High-profile guests discuss the future of the model region of south-eastern Switzerland

The Wirtschaftsforum Südostschweiz has been the central meeting place for decision-makers from south-eastern Switzerland for over a quarter of a century. Every year, several hundred guests come together to discuss current opportunities and challenges for the region. Top-class speakers and unique networking opportunities transform the event into the most important meeting place for business, politics and science in south-eastern Switzerland.

The 27th Southeastern Switzerland Economic Forum will take place on August 26, 2025 in the Stadthalle Chur under the motto "Shaping the future - Southeastern Switzerland as a model region". Renowned representatives from politics, business and science will talk about how pioneering innovations and modern technologies can shape the future of south-eastern Switzerland.

EMS boss in conversation

After the welcome address by moderator Mona Vetsch, Graubünden economist Rudolf Minsch gives an up-to-date outlook on the economic situation. The chief economist of economiesuisse will focus in particular on the impact of global developments on south-eastern Switzerland. The well-known Graubünden entrepreneur and politician Magdalena Martullo-Blocher will then speak about economic and political opportunities and challenges for the region. She is the majority shareholder and delegate of the Board of Directors of the EMS Group. Headquartered in Domat/Ems, the company is the largest private employer in the canton of Graubünden. She is also a member of the National Council for the canton of Graubünden and Vice President of the SVP Switzerland.

Jan "Smüde" Edelbauer from Graubünden has developed a high-proof innovation from south-eastern Switzerland together with his colleague Marco Egli. They produce Bündner Minze themselves and work with restaurants and retailers to establish the liqueur throughout Switzerland. Jan Edelbauer gives an insight into how they made the leap from the garage to the restaurant trade.

AI hub and tourist destination

After the refreshment break, neuroscientist and AI expert Pascal Kaufmann will demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence for the economic region. Kaufmann has founded several technology companies such as Alpine AI and Lab42 and now wants to turn Davos into a research center for "politically neutral" artificial intelligence.
On the panel, hotelier Andreas Züllig and event organizer Luana Bergmanin discuss the current opportunities and challenges in tourism. The host of the Hotel Schweizerhof and the OC President of the 2025 Biathlon World Championships talk about how tourism destinations such as Lenzerheide can be developed sustainably.

At the end of the event, successful authors Mikael Krogerus & Roman Tschäppeler take to the stage. In their entertaining and informative talk, they explain in a few strokes on the blackboard why we find it so difficult to make decisions and what we can do to make them anyway.

Culinary surprises

The Business Forum South Eastern Switzerland once again offers attractive opportunities for guests to network and exchange ideas. Participants will be treated to culinary delights during the refreshment break and at the concluding networking aperitif.

The Wirtschaftsforum Südostschweiz is supported by numerous partners and organizations. The main partners are GKB, ÖKK and Domenig. Knowledge partners are the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden, the ibW Höhere Fachschule Südostschweiz and the University of Liechtenstein. The organizers are expecting several hundred guests at this year's Southeastern Switzerland Business Forum.

Source and further information: www.wifo-suedostschweiz.ch