Geneva – a new, simply different destination for your event
Switzerland’s smallest canton, right by the French border, is an ideal, safe place for events of any size.
Geneva stands for its international flair as well as the symbiosis of Swiss brains, quality and perfection, and French savoir vivre.
The diverse mix of large, classic venues and unique locations in special settings is another hallmark of the city.
The short distances and the ease of getting around within the city—and the 7-minute ride from the airport into town—also deserve a mention.
Sparkling Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s largest historic old town, framed by vineyards, the Jura mountains and Mont Blanc, offers not only an almost unique backdrop, but also enticing options for a wide range of activities.
And what ultimately makes an event THE event? It’s the people who are committed, who prepare and support it with local partners, and who often make the seemingly impossible a reality.
Geneva Tourism supports you in finding the right hotel, the perfect location, and in planning the culinary setting and activities.
Top hotels for MICE in Geneva
Hotels with meeting & event offers
Hotel Royal ****S
Just a 4-minute walk from Cornavin station, you will find elegant, renovated meeting and event spaces from 38 to 277 sqm, mostly with daylight. A very pleasant area for breaks and networking.
Geneva Marriott Hotel ****
Opened in 2022, with direct access from the airport & by tram from Cornavin station. Dedicated floor for meetings & events, with plenty of daylight and small areas for talks. Incl. rooftop bar. Sustainability focus.
Intercity Hotel ****
Directly opposite the Marriott Hotel with the same accessibility. Newly opened in 2023 with 5 rooms—some modular—with daylight. Trendy restaurant, fitness, etc. available on site.
Hotel Mandarin Oriental *****
Extensively renovated, bright rooms and meeting spaces. Suites with large terraces overlooking the Rhône (can be privatized). Home to the first Ottolenghi restaurant outside the UK and features a bar with true signature cocktails.
Hotels without their own meeting rooms, but ideal for business stays
Jade ***S
In the heart of Geneva, yet quietly located, close to the lake. Designed according to Feng Shui principles. Beautiful rooms with a very pleasant atmosphere.
Drake Longchamp ***S
In the heart of Geneva, yet quietly located, close to the lake. Very spacious rooms. All are equipped with a kitchenette. Cozy bar, lovely summer terrace.
Bristol ****S
4 minutes from the station and 2 minutes to the lake. Extensively renovated with bright rooms in a special design. Bar, restaurant with seasonal, regional products. Hot tub, sauna.
Longemalle****
A stone’s throw from the Old Town and the Rue du Rhône shopping street. Special, beautiful design. Excellent Balila restaurant (can be privatized) with Lebanese specialties.
Expo & congress centers
CICG (Centre International de Conférences)
In a prime location near Place des Nations, the most important international organizations and permanent missions. 19 conference rooms with 20 to 300 seats, 2 large halls with 350 to 1,000 seats (modular up to 2,200 seats), 60 offices, 1 multipurpose area of 600 m2, 1 post office, 2 bars and 1 restaurant for 600 guests.
Palexpo
THE venue for exhibitions of all kinds and large conferences, with 106,000 sqm of WiFi-enabled, column-free multifunctional space under one roof. Congress center for 100 to 2,500 participants, outdoor area with 21,000 sqm. All halls are within walking distance. Direct access to each hall for trucks.
Arena de Genève
Futuristic building near Palexpo and the airport with high modularity. Ideal for concerts, congresses, sporting events, award ceremonies, shows and events for up to 9,500 pax. Largest room approx. 2,450 sqm. Features, among other things, a grandstand with seating arranged like an amphitheater with an optimal height difference.
Uptown Geneva
A former multiplex cinema, centrally located near the station, converted into a modern, trendy event location. Also suitable for conferences, seminars, etc., as well as cultural and artistic events. Capacities range from 170 people (250 sqm) up to 900 guests (2,000 sqm).
Special venues
Globe CERN / Science Gateway
An iconic project by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Modular auditorium with a total of 900 seats (792 sqm), interactive exhibitions and “learning labs” across more than 250 square meters. The impressive CERN Globe for banquets and meetings.
Domaine de Penthes / Jardin de Penthes
A park with centuries-old trees and views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Only approx. 15 minutes from the city center, also by public transport. “Espace Gallatin” (225 sqm / seminar: 250) and “Le Grenier” hall (110 sqm / seminar). “Jardin de Penthes” restaurant with a special flair and terrace in summer.
Domaine du Grand Malagny
Historic estate in a fantastic park, fully restored over several years by Franck Muller, the well-known watch entrepreneur. The buildings offer a total area of approx. 1,600 sqm for up to 900 guests for cocktail parties or 400 people for seated dinners. Conferences, meetings, exhibitions.
Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (BFM)
Impressive historic building on the “Rhône” river, 8 minutes from Cornavin station. Built as a hydroelectric power plant between 1883 and 1892 and listed as a historic monument since 1988. The foyer offers 1,000 sqm, as does the hall with theater seating for approx. 1,030 guests.
A small, fine selection of restaurants
Kiosque des Bastions
A place with its very own charm in Art Deco style. A huge glass roof floods the room with light and makes the bar, the central element, appear elevated. The huge terrace is a true oasis and ideal for a special occasion. Restaurant area: approx. 400 sqm (250 banquet, 350 cocktail).
Chez Philippe
A micro-enclave of New York in a passage on Rue du Rhône, spread over 2 floors, with a very special ambiance and a dream terrace. The restaurant can be privatized for events.
Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives
. Located in Parc des Eaux-Vives, with fantastic views of Lake Geneva, as well as simple yet very refined dishes made from seasonal products, prepared in an original way. It also offers very pleasant rooms for business or private events.
Restaurant de la Plage
Double the enjoyment here: Located on Eaux-Vives beach, built on stilts and glazed, it offers a unique view of the Jet d’Eau, the harbor and, of course, the lake. The dishes are prepared with local, traceable and ethical products. Inside and on the beautiful terrace, it offers 100 sqm of space each.
Special activities
Tuk Tuk tour
Discover the city, the wine landscapes and the lake sustainably. Optional with fondue during the tuk-tuk ride, or an apéro or an afternoon tea. Or be driven to a winegrower and enjoy a wine tasting (for max. 20 people).
Watchmaking & workshop
Whether a themed city tour, a visit to a watch manufacturer to watch the watchmakers at their delicate work, experiencing a watchmaking workshop and, under guidance, making your own Swiss watch—in Geneva, the cradle of watchmaking.
Mont-Salève
Since October 2023, the mountain station of Mont Salève has been shining in new splendor. For meetings and enjoyment, the 360º panorama restaurant and meeting areas of approx. 100 sqm beckon. A wide range of activities, e.g., the mountain station climbing wall (20 m high and 15 m wide), hiking, biking, paragliding, etc.
Team building & shared experiences
Escape games in the vineyards, rebuilding an old racing bike from spare parts, making chocolate together, or learning how to make a really good Swiss fondue, etc. The group brochure offers inspiration.