VAUD

Innovate, succeed, and meet the greatest challenges

At the heart of Europe and set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery, just 40 minutes from Geneva International Airport, Lausanne & Montreux Riviera is a uniquely idyllic setting for your conference or event. These two compact, thriving and cosmopolitan cities are surrounded by stunning scenery at every turn: from snow-peaked Alps to the tranquility of Lake Geneva and the UNESCO world heritage vineyards of Lavaux. The area benefits from an ultra-modern infrastructure – in terms of transportation network, convention halls, hospitality and accommodation centres – that places it among the top ranks of sought-after destinations for city eco-mobility and event planning. It offers numerous first-class hotels and conference venues, leading business schools, and international companies – all drawn by its allure, accessibility, and famous Swiss efficiency!

With a historic tradition of hospitality, it’s no surprise that Lausanne & Montreux Riviera offer such a diverse range of accommodation options to welcome you: everything from luxury 5-star hotels to a popular youth hostel. With over 6,500 rooms in the region to choose from there is always something to meet your requirements. In the past few years, Lausanne & Montreux Riviera’s hoteliers have invested heavily to ensure its business customers are ideally served, with an abundance of conference rooms and accompanying high-tech facilities, designed to make every event truly memorable.

Thus the region is perfectly placed to stage your convention, conference, business event or meeting with the help of Lausanne Montreux Congress.

Leading Sustainability Destination

Conscious of its exceptional natural setting, Lausanne & Montreux Riviera has made sustainable development one of the spearheads of local policy making for many years.

Recent forward-thinking energy policy has enabled Lausanne & Montreux Riviera to integrate the GDS-Index which recognises internationally its responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry.

This strategy demonstrates how much the authorities followed by many private companies here, forge its reputation as a new Global Sustainability Destination that cares passionately for tomorrow.

Health & Tech Valley

Aside 450 Biotechnology companies, 300 medtech, 500 laboratories in Biotechnology research and 8 incubators, the region’s main industries are Technology and Innovation, Medical Engineering, Fintech & CleanTech, Education, Sports, Culture, Gastronomy, Hospitality in addition to Life, Social, Human and Nature Sciences.

A comprehensive range of services

Lausanne Montreux Congress (LMC) offers from venue sourcing to logistics planning and full event management services – designed to create state-of-the-art events in one of Europe’s finest locations.

  • Expert advice, venue sourcing and feasibility studies
  • Planning and accommodation booking
  • Transport and logistics planning
  • Abstracts handling, on-line event registration and event management
  • Speakers, Exhibitiors and sponsors management
  • Organisation and management of social activities
  • Organisation of site inspections
  • Financial and accounts management

To discover how Lausanne Montreux Congress will transform your event from a great experience to the unforgettable one, contact us today.

10 reasons to come to Lausanne & Montreux Riviera:

  • Easy access & Free City Public Transports Cards
  • Part of the Schengen area. Open to the world, international hub & network
  • Wide range of accommodation, from simple inn to palace
  • Perfect setting & Exclusive venues
  • Numerous excursions, by train, boat or on foot in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions with its biggest lake surrounded by the magnificent Alps mountains
  • Gourmet & hospitality paradise, highest density of top ranked restaurants in Switzerland  –  7,7% The lowest VAT rate in Europe
  • Swiss quality combined with French flair. Reliable services, political stability, renowned efficiency
  • Sustainability – award winning with considerate environmental planning & newly ranked by Global Destination Sustainability Index
  • Internationally acclaimed Montreux Jazz Festival, Athletissima and other great events throughout the year

Exclusiveness

  • Lausanne, The Olympic Capital, hosting the International Olympic Committee, The Olympic Museum and more than 55 international sports federations and organisations
  • Lausanne, Switzerland’s fourth-biggest city and capital of the Canton of Vaud
  • Montreux is a charming Belle Epoque architecture city where all infrastructures are reachable within walking distance
  • Montreux and Vevey take advantage of a mild microclimate
  • Lausanne & Montreux are both human sized cities and host over 30 museums, 1 opera, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, hundreds of cultural venues & events, over 250 schools and 5 golf courses
  • Breathtaking landscape, 5 golf courses, such as Lavaux terraced vineyards, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lausanne Montreux Congress in brief

  • 3 major convention centres (max. capacity: 5’200 pax)
  • over 6,000 hotel rooms split in 120 hotels
  • 283 meetings rooms in the conference hotels
  • 30 headquarters of multinational groups
  • Unmissable social venues such as The Olympic Museum, Chillon castle, Salt mines, and the world’s largest fleet of Belle Epoque paddle-steamers, cruising on Lake Geneva

Latest major venue openings:

  • MILLENNIUM, an exceptional setting of over 40,000 m2, is ideal for your professional and cultural events.
  • AQUATIS Vivarium & Aquarium, the biggest fresh water aquarium in Europe
  • Chaplin’s World by Grévin, an unforgettable experience across time and through the magical world of cinema
  • Located within the ArtLab at the Swiss Federal Technology Institute (EPFL), the Data-Square is an experimental Research & Art space which also houses the Monreux Jazz    Festival Archives, a UNESCO heritage.
  • Agora, the Swiss Cancer Center,a leading innovation and collaboration stimulator between scientists and clinicians
  • World Archery Excellence Centre providing perfect target games for big incentive groups
  • Vaudoise Arena, the biggest sporting and meeting venue of the whole region
  • Plateform 10, a new cultural hub of three museums in the heart of Lausanne

The Canton of Vaud – an ideal destination for business tourism

The Canton of Vaud seamlessly integrates picturesque lakes and mountains with dynamic urban centres, leading-edge enterprises, and modern infrastructure, creating an exceptional environment for business event organizers. The region provides versatile venues for large-scale events within its advanced congress centres and hotels, all equipped with the latest technology. Additionally, Vaud offers an effective combination of professional activities and leisure opportunities, allowing conferences to be complemented by engaging excursions.

