The watch and jewellery fair’s organiser, MCH Swiss Exhibition, stated in a company newsletter that exhibitor numbers would be reduced to between 600 and 700 – compared to this year’s 1300 – in order to “reposition” the show amidst tough market conditions.
“The watch and jewellery market is undergoing a period of profound change, first and foremost through the increasing consolidation of the market in terms of production and marketing, but also through the challenges and opportunities of digital technology,” the newsletter statement read.
While a list of exhibitors was not provided, it added that a “denser and more concentrated” show would be developed in close cooperation with “the most important exhibitors”.
Changes abound
Next year’s event would also feature new forms of real-time digital communication.
“In order to continue to meet the industry’s needs, all efforts to develop the traditional trade show into an expanded marketing and communication platform will be pursued,” the newsletter read.
Commenting on the changes, Baselworld Swiss Exhibitors' Committee president François Thiébaud said the condensed format was a positive measure for Swiss exhibitors.
“We can now focus on the essence of what constitutes our industry,” Thiébaud stated.
The news follows an announcement that the 2018 show would be shortened.
As previously reported by Jeweller, next year’s Baselworld will be held across six days instead of the traditional eight.
Baselworld managing director Sylvie Ritter stated at the time that the event needed to adapt due to the industry undergoing a “challenging phase”.
The 2018 event is scheduled to take place from 22 March to 27 March.
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