Meeting Trophy

Siviglia Berto, PassaPorte (Team Belgium)
I loved the Swiss scenery and infrastructure that runs like a precision watch. A Discovery Tour with a super reliable organised public transportation system. From futuristic conference centres, log cabins, amazing lakes to the mountains in Andermatt we discovered a new Switzerland with a focus on sustainability. 
 
Will Grayson, MD Focusing Events (Team UK/Ireland)
A trip to remember, from the initial request to attend, to arriving home, one of if not the best hosted experience I have attended.
A perfect blend of work and fun with like-minded individuals in a setting so stunning at every turn. The venues visited and the hosted package of food and drinks was exceptional. The mix of challenges whilst seeing various areas of Switzerland, a fantastic idea, such a shame I cannot do it again. Team Switzerland well done!!
 
Kelly Stevens, Venues and Events International Ltd (UK / Ireland)
It was the best work associated event I have attended. From start to finish we had such an enjoyable and invaluable experience and we didn't stop laughing. I am just sad I cannot return next year. You only have one shot at the meeting trophy so make the most of it!! Did I mention the chocolate is amazing!

Terrie Rickard, ADI Meetings & Incentives (Team North America)
Meeting Trophy 2019 as by far one of my top familiarization experiences.  The competitive format allowed our team to share common bonds that beat out any other forms of networking.  Seeing Switzerland hidden gems, upcoming destinations, and venues was key to being able to sell to prospective clients. Thank you for such an enjoyable experience. 

Jennifer Sloan, Meridican Incentive Consultants (Team North America)
The Meeting Trophy 2019 was an exceptional experience, and a well organized program showing many of the options that Switzerland has to offer.
For anyone wanting to participate in something very informative, educational, and the most fun you can have......this is for you....Switzerland has it all. MERIDICAN INCENTIVE CONSULTANTS, 

Wendy Berendsen, PUUR treinreizen (Team Netherlands) 
The Meeting Trophy 2019 was perfectly organized and the programme was varied and well balanced and it is the perfect way to learn more about all Switzerland has to offer. We had a great time with our Dutch team and the other teams. 

Heike Gassner, VIVALPIN GmbH & Co. KG (Team Germany)
A once in a lifetime experience...great organization, great people, great team: Germany ;-), great destinations & locations, great trip, great everything. Loved it.
Thanks Switzerland Tourism & all partners for this fantastic event.

Natacha Martin, beon. Worldwide (Team France 2018)
The Meeting Trophy 2018 was incredible and top-notch quality! We were put in situation as our client would be and from start to finish there was no faux pas. Very well organized and ready to sell as it is. The level of services, the teambuilding exercises to get to know the destination, the gastronomy and people exceeded my expectations. Everything was tailored for us to create long lasted memories and this is an experience that we won't forget. This is exactly what we are looking for nowadays. Creativity, Digital, Culture, Personalisation and Experience. Bravo!

Evija Burmeistere, Firmatur.no AS (Team Nordic Countries 2018)
This tour was amazing! I learned a lot from this tour! Positive people, team spirit and wonderful weather! Thank you very much for this wonderful time in Switzerland, the highly interesting program and perfect organization!

Incentive Europe, Nikki Hofs (Team Netherlands 2018)
The Switzerland Meeting Trophy is a very fun an interactive way to get to know the destination Switzerland (even better) and see all potential for our MICE groups. This was by far one of the best educational trips I have ever participated in. In four days, we had the chance to see Basel, Zurich, Bad Ragaz, St. Moritz and Pontresina and to experience travelling by train, boat, bus, car and bike in Switzerland. All this with the most amazing views over the nature of Switzerland. A trip that I will never forget! Special thanks to our fantastic team captain Lisette and my great team members!

Staffan Hjelm, Hummingbird Group & Conference (Team Nordic Countries 2018)
Considering all training and study trips over the years, the Meeting Trophy 2018 is the best I have participated in. Varied both in destinations, activities, means of transport and the overall organization.

Mike Smith, CMP, Experient, a Martiz Global Events Company (Team North America 2018)
The Meeting Trophy accentuates all the elements of experience design. To incorporate so many sites, adventures and challenges with different countries engaged left a unique and unforgettable impression on me. The hosts and partners of this event were professional, synchronized and absolutely wonderful (might I add a blast too). No doubt this changed my perception of Switzerland and I will surely serve as an ambassador to this amazing country.

Nikolay Andreev, Big Jack (Team Russia 2018)
I had many different business trips. But this trip to Switzerland was awesome. I enjoyed all the elements of the program. A awesome organization and a closer atmosphere made sure that Switzerland is now always in my heart. 

