On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. hosted the 25th annual Soirée Suisse, bringing together guests to celebrate the enduring ties between Switzerland and the United States. Hosted by Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner and his wife, Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner, this year’s anniversary edition explored the people, ideas, and innovations that help build champions – on and off the field.

Under the theme “Building Champions Together: 25 Years of Soirée Suisse,” the Embassy invited guests to discover how Swiss creations and innovations contribute to athletic performance, while exploring cutting-edge sports technologies, science, health, and design. The evening also highlighted the cultural and human stories that shape champions both on and off the field.

Through 12 interactive activations organized around four themes – Fuel the Champion, Wear the Champion, Build the Champion, and Celebrate the Champion – guests discovered the many elements that contribute to sporting excellence. From Swiss nutrition and health to design, technology, innovation, and culture, the activations showcased how Swiss expertise supports athletes and champions at every stage of their journey.

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of the 2026 Embassy of Switzerland Gallatin Award to Swiss NBA player Clint Capela. The award recognized not only his accomplishments on the basketball court, but also his commitment to working with young players and his role in strengthening the ties between Switzerland and the United States through sport.

The 25th edition of Soirée Suisse brought together a diverse community of partners and contributors whose work helped bring the theme “Building Champions Together” to life. Participating startups, cultural institutions, artists, and performers each contributed to an evening that celebrated Swiss innovation, creativity, and the human spirit of excellence.

The success of Soirée Suisse 2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our 42 sponsors, whose commitment continues to make this annual celebration possible. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, with particular thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Mercuria, for its outstanding support.