One year and 40 events: a successful gamble for the congress centre extension.
The congress centre extension has already established itself as a key venue, having hosted 40 events.
At the end of 2023, Palexpo inaugurated the extension to its congress centre, a creative and innovative architectural project housing minimalist, modern and bright spaces built using high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. In just 12 months, 40 events were held within its walls, confirming its ability to adapt to all types of events and to meet the growing demands of our business clientele.
This first anniversary is also an opportunity to look back at a landmark event organised on 24 May 2024 by the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) to celebrate 40 years of bone marrow transplants.
Interview with François Dricourt, Technical Coordinator, and Jérôme Guilland, Sales Manager.
‘Hosting this event, organised by the Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit headed by Professor Yves Chalandon, was a unique experience, full of human emotion.
From the very first discussions, we had to use our imagination: the first visit took place while work on extending the congress centre was still under way. Thanks to virtual projections, the organising team was able to approve the space, then confirm their choice during a second visit at the beginning of 2024.
With guest numbers rapidly rising from 250 to 300 , we had to rethink the initial layout: the Alpha and Beta rooms were put into play, with direct access to the foyer, while the Kappa room was used as a logistics base. Accessibility was also a key issue, as we needed to facilitate the movement of guests in wheelchairs while complying with safety standards.
The event was not limited to the lecture: an exhibition of drawings made by patients during their convalescence was set up on easels in the foyer, adding an artistic and intimate dimension to the evening. In terms of logistics, the arrival of a piano to accompany a singer-pianist duo also required meticulous organisation.
The conference, led by Professor Chalandon, turned out to be more intense than expected. The discussions and testimonials extended the session well beyond the initial programme, forcing us to make last-minute adjustments to catering to ensure the quality of the service. Our teams rose to the challenge with flying colours, demonstrating their ability to adapt in real time. There was also an additional challenge: the menu had to cater for the ultra-strict diets of post-transplant patients and those still recovering. Developing a gastronomic offering adapted to these medical constraints while guaranteeing a high-quality culinary experience was a real challenge that was successfully met.
What will remain with us from this event is, above all, the intensity of the emotions shared. From laughter to tears, we witnessed a true celebration of life and medical progress. The thanks we received from the organisers and participants were one of the finest tributes to our work. Rarely has an event been so profoundly human, and that's what makes it so unforgettable.'