Palexpo

What Palexpo does

Palexpo SA is a privately held Swiss corporation that operates the international exhibition and convention center located in Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, adjacent to Geneva International Airport. The venue offers 106,000 m² of pillar-free modular exhibition space across 7 interconnected halls, a congress center with 29 conference rooms totaling 5,000 seats, the 21,000 m² Parc Sarasin outdoor green space, and from 2028 the new 4,000 m² Pavilion within Hall 1. The company serves three primary customer cohorts: event organizers (booking halls and congress facilities), exhibitors (purchasing technical services, equipment, and accommodation), and end visitors (attending exhibitions, congresses, and public events such as the Geneva Book Fair, EBACE, and the Swiss IT Forum(s)).

The underlying technology is a venue-management platform composed of event-specific online shops where exhibitors self-order services (electricity, plants, furniture, cleaning, catering) using personalized access codes, a commission-based hotel reservation system connecting event participants to a network of 126 hotels with 10,628 rooms, an online carbon footprint quiz for sustainability assessment, and an exhibitor helpdesk that processed roughly 16,000 orders in 2023. The venue itself is infrastructure-led: movable soundproof partitions, modular configurations, on-site Swiss Federal Customs clearance, and accessibility services including a Wheelshare wheelchair-lending partnership launched in 2026.

Palexpo makes money primarily through quote-based venue rental of exhibition halls and conference rooms for a mix of international trade shows, congresses, and corporate events, supplemented by professional-services revenue from exhibitor technical support and equipment rental, commission income from the hotel reservation platform, and ancillary fee-based services (e.g., CHF 700/year for service-provider directory listings). Go-to-market is enterprise field sales to event organizers combined with a self-service e-commerce layer for exhibitors. In 2025, the venue hosted 99 events and attracted 705,000+ visitors, generating an estimated CHF 294 million in regional economic impact, and returned to financial equilibrium after the COVID downturn.

Name

Palexpo

Legal name

Palexpo SA

Website

https://palexpo.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Palexpo SA operates Geneva's international exhibition and convention center, offering 106,000 m² of modular halls, 29 conference rooms, and integrated exhibitor services to event organizers, exhibitors, and visitors across trade shows, congresses, and public events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Exhibition and Convention Venue Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Conference Centers & Dedicated Meeting Venues (THAHAAAB)

Keywords

• Exhibition venue rental
• Convention center services
• Conference facility booking
• Trade show venue
• Event management infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand-saconnex

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Venue Rental: Rental of exhibition halls, conference rooms, and event spaces to organizers for exhibitions, congresses, and events. Revenue generated from space booking fees based on duration and configuration.
2. Exhibitor Services: Technical support, equipment rental (electricity, IT, telecommunications), cleaning, waste management, and online shop services provided to exhibitors during events. Includes personalized assistance and coordination.
3. Exhibitor Helpdesk: Personalized technical support and special request management for exhibitors, with online shop integration for service ordering. Processed approximately 16,000 orders in 2023 (12,000 via quote, 4,000 via online shop).
4. Hotel Reservation Services: Commission-based hotel booking platform connecting event participants with Geneva accommodation. Network of 126 hotels offering 10,628 rooms with negotiated rates.
5. Event Organization: Organization of signature events such as autoXpérience, hosting events like the International Exhibition of Inventions and AI for Good summit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Palexpo operates the international exhibition and convention center of Geneva, providing 106,000 m² of pillar-free modular exhibition space across 7 interconnected halls, a congress center with 29 conference rooms totaling 5,000 seats, and the 21,000 m² outdoor Parc Sarasin. Beyond raw space, the venue delivers integrated event services including exhibitor online shops for technical service ordering, a dedicated helpdesk, a hotel reservation platform across 126 partner hotels, and a carbon footprint calculator.

