Home NEWS Global World’s first national convention bureau celebrated its 60th anniversary

World’s first national convention bureau celebrated its 60th anniversary

Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau celebrated its 60th anniversary at IBTM

Dec 22, 2024

switzerland_cvb — Photo: SCIB, Claudio Valdes

Sixty years ago, on December 18, in Montreux, Switzerland, several Swiss destinations united to establish the world’s first national convention bureau. From its beginnings as the “Interest Group of Swiss Congress Cities” to its current form as the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), now operating in 13 countries, this pioneering organisation has played a key role in Switzerland’s success as a top destination for business meetings and events.

IBTM offered the ideal setting for SCIB to celebrate this milestone. Over 100 select customers and partners, including Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, gathered for a special event to toast the future of SCIB, which has become a leading player in the MICE sector, ensuring that events and meetings in Switzerland are successful and memorable. Attendees could visit SCIB’s booth to commemorate six decades of achievement and discover what exciting new offerings Switzerland has in store for the future.

Sixty years ago, on December 18, 1964, in Bern, Switzerland, the world’s first national convention bureau was created as the “Interest Group of Swiss Congress Cities”. Today, the organisation known as the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), is active in 13 countries. This pioneering organisation, which continues to play a key role in ensuring Switzerland’s success as a top destination for business meetings and events, celebrated its 60th anniversary at IBTM Barcelona.

Six decades of achievement were celebrated during IBTM in Barcelona, where the SCIB booth was invited to get a glimpse of new offerings Switzerland has in store for the future in the area of meetings and events. “On this occasion, I would like to thank our Swiss and international partners, our dedicated staff, who, every day, contribute to the international success of Switzerland as a meetings and incentive destination,” said Barbra Albrecht, director of SCIB and member of the board of Switzerland Tourism. “I am confident that SCIB will continue to inspire organisers, companies and participants alike to come to Switzerland for many more decades,” she added.

Learn more about SCIB here.