Baselworld reports 22% drop in visitors

Baselworld has revealed that 81,200 visitors attended this year’s edition of the show, 22% fewer than in 2018.

The six-day show also saw a total of 520 brands and suppliers in attendance, a decrease of around 200 compared with the previous year. At 3,300, the number of media representatives present was also slightly down on previous years.

In a statement released after the shows closure yesterday (26 March) managing director of Baselworld, Loris-Melikoff, said he “regretted the decline” but stressed that the quality of the visitors “was excellent”.

The show director added he is “confident” that the turnaround has begun with this year’s edition and the outlook for 2020. He said: “Numerous exhibitors from all industry segments, who spoke at the press conference via video clips, also reported good business transactions.”

Looking ahead Baselworld said the objective is to make it “the most important community for the jewellery and watchmaking industry” and transform it from a “classic trade fair into an
experience platform”.

Its target is to offer all participants in the industry – representatives of the watch, jewellery, precious stones and technology sectors as well as journalists, bloggers and influencers, but also dealers and collectors – a “digital platform with numerous information, service and networking tools throughout the year”.

Baselworld added the 2020 iteration will feature numerous innovations such as new event and experience zones including a ‘Retailer Summit’, CEO talks and a virtual reality zone are planned. The hall layout will also been re-envisaged: the gemstone exhibitors will move into Hall 2, an Innovation Square will be established in Hall 2 and a large area will be reserved for smartwatches and wearables.

Michel Loris-Melikoff concluded: “Our strategy met with strong approval from the exhibitors during the presentations. We will tackle change with vigour and passion”.

The next Baselworld will be held from 30 April to 5 May 2020.