Annual Meeting 2024

Programme

At the Annual Meeting, distinguished personalities from business, politics, science and civil society will share their views on the most pressing issues of our time on stage and discuss solutions for the future in the sessions.

The programme is subject to change.

The conference language is English. Keynotes of the main programme in German will be translated into English and vice versa. The language in which the sessions will be held is indicated in the sessions programme below.

Get your ticket now!
Wednesday, 27 November 2024

17.00

Opening & Welcome Drink

Get in the mood for the evening with a welcome drink and exchange ideas with the first guests.

18.00

Welcome

Marcel Stalder

18.05

Switzerland in a strong Europe

Opening speech by the Federal Councillor

Beat Jans

18.40

A strong Europe is a competitive Europe

Business perspectives on Switzerland, Europe and the world

Simon Michel
Marco Sieber

19.10

Reflections & outlook

19.15

till 22.30

«Pont Neuf» Classical drinking - forward thinking

Building bridges in a convivial atmosphere: discover new perspectives and engage in enriching interactions.

Thursday, 28 November 2024
Session Block A
Session Block B

08.00

Opening & Welcome Coffee

08.45

Welcome

Dr. Dominik Isler

08.50

A strong Europe is an independent Europe

Redefining security: The role of foreign trade

Arancha González Laya

09.25

A strong Europe needs creative leadership

Wake-up call: Rethinking leadership!

Kevin Roberts

10.00

Break

10.45

Input and exchange with European experts

Sessions: Block A

A
1
|

Between tech hype and awe - what promotes the acceptance of new technologies?

more

The transformation of how we live and consume is omnipresent. It is clear that change in many areas of life is being driven by new technologies. These often have a difficult time. They are not accepted and are associated with threshold fears. On the other hand, other disruptive technologies manage to reach a huge number of users within a very short space of time. What creates acceptance for new technologies? Who is responsible for this?

A
2
|

A strong Europe is an informed Europe: How to find truth in a post-truth world?

more

As disinformation spreads, the line between truth and falsehood becomes blurred, challenging the very foundations of democracy. The session will examine Europe's role in promoting media literacy, truth-seeking and open source research, with a focus on how society can respond to disinformation. Higgins explores how this challenge presents opportunities to reinvigorate civil society, strengthen democratic ideals and promote informed public discourse.

A
3
|

A strong Europe is reflected: How does the UK perceive Europe?

more

The United Kingdom has had a special perspective on Europe, not only since Brexit. The past few years have decisively shaped this view. As a minister in the May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak cabinets, Greg Hands has helped to shape European-British politics. In this conversation, he reflects on his experiences and provides insights into the view on Europe from the outside.

A
4
|

A strong Europe is digital fit: How can we supercharge leaders on AI?

more

Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, its possibilities and risks. But what are the relevant tools and use cases that are important for business leaders today? The session provides insights into the current landscape of tools and shows hands-on application examples for concrete use in business.

A
5
|

A strong Europe is competitive: What can we learn from small nations?

more

Due to its fragmented nature, the European economy appears to be at a competitive disadvantage in the global competition. However, small countries such as Switzerland have a proven track record of excellence in education, prosperity and social cohesion. The session will shed light on what we can learn from these ‘Davids’ in the duel with the global ‘Goliaths’.

A
6
|

A strong Europe is adaptive: How do we see transformation as an opportunity?

more

Breakout Session by the Leadership Programme 2024: In an era defined by technological leaps and evolving political landscapes, the need for transformation has never been more urgent. This breakout session dives deep into the critical changes shaping mobility, IT, media, and politics, with a special focus on Switzerland's relationship with Europe. Through an engaging World Café format, followed by a dynamic fishbowl discussion, participants will collaborate to uncover actionable insights and strategies to drive meaningful change. Join us to explore how we can navigate these shifts and turn challenges into opportunities for the future.

A
7
|

A strong Europe is interconnected: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

12.00

Networking Lunch

13.45

Input and exchange with European experts

Sessions: Block B

B
1
|

Unlocking tomorrow: how to thrive in a Hyper-Connected Future

more

How can Europe lead the digital race? Dive into four expert led dynamic sessions hosted by industry leaders: - Fortify Europe's digital infrastructure - Lead with Data and AI - Adopt a venture mindset for Corporate Innovation - Build the dream team for success. Engage in interactive group discussions and gain actionable insights to help Europe stay competitive, connected, and resilient in the global innovation landscape.

B
2
|

A strong Europe is stable: Did democracy prevail in the "Super Election Year"?

more

This fireside chat will explore the outcomes of the "Super Election Year" and how democratic processes across Europe & the US have endured. Gain insights into the impact on European politics & economy, and understand key lessons. The session also provides a forward-looking analysis of the new US administration, the new European Commission and its potential influence on EU policies.

B
3
|

Future competences: The value of international experience

more

International experience promotes intercultural skills, creative and solution-orientated thinking as well as flexibility and openness. Join the discussion on how these competences are crucial for the future of entrepreneurs. Based on current studies and trends, the roundtables will delve deeper into key future skills and the necessary framework conditions. An experience report from a learner offers practical insights and emphasises the relevance of international experience in the working environment.

B
4
|

A strong Europe is co-operative: How to transform egosystems to ecosystems?

more

As one of the most disruptive technologies today, artificial intelligence is a key driver of transformation. Europe, it seems, has been left behind in the development of this future technology. The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park in Heilbronn, Germany, aims to prove this claim wrong. The session discusses how the creation of ecosystems can help to shift from competition to coopetition and how this improves European competitiveness.

B
5
|

A strong Europe is democratic: How can businesses strengthen democracies?

more

The Basecamp with 45 European talents will take place parallel to the Annual Meeting. In a hackathon, the participants will develop innovative and feasible solutions that contribute to strengthening democracy. In the session, the participants will present their solutions in the form of short pitches. Let us surprise you: Maybe there is an idea you would like to support - not with money, but with your network, your know-how or simply with your commitment.

B
6
|

A strong Europe is interconnected: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

15.00

Transfer

15.15

A strong Europe embraces opportunities

Demography & migration: Is the issue too sensitive?

Prof. Stephen W. Smith

15.40

A strong Europe must reform itself

How do we shape a strong Europe?

Prof. Dr. Luiza Bialasiewicz
Prof. Dr. Dr. Michel Friedman
Dr. Daniel Risch

16.15

A strong Europe is a democratic Europe

How do we strengthen democracies from within the economy?

The winning project from the Basecamp hackathon

16.25

A strong Europe needs a competitive economy

What is the responsibility of business between impact and profitability?

Jochen Zeitz

16.50

For a strong Europe

Europe: Home Alone?

Closing Talk

17.00

Farewell-Apéro

Let the past days come to an end with a little drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Save the Date for the next edition: 26 and 27 November 2025.