Michel’s first 100 days: “The foundation has been laid”

Michel, you’ve now been in post for 100 days…

The first 100 days have passed very quickly – it’s been a very busy period! I’m already looking forward to the next 100 days.

Do you already have a favourite spot in the building?

There are lots of them. The foyer is an amazing place: it’s imposing, and it makes a tremendous impression. Of course the Kongresssaal is awesome, especially when something’s on and it’s full. The terrace is an incredible space, and you have a wonderful view of Lake Zurich. The gallery in the lobby is very atmospheric, but the upper terrace is my secret favourite …

Let’s stay with the business side for now: what’s the collaboration with your partners been like?

It was important to me that I should get together with our biggest partners as soon as possible, so that I could understand their needs but also so they could understand me. I met them in the first 100 days and was given a very warm welcome. For example, if one looks at the Tonhalle: we both believe we can further consolidate the way in which we work together, and we’ll be tackling this over the next few weeks. However, I’ve also met up with some potential clients.

Do you already have a work routine, and have you completely settled in?

There’s no such thing as routine in my job; each day is different. The only thing that stays the same is that I spend two hours every morning going through my emails and organising everything. But ever since I’ve been here, there isn’t a day that’s really gone as planned.

So has everything not gone as planned in the 100 days?

No, by and large things have gone as I’d imagined. I’d undertaken to meet up with the most important contact people in the first weeks and months, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

Has there already been a highlight in the first 100 days?

There have certainly been a few success stories, such as the fact that we’ll have an extremely exciting programme with lots of music in the coming summer. We’ll also be collaborating with the Street Parade again, so it’ll be a very musical summer.

So every one of these 100 days has been a success?

Of course you’re never really satisfied, but in actual fact I’m definitely happy with the first 100 days. Maybe you’d need to ask my colleagues or our customers too! It has definitely been a life-enhancing experience: familiarising myself with the building, working together with the team and all our partners such as Zurich Tourism and the Tonhalle. They’re wonderful people. The foundation has been laid, and I’m really looking forward to the next 100 days.

How many times have you eaten something in LUX? You’re often seen there!

You need to put the question the other way round: on how many days have I not eaten something in LUX? I mainly go to LUX at lunchtime with partners and customers - that way I can have a pleasant experience while doing something useful, by showing them the restaurant. But at the moment I’m trying to come more often in the evening because the new menu has recently been launched, and I haven’t yet eaten my way through it!

We can rely on you for surprises, so what else are you going to surprise us with?

Well, if I were to tell you now it would no longer be a surprise (laughs). It’s no secret that I want to bring new events, new formats here, and initial discussions are underway. I’m hoping there’ll be a new event in February 2025 , and I’m particularly looking forward to that. We’re also working on two or three new formats for this autumn/winter, and we’ll probably be announcing them in the summer. We have a lot to do, but it’s very motivating if you’re able to work on new formats, and it’s even better when you make them a reality.

What have you planned for the next 100 days?

Making sure that all the events that have been announced go off without any problems – that’s the most important thing. Then we can also make our sales even more efficient; there will be some corresponding adjustments in terms of organization so we can bring many more events to the Convention Center. It’ll be another extremely exciting three months for me and the team, and we’ll then see whether everything happens as planned!

The upper terrace is one of your favourite spots. Why?

Indeed - and when you stand here, you know why. On the one hand, you can see the LUX restaurant with its large terrace. And if you let your gaze wander, you have a wonderful panorama over Lake Zurich and the Alps. It’s not only us who appreciate this, but our customers too. Unique! I try to come here every day, because the lake always looks different. This location is also what makes the Convention Center so special.