Vaud is distinguished by its considerable diversity, which is readily accessible to all. Its landscapes and wide array of experiences are highly valued by many. Additionally, the region’s ecosystem is recognised for its dynamism, attracting considerable interest. Vaud incorporates established institutions, esteemed educational centres, technology parks that promote innovation, and an acclaimed healthcare network, collectively earning it the designation “Swiss Health Valley.”

The University of Lausanne (UNIL), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), private clinics and pharmaceutical companies, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), numerous sports federations and the Swiss Space Center are all reference institutions and entities that contribute to a reputation extending far beyond Vaud and Swiss borders. The Canton of Vaud, which also supports the development of sustainable solutions and cultivates a cultural heritage combining living traditions and emblematic festivals, stands out as the ideal place to organise seminars.

 

«Switzerland and the Canton of Vaud possess a significant advantage: accessibility. In contemporary settings, incorporating a relaxation program into professional meetings—one that integrates excursions and regional exploration—is essential. The collaborative synergies among various sectors facilitate this process, contributing to efforts to extend visitor stays, which remains a principal objective within tourism.» Christophe Leyvraz, Director of Vaud Promotion.

The Lausanne–Montreux Region – Exemplifying Professionalism and Collaborative Support
Lausanne and Montreux are key destinations for business tourism in Vaud, hosting an impressive 34 international congresses in 2024— the highest number in Switzerland. This achievement is thanks not only to the abundance of conference centres and hotels in both cities but also to the efforts of Lausanne Montreux Congress (LMC). LMC is a strategic partnership that unites industry experts to provide thorough support and professional conference management services.

Missions of Lausanne-Montreux Congress
• Promote the Vaud Lake Geneva region as a destination for association congresses
• Encourage the development, creation, and hosting of congresses with national and international scope
• Support the efforts of Swiss and foreign organizers to facilitate the hosting of congresses
• Contribute to the national and international visibility and the economic development of the region
• Invest by pooling costs for representation (mandates abroad, joint presences on platforms) and memberships with associations
• Increase the number of overnight stays as well as the turnover for the partners involved, particularly in hospitality, catering, and other service providers

 

«Beyond its partners, LMC also draws strength from its network of ambassadors, currently consisting of 46 expert personalities, mainly from leading universities and scientific circles in Vaud. They facilitate connections between organisers and local providers, support project lead- ers in planning and setting up events, and thus play a pivotal role in attracting congresses.» Christoph Sturny, Director of Montreux-Vevey Tourism, member of LMC’s Executive Committee.

Trends and prospects
In order to facilitate the growth of business tourism throughout the canton and to promote Vaud’s multisectoral strengths, Vaud Promotion creates the framework conditions enabling the various stakeholders to collaborate and innovate. This includes, in addition to sector-specific actors, producers of local products. The mountain regions are also beginning to make their mark in the field of congresses. By combining high-quality hotel infrastructure with exceptional landscapes and territory, the Vaud Alps are, for example, positioning themselves optimally in the conference segment.

Certified EcoEntreprise and affiliated with the Swisstainable programme, Vaud Promotion encourages its partners to operate ever more sustainably. The availability of public transport supports this approach, as every corner of the canton is accessible by bus, train or cable car. Finally, in coordination with Switzerland Tourism, nationwide campaigns feature Vaud’s riches to make them known to as many people as possible.

Vaud Promotion and the MICE Sector
Vaud Promotion is committed to reinforcing the Canton of Vaud’s position within the MICE sector for both Swiss and international business event organizers. Serving as a coordinating platform, it facilitates collaboration between public and private stakeholders, thereby enhancing their visibility.

Its strategic approach is structured around three core pillars:
• Highlighting Vaud’s infrastructure, hotels, and event services
• Organizing tours and open days to showcase the canton’s offerings
• Comprehensive promotion encompassing economic, cultural, innovative, and tourism assets

While its primary focus remains the German speaking Swiss market, activities also extend into France, with targeted initiatives aimed at border regions, especially for corporate events. International outreach includes markets such as Germany, Italy, Benelux, the United Kingdom, and North America.

Demonstrating pride in its natural heritage and a strong commitment to preservation, the Canton of Vaud integrated sustainability into its promotional strategy several years ago. In the current tourism landscape, characterized by increasing demand for responsible events, these sustainable efforts have emerged as a significant factor in attracting business. The Swiss hotel and event industry is actively developing dedicated guidelines to promote best practices across the sector.

Conferences in Vaud Region