This Month we get to know better Einstein St.Gallen
What was your motivation to join ICCA?
I think there are quite a few factors that motivated me to join ICCA. If I had to highlight something it would be the access to resources and up to date data, I’ve heard great reviews about the revamped system and I look forward to use ICCA’s database when planning different marketing activities or conducting research. I also hope that as a future member of ICCA I can contribute to the database. ICCA is worldwide known, therefore I wanted to let ICCA members know about a fantastic new destination with an amazing State of the art Congress Location next to the UNESCO world heritage in the centre of Eastern Switzerland – St.Gallen.
Tell us your story. How did Einstein St.Gallen get started?
The Einstein Building was built in 1830, historically, our site used to function as a textile processing plant. Our relationship with the textile industry continues to this day and is part of our tradition, the Hotel Einstein St.Gallen is draped in fabrics from local textile producers, and in 1978 it was acquired by textile entrepreneur, Max Kriemler (AKRIS). Our five-story building is equipped with 113 elegant state-of-the-art rooms and suites. Our Congress center was newly built in 2009 by the well-known architects, Hilmer & Sattler, from Munich, Germany. The modern congress hall is set in a classicist architectural style, with high ceilings and abundant daylight, we have 14 seminar rooms and the largest one can host up to 330 people. I must also mention, we have a great art collection that is sure to entice any visitor.
What sets Einstein St.Gallen apart?
I would have to say the location is one of the main points of attraction for us, we’re in close reach, with less than one hour away from the airport, Zurich City and Konstanz/Germany we are a centrally located venue, a top choice for any traveler.
However, our employees and the experience we provide would be the top reason why we are so highly regarded, not only do we have an amazing 3000m2 fitness- and spa area which relates to the Hotel, we also provide a 2 Michelin Star and 18 Gault Millau point Haute Cuisine and regional dining experience. We are right in the center of the city and the protected UNESCO World Heritage abbey District (Klosterviertel), the Einstein St.Gallen offers great views of the old charming town.
What can we expect to see from Einstein St.Gallen in the future?
We aim to maintain our standards and accolades in 2022, such as Travelers’s choice award (based on global feedback), Gault Millau, Michelin Guide, Wine Spectator, Worlds best wine List, and The Swiss Location Award (chosen from 25.000 event organizers and visitors) We are usually voted in the Top 5, and we always look to better ourselves.
Which trends do you see in the Association Meetings?
I think, given the circumstances we have all faced in the past two years, I would say Virtual integration or hybrid meetings has been the trend, but, I also think now we are standing before a new panorama that we are all going to navigate together, the world has somehow gotten even smaller and we must provide the same experience for all our visitors, whether online or in person.