Bellinzona is a real gem and an ideal destination for a medium-sized event. It offers a unique setting, and we are very grateful for the excellent venues the city made available to us. It is truly a recommendation I would make to everyone.
PD Dr. med. Niklaus Egloff
President SAPPM / ASMPP
Bellinzona’s first multi-venue congress
Three distinctive venues, one vibrant capital
When a congress concept becomes the common thread of a perfect match
The Swiss Academy of Psychosomatic and Psychosocial Medicine (SAPPM) had a clear vision for its 2025 Annual Congress: to explore and deepen the principles of slow medicine, emphasising the role of presence, awareness and a mindful approach to time in fostering wellbeing in all its dimensions.
To bring these objectives to life, the choice of an appropriate setting proved essential – a location capable of welcoming participants and accompanying them throughout the entire congress journey.
As with any event, attention to detail plays a pivotal role: it is the coherence of these elements that supports the concept and reinforces the congress’s core objectives.
Within this context, the Ticino Convention Bureau made itself available from the very beginning of the executive board’s decision-making process, actively listening to the organisers’ needs and proposing tailored solutions that became integral parts of a coherent narrative, fully aligned with the Association’s values.
A medieval old town, three iconic venues
Is it possible to organise a congress across several venues, each with its own unique character, all within walking distance of one another, at the foot of Switzerland’s only UNESCO World Heritage fortress? The answer is yes.
1. PIAZZA DEL SOLE: With a direct view of the impressive Fortress of Bellinzona, a temporary marquee was set up to serve two key purposes: welcoming participants and hosting convivial lunches.
2. PALAZZO CIVICO: Parts of the workshop programme took place in its elegantly decorated rooms, where history is gracefully woven into the architecture. The inner courtyard was transformed into an open-air gallery for the congress posters and partner exhibition stands.
3. TEATRO SOCIALE: With its historic stage and distinctive balconies, it provided the perfect setting for the opening and closing ceremonies. Its adjacent rooms also hosted several keynote sessions, completing a seamless and inspiring congress experience.
Authenticity and values through collaboration with local partners
The welcoming of participants and the collaboration among the various stakeholders of the destination played a fundamental role in the successful delivery of the congress.
Bellinzona once again proved to be a destination capable of hosting over 300 participants, thanks to the valuable contribution of local businesses and the City, which actively supported the Association’s organising team.
Taking part in the Congress also offered participants the opportunity to engage directly with the destination, experiencing sustainability not only as environmental responsibility, but as authentic involvement with the territory and its community.
Concrete expressions of this integration were the initiatives promoted and supported by the executive and organising committees:
- Eight side activities designed to discover the city’s hidden gems, aimed at accompanying persons or simply to recharge during the congress
- Ticino-style lunches centred on local products (with polenta prepared in large traditional cauldrons as the highlight)
- Traditional music during lunch breaks, as well as the opportunity to attend a free evening classical organ concert at the Collegiate Church, located in the historic city centre
Ticino Convention Bureau
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#Highlights
- Number of participants ca. 300
- Hotel category *** / ****
- Number of activities 8
- Keynotes + 55
- Client satisfaction 100%
- Congress days 2