CTI Event Cancellation
FIRST has made the difficult decision to cancel the CTI Symposium in Zurich. The decision was made with the well-being of our community in mind as the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve. The decision was made considering recommendations from the Swiss government and local host. We have also noted a growing number of company-wide travel restrictions being put into place and significant speaker and attendee cancellations that would have a direct impact on the quality of the program.
All participants can expect a full refund. Credit card refunds will be issued by Friday and wire payment refunds can be expected within 10 business days. FIRST will explore options with our local host and speakers to reschedule for the Fall of 2020 however we lack the necessary information to decide at this time and will keep you updated as details become available.
Thank you for your understanding. A special thanks to our local host UBS and SWITCH, speakers and sponsors Digital Shadows, DomainTools, EclecticIQ and Swisscom.
Should you have any questions, please contact first-sec@first.org.
FIRST
About Zurich
The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The cosmopolitan city nestled along the water weds urban charm with stunning nature. Zurich is abuzz with activity night and day with countless events and festivals, diverse museums, numerous restaurants and the vibrant nightlife opportunities. With the Swiss Alps just an hour away, this city offers all the amenities of metropolis, without sacrificing its natural side.
Located in the heart of Europe, Zurich is Switzerland’s center for economic life and education. Zurich was already a prosperous center of commerce in the Early Middle Ages. With centuries of history and cultural diversity, Zurich remains a city flourished with discovery.
Attractions
Old Town
This Swiss marvel is one of the most atmospheric places to go in Zurich. In the heart of the city, visitors can marvel at the historic architecture, go shopping in Zurich’s famous Langstrasse or just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch the crowds pass by.
Uetilberg
Uetliberg is Zurich's very own "mountain", from where you have beautiful views of the city and lake – and perhaps even a glimpse of the Alps.
Lake Zürich and Bürkliplatz
The focal point of Zurich, and a favorite playground for tourists and locals is the long Lake Zurich. The entire shore is lined with promenades and parks, where local residents catch the sun, jog, picnic, and swim in the lake.
Kunsthaus Zürich (Museum of Fine Arts): One of Europe's top art museums, the Kunsthaus is run by the Zürich Society of Arts and traces its history back to a society of artists founded in 1787.
Bahnhofstrasse and the Bahnhof
Zurich's "Main Street" is the busy pedestrianized Bahnhofstrasse, stretching from the main train station (bahnhof) to the Bürkliplatz at the head of the lake. The 1,200-meter street is one of the most attractive shopping streets in Europe, enlivened by fountains, public art, trees, and distinguished buildings.
Fraumünster
The church is a three-aisled, pillared basilica with a Gothic nave built from the 13th to the 15th centuries, a Romanesque chancel, and an Early Gothic transept with high vaulting. In the undercroft, you can see remains of the crypt of the 9th-century abbey church.
Lindenhof
Between the Bahnhofstrasse and the left bank of the Limmat, the western half of Zurich's old town rises steeply to the quiet tree-shaded Lindenhof. This is where the Romans built their fortified settlement in the fourth century to defend against migrations from the North.
Grossmünster
Standing in an open terrace above the river, Zurich's principal church dominates the city skyline with its twin towers. Built between the 11th and the 13th centuries, it is a Romanesque three-aisled galleried basilica with a chancel over a crypt that dates from about 1100.
Travel to Zurich
Airport
Most major airlines fly to Zurich Airport (ZRH), the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland. From the airport, you can get a train to Hauptbahnhof, the central railway station of Zurich. The railway station is located at Level-2 of the airport shopping center. Many low-cost airlines may also fly to EuroAirport Basel, which is 1.5 hours away by train.
Road
There are a few long-distance coaches that to Zurich from other European cities. Most highways in Switzerland lead into Zurich, so driving is an easy option if you’re entering Zurich from another part of the country. It is recommended to get an international license in advance.
Train
The Swiss railway system is extremely efficient, and if you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you will most likely board a train to Hauptbahnhof (HB), the main railway station. The moment you exit the station, you reach Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city center. Hauptbahnhof is the world's busiest railway station with 2915 trains running every day!
Transportation Options
As with any large city, transport options around Zurich are abundant. Walking is possibly the best way to see the sites of the city. There are also plenty of places to rent bikes.
Metro
If you don’t want to take the buses and trams, you can always go to the nearest railway station and use the S-Bahn system to reach various suburbs by train.
Bus
Zurich is well connected by several bus routes, but the most popular mode of transport are the trams. They have the widest network and are a convenient way to get around the city.
Taxi: In Zurich there are several taxi companies for service. You can order cars by phone, walk up to a taxi stand, or hail one without much difficulty. In most taxis you pay a basic tax of approximately CHF 6 and additional CHF 3.80 for every kilometer driven.
If you are unsure of your visa requirements, please visit the official government website of Switzerland. Please ensure you take the appropriate measures prior to booking your travel arrangements. If you require a letter of invitation, please contact events@first.org at your earliest convenience AFTER you have submitted your registration.
