Congress planning
How we support your congress
Are you planning a congress in Lucerne? The city and the region around Lake Lucerne offer an ideal backdrop and excellent infrastructure for your event. We would be delighted if you chose Lucerne and will be happy to assist you with the organization.
Find out how we can support you and what services we offer for your congress.
Financial support
Congress funding
As part of the congress promotion program, the City of Lucerne, Lucerne Tourism, Lucerne Business Development and Lucerne Hotels support the development and implementation of congresses by providing financial contributions.
The aim is to optimize tourism value creation and establish Lucerne as one of the most important congress cities in Switzerland. Furthermore, the promotion of congresses is intended to extend the length of stay and improve seasonal occupancy.
Application and awarding of contracts
Applications for funding contributions must be submitted to the Lucerne Convention Bureau (LCB) using the “Application for support for congress events” form. Applications must be submitted at least 1 month before the start of the event.
The awarding of grants is regulated by a committee consisting of one representative from each of the financially involved partner organizations (City of Lucerne, Lucerne Tourism, Lucerne Business Development and Lucerne Hotels). The applications are dealt with in quarterly committee meetings. The organizer is then informed of the committee's decision regarding the funding contribution. The LCB will pay out the contributions after the event, provided that the event was held in accordance with the information provided by the applicant.
Congress events must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible for congress funding:
- The minimum duration of the event is 1.5 days and the official program includes an overnight stay in a hotel.
- The event must have at least 100 participants.
- The venue is primarily a congress or event center that is a member of the LCB.
- Where possible, overnight stays will be made with LCB hotel partners.
- The focus is on the city of Lucerne (venue and accommodation).
Further criteria:
- Participants are encouraged by the organizer to travel by public transport.
- Local service providers (catering, decoration, transportation, etc.) should be taken into account.
- The professionalism of the organizer is guaranteed.
The number of overnight stays in Lucerne hotels forms the basis for calculating the subsidies:
- 100 - 150 overnight stays: CHF 2'000.-
- 151 - 300 overnight stays: CHF 3'000.-
- 301 - 400 overnight stays: CHF 4'000.-
- 401 - 600 overnight stays: CHF 5'000.-
- 601 - 1'000 overnight stays: CHF 6'500.-
- 1'001 - 1'999 overnight stays: CHF 8'000.-
- from 2,000 overnight stays: CHF 12'000.-
The basic amount can be increased by 75% if the event takes place in the period from November 1 to April 30.
- Give-aways for participants and speakers
- Provision of various tourist documents
- Free public transport ticket in Lucerne with every hotel night
- Advice and organizational support from the Lucerne Convention Bureau
- The partner organizations have the opportunity to be present in the participant documents (e.g. programme booklet) with an image advertisement (1/1 page) and will be linked to the congress website if possible.
- The organizer is prepared to place “Welcome to Lucerne” quick screens at the reception.
- In consultation with the organizer, the partner organizations can be present visually or with an information stand during the congress and will be given the opportunity to participate in person.
Organizational support
As a local specialist, the Lucerne Convention Bureau (LCB) makes its knowledge and experience available free of charge for the successful planning of your event. We are happy to support your congress in the following ways:
After analyzing your request, we will recommend suitable venues for your congress and put you in touch with competent service providers. Preparation of free quotes for small events with only one service provider involved.
Support with a bid document or PowerPoint presentation.
Organization of a property tour according to your requirements.
Transmission of various advertising materials such as photos, promotional films, brochures and city maps.
Preparation of letters of invitation from the city government or letters of support from local industry.
This checklist, created by the Lucerne Convention Bureau, contains useful information to help you plan and organize your conference.
Ambassadors
Our Ambassador Program connects experts from various industries and supports them in bringing a conference to Lucerne for their company or association.
Testimonials & References
Lucerne is the ideal venue for events of all kinds. With its central location in Switzerland, state-of-the-art infrastructure and diverse social programmes, Lucerne inspires both participants and event organizers. Read the feedback from our customers and an excerpt from our reference list.
SBB Congress Ticket
The SBB Congress Ticket offers organizers with over 300 participants up to 50% discount on train travel from the Swiss border or an international airport. The discounted fare can be included in the registration fee and booked using a voucher code.
Venue Finder
Are you looking for a suitable location or hotel for your event? Then you've come to the right place. The Lucerne Convention Bureau's Venue Finder will help you find the ideal venue for your needs.
Questions about congress planning?
We will be happy to advise you competently and free of charge on all aspects of your event in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region.