Marion de Groot, BCD Meetings & Events (Team Netherlands 2017)
I really, really loved everything we have done and it is for sure an experience I will never forget. I definitely fell in love with Switzerland. From beginning to end it was perfectly organised. Switzerland is a unique destination with lots of potential for incentives, congresses, events and meetings. It is a destination where you have the chance to see the most awesome sceneries and do some very cool activities, but in the meantime it can be combined with beautiful cities, which are very safe and cosy. And even if it is a little bit more expensive I think it is worth every penny.

Kristiina Vuonos-Laaksonen, HelmsBriscoe, Finland (Team Nordics 2017)
As a buyer, you tend to receive lots of invitations to different kinds of events, where you get information, you find new and valuable contacts and with some luck, you find yourself enjoying it all.
The Meeting Trophy for me was the best event ever!
Enjoying the Swiss hospitality, learning and seeing the venues and understanding the possibilities, exchanging the experiences and actually seeing your client’s events in those wonderful surroundings - what more can you ask for? Attending this once in a lifetime adventure really made a difference for me and my business in the area.

Carina Hiller, c view Stockholm AB, Bromma, Sweden (Team Nordics 2017)
Meeting Trophy 2017 Switzerland – Once in a lifetime experience and memories I will bring with me for the rest of my life! Thank you Alexander and your fantastic colleagues – it was a real pleasure being a part of the Nordic Team, seeing so many sites, having so much fun and experience really unique things in such a short time! You all really inspired and impressed me!

Nicole Raudabaugh, Meetings & Incentives Worldwide (Team US 2017)
Thank you - I felt so honored to have been part of this experience. It will be a trip I always remember.

Danielle Davy, Worldspan Plc, United Kingdom (Team UK 2017)
Thank you very much. This has been one of the best experiences for me and it was such a great opportunity to discover what Switzerland has to offer. I also want to thank you very much for the Swiss Knife voucher you gave us - this was a lovely 'goodbye' touch.

Kathy Gibbons, Sourcing Manager, Creative Group (Team US 2017)
The trip has changed the way I am going to source events moving forward. I normally don't bring in the CVB or tourist board, but this trip has opened my eyes up to that, because now I see how much they bring to the table. That's what makes the activities so crucial. On the surface it's just fun and games, but they really do give you insight into what the experience will be like for a group that you bring to the country.

Karin Bohlin Sauce, Hummingbird Grupp & Konferens Sweden (Team Nordics 2016)
Everything before, during and after the Switzerland Meeting Trophy was spotless and so very well planned and implemented. Our team did our best and you were the perfect host.
Once again - - - t h a n k y o u - - - for inviting me and for letting me be a part of the Team Nordics!

Anna Olekheyko, UniFest Travel (Team Russia 2016)
I always thought that Switzerland is all about trains, cheese, chocolate, watches, banks and punctuality. And it has turned out that it has more than 50 types of apricots, about 200 types of wine. Shock?! Reality!
Most of all I loved the mountains. Under any weather conditions they cause many feelings, bring joy and happiness and let you work out hard. They make you tired and make you love the whole world. Therefore I was glad that this year Verbier has been included in the program. It is quite difficult to highlight best moments as we have seen a lot. Unambiguously I was impressed by the Charlie Chaplin's museum most. I'm sure if we had more opportunities to learn new openings of other countries in a similar format, the world would become better. This format is interesting for 110%: getting to know the country, non-standard approach, mega-positive emotions and competitive spirit which won't allow to forget about the trip!
It seems to me that all teams were united by common desire to see the beautiful country, to receive a maximum of positive emotions and competitive spirit. The coolest thing that has occurred in all teams, is teamwork and collaboration!
Many personal and professional thanks to the organizers of the Meeting Tropy!!

Cate Banfield, BCD Meetings & Events (Team North America 2016)
What a GREAT few days in Switzerland….
We all agree onsite that it must have been no small feat to plan an event for 80 Mtg Planners who have seen and done so much around the globe! But you guys nailed it….fantastic format that blended education and fun perfectly.
Thank you for all the wonderful Swiss touches and for your incredible partners who brought the experience to life for us all. I was so impressed by the destination and options available and look forward to sharing my experience with our clients and internal teams to sell Switzerland.