Product overview

Palexpo operates as a unified event venue platform offering its core exhibition and convention center services (7 halls with 106,000 m², congress center with 29 rooms and 5,000 seats, outdoor Parc Sarasin space) complemented by several integrated service modules: Palexpo Hotel Reservation for accommodation booking, Online Shops for exhibitor self-service ordering, Carbon Footprint Quiz for sustainability assessment, and Exhibitors' Helpdesk for technical support. The portfolio functions as a one-stop event management ecosystem where organizers can book venues, arrange hotels, order technical services, assess environmental impact, and receive dedicated support through a coordinated service network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Palexpo Event Venue International exhibition and convention center in Geneva offering 106,000 m² of modular exhibition space across 7 pillar-free interconnected halls, a congress center with 29 conference rooms and 5,000 seats, the 21,000 m² outdoor Parc Sarasin, and the Rooms Alpha to Omega conference facilities, hosting approximately 99 events annually with over 705,000 visitors.
• Palexpo Hotel Reservation Hotel booking platform for event participants, offering a network of 126 hotels with 10,628 rooms at negotiated rates, with dedicated account management for event organizers and streamlined online booking.
• Online Shops Event-specific exhibitor self-service ordering platforms enabling registered exhibitors to order technical services including electricity, plants, furniture, cleaning, and catering with personalized access codes.
• Exhibitors' Helpdesk Personalized technical support and special request management service for exhibitors, providing assistance before and during events, coordinating with operational services, and processing approximately 16,000 orders annually (12,000 via quote, 4,000 via online shop).
• Carbon Footprint Quiz Online quiz tool enabling event organizers and exhibitors to calculate the carbon footprint of their events, supporting sustainable event planning aligned with ISO 20121 certification.

Quantifiable outcome

• Return to financial equilibrium after COVID period with fully revived momentum in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• WheelshareminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Deploys free wheelchair lending service at Palexpo, a first in Switzerland, improving accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
• ExpoLog Geneva SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial and exclusive logistics contractor at Palexpo managing handling, storage, international transport services, customs clearances, and logistics flow management with digital solutions. On-site offices provide proximity, rapid response, and flexibility.
• Coffres-forts Rondo SàrlminorOthersSafe and security cabinet rental services for protecting goods, valuables, and documents against theft or fire.
• Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE)minorOthersBanking services provider founded in 1816, supporting regional economic development with full range of banking services.
• GlobalVision Communication sàrlminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisual team for photoreports and 4K video, multicam livestream, interviews, photobooth rentals (traditional, AI, 360° video, studio), and event visual content.
• Flexsis SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecruits and provides qualified staff for events including handlers, stand builders, cleaning staff, logistics, and technical support.
• Hotelis SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent staffing solutions through skilled teams with hospitality and catering backgrounds for front-of-house service, kitchen operations, and guest reception.
• Hotelis Event HospitalityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost and hostess services for events ensuring seamless, elegant, and professional guest reception at Palexpo.
• Be My Guest SàrlminorOthersHost and hostess agency with 15 years experience providing carefully selected hosts for one-off events in Switzerland.
• KTNM Concepts SàrlminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist in registration, guest services, and flow management providing over 300 trilingual hostesses/hosts for trade shows, medical congresses, and conferences.
• Liane ModelsminorOthersModel and hostess agency for business, corporate events, fashion shows, and car shows.
• EVEX Rental GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst-class indoor and outdoor rental furniture for private parties, company events, exhibitions, and mega events across Europe.
• Options (Suisse) SAminorOthersFurniture and tableware hire services.
• Red Zone SàrlminorOthersDesigner furniture rental for stands, conferences, congresses and events with audiovisual technical solutions.
• Green Me 5minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscaping and floral design for events since 2008, offering plant rental (indoor/outdoor greenery, trees), decoration pots, and floral arrangements.
• Swiss PressingminorOthersProfessional washing, drying, and ironing services for event textiles including aqua-cleaning, dry cleaning, laundry, and protective treatments.
• Serbeco SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned waste collection, sorting, and recycling pioneer since 1977, part of Groupe SERBECO with waste management, cleaning services, and renewable energy operations.
• Federal Office for Customs and Border SecuritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-site customs office at Palexpo (DOUANE SUISSE PALEXPO) enabling international freight processing and customs clearance for exhibitors.
• Beau-Rivage GenèveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-star hotel catering team bringing signature excellence to Palexpo with bespoke receptions and seasonal cuisine.
• CaffettinominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-end barista and mixology services including refined coffee bars and iconic tricycle setup for elegant coffee and cocktail experiences.
• Compass Group (Suisse) SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent catering solutions from aperitifs to large scale functions with professional service and high quality standards across Swiss language regions.
• Genecand Traiteur SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneva-based caterer since 1929 supporting events from 30 to 3,000 guests with delivered lunch boxes, buffets, cocktails, and gala dinners using 100% homemade cuisine.
• Gourmet Brothers SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFine dining services for private and corporate events since 2009 with full tailor-made catering management from concept to custom menus.
• Groupe Potel et ChabotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-end event catering with over 200 years history known for culinary expertise, attention to detail, and tailor-made experiences for prestigious events.
• Groupe Traiteur de ChâtelaineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBespoke culinary experiences for private and corporate events since 2003, celebrating Geneva's terroir with seasonal fresh local products.
• Jenny et Cie SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium catering since 1924 with GRTA certified local products and Ambassadeur du Terroir designation for high-end catering experiences.
• RSH Quality Food Concept SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent catering and artisanal gourmet delicatessen led by two former chefs from Hôtel de Ville de Crissier.
• El Rey Del RamonminorOthersPata Negra ham carving service with gourmet cheese and Iberian cured meat selection for elegant event experiences.
• Audiovisuel ConceptminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned company designing and delivering comprehensive audiovisual solutions for ambitious events for over 30 years in Switzerland and internationally.
• Dorier GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-impact audiovisual environments for all events from scenography and content to sound, lighting, video, streaming, and immersive technologies with on-site team.
• Skynight SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSound systems, lighting, video, and stage infrastructure for 40+ years supporting major events with reliable, creative, and tailor-made audiovisual solutions.
• GPA SA Société suisse de sécuritécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Swiss security provider for over 30 years with 700+ qualified professionals, 6 regional offices, and 100+ vehicles ensuring 24/7 coverage.
• Protectas SAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Swedish Securitas AB Group delivering tailored security solutions combining specialized guarding, advanced technology, consulting, and investigations.
• Securitas SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMain Palexpo partner for event facilitation with security concept development, event security, crowd management, guest reception, video surveillance, and stewarding services.
• Mathys SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner since 45+ years for exhibition stands with design, manufacture, installation, modular stand rental, event furniture, digital printing, and comprehensive project management.
• QuickSpace GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFast, flexible, sustainable inflatable and modular structures for events from meeting pods to large domes with quick setup and reusable stands.
• SYMA-System SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCustom-made exhibition stands and modular stand solutions with 60+ years experience, global network, and ISO 20121-certified sustainable solutions.
• Fondation Genève Tourisme & CongrèscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromoting Geneva as leisure and business tourism destination with tourist reception, assistance, information services, and support for congress organization.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights9 records

