Basel World Cancels Zurich Extension

Organizers of the Basel World jewelry and watch show have decided to cancel the split in the fair and next year the “Hall of Universe” will be in Basel. MCH Swiss Exhibition Ltd. intends to create the extra exhibition floor space required for the "Hall of Universe" close to the existing exhibition center in Basel.

Following post show discussions with exhibitors, organizers decided at a meeting this week to expand the existing exhibition space to include a new hall nearby to accommodate the “Hall of Universe”.

Three years ago, when exhibitors asked for more room in Basel, they were unable to find suitable space. However, due in part to the current economic condition in Basel these days, a nearby warehouse complex will be converted for the 2004 Show. The new hall (Hall 6) lies within walking distance of the main exhibition site.

The “Hall of Universe” is the countries pavilion, which included the Hong Kong exhibitors that were banned from exhibiting during the last show for fears of Sars. The banning enraged the exhibitors from Hong Kong and other countries as attendance was as a result poor, resulting in little business.