Who is Michel Loris-Melikoff - and what is he doing here?

You are "the new kid on the block" at the Zurich Convention Center. But your name has been known in the industry for many years. What does the name Michel Loris-Melikoff stand for?

I think people know me as a passionate event specialist. I've been in the business for 20 years now and have organized a number of events in Zurich, Switzerland and internationally - always with great passion. This passion runs like a red thread through my career: Not only am I a passionate person myself, we also produce and sell passion in this industry. As CEO of the Zurich Convention Center, I have taken on the perfect job: We provide the space for emotions - and I find that extremely exciting.

You've been on board since November 2023: what insights have you gained in the first few weeks?

What I can already say: The Zurich Convention Center is super organized. The team is also highly motivated. The new LUX restaurant inspires me: I like being and eating here and I want to live out my passion for welcoming guests here.

A good basis. But what happens next, what is your strategic direction?

It's still too early to say anything about strategy. It is certainly important that we continue to increase capacity utilization: With the courage to try new event formats but also, for example, with more intensive collaboration with the Tonhalle. Two venues with such a great reputation should do more together. The occupancy rate for 2024 is already excellent and I am confident that we will not only reach but exceed our turnover - but you can't stand still in this industry.

What exactly do you mean by that?

We always have to question ourselves and think about what new formats we can offer our visitors. After all, we are not just a house that provides rooms. It's our job to constantly think about how we can surprise event organizers and guests. This also includes supporting and advising event organizers and giving them new ideas. We should always have the best possible experience for guests in mind.

Are there any concrete plans for new events and event formats yet?

I have certain ideas, but they are still secret (laughs). They still have to be worked out first. But we certainly still have potential with our wonderful terrace with the best view of the lake. We are already doing well with congresses and corporate events. But I would like to offer more large-scale entertainment events, such as a festival.
Or smaller trade fairs such as "Blickfang", which I find extremely exciting. There is a market for such small trade fairs in Zurich. We're talking about niche formats here, not giant trade fairs. Others are already doing those.

You know the industry well: what challenges can we expect?

There are always challenges: After all, life would be boring without them. Our challenges will certainly be the competitive situation in Zurich - we are not the only event location. We have to find an exciting mix between congresses, trade fairs, entertainment, corporate events and smaller events such as weddings or club events. The costs are also important. Switzerland is expensive for foreign visitors, and Zurich is also somewhat more expensive within Switzerland. On the other hand, we have a unique venue in a prime location. Another particularly important challenge is the shortage of skilled workers. All of us in the industry - whether tourism, the hotel industry or the event scene - are fighting for good people. It is important to me that the Zurich Convention Center is an attractive employer; that the team enjoys coming to work and that everyone can live out their passion for events and hospitality. And that we can keep the good people, of course. You have to work on that every day.

You mention the high prices in international comparison: How important is the international focus?

Of course it is relevant for us, Zurich is also an international destination. We always have international customers, and that's a good thing - we stay on top of it. But regardless of international or not, we can certainly intensify our collaboration with congress organizers, event agencies, concert promoters, communication agencies and Zurich Convention Bureau and create something new together.

How will you use your strengths for the success of the Zurich Convention Center?

I am a passionate manager and always realize new things together with the teams, with organizers, with the various stakeholders. To do this, it's important to take an honest interest in their needs, be curious and approach people. That is certainly one of my strengths. I also have a huge network. When I have an idea, I already know who I can discuss its feasibility with.
I am then driven by a certain desire to constantly improve and innovate. I always try to improve something and look for something new, a surprise. In this industry, you can never really be satisfied. That also means trying out a lot. Most of the time it works - and sometimes it doesn't. That's part of it. I just like tackling new things.

What are you going to tackle next?

So in concrete terms: tomorrow morning, we'll be discussing a few organizational matters with the management where I see room for improvement. In the afternoon, I'll be in contact with an organizer of an exhibition that I really want to have in the Zurich Convention Center. We will discuss how we could implement this exhibition in 2024. So it will be a day to my liking - like so many things since I've been here.