A festival kick-off full of 90s vibes
Last summer, we celebrated a very special anniversary together with our customers, partners and employees: 30 years of Online Consulting AG.
The celebration started punctually at 4 pm with an aperitif and welcome. At the reception, guests picked up their name badges and were greeted with a welcome photo, which was placed directly on the photo wall under the motto “Smells like Team Spirit”. In keeping with our founding year of 1995, the look and feel of the 90s characterized the party, from drinks at the bar to delicious aperitifs. Many guests turned up in retro outfits, from Windows 95 shirts and tracksuits to iconic sandal and sock combinations.
Review, outlook and lots of humor
In the large marquee, Balz Zürrer opened the festivities with a look back at the beginnings of Online. He brought the past to life with amusing anecdotes, formative stories and photos from the early years. One highlight: the very first logo, which was not really modern even for the time, but still has its place in history.
Balz recalled how it all began in 1995 in a garage in Bronschhofen. From there, Online developed into an international group with locations in Switzerland, Poland and Germany. He summarized what has not changed in 30 years as follows: People make the difference. Relationships with customers, partners and employees are the key, rapid adoption and innovative strength are the basis.
The transition to our brand presentation today was the perfect stage for Marco Denzler, our CEO Switzerland. He introduced himself personally, humorously, approachably and with a lot of charm. Whether gaming classics such as lemmings, bratwurst with mustard or his role as a family man, Marco showed how much the 90s have shaped him. At the same time, he emphasized how important it is to look to the future and shape the next generation online with courage, innovation and humanity.
Panel discussion: AI Ready 2028
This was followed by an exciting panel discussion entitled “AI Ready 2028: How companies and Switzerland are laying the foundations for tomorrow today”.
Also present were:
- Balz Zürrer, Founder and Member of the Board of Directors Online Group
- Ralf Angermann, Head of AI Solutions and co-creator of the first federal AI Business Specialist certificate
- Fabienne Bouffé, AI Consultant with valuable practical insights
- Primo Amrein, AI National Skills Director, Microsoft Switzerland
Moderated by Marco Denzler, all speakers provided insights into their specialist areas, from strategies for employee empowerment and specific project examples to the relevance of skilling in the field of AI. Particularly impressive: a live survey of over 100 guests showed that 96% consider AI to be important for business, but at the same time 83% rate the level of training in dealing with AI as insufficient. A clear signal: technology alone is not enough, skills and strategy are needed to achieve a real business impact.
The fact that Primo Amrein used our stage to share his goal of making one million people in Switzerland AI-ready by 2027 was a great honor for us. And it makes us proud that we as the Online Group are actively working to close this gap.
The big surprise
The discussion was followed by a special moment: Michael Kammerer brought a cake in the new online branding with sparklers into the tent. While golden confetti floated through the air, the audience sang Happy Birthday together and the entire online team stood on the stage, an emotional highlight.
Pleasure, sun and 90s sound
For the culinary finale, our caterer conjured up delicacies from the mobile kitchen, from crispy tarte flambée and creamy risotto from the Parmesan loaf to hearty Angus burgers. Even the weather played along and gave us sunshine and blue skies.
DJ Flavah Nice provided the right atmosphere with the best beats from the 90s. We ended the evening together with the finest food, good drinks and an exuberant atmosphere.
To the next 30 years
100 guests, 70 #proudOnliners, 26 new customers this year and 30 years of bold decisions, technological change and reliable partnerships. Our summer party showed what Online has stood for since 1995: “Building digital solutions people love.”
We would like to thank everyone who has joined us on this journey and look forward to the next chapters, full of innovation, collaboration and impact.
