Hello.
First of all thanks for all the contributors on here. I've learnt so much about business in Switzerland from spending hours on here!

I am in the process of moving to Switzerland and bringing my business with me and would like to invite friends, colleagues and basically anyone interested to a social evening where I can show them my products and services. (definitely more of a social occasion rather than a sales pitch - I am all about the relationships!) All I require is a bar/function room that will hold c. 70-100 people and a projector screen and a few small products around the room. I've asked a few bars and they seem reluctant to rent out a space. I'm keen on mid week - probably Monday or Tuesday to avoid taking up a precious social evening! It needs to be somewhere easily accessible and welcoming - so preferably not a room on the 4th floor of a hotel or hidden away.

Any ideas are very welcome.

Also I would like to advertise the event. Are there any expat publications you would recommend? (it's an expat focused offering until my German is more advanced!)

Thanks in advance!
Mrs L

http://www.zuerich.com/en/Meeting-Co...n-Centers.html

If you want something not quite so expensive, then there are lots of 'GemeindeschaftZentrum' - local town halls or community centres...for rent.

http://www.gz-zh.ch/

Ii really wish you all the best with moving here. You will see Switzerland is not as bad as all the people make it sound.

Maybe you would like to share with us, what kind of business you run ? What products you offer, some of us might know ppl dealing in the same field who could help you...

Why would a competitor want to help?

Sometimes people might sell the same products or offer similar services but
not always does that mean thy are competing each other, they could be dealing in complete different areas, and exchanging information ideas is beneficial for either business..

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful suggestions.

I totally agree, you do not have to convince me of the value of networking within your industry - in the UK I am in regular contact with many of my competitors as friends and colleagues. I believe it raises the bar in our industry and is good for clients and businesses alike. I look forward to doing the same in Switzerland.
Fear not, I will be sharing all very soon!
But sometimes, when you approach a business question, it is good not to pin it down to a specific industry or product and get a wide range of opinions and approaches (I used to work as an innovation consultant and find this helps open up thinking)...
More soon!

70-100 pax?

Hotels will usually have the capacity and facilities. Try the Marriott first. Its not too far from the HB and definitely has ball rooms that will be able to accomodate you.

Thanks Summerrain! Mrs Lx

This may sound out of the world but try the Tram Museum. I do know that an important part of their income is through third party events, ie, renting out the building for other uses. They can also fix up catering if needed. Ask to talk to Frau Germann.

In the old town you will find the center "Karl der Grosse" near Grossmünster. It is owned by the City of Zürich.

http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/sd/de/in...ermietung.html

Good infrastructure, catering if needed.

Not in the city centre but still a nice location: http://www.bei-tony.ch/triibhuus/bankette-events.html

Great recommendations - thanks so much! xx

Hi,
there is the Au Premiere in the Zurich HB..it's a brasserie/lounge area but they have professional catering there and very large rooms with all the equipment you need. It's very convenient travel wise as it's in the heart of Zurich. My company usually organises breakfast briefings and other professional get togethers there.

Thanks Marco!

Welcome to Switzerland

There's the Technopark: http://www.technopark.ch/start.cfm?p=30&s=310

Also, very good for networking, the Hub Zurich, which holds up to 80: http://www.hubzurich.org/wp/space/about-the-space/

I would recommend Mike from http://www.meltcatering.ch He's a startup, and is an awesome chef.

Best,

David

Thanks for all your help. I found a great bar and the event is next week. If anyone would like to come along it would be great to see you there. Details are here:

http://www.clarebrehenyphotography.c...launch-events/

xx