CONAKO 2026: JCI Switzerland’s National Conference
Looking for an international JCI adventure this autumn? CONAKO 2026 – the national conference of JCI Switzerland (JCI Suisse / JCI Schweiz) – runs from 8 to 11 October 2026 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and ten members of JCI BWB (Bruxelles Wallonie Belgium) are already planning to attend. For Belgian Jaycees who love discovering how other national organisations work, it is one of the most accessible international weekends on the 2026 calendar.
What Is CONAKO 2026?
CONAKO stands for “Congrès National” and “National Kongress” – the annual flagship gathering of Junior Chamber International Switzerland (JCIS). CONAKO 2026 is hosted by JCI Neuchâtel and JCI des Montagnes neuchâteloises at Les Anciens Abattoirs, Rue du Commerce 122, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, canton of Neuchâtel. Remarkably, it is the first edition staged on Neuchâtel soil since 1988.
Like every national conference Switzerland organises, the weekend combines the JCIS Annual General Assembly — gathering around 200 officials, including the National Committee and local Presidents and Vice-Presidents — with keynotes, conferences, trainings, competitions and a trade show. In total, between 700 and 1,000 entrepreneurs, young leaders and changemakers from across Switzerland and beyond are expected to take part.
When and where?
- Dates: Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 October 2026.
- Venue: Les Anciens Abattoirs, La Chaux-de-Fonds — part of a UNESCO World Heritage watchmaking town.
- Hosts: JCI Neuchâtel and JCI des Montagnes neuchâteloises.
Theme: “From Tradition to Innovation”
CONAKO 2026 carries the theme “De la tradition à l’innovation” (“From Tradition to Innovation”), linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 — industry, innovation and infrastructure. The host region pairs centuries of watchmaking heritage with micro-technology and start-up innovation, making it a fitting backdrop for entrepreneurs and active citizens alike.
Program highlights
Based on recent editions, the national conference Switzerland 2026 should follow a familiar, energising rhythm.
10 JCI BWB Members at CONAKO 2026
Ten members of JCI BWB (Belgium Wallonie Bruxelles) will travel to CONAKO 2026. This is not an official Belgian delegation — simply ten Jaycees attending in a personal capacity to experience a fellow national conference and build international friendships. For JCI Belgium members curious about international travel, it is a relaxed, lower-cost way to see how another national organisation runs its biggest event of the year.
Tickets and accommodation
Tickets are sold via Eventfrog (eventfrog.ch/conako26) and opened on 10 October 2025. Standard tickets are priced around CHF 300–349 plus booking fees, and the early-bird tier has already sold out. Partner hotels offer reduced rates with the code CONAKO26 — the Hôtel Fleur de Lys (10% off) and Hôtel Athmos in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the Hôtel Alpes & Lac in Neuchâtel.
Why CONAKO 2026 Matters for Belgian Jaycees
Attending CONAKO 2026 lets Belgian Jaycees benchmark training formats, meet Swiss entrepreneurs and strengthen cross-border ties. Whether you join the ten BWB members or simply follow along online, the national conference Switzerland 2026 is a vivid reminder of how international the JCI network truly is — and of how much CONAKO 2026 has to offer the next generation of young leaders.
