Where the global MICE world comes together: Palexpo confirms its success story
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
2025 was a pivotal year for Palexpo: After the years of the COVID pandemic, the exhibition center is returning to stability, its program is shining in new splendor, significant structural improvements have been made, and ambitions for the future of events have been strengthened.
by Palexpo || June 17, 2026
Palexpo confirms its successful trajectory with 99 events of regional and international significance, 705,777 visitors, and an economic impact of CHF 294 million. In a highly competitive European environment, these results reflect the stability of the business model, the appeal of the events, and Palexpo's ability to create added value for the region.
https://www.palexpo.ch/?
With its international appeal, the transformation of the on-site trade fair experience and concrete commitments to sustainability, the company confirms its role as the leading platform for Geneva and its international importance.
Historical fairs, international congresses, and joint events demonstrate Palexpo's ability to combine tradition, innovation, and format development. The Arena contributed to this positive development with 86 performances.
Increased sustainability commitments
In the area of Quality, Safety and Environment (QRSE), Palexpo has further expanded the progress already achieved. Strengthening corporate governance through the engagement of an external consultant, the first-ever CO₂ accounting for the book fair, and obtaining ISO 9001 certification demonstrate a clear commitment: to sustainably integrate development into a logic of quality, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
Key moments that will lead Palexpo into the future
The year was marked by several highlights, including the successful launch of autoXpérience, the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions, hosting the AI for Good & WSIS+20 World Summit, and progress on the future pavilion project , which will significantly improve the site's infrastructure. The introduction of Palexpo's new visual identity supported this dynamic transformation, and the banquet catering service distinguished itself at several major events with its expertise, combining creativity and logistical perfection.
-------- Short interview with François Longchamp, President Palexpo and Claude Membrez, Director General Palexpo --------
Turning point and investments: "Consolidating Palexpo's position in Europe"
Image: François Longchamp
How do you assess the year 2025 for Palexpo in terms of economic development, international attractiveness and the changing role of the site in the Geneva ecosystem?
François Longchamp and Claude Membrer: The year 2025 marks a turning point for Palexpo – the first profitable year since the COVID crisis. This return to profitability proves the strength of our business model, the correctness of our strategic direction, and the confidence of our partners in a highly competitive environment that has become very dynamic again across Europe.
Beyond its economic success, 2025 demonstrates the vitality of our program, which includes significant historical trade fairs, international congresses, and attractive public events. The success of the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, as well as the particularly successful launch of autoXpérience – a conscious return to our core values – prove our ability to combine tradition, innovation, and format development.
Image: Claude Membrez
Palexpo has undergone several structural changes in recent years. What were the most important innovations in 2025, and how do they change the experience for exhibitors and visitors?
Claude Membrez: Achieving ISO 9001 certification is a significant milestone and confirms the sustainability of the fundamental changes in our organization and processes. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement. In parallel, we have further developed our data-driven technology activities to deepen our understanding of visitors, optimize support for exhibitors, and enhance the overall experience at our events. The introduction of the new Automnales format – structured around the themes of Food Festival, Market, and Emotions – underscores this ambition to evolve our events into more immersive and segmented experiences that increasingly meet today's expectations.
François Longchamp: These developments are accompanied by concrete investments in our infrastructure and services. Providing permanent offices next to Hall 2 for event organizers strengthens their on-site presence and optimizes event preparation. Furthermore, the redesign of Palexpo's visual identity, which is now more modern and appealing, reflects our commitment to projecting an image that reflects ongoing change.
In light of ecological, social and economic challenges, how does Palexpo specifically integrate sustainability into its development model?
Claude Membrez: Sustainability is part of a comprehensive approach that integrates operational performance, environmental responsibility, and social impact. The aforementioned ISO 9001 certification supports this dynamic by structuring more efficient, measurable processes focused on continuous improvement. We continue our efforts in energy optimization, material flow management, and resource recovery, and support event organizers in adopting increasingly responsible event practices.
In this context, the completion of the first CO₂ balance sheet for the book fair organized by Palexpo in 2025 is an important milestone: it enables us to precisely measure our impact, identify potential for improvement and put our events on a concrete and controlled reduction path.
What are your strategic priorities for the coming years, and what role does Palexpo want to play in the events industry of tomorrow?
François Longchamp: Our focus is on the future. Now that the financing for the future pavilion is secured, we are taking a decisive step in developing our infrastructure. This new facility will strengthen our international competitiveness and our ability to host major events under optimal conditions.
Claude Membrez: In parallel, we are further developing our formats and investing in innovation, data, and event technologies. Our goal is clear: We want to offer our partners and audiences increasingly higher-quality and more immersive experiences. Hosting the AI for Good Global Summit in July, together with the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) high-level WSIS+20 conference, illustrates this approach. For five days, Palexpo established itself as one of the world's leading venues for dialogue on artificial intelligence. The site's renewal, scheduled for 2026, confirms the quality of our facilities and our ability to support the international platforms that are shaping the future of events.
François Longchamp: We intend to consolidate Palexpo's position as the leading event platform in Europe, which is both rooted in its region and connected to the major changes in its industry.
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