The Revival of the Conference Sector

12 Juli 2023  —  Focus  —  von Luca Grassi
A brief analysis of the conference sector and the general trend of events, one year after the end of the pandemic.

Activities rebounding, with some differences

The analysis of events that took place in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year, confirms the resurgence of conference activities in Lugano. The total number of conferences in the first semester increased from 11 to 13, and the total number of participants even doubled (from 3450 to over 6800), largely owing to the ICML conference last June. As for the type of conference, there has been a slight decline in international conferences in favor of cantonal and national conferences. This could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in travel policies or a greater local focus in 2023. In any case, it should be noted that 2022 was a great year for events of international scale, mainly due to the accumulation of conferences postponed from the previous two years because of the pandemic.

The Foyer of the Palazzo dei Congressi during an international conference

The Foyer of the Palazzo dei Congressi during an international conference

Industry Trends

Despite the previously mentioned slight decline in international conferences in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2022, projections for the second half of the year indicate a modest increase in such events and, generally, a confirmation of the expected total number of conferences, signaling a positive trend concerning the visibility and global relevance that the conferences have had and will continue to have for the city of Lugano.

The reasons for this success can be found here

The central patio of the Asilo Ciani after the recent renovation

The central patio of the Asilo Ciani after the recent renovation