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As the technical partner of the Kursaal Bern, Kilchenmann realized the technical implementation for the Spirit of Bern 2026 in the arena, in three group rooms and as part of the VIP dinner.
The Spirit of Bern is a broad-based foundation with the aim of promoting exchange between various social actors. The event has been held annually in the Kursaal Bern since 2016. It brings together representatives, leaders and opinion leaders from the worlds of business, science and politics. The focus is on constructive dialog on socially relevant topics.
The 11th edition took place from February 25 to 26, 2026 in the Kursaal Bern and was dedicated to the guiding theme "Education Future Switzerland". The focus was on questions relating to the further development of the Swiss education system and its importance for society, the economy and politics. In addition to the main event, a VIP dinner was held the evening before.
Prof. em. Dr. Daniel Buser, President of the Spirit of Bern Foundation, describes the particular strength of the format as follows: "The Spirit of Bern is unique in its kind because it deliberately promotes dialog between business, science and politics in order to discuss relevant problems or developments. We are convinced that this is the most promising approach to finding the right solutions ."
As the technical partner of the Kursaal Bern, Kilchenmann was responsible for the overall technical implementation of the event.
Initial situation/requirements
The Spirit of Bern event format combines several program sections in a clearly structured sequence: Breakout sessions took place in the morning, followed by a stand-up lunch at lunchtime, the main program in the arena in the afternoon, and a networking aperitif at the end provided an opportunity for personal exchange.
The breakout sessions highlighted different aspects of the focus topic. Topics included new technologies in teaching and learning processes, vocational education and training in medicine/pharmacy and skills in a changing world of work. The main program focused on thematic impulses and various discussion formats.
In terms of technical implementation, this meant running several rooms in parallel within a compact schedule. In addition to the plenum in the arena, three group rooms for the breakout sessions and the setting for the VIP dinner had to be set up and managed in terms of media technology. The aim was to ensure consistent technical implementation across all event areas.
Kilchenmann was responsible for the coordination of all technical components as well as the technical project management on site.
Technical implementation
The Kursaal Bern arena has a permanently installed, 16-metre-wide LED wallthat forms the central visual element of the plenum. For the Spirit of Bern, this existing infrastructure was integrated into the event concept and used for presentations, graphics and live images.
PTZ cameras were used for image guidance. These recorded presentations and discussions and transmitted the content directly to the LED wall. Image and sound signals were combined and coordinated in the control room.
At the same time, Kilchenmann implemented the technical equipment for three group rooms for the breakout sessions. The rooms were equipped with the necessary presentation and audio technology and provided with technical support during the sessions.
The VIP dinner the evening before was also integrated into the overall technical concept. A 136-inch screen and a mobile sound system were used here.
The technical project management was the responsibility of a twelve-strong technical team, which coordinated all technical processes in the arena, in the group rooms and at the VIP dinner.
In addition to the technical implementation, Kilchenmann was also partly responsible for video production and animation. As a result, the content was not only professionally staged on site, but also documented and edited to a high standard for further use.
Prof. em. Dr. Daniel Buser comments on the importance of the location and technical infrastructure: "In addition to the quality of the panel guests and the moderation, an attractive event location and state-of-the-art AV technology play a very important role in the success of the Spirit of Bern. The Kursaal Bern arena and the AV technology recently installed by Kilchenmann fulfill both of these requirements perfectly. In addition to the great infrastructure, we are also highly satisfied with the high quality of service provided by both companies."
Conclusion
Thanks to the carefully coordinated technical implementation across the arena, group rooms and VIP dinner, the event was realized in a consistent and structured manner. The existing infrastructure in the Kursaal Bern and the complementary event technology interlocked seamlessly and ensured a uniform, high-quality implementation of all parts of the program.
The Spirit of Bern 2026 in the Kursaal Bern thus presented itself as a technically coherent, professionally orchestrated and consistently coordinated overall format.
