Conference activities
One of Lugano’s goals is to establish itself as a conference destination at both national and international level, reinforcing its role as a City of Congresses. Today Lugano is firmly among the leading Swiss destinations worldwide and ranks among the ten most important cities in the sector. The organisation of around 25 congresses a year – with an average of 400–500 participants – also secures a strong position in the European ranking. Thanks to this activity, Lugano helps place Switzerland among the world’s top 20 nations for hosting international congresses.
Strategic role of congresses and partnerships
Congress activity represents a strategic pillar for the economic and tourist development of the City of Lugano. Congresses, trade fairs and institutional events generate tangible benefits for the local economy, fostering employment, increasing the city’s international visibility and strengthening its attractiveness in the eyes of organisers, companies and academic institutions.
In particular, collaborations with universities, research centres, medical institutes and innovative companies consolidate Lugano’s role as a hub of knowledge and innovation.
The city’s congress offer is not limited to a single conference centre but is based on an integrated network of public and private actors that together create the content and opportunities underpinning the congress market. To compete nationally and internationally, it is essential to have modern infrastructure, efficient services and high accessibility.
In this context, the research, acquisition and lobbying activity carried out by the City of Lugano’s Congress sector, within the Events and Congresses Division, in close collaboration with university professors, leading companies and political authorities, plays a key role.
Economic impact
The congress segment is an important source of economic impact for the City of Lugano and the entire region. Its value is recognised both by professional associations and at an institutional level; congress tourism, in fact, generates income three to four times higher than leisure tourism. An average impact of CHF 400 per person per day is estimated.
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Lugano Convention & Exhibition is an official initiative of the City of Lugano, conceived and managed by the Events and Congresses Division, with the aim of promoting congress and trade-fair activity in the area.
With its own dedicated team and web portal, the project seeks to position the City of Lugano as a centre of congress excellence, both nationally and internationally, while at the same time showcasing local resources and contributing to the city’s economic and cultural growth.
Certifications and sustainability
In 2024, Lugano Convention & Exhibition obtained the ISO 20121 certification, an international standard that recognises sustainable event management. This achievement confirms the City of Lugano’s concrete commitment to reducing environmental impact, promoting social inclusion and ensuring responsible governance in the organisation of fairs, congresses and events.
At the same time, Lugano reached Level III – Leading of the Swisstainable programme promoted by Switzerland Tourism. This is the highest distinction in the sustainability pathway for tourist destinations, reserved for entities that demonstrate a constant, measurable and certified commitment to environmental protection, the enhancement of local resources and the development of innovative practices.
These achievements reinforce Lugano’s strategic vision as a city at the forefront of urban sustainability, digital innovation and quality of life, confirming its competitiveness on both the national and international stage.
Conference facilities
Palazzo dei Congressi (Convention Centre) is one of the few venues in Ticino capable of hosting conferences with more than 500–1,000 participants. With a view to creating a new conference centre, the City of Lugano has launched a public-private partnership (PPP) project to develop a new tourism and congress hub.
The Centro Esposizioni (Exhibition Centre) is the main exhibition hub in Italian-speaking Switzerland, centrally located in Lugano. Comprising 7 modular halls with floor areas ranging from 800 to 2'400 m², it offers a total capacity of up to 10'000 people. The venue is ideal for trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences and large-scale events. Each hall features vehicle access, Wi-Fi coverage and bespoke logistical services.
Villa Ciani is an elegant neoclassical villa set amid the greenery of Parco Ciani, just a few steps from the lake. It extends over three floors, with areas ranging from 385 to 500 m², offering a total of 30 rooms of various sizes. The rooms on the first floor are decorated with frescoes and original wooden floors, while the "Sala degli Specchi" is available for civil wedding ceremonies. All spaces are air-conditioned, accessible by lift and covered by Wi-Fi. The villa is internally connected to the Palazzo dei Congressi.
Asilo Ciani, a historic building dating back more than 130 years, has been recently renovated and reopened as an event and conference venue. The facility offers a large main hall with a skylight, ideal for conferences, banquets and small exhibitions. Wi-Fi access is available free of charge.
Located in the Pregassona district, the Capannone is a versatile 450 m² venue suitable for various events, including meetings, conferences, small conventions, shows and concerts. The facility features a stage with sound system and microphones, a kitchen, an indoor and outdoor bar, and can accommodate up to 320 seated or 350 standing guests. It is available for daily rental.
The Muggina is an intimate venue, ideal for training courses and small strategic meetings. It can accommodate 1 – 12 people and offers Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Wheelchair access is guaranteed only on the ground floor.
Plan ₿ Forum
Innovation, economy, finance and blockchain in Lugano
International conference focusing on Bitcoin, blockchain and decentralized technologies. It brings together global experts to discuss the evolution of digital finance and the large-scale adoption of cryptocurrencies. Organized by the City in collaboration with Tether, the forum aims to transform the city’s financial infrastructure through the use of decentralized technologies.
ICML
International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (since 1981)
International conference held every two years, dedicated to oncology and medical research. From 300 attendees in 1981 it has grown to more than 3,500 participants, including physicians, oncologists and researchers. Hosted at the Palazzo dei Congressi, the event has continually upgraded its services, logistics and technologies to meet the healthcare sector’s expanding needs.
The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions.
The original version is the page in Italian.