The 2024 EPHJ is sold out

The 22^nd EPHJ trade fair event to be held from 11 to 14 June will once again bring together Swiss and international players in the industry, as well as watchmaking, jewellery, microtechnology and medical craftsmanship.

This year’s show reflects the good health of the watch market and its powers of innovation. “We will be at maximum capacity. Almost all exhibition space is sold out and we will be welcoming more than 750 exhibitors”, says Alexandre Catton, Director of the EPHJ show.

These companies come from many European countries and Japan. They are mainly active in watchmaking and jewellery (92%), followed by microtechnologies (54%) and medtech (50%). These numbers demonstrate the diversification of many companies specialising in high-precision technologies that are applicable in these three sectors.

After hitting the milestone of 21,000 trade visitors in 2023, EPHJ will once again be attracting visitors from more than 50 countries and five continents. Not only will they be there to meet their suppliers in a single location, but also to discover and explore the innovations that are set to shape the future development of these technologies.

Multiple major innovations, firsts and previews sure to make their mark on this year’s show have already been announced. The unveiling of the 2024 Exhibitors Grand Prix – following their vote – will celebrate the most remarkable of these innovations.

Round tables: watch market and sustainable gold
The other great benefit of the EPHJ show is that it serves as a venue for debate and discussion, enabling attendees to gain perspective on current topics and promoting sharing by and between experts and prominent industry personalities. Round Tables will kick off on 11 June with a debate assessing the current situation of bilateral economic negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union in the presence of the EU ambassador to Switzerland and other personalities.

On 12 June, the traditional Round Table on developments in the watchmaking industry and its impact on subcontracting will see experts and business leaders comparing opinions, focusing on the ongoing improvement in the high end of the market and the reduction in volumes correlated with the decline in the mid-range.

On 13 June, a much-anticipated Round Table entitled “Gold, the price of virtue?” will raise the question of how to develop virtuous chains to increase the proportion of sustainable gold imported into Switzerland – and at what price? Are we prepared to pay a dollar more for each gram of sustainable gold obtained? A major challenge for all players in the gold sector, including jewellers, watchmakers and subcontractors.

Innovation Forum and masterclass preview
Another new feature is the Innovation Forum, to be held on 12 June. This key event will bring together the six nominees for the Exhibitors Grand Prix, but will also lift the veil on the major innovations that are waiting for EPHJ prior to their world preview. The Swiss Chronometry Society (SSC), which is celebrating its centenary this year at EPHJ, will also take part in the Forum.

13 June will be dedicated to an AI for Healthcare & Medtech Masterclass on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in these sectors, as experienced by experts and players in the field, including from EPFL, CSEM or Health Valley. This will include exploring the new opportunities offered by AI in the healthcare sector, finding out about the latest technological advances and the essential regulatory implications.

Return of Job Dating
Another highly anticipated highlight is the Job Dating Day (Friday 14 June), providing an opportunity for candidates and recruiting companies to meet. More than 200 candidates came to Palexpo in 2023 for this event. This last day will also provide an opportunity to assess the situation on the job market with the relevant stakeholders during a Round Table dedicated to this topic.

June 06, 2024