Since its creation, FORWARD has established itself as a must-attend event for innovation stakeholders in Switzerland. We spoke with Elise Friedli, one of the organizers, who shared the keys to its success by answering three questions.
1. FORWARD quickly became a flagship event. In your opinion, what is the main reason behind this enthusiasm?
FORWARD speaks directly to SME leaders by offering them concise, concrete content that aligns perfectly with their challenges. It’s a valuable space for them: they can come together, exchange ideas with peers, draw inspiration from shared experiences, and learn from attending experts. I believe this ability to foster connections and address very practical needs is what makes the event so strong.
2. The SwissTech Convention Center has hosted the event since the first edition. What role has the venue played in FORWARD’s success?
The SwissTech Convention Center has been a real asset. Over the past 7 years, we’ve been able to try out every possible format: full days, half days, plenary conferences, workshops, exhibitions… Everything is possible, which has allowed us to tailor the event each year according to our goals. Moreover, its location at the heart of the EPFL campus, close to entrepreneurs and innovation hubs, makes it a perfectly aligned venue for the event. After all these years of collaboration with the SwissTech team, we’ve built a relationship of trust that truly adds value throughout the entire event organization process.
3. How do you manage to renew interest year after year while preserving the event’s DNA?
Each year, we rework the editorial angle to stay closely aligned with current events and the concerns of businesses. We also adapt the formats based on the expectations of our audience. This agility allows us to keep FORWARD’s spirit alive while continuing to surprise and engage attendees.
📷Copyright : Cyril Zingaro for Le Temps