Kim Hester, JNR Incorporated (Team North America 2016)
I would love to chime in here as well with my thanks and appreciation for a spectacular trip! Caroline, your team and all the vendors really impressed everyone with the experience and the amazing way you showcased such a lovely part of Switzerland. What a fabulous incentive destination! The physical beauty is a given there but in addition the genuine warmth and hospitality of everyone we met was so evident. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie of our team…..I think we can be very proud of our 2nd place finish. The Belgians may know their chocolate percentages but I can assure you I enjoyed eating my medal as much as anyone could!

Thanks again for the wonderful hospitality and all your efforts – they were so appreciated. I hope to return soon with a group in tow!

Anatoly Kuryumov, IBC Corporate Travel (Team Russia 2015)
There’s a fabulous reason to organize your event in Switzerland. The small country is a perfect match for a fabulous event of any size. One of those events showed it all to lucky Russian team who won the milky prize this year and I am proud to have been a part of that team. The invitation to take part in a Meeting trophy undoubtedly sounded something special I had to take. The trophy takes you through the swiss cultural sites, ways to travel, cuisines to enjoy and good locations for your meetings and events to conduct all year round. You are on the move for two complete days with the book of questions on interesting-to-know facts and figures and national sporting activites in which one may demonstrate his national character but with a swiss touch. On top of everything I would like to thank all organizers for one of the best events in my life. Indeed, the way the Trophy was done was interesting, emotional and good for our business.

Joy Lewis, MotivAction (Team North America 2015)
It was fabulous – the local staff were great and I was able to see a lot of things in my brief few days in Switzerland. Time was well maximized. The entire Switzerland Meeting Trophy trip was so well planned and executed. I am in love with Switzerland and cannot wait for the opportunity to sell it as a destination.

Blog post by Anna Dyer (Team Great Britain 2015)
on www.tta-int.co.uk including video

Siân Pelleschi,
Top Venues & Events (Team Great Britain 2015)
The Switzerland Meeting Trophy is a unique and inspiring way to get to know the country and all it has to offer. Having attended the trip recently I can safely say that it’s been one of the most memorable familiarisation trips I’ve ever done in my 15 years within the event industry. Allowing us not only to experience a taste of everything they have on offer here, we got to see the sights and sounds of the beautiful country and got to know the suppliers in a relaxed and informal way, it was perfect. The only real complaint I would have would be the weather – apparently the hottest it’s been in over 70 years – but hey, I shouldn’t really complain and if that was the only problem I don’t think it can really be counted :)
Thanks to Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau for such a well organised and perfectly executed way to get to know a country. Good luck to the next country who try to do the same thing – you have a lot to live up to!

Harald Huebner, Mediate Travel Ltd (Team Great Britain 2015)
The Meeting Trophy was a success from start to finish. The flight with Swiss from Dublin to Zurich was quick and without a hitch. I learnt a lot, met great people and actually had time to get to know some of them. People make a difference and I found out that Swiss are fun, open minded and business oriented. The Trophy was well planned and executed with a good balance of activities, landscape and information. A great format – highly recommended. It is clear that a lot of thought and effort went into this. I will recommend it, talk to my peers and colleagues about it and of course our clients.

Online Article by Debra Pankhurst (Team North America 2015) on www.fhincentives.ca Touring Switzerland – The Perfect Adventure

Peggy Fritz, Meetings & Incentives (Team North America 2012)
The 8th Switzerland Meeting Trophy is the most memorable experience thus far in my career. The program truly immerses you in the culture of Switzerland, such that one experiences the life, culture, activity, dining and history of each city/village. I departed with a genuine sense of what is possible for incentives and meetings and feel very confident that Switzerland is poised to accommodate any type of program due to its infinite resources. If you are selected as a team member, it is a true and memorable honor!

Nell Nicholas, HelmsBriscoe (Team North America 2012)
The 2012 Meeting Trophy experience in Switzerland is something I will never forget. The format in which to fully experience a region of Switzerland for a future program is unsurpassed. I don't know how SCIB can pack in so much in such a short period of time and yet leave us participants refreshed and totally enthusiastic to book Switzerland for our next program. Kudos to you, SCIB for showing me a part of Switzerland I had never experienced before but can now promote the region with a tremendous amount of knowledge to my clients for a program they will never forget.

Leo Jakobson, Incentive and Successful Meetings magazine (Northstar Travel Media), (Team North America 2012)
"This is really the one of the best fam trips any CVB puts on. I really feel that it gives me a lot more, and more useful information about Switzerland than touring a dozen or so hotels and conference centers would. It's a great way to get a feel for the country, and the type of program that can be put on there. It really opened my eyes to what lovely city Zurich really is. Just walking around, the amount of music that was everywhere (such as a brass band playing on a tram that went by) really made an impression. The food was great and just walking around the river and lake was really pleasant.

