General Assembly of IAKS Switzerland 2026

ACO is a water technology company that develops solutions for the protection and sustainable use of water worldwide. Intelligent systems for collecting, channelling, purifying, storing and reusing water are created along the entire ACO WaterCycle. ACO Switzerland has been part of the internationally active ACO Group since 1972 and, with around 160 employees, is one of its development and production sites. Local solutions for the Swiss market are developed and produced in Netstal.

ACO SPORT® comprises drainage systems and components for sports, play and leisure facilities. They ensure rapid water drainage so that sports facilities can be used safely all year round.
 

The official part of the General Assembly focused in particular on the change in chairmanship. Roger Gut handed over the chairmanship to Roger Schmid, but will remain a member of the IAKS Switzerland Board until the 2027 General Assembly. This ensures the transfer of knowledge within the Board and guarantees continuity in the organisation’s work. The Swiss Section would like to thank Roger Gut for his great commitment as President and looks forward to the further development of the network under the leadership of Roger Schmid.

Carla Spielmann was also newly elected to the Board. With her experience and professional background, she will provide important impetus for the organisation’s work in the future.

Dr Stefan Kannewischer received a special honour. At the request of the Board, he was appointed an honorary member by the General Assembly to great applause. IAKS Switzerland thus honours his many years of extraordinary commitment to the industry and to IAKS.
Following the General Assembly, the participants were given an exciting insight into the world of ACO Switzerland during a tour of the company. Innovative products, sustainable solutions and current developments in modern drainage and water management systems were presented.

The concluding drinks reception provided an opportunity for conversation, networking and expert dialogue on current challenges and innovations in the construction of sports and leisure facilities. IAKS Switzerland would like to thank ACO AG for its hospitality and Board member Stephan Fässler for helping to organise this successful event.

Roger Schmid was elected President of IAKS Switzerland and accepted the election with great respect, humility and confidence. He works as a specialist in play, sports and exercise facilities at the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and has spent more than 10 years working on their sustainable, use-orientated and functional design. His professional focus is on movement infrastructure designed to be intuitive and forgiving of mistakes. He is also co-author of various BFU specialist publications on this topic. He has been a member of the Board of IAKS Switzerland for several years and knows the network inside out.

“One of my central concerns is to promote spaces that encourage people to be active, help shape sustainable and future-proof physical activity infrastructure, and further strengthen professional exchange within IAKS.”