BaselWorld

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Baselworld Watch and Jewelery Show is a trade show for the watch and jewelery industry organized annually in the city of Basel, Switzerland. The international show unites about 2,100 exhibitors from over 45 countries, including the leading watch and jewelry brands, as well as companies specializing in precious gems. The exhibitors display their latest products to the industry's experts, mass media representatives, watch collectors and connoisseurs, just everyone interested in the most recent industry novelties.

Visitors of the show get acquainted with an exclusive range of products. The exhibition area covers more than 160,000 m2 with different halls situated on several floors. Products are divided in specialized sectors placed in six exhibition halls - Hall of Universe, Hall of Elements, Hall of Visions, etc. The Baselworld management takes care of updating the halls' design.. In 2007 the Hall of Dreams has been entirely redecorated.

Watch and jewelery companies, and other brands related to the industry exhibit their products in their own halls. Baselworld also comprises national pavilions. The show provides a thorough market overview and offers the participants a suitable business platform for discovering new opportunities and finding new partners. Baselworld traditionally takes place in spring. The show attracts over 94,000 visitors, with retailers and wholesalers from different parts of the world. Show visitors get surrounded by business and networking atmosphere and become aware of the latest industry trends and innovations.

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[edit] BaselWorld Village

The event's participants may also visit the Baselworld Village located in the neighborhood. The 'village' provides special facilities, including bars and restaurants, lounges and outdoor areas where partners may discuss their business matters in a cozy atmosphere. The Baselworld Village is open every evening from 6 pm to 2 am during the exhibition. To visit the 'village', the show participants have to take a 10-minute journey by taxi, tram or bus.

[edit] History

The history of the show dates back to 1917 when there was established the first 'Schweizer Mustermesse Basel'(MUBA in short) with a special section devoted to watches and jewelery. In 1925 MUBA organized the show which included several watch manufacturers, while in 1931 there appeared the first 'Schweizer Uhrenmesse-Swiss Watch Show' in a specialized pavilion. The year 1972 marked an important event in the history of the exhibition – MUBA held 'Europe's meeting place' exhibition which gathered the companies from France, Italy, Germany, and United Kingdom.

In 1983 the show changed its name – it was called BASEL plus two numerals denoting the exhibition year - BASEL 83. Basel 86 included companies from outside Europe, having resulted in the increased number of visitors coming from outside Europe.

In 1995 the show once again officially changed its name for 'BASEL 95 - The World Watch, Clock and Jewelery Show'. In 1999 the history of BaselWorld was highlighted by the official opening of the new Halle 1, covering 2 x 18,000 m2. The show was organized on three newly designed floors of the exhibition building. Basel 2000 marked the increase of 6 per cent in trade visitors. The show comprised two innovative features - the Basel Award and the Basel Forum.

The year 2003 witnessed the further step in the exhibition's development – there appeared a new corporate identity - BaselWorld, The Watch and Jewelery Show. The new name and image were introduced as an essential part of a three-year strategic development project for the show. BaselWorld gained the position of the leading world show in the luxury goods industry.

In 2004 there was built a new hall complex onto Halle 5. The Hall of Universe comprised the national pavilions. The exhibition area extended to 160,000 m2, having attracted more than 89,000 visitors. In 2005 the Hall of Elements is was redesigned, having presented multi-storey stands for exhibiting precious stone, diamond and pearls sector. In 2006 the Baselworld featured new 'First Avenue' in the Hall of Visions. The Baselworld 2007 took place from 12 to 19 April.

Baselworld 2008 takes place from 3rd to the 10th of April.

[edit] BASELWORLD 2008: Visitor Information

Free shuttle services run from the Basel airport (SWISS exit) to the trade show, and the Basel SBB terminal has a tram service as well. If arriving at the airport ensure that you take the SWISS exit, and not the FRENCH exit.

Tickets are priced CHF 45.- for adults and CHF 30.- for students and can be purchased online to avoid queuing.

Discounted rail passes also exist offering a cheaper fare as well as an optional 'combo' pass which also admits the traveler to the show. The show is open daily from 9am to 6pm to the public, apart from the last day which ends at 4pm.

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