
Marc Blindenbacher
Co-Founder
•
Oniva
Helpful information for event managers.
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Nicolai Squarra is a partner at JED Events and has long been a well-known figure in the events industry. With a background in catering and venue hire, he understands the needs of event planners first-hand. In our interview, he shares what really matters when it comes to finding the perfect venue – and what trends are currently shaping the industry from his perspective.
How did your journey from the catering industry to becoming a partner in an event venue unfold?
At some point, I realised: it’s not enough for the food on the plate to look good – the surroundings need to make an impression too. Great food tastes even better in the right atmosphere. That’s when the idea was born to not just be a caterer, but to become a host on a larger scale. JED Events was founded in the middle of the pandemic, which felt a bit like opening a restaurant on a sinking ship. But hey – the ship is still afloat. Today, I’m a co-founder, host, and sometimes also venue manager, technician, psychologist, and dream fulfiller all in one.
What makes a truly exceptional event venue in your eyes?
It’s like a first date: either there’s a spark – or there isn’t. An exceptional venue has character, a story, and the courage to be different. And yes – it makes things as easy as possible for event planners. Spaces that are flexible. Teams that don’t hide behind policies but come forward with ideas. And a setting that stays in people’s memories. At JED, for instance, printing presses used to run here – today we print emotions. Sounds cheesy? Maybe, but it’s true.
What advantages does your venue JED offer for events?
Three words: character, flexibility, humanity. Our spaces range from impressive industrial halls to charming vaulted cellars. Everything is modular, everything can be combined – and all of it comes with a team that sees “that’s not possible” as a sporting challenge rather than a final answer. Plus: we’re not a soulless corporate subsidiary, but an owner-run venue with heart. Our clients notice that – and that’s what makes the difference between “okay” and “wow”.
According to a survey by Oniva, finding the right venue is one of the biggest challenges in event planning. What’s your advice for making the search easier?
Stop asking Google – and start having real conversations. A good venue team listens, asks the right questions, and thinks along with you. Tools like Eventlokale are a blessing because they simplify the search process digitally. But: no technology replaces gut feeling. In the end, it’s all about human connection. If, during a site visit, an event planner thinks: “These are the people I want to do this with” – that’s usually the right decision.
What should event organisers pay attention to when choosing a venue?
And one bonus tip: check the toilets. If they’re well looked after, chances are everything else is too. (Not joking.)
What trends are you currently seeing in demand for venues?
Events are becoming more emotional again. Less PowerPoint karaoke, more real experiences. People are looking for something special – whether that’s a venue with a story, multisensory experiences, or new formats like silent conferences, walking dinners, or interactive set-ups. Sustainability is more than a buzzword now. And: hybrid events are here to stay – but ideally with a human touch.
What challenges do you see in the venue hire market?
First: pricing pressure. Many organisers have tight budgets but high expectations. Second: comparability. These days, an event hall is often directly compared with a seminar room in a hotel – which is like comparing a classic car with an electric scooter. Both will get you from A to B – but in completely different ways.
How important is sustainability when it comes to choosing and running a venue?
It’s essential. We work with regional partners, have revamped our energy supply, avoid single-use materials and opt for reusable or recyclable alternatives wherever possible. But for me, sustainability also means nurturing long-term relationships with clients and partners. Fewer forgettable events, more meaningful shared experiences. And yes – even the Cervelat can be organic.
How does your daily work involve event tech like Oniva?
Oniva is like a great sidekick – when used smartly, it really shines. While we still rely heavily on direct consultation, tools like Oniva help streamline processes – from booking management to participant communication. If technology supports people (and doesn’t stress them out), I’m all in.
What has been your personal event highlight so far in your career?
Without a doubt: our pop-up restaurant “Only Temporary” at JED. Back then, the old NZZ printing plant was still empty, and we had the crazy idea to turn it into a temporary restaurant for two months. With chandeliers, moody lighting, and a colourful five-course menu inspired by the traditional printing colours – from cyan to magenta. It was more than just a culinary experience; it was a statement: something new is happening here. “Only Temporary” was the launchpad for JED Events and showed the immense potential of this place.
The 2m2c - Montreux Music and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose exhibition center on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, the location offers space for up to 1,500 participants for congresses. Even after the ongoing renovation until 2025, the location will remain known for its unique atmosphere and views.
