Palexpo
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersGrand-saconnex, Switzerland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
Palexpo firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Palexpo industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Palexpo is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand-saconnex
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Palexpo business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Event Organization: Organization of signature events such as autoXpérience, hosting events like the International Exhibition of Inventions and AI for Good summit.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Swiss IT Forum(s) professional event admission |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GVA Padel court rental per person |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | YatouSplash water park admission |
| Subscription | Annual | Service provider directory listing |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Exhibition venue and conference room rental |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Palexpo product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Palexpo
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Palexpo technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Palexpo partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
38 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- WheelshareminorDeploys free wheelchair lending service at Palexpo, a first in Switzerland, improving accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
- ExpoLog Geneva SAcoreOfficial 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 SàrlminorSafe and security cabinet rental services for protecting goods, valuables, and documents against theft or fire.
- Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE)minorBanking services provider founded in 1816, supporting regional economic development with full range of banking services.
- GlobalVision Communication sàrlminorVisual team for photoreports and 4K video, multicam livestream, interviews, photobooth rentals (traditional, AI, 360° video, studio), and event visual content.
- Flexsis SAcoreRecruits and provides qualified staff for events including handlers, stand builders, cleaning staff, logistics, and technical support.
- Hotelis SAcoreEvent staffing solutions through skilled teams with hospitality and catering backgrounds for front-of-house service, kitchen operations, and guest reception.
- Hotelis Event HospitalityminorHost and hostess services for events ensuring seamless, elegant, and professional guest reception at Palexpo.
- Be My Guest SàrlminorHost and hostess agency with 15 years experience providing carefully selected hosts for one-off events in Switzerland.
- KTNM Concepts SàrlminorSpecialist in registration, guest services, and flow management providing over 300 trilingual hostesses/hosts for trade shows, medical congresses, and conferences.
- Liane ModelsminorModel and hostess agency for business, corporate events, fashion shows, and car shows.
- EVEX Rental GmbHminorFirst-class indoor and outdoor rental furniture for private parties, company events, exhibitions, and mega events across Europe.
- Options (Suisse) SAminorFurniture and tableware hire services.
- Red Zone SàrlminorDesigner furniture rental for stands, conferences, congresses and events with audiovisual technical solutions.
- Green Me 5minorLandscaping and floral design for events since 2008, offering plant rental (indoor/outdoor greenery, trees), decoration pots, and floral arrangements.
- Swiss PressingminorProfessional washing, drying, and ironing services for event textiles including aqua-cleaning, dry cleaning, laundry, and protective treatments.
- Serbeco SAcoreFamily-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 SecuritycoreOn-site customs office at Palexpo (DOUANE SUISSE PALEXPO) enabling international freight processing and customs clearance for exhibitors.
- Beau-Rivage GenèveminorFive-star hotel catering team bringing signature excellence to Palexpo with bespoke receptions and seasonal cuisine.
- CaffettinominorHigh-end barista and mixology services including refined coffee bars and iconic tricycle setup for elegant coffee and cocktail experiences.
- Compass Group (Suisse) SAcoreEvent catering solutions from aperitifs to large scale functions with professional service and high quality standards across Swiss language regions.
- Genecand Traiteur SAminorGeneva-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 SAminorFine dining services for private and corporate events since 2009 with full tailor-made catering management from concept to custom menus.
- Groupe Potel et ChabotminorHigh-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 ChâtelaineminorBespoke culinary experiences for private and corporate events since 2003, celebrating Geneva's terroir with seasonal fresh local products.
- Jenny et Cie SAminorPremium catering since 1924 with GRTA certified local products and Ambassadeur du Terroir designation for high-end catering experiences.
- RSH Quality Food Concept SAminorEvent catering and artisanal gourmet delicatessen led by two former chefs from Hôtel de Ville de Crissier.
- El Rey Del RamonminorPata Negra ham carving service with gourmet cheese and Iberian cured meat selection for elegant event experiences.
- Audiovisuel ConceptminorFamily-owned company designing and delivering comprehensive audiovisual solutions for ambitious events for over 30 years in Switzerland and internationally.
- Dorier GroupcoreHigh-impact audiovisual environments for all events from scenography and content to sound, lighting, video, streaming, and immersive technologies with on-site team.
- Skynight SAminorSound 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 sécuritécoreLeading Swiss security provider for over 30 years with 700+ qualified professionals, 6 regional offices, and 100+ vehicles ensuring 24/7 coverage.
- Protectas SAminorPart of Swedish Securitas AB Group delivering tailored security solutions combining specialized guarding, advanced technology, consulting, and investigations.
- Securitas SAcoreMain Palexpo partner for event facilitation with security concept development, event security, crowd management, guest reception, video surveillance, and stewarding services.
- Mathys SAcoreLocal partner since 45+ years for exhibition stands with design, manufacture, installation, modular stand rental, event furniture, digital printing, and comprehensive project management.
- QuickSpace GmbHminorFast, flexible, sustainable inflatable and modular structures for events from meeting pods to large domes with quick setup and reusable stands.
- SYMA-System SAcoreCustom-made exhibition stands and modular stand solutions with 60+ years experience, global network, and ISO 20121-certified sustainable solutions.
- Fondation Genève Tourisme & CongrèscorePromoting 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
Palexpo competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
Palexpo social profiles
Digital presencePalexpo compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Palexpo financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Palexpo leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Palexpo funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Palexpo M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Palexpo
What does Palexpo do?
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.
Is Palexpo a public or private company?
Palexpo is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Palexpo founded?
Palexpo was founded in 1981. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Palexpo based?
Palexpo is headquartered in Grand-saconnex, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Palexpo make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Venue Rental is the primary driver. The others are exhibitor Services, exhibitor Helpdesk, hotel Reservation Services and event Organization.
Who are Palexpo's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are RAI Amsterdam, Messe Frankfurt, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Messe München (Messe München GmbH), Fiera Milano, ExCeL London, Koelnmesse and MCH Group (Messe Basel). Others are Easyfairs and Geneva Tourism & Congress Foundation.
Does Palexpo have an API?
No public API is recorded for Palexpo.
What industry is Palexpo in?
Palexpo's product category is Exhibition and Convention Venue Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAAAA, Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers), with a secondary code of THAHAAAB, Conference Centers & Dedicated Meeting Venues. Its NAICS code is 561920 and its SIC code is 8744.