Amalia Nunez, Meridican Incentive Consultants (Team North America 2012)
From beginning to end it was excellent. Our hosts were amazing, every detail was perfectly planned and executed, I loved being able to see so much of Switzerland rather than just seeing hotel after hotel and venue after venue and not being able to remember one from the other. It was the best FAM I have ever participated in and I think it's the best way to promote your products. I'm praising everything about the trip to anyone who will listen and I'm sure I'm not the only one!!

Lucy Ainsley, Paragon Events (Team Great Britain 2012)
I was privilege to be part of the 8th Meeting Trophy Switzerland having the opportunity to experience such a beautiful country, participate in fantastically well organised activities with a great team of people and enjoyed wonderful hospitality. Overall a fantastically well executed event in which I shall never forget and ensure I encourage my clients to visit Switzerland time and time again!

Alex Chalk, CWT (Team Great Britain 2012)
I am very impressed with how well organised such an action packed itinerary was executed. All Swiss hosts were in the spirit of the trophy and subsequently each team adequately egged on. I had an amazing time, so thank you!

Åse Frosth, Get2gether(Team Nordic Countries 2012)
I think that Switzerland is so unique that anyone needs to visit the country to experience it's beauty..With it's majestetic scenery and traditional Style. Switzerland will always be worth a visit. I will remember this trip for à very long time.

Dorein Driesen, Uniglobe Incentive & Group Travel (Team Belgium 2012)
An educational like I had never experienced before! Getting to know this beautiful country in a fun and interactive way, while meeting a lot of new people ... I would recommend it to everybody! Thanks a lot for the amazing time in Switserland!!

Britt Vanroelen, American Express Meetings & Events (Team Belgium 2012)
The Swiss meeting trophy is an excellent organized fam trip. This is by far the best fam trip I have ever experienced and probably ever will. It really boasts the image of Switzerland and it is absoloutely not the country I imagined Switzerland would be. I got to know a lot of new amazing people and I went home with the best memories and still puts a smile on my face whenever I think about it.

Claire Massart, Incentive Destinations s (Team Belgium 2012)
amazing organization, charming welcome everywhere, excellent co-ordinator, nice contacts for business - we didn't loose our time. Congratulations to the team.

Mandy Rizzo, Mindstream - Conferences and congresses (Team Belgium 2012)
If you are going to plan an event for event planners, well it better be good. The Swiss Meeting Trophy isn't just good--it's completely over the top! Not only do you get to experience Switzerland you get to meet professionals from the industry from all around the world. It is not a site inspection--it is an incredible life experience.

Karin de Graauw, BBT Online (Team Belgium 2012)
The Swiss Meeting Trophy is without any doubt THE famtrip of the famtrips. It runs like clockwork. Above all the atmosphere and good mood between the participants/countries is something really unique.

Eveline van Stokrom, Hannick Reizens (Team Netherlands 2012)
It hard to sell Switzerland because the country has an image of being too expensive, but the Meeting Trophy did remind me of the great variety of possibilities the country has. (a lot of outdore activities, good quality hotels and restaurants, only 1,5 Hour flight from Amsterdam). With this experience it would maybe be easier to convince people that Switzerland is a great destination.

Rob Joling, Paragon Events (Team Netherlands 2012)
You can achieve quality when you are a master in quality. The Switzerland Meeting Trophy has created the answer by performing in an excellent way.

Alexandra Herbrand, imagepeople GmbH (Team Germany 2012)
Switzerland is one of a kind in many ways but this unique event once more shows what this special contry has to offer: beautiful nature, great locations, short distances and wonderful people who make it happen! Thank you very much for this 360 degree experience of Switzerland as a great MICE destination!

Jan Denecken, Jochen Schweizer Events GmbH(Team Germany 2012)
Great experience, great people, great country. We love to come back with our clients and we are sure that the service will be perfect.

Carole Michon, IKEBANA (Team France 2012)
This experience has been a great moment ! Your idea of rally is just amazing. Discovering such a beautiful region while having fun will be remembered for a long time. Too bad we cannot participate to this rally every year!! Now I know that wherever I will organize an event in Switzerland, I will be liaising with professional and reliable partners. That was the purpose of it, wasn't it ?!! THANK YOU AGAIN !!