With five spacious halls and 25 conference rooms, the Congress Center in Basel offers many possibilities for a wide variety of events. In addition to its central location in Basel's city center, the congress location has the advantage of being directly connected to the exhibition grounds, making it the largest congress center in Switzerland in terms of space.
The Convention Center (Kongresshaus) Zurich describes itself as the newest congress center of its kind in Switzerland. It is located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich and, thanks to its flexible room layout, offers options for a wide variety of event types and parallel break-out sessions for up to 4,500 participants. A breathtaking panorama on the terrace offers ideal conditions for relaxing breaks.
The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and offers space for conventions with up to 2,815 participants. Numerous break-out rooms offer the opportunity for parallel sessions. The concert hall is known worldwide for its outstanding acoustics and is therefore ideal for a musical show to round off a conference.
"The Hall" in Zurich Stettbach offers around 2,000 square meters of space for congresses and conferences with up to 3,051 seats. The adjoining room can accommodate up to 500 guests for break-out sessions. "The Hall" is located right next to Stettbach railroad station and can therefore be reached from Zurich in a short time.
ACO Hospitality in Büdelsdorf features the ACO Academy, a modern conference centre with eleven high-quality rooms, ideal for congresses and specialist seminars. The adjacent exhibition hall, covering 2,900 m², enables the hosting of large-scale events such as trade fairs and exhibitions. Its open architecture, featuring large glass surfaces, creates a comfortable atmosphere for up to 2,000 attendees, supported by top-tier audio and video technology.
Arena Berlin is a versatile event venue in the Alt-Treptow district of Berlin, perfectly suited for congresses. The listed site comprises six indoor and outdoor locations, including the impressive 6,500 m² Arena Hall, which can accommodate up to 9,000 people with its free-span roof structure. Thanks to its flexible space design and modern infrastructure, Arena Berlin offers optimal conditions for congresses, trade fairs, and conferences.
The CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf is a state-of-the-art convention centre with a total capacity of up to 7,500 people and 41 modular rooms that can be combined as needed. Its central location in Düsseldorf, just 3 km from the airport, and excellent transport links make it an ideal venue for national and international congresses.
The CCH – Congress Center Hamburg is one of Europe's most modern and largest congress centres, offering flexible spaces for events with up to 12,000 participants. With top-class event technology, sustainable design, and a central location in Hamburg, the CCH provides optimal conditions for international congresses and conferences. Its excellent transport connections, extensive service offerings, and proximity to hotels and cultural attractions make it a premier choice for organisers.
The CCP CongressCentrum Pforzheim offers flexible spaces for congresses, conferences, and events with up to 2,000 attendees, centrally located between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. With modern event technology, adaptable room concepts, and first-class service, it provides ideal conditions for professional congresses. Its direct connection to hotels and picturesque location on the banks of the Enz River make the CCP an attractive venue in Baden-Württemberg.
The Congress Center Essen offers three congress centres with a total of 28 adaptable spaces, including ten halls and thirteen conference rooms, providing flexible solutions for congresses and conferences of various sizes. Its direct connection to the Grugahalle and exhibition halls allows events for several thousand guests. Each year, around 800 events with a total of 80,000 attendees are held here, demonstrating the centre's versatility and capacity.
The Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) is a premier congress venue, distinguished by its modern architecture, flexible room concepts, and direct connection to the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. With facilities for events of all sizes, high-quality event technology, and a comprehensive service offering, the CCL provides ideal conditions for national and international congresses. Its excellent accessibility and strong ties to science, business, and culture make it a key conference destination in Germany.
The HCC Hannover Congress Centrum is a historic yet modern congress venue with versatile space options for events of all sizes. With state-of-the-art event technology, a sustainable infrastructure, and excellent transport links, it provides ideal conditions for national and international congresses. The combination of historic charm and contemporary facilities makes the HCC a unique event venue in the heart of Hannover.
HALLE MESSE in Halle (Saale) is a versatile event centre, ideal for congresses. With flexible halls and conference rooms that can be individually arranged with seating, stages, and screens, it offers tailor-made solutions for events. Thanks to its modern infrastructure and central location, HALLE MESSE is an attractive venue for successful congresses and conferences.
The ICM – International Congress Center Messe München is a cutting-edge congress venue, distinguished by flexible room concepts, first-class technology, and a capacity for up to 6,000 participants. Directly connected to the Munich Exhibition Centre, it provides ideal conditions for international congresses, conferences, and corporate events. With sustainable infrastructure, top-tier service, and state-of-the-art event technology, the ICM sets new standards in professional event organisation.
