Baselworld 2014 came to a close today having once again succeeded in bringing together around 150,000 attendees (including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors) from every continent, underlining its position as the most important marketplace and trend-setting event for the world’s watch and jewellery industry.
The eight outstanding show days were comprehensively covered by extensive global media presence. With enthusiastic feedback from all players, Baselworld 2014 ended on a high note, having met and exceeded expectations in terms of business, quality, media presence and exposure.
Baselworld
Baselworld is the ultimate meeting place for the entire industry with all sectors represented: watchmaking, jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and pearls, machines, and supply industries. It is the annual event, where around 1,500 exhibitors, including all the leading brands, from over 40 countries first showcase their innovations and novelties. On top of that, the economic impact of Baselworld is enormous. The Swiss watch industry, 95% of which is represented at Baselworld, had exports of around 21.8 billion Swiss francs in 2013. And it is not only the watch and jewellery industry that benefits; the whole of Switzerland profits, as Baselworld directly and indirectly generates an income of around 2.4 billion Swiss francs a year and thereby approximately 13,000 jobs.
Tag Heuer CEO, Stephane Linder, was really positive about the business done, saying, “Another excellent year! Sales are in line with our objectives, which were very ambitious. In terms of volume we have already exceeded our 2013 sales at Baselworld by +50%!” When asked about what the show means for his company he said, “This is the trade show of the year where we see all our retailers and our agents in the space of a few days, the only venue where we feel the pulse of the market in the ‘blink of an eye’. In addition, Baselworld is also a wonderful platform for communication.”
Baselworld continues to draw major media interest from all around the globe and remains one of the best-covered events in the world. The world’s financial press, the major national dailies, the lifestyle publications, all the trade press, the world’s biggest TV channels, and the key players in the field of social media regularly disseminated news from Baselworld 2014 to every corner of the earth, underlining the show’s claim as the most important event for the watch and jewelry industry. Baselworld 2014 attracted around 4,000 accredited journalists from over 70 countries.
During eight days, Baselworld was once again the focal point where all the leading players representing all sectors of the global watch and jewellery industry were able to shine. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, reflects on the end of the show with a great deal of pride in a brilliant Baselworld 2014: “This year’s edition was a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry,” said Ms Ritter, noting that, “Baselworld is the ideal platform for the watch and jewellery industry to showcase innovations, attract international interest and enhance business.” She was particularly pleased also with the extensive media presence and comprehensive coverage, which was undoubtedly another contributing factor to the show’s success.
The next Baselworld will be held from 19 – 26 March 2015.
