You’d think bringing printers, newspaper publishers and media together for a day in Switzerland would cement a conclusion, but last night, things were, well… up in the air.

Mailroom systems developer Ferag has a reputation for spectacular customer events. But a joyride in a trio of 1930s transport planes was both a highlight and a surprise.

After the launch of its new high-performance conveying and stacking systems, guests from 19 of the 23 countries in which the country is active enjoyed hospitality at a farm-themed tourist attraction… and taken to the nearby airforce centre for ’entertainment’ and dinner.

I joined a couple of dozen others in a 1939 Junkers JU52 – emblazoned with the message ‘the luggage with grooves’ in recognition of its corrugated cladding – on a trip which will be hard to forget.

The three vintage aircraft flew the Ferag party in close formation, swooping and turning amid the snow-covered and rocky landscape in the heart of a spectactular sunset, keeping guests busy with cameras and smartphones. Time to be grateful for the ‘Dutch courage’ – a fine pinot gris – at the Seegräben Jucker Farm, and that dinner was being served after, rather than before the flight.

All was accomplished with Ferag’s trademark precision, making the event – I had left the ANP conference in Penang at 7pm the previous evening – memorable as well as worthwhile.

Thanks go to chief executive Jurg Mockli, his opposite number at WRH Holdings Thomas Klumpp – who used to run Ferag’s Australian sales and service operation – Ferag Asia chief Stefan Herzhauser, Jurg’s PA Judith Huddlestone and the rest of the Ferag team for making it happen!

Peter Coleman