BASELWORLD 2008 closed its doors after eight extremely successful days. The 2,087 exhibiting companies from 45 countries were thrilled at the record figure of 106,800 visitors (up 5%) to the Show from around the world. The World Watch and Jewellery Show exceeded the highest expectations.

Over the past eight days, watch and jewellery producers and suppliers, showcased exclusive designs and high-quality collections at BASELWORLD 2008. A record 2,981 journalists (up 8%) from every continent reported on the 36th World Watch and Jewellery Show.

Excellent business for exhibitors:
As with last year, there was a great sense of satisfaction among the exhibiting companies when the Show drew to a close. Business deals and sales conducted during the course of BASELWORLD were reported as very productive.

According to Jacques J. Duchêne, President of the Exhibitors Committee: "2008 has been an excellent year. The Show has gone very well, and we are extremely satisfied.

It proves how high-quality luxury products are always in great demand. BASELWORLD is, and remains, the premier event in the watch and jewellery industry's calendar."

François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors Committee, also hailed BASELWORLD 2008 a great success: "Anyone who believed the reports of economic doom and gloom ahead of the Show has been misled: it may have been cold outside, but the sun has certainly shone in the halls. The results are excellent. Once again, 2008 has proved even better than previous years."

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, said at the conclusion of the Show: "It was fantastic! Our customers have been extremely enthusiastic. We are very happy with the extraordinary attendance figures and the volume of orders achieved."

It is a view shared by Françoise Bezzola, International Communication Director of TAG Heuer: "The Show has been very good for us. The volume of orders has far exceeded our expectations - despite the economic climate.

BASELWORLD is also an important communications platform. It is where we get to meet the media from all over the world".

BASELWORLD is of great strategic importance:
Léonie Bochot, spokesperson for De Grisogono, states: "The Show was outstanding. BASELWORLD however is not just significant from an economic aspect. It is also where we are able to develop our brand. Basel is where we meet our major customers and the international media. This is crucial in terms of a brand's development."

Nicolas Beau, Chanel’s International Director of Horology, says that for his brand: "This event is of strategic importance: we have enjoyed an excellent Show".

Great satisfaction too at Maurice Lacroix SA, as confirmed by Gabriela von Malaisé, International PR Manager: "This year's BASEL­WORLD has been very successful for Maurice Lacroix. The feedback from our customers and partners has been extremely positive, and we have achieved our goals. Every year this Show is the most important event for our brand: it is where we want to consolidate the relationships with our partners and present our latest products."

It is a view underlined by Céline Roques, International PR Manager at Chopard: "BASELWORLD is very important for Chopard: it is the only specialist Show of the year that we attend. It is an international hub, and a very important time for meeting customers and journalists from all corners of the world".

There was also a great deal of satisfaction among jewellery exhibitors after the eight days of the Show. Christoph Wellendorff, Managing Director of Wellendorff, comments: "We have experienced a fabulous BASELWORLD: this was the best Show ever for us. We will certainly be concentrating our trade Show activities exclusively on Basel in future".

Successful launch of new presentation areas:
In order to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for space, several design innovations were implemented: The "Hall of Fascinations" for watch brands appeared in building 2 for the first time. In the extended "Hall of Visions", jewellery brands were provided with a top-class platform in the prestige section. The newly opened "Hall of Impressions" in building 3 afforded other jewellery exhibitors a stylish presence, while a selection of watch and jewellery brands utilised the new "BASELWOLRD Palace" situated directly on the Show site for an exquisite presentation of their products. All of these new features attracted considerable interest amongst the specialist buyers, and were attended by many visitors.

High satisfaction level among visitors:
A representative survey of visitors to the Show revealed a high level of satisfaction. 97% of those questioned rated the World Watch and Jewellery Show overall as good, very good or excellent. 72% of visitors questioned confirmed - even at this stage - that they would be attending BASELWORLD again next year.

Couretsy: BASELWORLD 2008, Switzerland

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 13 May, 2008 5:55:22 PM IST #