Palexpo – for professionals only

Business and Exhibitions magazine № 2 (62) 2013

Many people associate Geneva first and foremost with the world’s largest and most reputable organizations. But for those whose passion is cars – automobile manufacturers and motor fans – Geneva is the venue for the International Geneva Motor Show, one of the oldest and most prestigious motor shows in the world.

It is to this motor show that Geneva owes its fame as one of the world’s exhibition business capitals. First held in 1905, it is famous for the fact that almost all brands of automobile cars ever designed or manufactured, starting from the steam-engine vehicles of the early XX century, have been displayed at the show.

An exhibition centre was especially erected for the III International Geneva Motor Show 1926, becoming regular venue for the event up to WWII. The International Geneva Motor Show was the first exhibition to resume its work in the postwar 1947.

In 1950-s other exhibitions commenced at the centre, such as The Ideal Home Exhibition, The Commercial Vehicle Show, The Boat Show, The Inventions Exhibition. Extending the range and diversity of the events was a powerful incentive to renovate facilities and develop infrastructure. In 1978 construction of Palexpo, the modern exhibition centre began. Palexpo was inaugurated in December 1981; thereafter it was extended three times: January 1987 – Pavilion #5, February 1995 – Pavilion #7, February 2003 – Pavilion #6. Over the years the centre’s total indoor exhibition space has grown by almost 50% – from the initial 58 000 to 108 000 square metres. It comprises 7 pavilions and 14 conference halls as well as 21 000 square metres of open-air exhibition space.

A permanent car park for 2 700 cars is located in the pavilions« vicinity. During fixed event periods the centre’s parking lots can swell to 10 000 car spaces, encompassing neighbouring multi-story and underground parking garages. For visitors» and participants« comfort and convenience Palexpo features 6 restaurants and 5 bars.

As far as space is concerned, Palexpo occupies the 40th position on the list of international exhibition centres, giving way only to such giants as Fiera Milano (345 000 square metres), Messe Frankfurt (322 000 square metres), Koelnmesse (284 000 square metres). However, due to the International Geneva Motor Show Palexpo is recognized worldwide as the venue for most prestigious cars parade.

The exhibition centre is managed by Palexpo SA, a company that organizes, conducts and develops its own and guest exhibitions, conferences, and conventions, making a considerable contribution to science, culture, sport, and charity promotion and popularization. Palexpo SA also holds a number of exhibitions off the centre’s premises. The company’s staff is over 140 pers. Although Palexpo SA is a majority shareholder of the exhibition centre, according to Swiss legislation the controlling packet of shares belongs to the government. The company has an environment committee, supervising the observance of all environmental regulations at all works, conducted at the centre. Vigourous effort is made to implement sustainable systems, such as separate waste utilization and recycling, partial use of solar energy, economical water usage.

One of Palexpo’s strong points is its neat location, neighbouring Geneva International Airport, whence you can reach it in a few minutes by taxi, bus or express train. A trip downtown from the airport will take you just 10 minutes. A railway station is also available on the centre’s premises.

Each year Palexpo accommodates around 40 world-class events, drawing over 6 000 companies from the four corners of the Earth. Total attendance varies from 1 to 1.5 million pers.
However, the International Geneva Motor Show (Salon International de l’Automobile) remains Palexpo’s gem, its most renowned exhibition, to which the centre owes its present appearance. In fact, exotic supercars often acquire worldwide recognition only after a successful debut in Geneva. Concept cars of the future, latest equipment, trail-blazing technologies, biggest international deals announcements – all that is purposefully brought to Geneva. For all leading car manufacturers to participate in the International Geneva Motor Show is an absolute must. All luxury brands have a regular stand at the exhibition: AMG, Aston Martin, Bentley Motors, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porshe, Rolls-Royce.
Another reason for their eagerness to do business in Geneva is the fact that here everyone is equal – for Switzerland does not have an automobile industry of its own.

March 2013 saw the LXXXIII International Geneva Motor Show.

Apart from the motor show Palexpo holds other noteworthy events. Exhibition for holidays, travel and leisure, almost 20 years old now, is one of them. Here you can see presentations of the most popular resorts, travel agencies, hotel chains, cruise and ferry companies.

There is no doubt that this exhibition is attended by the industry’s professionals from all parts of the world.

The title of the International Fine Watchmaking Exhibition speaks for itself. Switzerland is historically famous for its watchmakers and their chefs d’oeuvre, therefore this project is the world’s largest professional fair, dedicated to premium watch-making. This event is aimed exclusively at experts in the field, available only via prior registration.

Sporting events are also an important item on Palexpo’s list. A number of extreme sports festivals are held here, the gem of them being the Freestyle SuperCross Show. International equestrian shows, being venues for the World Cup heats, are also organized at Palexpo. The centre’s arena is considered to be the largest riding hall for Horse Show Jumping Competition. The Swiss national loan tennis team plays at Palexpo during the Davis Cup championship. The fans' favourites – Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka make the specially erected stands crack with jubilating multitudes.

Palexpo Exhibition Centre is dramatically smaller in size as compared to other European centres, but thanks to its unparalleled advantages and glorious past it holds an important niche on the continent’s exhibition market.
 

Alexey Shaburov,
President of the Sokolniki Museum and Educational Centre

Source: Business and Exhibitions magazine № 2 (62) 2013