of any business traveller. Our suggestions include:
On the shores of Lake Geneva in a landscaped park of 3 acres, this luxury hotel is situated between the airport and the city. The 4 dedicated rooms and 2 restaurants can be completely privatised.
A landmark on Lake Geneva since 1834, this historic hotel has a ballroom created in 1920 to host the first meeting of the League of Nations. Meetings and events for up to 450 guests can be accommodated in a variety of rooms and outdoor terraces.
Located in the historical heart of the city on the banks of the River Rhone, this hotel has function rooms that with natural daylight that overlook the river and can cater for up to 350 guests.
Conveniently located near Geneva International Airport with complimentary transport to the city centre and a variety of flexible rooms hosting up to 320 guests.
3 minutes walk from the CICG, 16 separate rooms cater for up to 850 delegates.
Situated on the shores of the lake this hotel has 204 rooms and a ballroom accommodating up to 1000 guests.
For help with conferences, meetings and events in Geneva please contact Bien Venue on 01625 877776 or email us at sales@bvevents.co.uk