The largest trade show for the global watch and jewellery industry this year welcomed more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing an innovative selection of products.
This year Switzerland hosted the 37th Baselworld show, an eight-day exhibition conducted from April 12 to 19 that attracted more than 100,000 visitors and representatives from 45 countries. With an exhibition area of 160,000 square metres, Baselworld is the largest trade show for the international watch and jewellery industry.
"Exhibitors from all over the world showcase their latest products and collections at the highest level. Baselworld is a unique PR, networking and sales platform for members of the watch and jewellery sector. Decision-makers, key exhibitors, buyers and media representatives meet at Baselworld," says Doris Scholl, Media Relations, Baselworld 2008, MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) Ltd.
As the largest trade show held in Basel, this year's Baselworld welcomed more than 2,000 exhibitors, each showcasing their latest creations. Exhibitors such as Omega, Citizen, Seiko, Bells & Ross, Tissot and Porsche were among the elite brands that took part in the show.
Diellza Frankhauser, a watch collector from Holland, has been attending the Baselworld for the past eight years. "My grandfather had a remarkable collection of watches, which is what first attracted me to the intricate makings of exquisite pieces.
"Baselworld is a great place to find new and old designs. My favourite part of the exhibition is seeing new launches and comparing them with my grandfather's pieces. It's wonderful to see how they have developed and yet kept aspects of their heritage. Vacheron Constantin is one of my favourite watchmakers," says Frankhauser.
The event is for everyone, from industry experts, media representatives, avid watch collectors and connoisseurs to anyone who is simply interested in the latest industry trends.
Baselworld provides wide opportunities for networking and information exchange. Companies showcase their new range of products that help them secure advantageous business deals with people they would not normally have contact with.
Rachel Beckett, Marketing Manager of @pr UK, who represents H. Samuel The Jeweller, explains the importance of attending an event such as Baselworld: "It is a great opportunity to meet potential clients and to cement further relations with current ones. It's also a great way to check out the new competition on behalf of clients."
The importance of the event and the way in which it is organised plays a huge part in its overall success. The show also encourages international relations, with participating companies from Russia, Brazil and the Middle East.
"One of the main assets of Baselworld is that it offers an extremely wide range of products, performance and prices. The exhibition's clear structure is definitely a plus point. The event is more than just a trade show. It's a get together of the industry and the place to network," says Scholl.
"Baselworld 2007 counted 101,700 visitors from different countries, up by eight per cent from last year. About 2,109 exhibitors and 2,758 media representatives attended the event, indicating a nine per cent increase on last year."
Baselworld 2008 will take place between April 3 and 10 at the Exhibition Centre Basel.
