Interesting details and facts from the world of economics and football brought together on one stage. On Monday, 11 May 2026, the Handelszeitung Business & Football Summit presented by Lugano Region returns to the Arena Cinemas Sihlcity in Zurich for its second edition after last year's debut with the BILANZ Business & Football Summit.
The initiative is aimed at entrepreneurs and executives interested in linking economic issues with specific dynamics in the world of football. The event format includes two keynote presentations from the business sector and a conversation dedicated to football, followed by a lavish reception: an ideal setting not only for exploring current issues, but also for cultivating relationships with customers, business partners and employees.
Prominent guests from the worlds of business and sport
The second edition, entitled 'Mental Strength and Resilience in Business and Football', once again features a line-up of top-level speakers. Among the most eagerly awaited guests at the event is Oliver Kahn, former German national team goalkeeper, three-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper and now an entrepreneur. The international football legend will share his experience on how to deal with performance pressure and manage setbacks, both on and off the pitch.
Before his speech, Philipp Riederle, digital expert and bestselling author, who as a teenager advised members of the boards of DAX companies on the topic of Generation Y and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Oxford Internet Institute, will take to the stage. His keynote speech will focus on strategies companies can use to prepare for the future by leveraging the skills and potential of Generation Alpha.
The programme will be rounded off by Thomas Baschab, one of the most successful management coaches in the German-speaking world and mental coach to numerous professional footballers and world-class winter sports athletes. Through examples and practical exercises, he will show the audience the mental potential that everyone can develop to successfully face challenges and moments of pressure.
The evening's programme
The event will kick off at 5:30 pm with the opening of the doors and a welcome drink, followed by the official welcome at 6:30 pm. At 6:45 p.m., Philipp Riederle will give the keynote speech, followed by Thomas Baschab at 7:30 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., it will be time for the talk with Oliver Kahn, before the Apéro Riche at 8:45 p.m., which will offer guests the opportunity to continue the discussion in an informal setting. The event is scheduled to end at 10:00 p.m.
Event summary:
Date: Monday, 11 May 2026
Venue: Arena Cinemas Sihlcity, Kalanderplatz 8, 8045 Zurich
Event programme:
5:30 p.m.: Doors open, welcome drinks
6:30 p.m.: Official welcome
6:45 p.m.: Keynote speech by Philipp Riederle | Resilient into the future: strengthening businesses in the age of Generation Alpha and in a world of digital dependencies
7:30 p.m.: Keynote speech by Thomas Baschab | Mental strength: unleashing your potential through the power of thought
8:15 p.m.: Talk with Oliver Kahn | The 'Titan' mindset: peak performance under maximum pressure
8:45 p.m.: Apéro Riche
10:00 p.m.: Closing of the event