Zurich Convention Center Ltd.
Kongresshaus Zürich AG
Gotthardstrasse 5
CH-8002 Zürich
Phone: +41 44 206 36 20
The Zurich Convention Center, led by CEO Michel Loris-Melikoff, is well known in Switzerland and beyond. With breathtaking views of Lake Zurich, it is located in one of the city’s most prominent settings.
It hosts a wide variety of events, including conventions, public events and shows, as well as company annual general meetings, private parties and banquets. A wide range of rooms and spaces offers the flexibility to accommodate almost any format.
Internationally renowned
The architecture of the Zurich Convention Center is a prime example of its period, yet it remains one of the most versatile convention centres in Switzerland. Approximately 5,300 square metres of floor space is available for conferences and exhibitions, and 20 rooms, including foyers, can accommodate up to 4,500 people.
The history of the building and its architecture are closely linked to the 1939 National Exhibition in Switzerland, a major event that showcased the country’s diversity. Designed by Max Ernst Haefeli, Werner Moser and Rudolf Steiger, the Zurich Convention Center shares its building with the world famous Tonhalle. This creates additional opportunities for national and international event organisers, concert promoters, companies, associations and private individuals. The Zurich Convention Center stands for reliability and quality and is a leading event venue in Zurich.
An outstanding location on Lake Zurich
Many world famous artists have appeared at the Zurich Convention Center. Jazz legends have performed here, as have entertainers and a wide range of rock and pop acts. Nobel Prize winners for Literature, US presidents and Federal Councillors have also honoured us with their presence. The Zurich Convention Center is also a partner of the Zurich Film Festival, enabling unique cinema and cultural experiences.
Sustainability is a core part of how we operate at the Zurich Convention Center
Our central location in the heart of Zurich, combined with our infrastructure and day to day operations, ensures that events are climate neutral for organisers by default.
Around 70 percent of heating and cooling requirements are covered using water from nearby Lake Zurich, creating an efficient local energy cycle. In day-to-day operations, a thoughtful catering concept focuses on regional and seasonal products, complemented by a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Food waste is reduced through an on-site biogas system, which converts organic waste into energy.
Our approach is reflected in recognised sustainability certifications, including ClimatePartner and Swisstainable Level II engaged.
Welcome to the Zurich Convention Center!
A Passion for People and Events
Michel Loris-Melikoff
CEO of the Zurich Convention Center
Mr Loris-Melikoff, you have had quite an illustrious career both in and outside event management. We’re sure our readers would be thrilled to learn more about the person now running the Zurich Convention Center?
I don’t see my role as work, but as something I truly enjoy pursuing every day. What truly motivates me is interacting with people, colleagues, clients and stakeholders, who share that same passion.
We understand you started your career in Zurich and it seems you’ve come full circle by returning to this city. You’ve had stints in Lausanne and Basel amongst others, so how would you describe the different approaches to event management given cultural and language differences in the cities you’ve worked in?
Zurich attracts a wide range of people, which is what makes the city so appealing and, compared to others, more cosmopolitan. In terms of events, I quickly realised that it was, and still is, easier to develop and implement new concepts and formats in Zurich. That said, my time in Basel and Lausanne was also very exciting and professionally enriching.
We gather you are an innovative, dynamic person, yet you’ve cho sen a reputedly traditional venue for the next stage of your career. What was the attraction to the Zurich Convention Center? Was it just the city or is the centre looking for a more dynamic ap proach moving forward?
Of course, the city played an important role. I really wanted to return to Zurich, where I started my career in the event business. The Zurich Convention Center, with its unique location and multifunc tionality, has always impressed me. What I find particularly exciting is the opportunity to realise new ideas and concepts within a traditional venue, alongside well established formats.
Since you’ve been in charge here, have you been able to implement any radical changes if that was necessary? Specifically: How did you manage to make a profit again in 2025, increase sales in all areas and successfully implement the optimization projects? Do you see this development as being sustainable?
It was important for us to maintain a clear focus on our customers, while also proactively approaching new event organisers with fresh ideas. At the same time, we needed a better understanding of where costs had to be managed more effectively. These efforts are now bearing fruit in 2025 and will continue to support our restructur ing in a sustainable way.
Whilst on the topic of sustainability, what is your take on the term Swisstainability which is being used by a number of MICE venues? And does the Zurich Convention Center subscribe to Swisstainability?
Sustainability affects us all, and every venue should work on it continuously. We have been actively participating in the Swisstainable sustainability programme since 2023 and are currently certified at Level II – engaged. This year, we have decided to additionally aim for Green Globe certification in order to further strengthen our commitment and reach a leading level. At the same time, certification does not mean that the topic is complete. We continue to intensify our efforts, particularly when it comes to taking concrete measures against food waste.
How does the Zurich Convention Center assess its position compared to other convention centres? In which areas do you see particularly good growth opportunities?
Have you noticed a clear international interest in holding events at the Zurich Convention Center? We have been able to strengthen our position in the area of public events without losing ground in other segments. In parallel, we are seeing clear international interest. Our international guests particularly appreciate the central location of the Zurich Convention Center and the fact that most hotels are within walking distance.
On a final personal note, you’ve been in the industry for so long, what drives you to keep pushing forward and if you had one wish to achieve something extraordinary at the Zurich Convention Center, what would it be?
I am asked this question at every new venue I manage, and so far I have been fortunate enough to fulfil most of these dreams. So what is my dream for the Zurich Convention Center? A series of two to three intimate club concerts per year, unplugged, combined with an outstanding dinner menu and international musicians. I would love to open the series with Lenny Kravitz.