TRADE SHOWS À LA SUISSE

The majority of Swiss trade shows are national or regional. They cover the full range of business sectors, but due to their size they tend to be overshadowed by the major European trade shows. International visitors come mainly from France and Germany. When they visit trade shows abroad, inhabitants of French-speaking Switzerland prefer France, while their compatriots from German-speaking Switzerland prefer Germany.

Their preferred French and German exhibitions focus on similar sectors, such as the interior design or optical industries. Choosing which shows to attend can be difficult when dates are close together. The Swiss also like Italian fashion, interior design and lifestyle exhibitions.

MAJOR NATIONAL TRADE SHOWS:

• International Motor Show • Geneva • annual • 660,000 visitors • 93 exhibitors from 24 countries (2019)
• Baselworld • Basel • watches and jewellery • annual • 100,000 visitors • 650 exhibitors (2019)
• International luxury watchmaking (SIHH) • Geneva • annual • 23,000 visitors • 35 exhibitors (2019)
• Ebace • business aviation • Geneva • annual • 13,000 visitors • 420 exhibitors (2018)
• Vitafoods Europe • nutrition • annual • 22,000 visitors from 110 countries; 1,200 exhibitors (2019)
• Igeho • HORECA • Basel • biennial • 70,000 visitors, including 10% international • 770 exhibitors (2017