The BALLHAUSFORUM at INFINITY Munich is one of the largest event spaces in the Munich area, featuring a 1,340 m² auditorium under an impressive glass dome, providing ideal conditions for congresses and conferences. It offers flexible room configurations for up to 1,400 seated guests in theatre-style seating or up to 2,750 people with 360° tiered seating. The adjoining hotel offers 40 additional event rooms and 439 guest rooms, ensuring seamless integration of accommodation and events.
The Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle in Stuttgart combines listed architecture with a modernised conference area, providing an ideal setting for congresses. With 14 flexible meeting rooms and 5 halls accommodating up to 2,100 people, it enables a wide range of events. Its central location in Stuttgart’s city centre, direct hotel connections, and proximity to the Bosch-Areal with shops, restaurants, and bars offer attendees convenience and a variety of leisure options.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt, ideal for congresses. With three halls offering a covered exhibition space of 9,000 m² and an adjoining conference centre, it allows for flexible event planning for up to 2,314 people in theatre seating. Thanks to its high-end technical equipment and versatile room layouts, Messe Magdeburg provides optimal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt that is ideal for congresses. With three halls, which together offer a covered exhibition area of 9,000 m², and an adjoining conference centre, it enables the flexible organisation of events for up to 2,314 people seated in rows. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technical equipment and variable room concepts, Messe Magdeburg offers ideal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
The Congress Centrum Bremen offers flexible spaces for congresses and conferences of various sizes, with five halls, seven salons, four breakout rooms, and two foyers. Its postmodern architecture and playful details create an inviting atmosphere for professional exchanges. Thanks to its central location in Bremen and direct connection to the Maritim Hotel Bremen, organisers and participants benefit from short distances and a convenient infrastructure.
The Musik- und Kongresshalle Lübeck (MUK) is a multifunctional event venue offering 15 rooms for 10 to 3,500 people, providing diverse options for congresses, conferences, and exhibitions. Its flexible room layout allows for tailored solutions for different event formats. With a total space of 4,000 m² and a capacity of up to 2,000 people, MUK is an ideal location for a variety of events.
The Rheingoldhalle in Mainz is a modern conference centre with a total of 9,000 m² of flexible event space and over 20 meeting rooms, some of which are flooded with natural light and offer views of the Rhine. The largest room, the Kongress-Saal, has a floor area of 1,744 m² and can accommodate up to 2,144 people depending on the seating arrangement. Following its renovation, completed in 2021, the Rheingoldhalle features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable amenities, and flexible room configurations, making it ideal for congresses and conferences.
The RuhrCongress Bochum is a modern event venue in the heart of the Ruhr region, making it an excellent choice for congresses. With its flexible, state-of-the-art spaces, it provides the perfect setting for events of all types and sizes, from business and science to trade fairs. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, cutting-edge event technology, and well-planned logistics, your vision can be brought to life professionally.
The Schwabenlandhalle in Fellbach, near Stuttgart, is a versatile cultural, congress, and conference centre, ideal for congresses. With a total of nine bright and fully equipped rooms, it offers flexible event spaces for gatherings of all sizes. The largest hall, the Hölderlin Hall, has a floor area of over 1,100 m² and can seat up to 1,400 people in theatre-style seating, making it particularly suitable for large congresses and conferences.
The Tempodrom in Berlin is a multifunctional event venue with impressive architecture, perfect for congresses. Its main space, the Grand Arena, accommodates up to 4,200 guests and features flexible room elements that create adaptable spaces for different event formats, including conferences and congresses. With its central location near Potsdamer Platz and its modern facilities, the Tempodrom offers excellent conditions for successful congresses and events.
The Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin is a state-of-the-art event hall, ideal for congresses and corporate events. With a standing capacity of up to 4,350 and seating for around 2,250 guests, it offers flexible space solutions for various event formats. The hall features excellent acoustics, optimal sightlines, and cutting-edge event technology, making it a versatile venue for conferences, product presentations, and corporate celebrations.
The myticket Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s largest private cultural initiatives and offers a variety of congress and conference spaces, including its impressive dome hall and several conference rooms. The dome hall spans 4,800 m² and can accommodate up to 3,000 people, making it ideal for large congresses. Additionally, the venue offers modern technology and flexible space concepts that can be tailored to different event requirements.
Learn more about the possibilities of the event management tool Oniva for your organisation.
Discover exciting articles about creating unforgettable events.