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A look behind the scenes at the Kursaal Bern: A conversation with Thomas Burgunder reveals how partnership, well-coordinated processes and a strong team characterize everyday event life.
Kilchenmann has been the technical partner of the Kursaal Bern since the beginning of the year. But what does this partnership mean in day-to-day operations? How does the collaboration work behind the scenes and what really matters in everyday event life?
An interview with Thomas Burgunder, Venue Service Team Leader on site.
The hub behind the scenes
Thomas Burgunder has been working as Venue Service Team Leader at Kursaal Bern since the beginning of 2026. He was already heavily involved in the preparations for the technical conversion and the first events in the months leading up to this.
He plays a central role in day-to-day operations: "I see my role as a hub. It's about maintaining an overview, ensuring coordination and making sure that both the team and customers receive the best possible support."
His team works with a high degree of autonomy. Clear responsibilities, short decision-making paths, a shared understanding and close communication characterize the day-to-day work. Many decisions are made directly on site and are supplemented by structured coordination and regular meetings within the Kilchenmann team, but also with Kursaal Bern and the customers.
Everyday event life at the venue: what really happens behind an event
An event at Kursaal Bern begins long before the first guests arrive. For the technical team, the day starts with a joint briefing, followed by technical tests, rehearsals and detailed coordination.
"A large part of our work takes place in the background - for example, logistics, material transportation or the complete set-up and dismantling. Customers are often unaware of this, but it is crucial for a smooth process and a successful event." These phases in particular show how wella team works. " "In particular, it becomes clear whether the planning was successful: timing, processes and logistics must be precisely coordinated."
Technical partners on site: Cooperation in everyday event life
As a permanent technical partner, Kilchenmann is an integral part of operations at the Kursaal Bern. The collaboration goes far beyond a traditional service provider role. "We are in regular contact with the Kursaal team and openly discuss feedback, requirements and optimization potential. It is crucial that everyone works towards a common goal. And this is precisely what is evident in day-to-day operations."
This close coordination characterizes day-to-day work. Processes interlock seamlessly, responsibilities are clearly defined and, at the same time, everyone supports each other beyond their own trade. "If something comes up, it is addressed. Even if it is not directly within our own area of responsibility. This is exactly what characterizes a functioning partnership."
In event operations, there are always situations in which a great deal of flexibility is required, for example in the case of last-minute adjustments or conversions during an ongoing event. "Moments like these show whether you really work as a unit. That's when everyone helps - from the technical team to the kitchen crew to the management."
Added value for customers
This close collaboration is immediately noticeable for customers, especially in the planning phase. "We are involved in discussions at an early stage and are able to provide comprehensive advice together with the Kursaal team. This creates transparency and makes planning much easier for customers."
A central focus is on the topic of safety. "The requirements, particularly in the area of fire protection, have increased significantly and have become even more important. This topic has always been standard for us. Our job is to provide advice at an early stage and develop solutions together with our customers that meet the safety requirements and can be implemented in practice at the same time."
Why everything has to be right in live operations
There are no second chances in the event business. For Thomas Burgunder, this claim forms the core of his understanding of quality.
"In live operations, there is a clearly defined point in time when everything has to work perfectly. External circumstances cannot always be influenced, but the responsibility for ensuring everything runs smoothly remains."
It is precisely at moments like these that it becomes clear how crucial experience in the venue is. If you know the infrastructure, processes and possibilities on site in detail, you can react more quickly, recognize risks early on and implement suitable solutions in a targeted manner.
Partnership at Kursaal Bern: cooperation on an equal footing
When asked what makes a partnership work, Thomas Burgunder has a clear answer: "Trust, appreciation and open communication. You have to understand how the other person works and what the underlying requirements are."
He describes the collaboration with Kursaal Bern as "solution-oriented, on an equal footing and as a real team."
In addition to professionalism, the personal perspective is also important. "The Kursaal Bern is a place steeped in history with many long-standing employees and regular customers. That shapes the partnership. And to be honest: the view is definitely one of the best in Bern."
Looking ahead, Thomas Burgunder is looking forward to one thing above all: "Many more successful events together with a strong team."
Conclusion
The partnership between Kursaal Bern and Kilchenmann illustrates what is important in modern event management: clearly defined processes, well-coordinated procedures and cooperation on an equal footing. Quality is not created by technology alone, but above all by people who take responsibility together.
