Review of the 12th ImmoSummit hosted by the FRZ (Zurich Airport Region)

Dübendorf, June 11, 2026 – The The 12th ImmoSummit built on the discussion from the previous year. In 2025, the event was held under the theme “From Silo to Team Sport.” The focus was on the realization that the major challenges facing the construction and real estate industries can no longer be solved in isolation. In 2026, the discussion took a decisive step forward: What does it take for collaboration to lead to true excellence? The theme “From Talent to Champion” was explored on three levels: the personal skills and attitudes of leaders; collaboration within companies and on projects; and the coordinated development of regions and locations.

The ImmoSummit was opened by André Ingold, President of the FRZ and Mayor of Dübendorf, and Rahel Kindermann Leuthard, Managing Director of the FRZ Zurich Airport Region.

Real Estate Market: Stability Despite Uncertainties

Michael Birrer, Head of Research & Advisory at Migros Bank, and Michelle Müller, Real Estate Research Analyst at Migros Bank, provided an up-to-date overview of the Swiss real estate sector. Under the title “Real Estate Market Assessment – Positive Outlook in Uncertain Times,” they analyzed the economic and political landscape. Conclusion: Inflation remains under control despite rising energy prices. Interest rates in Switzerland are expected to remain relatively low. The residential real estate market remains robust due to structural shortages. In the office market, however, quality is becoming an increasingly important factor. Well-connected, flexible, and modern spaces are successful, while older properties are facing increasing pressure to transform.

In the interview that followed, Béatrice Schaeppi, CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors of Schaeppi Grundstücke AG, shared insights into the management of a long-established family business. The focus was on responsibility, integrity, and innovative strength in a challenging market environment. The figures would be communicated on a regular basis. In 2025, Béatrice Schaeppi was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Family Business category.

Spotlight on “New Zurich”

A highlight of the 12th ImmoSummit was the presentation of the “New Zurich” reader by Thomas Sevcik, founder of the strategy think tank arthesia, and Remo Daguati, owner and CEO of LOC AG. With “New Zurich,” the FRZ (Zurich Airport Region) is launching a discussion on how the dynamic region surrounding the airport should develop in the future. The wider region has a population of around 300,000 and more than 200,000 jobs. Over the past few decades, a functionally integrated economic and living environment has emerged that combines economic dynamism, international connectivity, and a high quality of life.

The reader compiles the results of a multi-year strategic process in which the 14 member cities and municipalities of the FRZ, as well as experts from the business, academic, and regional development sectors, participated. The focus is not on new political structures, but on more coordinated regional development with a long-term perspective. "New Zurich" is not a finished master plan, but rather food for thought and, hopefully, a call to action, said FRZ Managing Director Rahel Kindermann Leuthard in her opening remarks.

The focus is on five key areas: Digitalization and ICT (BYTE), Aviation and the Space Economy (AERO), Corporate Headquarters and International Business Functions (HUBS), Conventions and Events (MEET), and Health and Life Sciences (CARE). In the coming months, the areas of development will be defined in more detail and gradually translated into initial projects. According to Remo Daguati, the goal is to develop groundbreaking new technologies (deep tech) and leverage the outstanding infrastructure—data centers and nearby top universities—to create successful business models. The presentation’s closing message sums up the vision: “New Zurich is an idea and a place whose time has come.” Daguati and Sevcik see the Zurich airport region as a place for doers.

Identify, nurture, and attract talent

Damien Ulrich, a gold medalist in building services engineering (EFZ) at SwissSkills 2019; Jael Schlatter, a carpenter and participant in SwissSkills 2020; and Dario Meyer, a forward for EHC Kloten, discussed how talent can lead to top performance.

From their different perspectives, the three speakers made it clear that talent alone is not enough. What matters most are passion, precision, discipline, perseverance, and an environment that supports young people and entrusts them with responsibility. It's all about having a positive attitude and taking a chance. Or, as Dario Meyer put it: “A mistake is proof that you tried.”

Architecture creates identity

With Sören Grünert, a partner at BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, the focus turned to a major international construction project: the new Dock A at Zurich Airport. Under the title “Social Infrastructure – From Idea to Identity,” he demonstrated how architecture can go beyond its immediate function to create identity, enhance the quality of life, and generate social value.

The new Dock A is set to set new standards for both the aviation and construction industries. The project combines international appeal with Swiss building traditions and serves as a prime example of the interplay between architecture, place branding, and place making. The wooden structures of Dock A, projected onto the massive LED wall, amazed the audience. For Grünert, it is a privilege to bring New Zurich’s modern gateway to the world to life.

Performance Culture, Leadership, and Values

Anders Indset provided the closing remarks. The Norwegian-born business philosopher, deep-tech investor, and former elite athlete shed light on the demands of leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, exponential change, and dwindling certainties in a presentation titled “The Viking Code—Toward a Performance Culture Rooted in Values.”

His key message: Excellence and sustainable success require not only a commitment to performance, but also clear values, a long-term perspective, and the ability to proactively anticipate future developments. Possibilism bases its goals on existing possibilities.

JODOK CELLO provided a special musical highlight. The Swiss cellist and content creator has captivated millions of people around the world with his blend of classical music and digital communication. The ImmoSummit was hosted by Monika Schärer.

Platform for exchange and collaboration

With 770 registered attendees, the 12th ImmoSummit underscored its importance as a key platform for Switzerland’s construction, real estate, and business location sectors. The event combined professional guidance with personal interaction and concrete ideas for the further development of companies, projects, and regions.

Group photo: (c) FRZ / André Maurer