The major relaxation measures announced by the Federal Council on 23 June came too late for the hospitality industry, which wanted to present itself widely at Messe Basel in November.
"We would have liked to give the industry the physical exchange it has been longing for. But our exhibitors and associations need long planning and lead times for their individual stand concepts, combined with considerable investments.
Despite new, innovative presence options and adapted participation conditions on the part of MCH, as well as the current positive development of the situation, the hospitality sector, which has been badly hit financially, simply lacks the necessary long-term planning security and financial resources for Igeho 2021 at the present time", says Judith Krepper, Brand Director and Head of the Hospitality Segment.
In consultation with the Advisory Board, MCH came to the decision that it could not be guaranteed that a representative industry platform would be held this November.
"We would have loved to give the industry the physical exchange it has been longing for."
Judith Krepper, Brand Director and Head of the Hospitality Segment
Judith Krepper adds: "Our exhibitor and visitor surveys and co-creation workshops with exhibitors conducted in March and April 2021 have shown that the breadth and depth of the range of products and services on offer significantly determine the relevance of Igeho."
Industry stands behind the Igeho
At the meeting of the Igeho Advisory Board on 30 June 2021, the representatives of the exhibitors and associations clearly backed MCH and Igeho.
Stephan Hirt, member of the Igeho advisory board and managing director of Schwob AG confirms: "Igeho was and is more than ever a reflection of the Swiss gastronomy and hotel industry. We are therefore convinced that a successful relaunch of Igeho in autumn 2023 is indicated, when the industry has recovered from the crisis and the undeniable strengths of a physical platform can once again be fully brought to bear."
The next edition of Igeho will be held in the usual form together with the new industry meeting place for the food processing sector, Lefa, in Basel in November 2023.
New formats and initiatives in planning
The Igeho team is now focusing on the conception and development of additional live formats in the coming year, parallel to the preparations for Igeho and Lefa in autumn 2023.
The already established Igeho podcast "Hosting the Hosts" by and with Andrin Willi will continue to be broadcast on the second Monday of the month.
In addition, a digital initiative of Igeho for networking the industry is already at an advanced stage and information will be provided promptly.
Igeho
igeho.ch
Basel Wine and Fine Food Festival 2021 cancelled
Due to a lack of planning certainty, MCH Swiss Exhibition has decided to cancel the Basel Wine and Fine Food Festival as well. The biggest gourmet event in north-western Switzerland was to have been held from 20 to 28 November 2021. A concept for holding it in spring 2022 is currently being drawn up.
Wine and Fine Food Festival Basel
weinfestival-basel.ch
