Sierra Gillis – Testimonial Project Manager at GoGather, USA

Sierra Gillis, Project Manager at GoGather. A corporate event planning company that manages conferences, sales kickoffs, and incentive trips for Fortune 1000 companies around the world. With over 10 years in the events industry and a 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Rising Star award.

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As soon as I set foot in Switzerland, I felt a sense of comfort in the way everyone operates. The country is very welcoming. I have visited several major US tourist destinations, and visitors aren't always greeted with open arms. It was a relief to have locals in Switzerland greet me with a smile as I walked the streets. Switzerland stands out among European countries. The country runs efficiently, something corporate Americans appreciate, and you never feel like you're waiting around for the next decision to be made. As a planner, you can lean into the culture of every town you visit, since Switzerland is known for being safe and clean. This gives your attendees the chance to get the most out of their incentive trip, beyond a single resort. When you think of Switzerland, most of the time you think of lots of snow, fondue, and skiing, though that is not always the case. Venue options range from urban to lakeside to alpine settings, with each region offering a different cultural view of the country. For planners who want varied settings on one trip, it is a perfect location. If you go in the summer season, there really is something to plan into the trip for everyone

One of the fun parts of event planning is weaving culture into the experience and building connections through shared moments. It means even more when attendees can take a piece of that experience home with them, something they will keep and remember.

Switzerland isn't going to be the cheapest destination on your list, and it's worth being upfront with your client about that. But that cost buys something real: safer cities, spotless streets, and a level of service that's hard to match elsewhere. As a planner, the real question to weigh is what your attendees will get out of the trip. Attendees work hard to earn their spot on these trips, so give them an experience they will remember, one that goes far beyond sand and a beach. When it comes to any incentive we plan, a big factor we always make sure to include is free time, with a clear place in the agenda for attendees. Keeping a healthy balance between activities and recovery time supports attendee wellbeing and stronger engagement, so the trip doesn't lose its appeal by the final days. This matters even more when planning an event in Switzerland. Every new town offers its own culture and local history to see, so build in enough time for attendees to stay fully present.

The Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau (SCIB) of Switzerland Tourism is a great resource for you as a planner, offering local expertise to help ensure the planning process goes smoothly from beginning to end. They are the experts in their country and can provide access to trusted local partners. Leaning heavily on their resources takes away the headache of having to vet different activities or locations you cannot see in person before the event. Using SCIB adds convenience, professionalism, and security. Their team helps with everything from site selection to activity options, so the incentive you are planning shows off the full range of what the country can offer.