After a very long virtual time, on September 22, the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) invited their members to the first in-person event: the popular Summer Night reception. It was great seeing many old and new faces in the Swiss Canadian community.
After 18 long months of virtual events and meetings, SCCC members were able to reconnect and network in person at this year’s Summer Night Reception. And what a better way than to meet outdoors on a sunny late summer evening at the beautiful Residence of the Swiss Confederation in West Vancouver. Even though this year’s event was held in a smaller scale and extra measures were taken – like proof of vaccination – all attendees tremendously enjoyed to reconnect with the Swiss Canadian community in Western Canada.
The Consul General, Andreas Rufer, and SCCC President, Fabian Lemann, opened the event with a warm welcome speech. The attendees gained interesting insights about the past 18 months, were introduced to the current Board, and learnt about future events that are planned. For many new members it was their very first SCCC event as they had joined during the pandemic. The SCCC had also the pleasure to welcome Vincent Galland, President of the Swiss Canadian Chamber in Quebec, and Darren Downs, President of the Canadian Swiss Chamber in Zurich/Geneva. What a great coinsidence to have these two gentlemen in town during the Summer Night Reception. It was a great opportunity for the presidents to connect and discuss future collaborations.
From left to right: Vincent Galland, Fabian Lemann, Darren Downs 
This first in person event showed everyone that a screen, call or digital event will never replace the benefits and positive experiences of meeting in person. We are looking forward to more in-person or hybrid events in the near future.
We would like to thank everyone for attending the Summer Night Reception and all our members for supporting us during such a difficult time. A special thank you goes to Andreas Rufer, for hosting the event and to Nina Bader, Science & Technology Officer at the Consulate General, and Melanie Ferreira, SCCC Marketing Coordinator, for co-organizing the event.