At first chaotic, then pretty much perfect
The final weeks leading up to our summer festival were filled with lists, last-minute clarifications, technical checks, and the occasional slightly elevated heart rate among the organizing committee. The closer August 27 got, the greater the anticipation—and perhaps just a tiny bit of nervousness as well. Things got off to an early start on Thursday morning. Tables were set up, decorations were put in place, bars were set up, the technology was tested, and the video equipment was prepared for recording our Expert Talk. Many helping hands pitched in. By 4:00 p.m., when the first guests arrived, however, there was no trace left of the morning’s hustle and bustle. Everything was in place, everything was working, and the summer party could begin.
Pick up your name badge, grab a drink, and let the summer party begin
Little by little, our headquarters in Wil filled up. At the reception desk, guests received their personalized name badges, and just a few meters further on, they faced the first important decision of the evening: with or without alcohol? Both options were, of course, available. With perfect summer weather, the first diverse groups of people began forming even during the cocktail hour. Customers, partners, friends, and #proudOnliners came together, chatted, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
Marco Denzler later made it clear in his welcome remarks that this community holds a special place in our hearts. Some of our customers and partners have been with us for decades, while others have joined us only recently. That made it all the more wonderful to be able to welcome so many of them in person that evening.
Two bars, lots of conversations, and a pretty good beer tasting
There was plenty to drink as well. At the first bar, non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of drinks awaited our guests. At the second bar, the Sohnemann Brewery provided some variety with its beer tasting. Guests were able to sample and compare various beers from the brewery’s own production and, of course, discuss them at length. After all, even a beer tasting requires a solid basis for making decisions.
But the most important part took place between the bars, at the bar tables, and all over the grounds. New connections were made, old acquaintances were rekindled, and a quick “hello” often turned into a longer conversation. That’s exactly how a summer party should feel.
At 5:00 p.m., Summerdays suddenly became AI Waves
At exactly 5:00 p.m., the focus shifted from the cocktail reception to the festival tent. Marco Denzler opened the official portion of the event and led into a question that goes far beyond individual AI use cases: How does AI strengthen Switzerland’s capacity for innovation, and what is needed to turn technological fascination into real economic impact?
The starting point here is fascinating. Our AI Readiness Check, which surveyed over 500 companies, paints a clear picture. 98 percent consider AI important for their business; at the same time, 84 percent rate their employees’ level of training in AI as insufficient, and 81 percent do not yet have a prioritized list of processes with AI potential. The “why” seems clear in many cases, but the “where” and “how” are significantly more challenging.
Four Perspectives, One Key Question
The subsequent expert panel deliberately brought together a variety of perspectives. Dr. Alexander Fust from the KMU-HSG at the University of St. Gallen shared his insights on SMEs, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Dr. Karl Neumüller from OST University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland combined strategic management, business model innovation, and industrial practice. Marc Holitscher, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Switzerland, provided context on technological developments, scaling, and governance. Balz Zürrer, Group CEO and founder of the Online Group, moderated the discussion.
The format was deliberately designed not to be a marathon of presentations. No slides, no company presentations—instead, a 45-minute discussion featuring concrete examples, differing opinions, and the clear goal of giving guests two or three ideas they could actually put into practice the following Monday.
From AI Pilot Projects to Real Transformation
In terms of content, we quickly got down to the heart of the matter. Where is AI already having a real economic impact today? What sets companies that are successfully scaling AI apart from those that are still stuck in pilot mode? How are AI agents changing processes, business models, and the role of employees? And what kind of talent will companies even need in the future if AI can take on increasingly complex tasks?
Of course, we also had to look ahead. Discussions focused on how companies could operate with AI agents, what impact this would have on people and organizations, and what Switzerland needs to do to ensure that AI not only makes the country more efficient but also more innovative and competitive in the long term. The discussion centered on topics such as infrastructure, governance, skills, leadership, adoption, and business model innovation.
The composition of the audience was a perfect fit. From Swiss SMEs to industrial companies and the public sector to educational institutions, a wide variety of industries and perspectives were represented. This is precisely what ensured that the discussion didn’t turn into a theoretical conversation about the future, but rather an exchange on issues that companies are concretely grappling with today.
Want more from the Expert Talk? Then stay tuned
If you missed the panel discussion or would like to hear certain points again, stay tuned. The entire Expert Talk was recorded and will be released in mid-September as a new episode of our podcast “shift, Das Signal im Rauschen.”
The event focuses precisely on the topics that were also central to our summer festival: finding one’s bearings in the age of AI, digitalization, and transformation; conversations with leaders who are actively shaping change; and candid insights with concrete, practical lessons learned.
After some food for thought came the aroma of the barbecue
After so much talk of the future, transformation, and AI, it was time for the summer party to take center stage again. At the barbecue buffet provided by Metzgerei Näf from Mosnang, guests were treated to a variety of grilled dishes and salads. Plates were filled, and so were the conversation circles.
What followed was exactly the mix we’d hoped for that evening. No stiff networking event, no schedule packed minute by minute—just good conversations, lots of laughter, spontaneous encounters, and an atmosphere that made you want to stick around a little longer. Or much longer.
Probably the most frequently asked question of the evening: Where’s Günti?
One question came up surprisingly often that evening: “Where’s Günti?”
Thomas “Günti” Güntensperger was apparently about as sought-after as the next cold drink. A real character, you might say. Anyone looking for him would usually find him wherever people were being brought together to talk. A quick introduction here, a connection between two guests there—and before long, the conversations were continuing without him.
Actually, this little anecdote sums up our summer party pretty well. It’s not about exchanging as many business cards as possible. It’s about bringing people together, discovering common ground, and fostering connections that might lead to something new down the road.
The last guests left late—that’s exactly how it should be
At some point it got dark, at some point it got late, and eventually even the last guests left our summer party. That’s exactly how it should be.
“Summerdays & AI Waves, Edition 2026” was an evening filled with exciting ideas, wonderful people, excellent food, a beer or two, and—above all—lots of great conversations. An evening that showed how the technological future and personal connections go together perfectly.
Or, in short: AI Waves on stage, Summerdays before and after, and plenty of #OnlineVibe right in the middle of it all.
Thank you to all our clients, partners, friends, speakers, and #proudOnliners who spent the evening with us and made it what it was.
See you at the 2027 summer festival.
And if anyone’s looking for Günti, we have a hunch where he might be.