Direct peers

• RAI Amsterdam: Dutch exhibition and convention venue with multi-hall facilities and integrated congress center. Directly comparable to Palexpo in hosting international trade exhibitions and congresses in a European transit-accessible hub.
• Messe Frankfurt: One of the world's largest exhibition and congress venue operators with extensive hall and congress capacity. Comparable to Palexpo in operating large-scale trade fairs, congresses, and integrated event services in a European hub.
• Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: France's largest exhibition center operated by Viparis. Comparable in scale and function to Palexpo as a multi-hall venue hosting trade shows, congresses, and corporate events in a major European capital.
• Messe München (Messe München GmbH): Major German trade fair and congress venue operator with extensive hall space. Directly comparable to Palexpo as a large multi-hall convention center hosting international trade fairs, congresses, and corporate events.
• Fiera Milano: Italy's largest exhibition and congress operator with a major multi-hall venue in Rho-Fiera. Comparable to Palexpo in operating large-scale trade fairs, congresses, and integrated event services for international clients.
• ExCeL London: Major London exhibition and international convention centre. Comparable to Palexpo as a large multi-hall venue hosting international trade shows, congresses, and corporate events with extensive conference facilities.
• Koelnmesse: Major German trade fair and congress organizer operating Cologne exhibition halls. Directly comparable to Palexpo in multi-hall exhibition management and international event hosting.
• MCH Group (Messe Basel): Swiss-headquartered exhibition company operating Messe Basel and other venues. Most direct domestic comparable given Swiss roots, similar convention/exhibition business model, and shared regional event market with Palexpo.

Others

• Easyfairs: European event organizer that operates trade shows across multiple venues including Switzerland. Comparable as a MICE ecosystem participant that competes for organizer relationships and could anchor events at Palexpo or rival venues.
• Geneva Tourism & Congress Foundation: Local tourism and congress bureau promoting Geneva as a destination and supporting congress organization. Listed as a Palexpo strategic partner; comparable as a regional MICE ecosystem participant rather than a venue competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Palexpo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCa5Ls0bCinzwpOOIy5o3s3A
• Facebookfacebook.com/palexpo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/palexpo
• Instagraminstagram.com/palexpo.geneve

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Palexpo