Michael Hudson, Site Search & Select (Team North America, 2011)
When thinking of Switzerland, don’t just think summer activities in summer and winter activities in winter. The country has many diverse micro-climates that can offer many refreshing and inspirational experiences for all enthusiasts. In July you can enjoy the chill of glacier activities in the morning and bask in the warm summer sun next to the cleanest lakes, rivers and streams in the afternoon. In Switzerland there is something for everyone!

Pernilla Klingberg, Occasion Corporate Events (Team Nordic Countries/Sweden , 2011)
Thank you very much for inviting me to Switzerland. It is a wonderful country and it was a pleasure being a part of the Nordic team. I am impressed by all the hard work behind the Meeting Trophy, everything was planned into detail and it was a great way to learn more about your lovely country.

Lisa Leach, Excellence in Motivation EIM (Team North America, 2011)
I can say I had an amazing time taking in the beauty of a country that has some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. From the mountains in Gstaad to the lakes in Interlaken everywhere was breath taking and beyond what I expected. Switzerland is a small country but surprising with its diversity and impressive train system that was so easy to navigate. I enjoyed the caliber of the hotels in Switzerland as well as the friendly people. I can’t wait to go back!!!!

Niklas Olsson, BIG Travel, (Team Nordic Countries/Sweden, 2011)
Thank you very much for inviting me to this wonderful trip. It truly was the best Educational trip I have ever been to and I have been in the business for 20 years. That says it all.

Elena Dmitrieva, TRANSTOUR TRAVEL LLC (Team Russia, 2011)
During all my experience I never met such dedicated staff of a Convention Bureaus as it was during Meeting Trophy'11. It was not my first time in Switzerland but these unforgettalbe days turn the visit for brand new impressions and now I know whom to address all related MICE activity questions. Thanks again for the perfect event organization.

Judy Henrich, Global Cynergies (Team North America, 2011)
I had no idea that in the middle of a Swiss summer you could experience a glacier (close toed shoes and warm jacket required) and then within a little more than an hour’s journey experience a warm palm tree-type experience (shorts, sandals and the possibility of a sun burn!). Switzerland has it all, scenery, amazing hotels, wonderful cuisine all back-up by a 1st class service ethic!

Agneta Laj, The Travel Gallery AB (Team Nordic Countries/Sweden, 2011)
I would like to thank you so much for the Swiss Trophy! This famtrip was the best I experienced so far! Switzerland is really a fantastic destination with so many possibilities. And the perfect organization from all Swiss partners was a real pleasure. Thank you so much for inviting me, I will never forget this trip!

Kimberly Bowen, The Marco Travel Group (Team North America, 2011)
The Switzerland Meeting Trophy 2011 provided an opportunity to explore Switzerland in an amazing way. From scooting through the streets of Bern to the toboggan ride on the Glacier I saw another “fun” side of Switzerland I didn’t know existed. Finishing the journey in Montreaux and attending the Jazz festival was the icing on a sinfully delicious cake.

Pia Zeyss, P&MM (Team Great Britain, 2011)
I have to say it was the most enjoyable work trip I have EVER been on – you are an amazing bunch of people and it was so lovely to meet you all.

Natasha Schofield, Adding Value (Team Great Britain, 2011)
The trip was exceptional – so well managed and showcased Switzerland as such a fantastic destination.

David Wallin & Antonio Inestal, La Prensa AB (Team Nordic Countries/Sweden, 2010)
Thanx for the best (for me and Antonio) press-trip ever. Everything was so impressing and your hospitality is the best ever!

Anne Marte S. Solberg, FRAM Arrangement AS (Team Nordic Countries/Norway, 2010)
Thanks for a fantastic tour! It was great to get to know this fairytale country!! Cannot wait to go back!

Dmitry Smirnov, Events (Team Russia, 2010)
I do not even know how to say Thank You for the fantastic experience we had in Switzerland last weekend! Believe me, I am a common visitor to this kind of promotional events and famils in many other places, but this was really The Best. Of course, I need some time to review and analyze my impressions, but for now few things are clear: One is the feature in EVENTS magazine – we will really provide Swiss Trophy with the prime position and we will also devote our insert cover page of Destination section to Switzerland, this is a really prime positioning, you will love it! From the business side, I will really give my double effort to selling groups to Switzerland.

Nicolas Philemotte, MCI (Team Belgium, 2010)
You were excellent - very well done to you all. The best fam trip I have been to since I work in events!!

Tarja Löfgren, NET Travel Service (Team Nordic Countries/Finland, 2009)
What a trip! What a fantastic time! What a three days we had together! What a perfection from the Switzerland Convention Bureau and all others involved! I can't wait to be back in amazing Switzerland!