Big reunion in Basel

The halls of Messe Basel will be the meeting place for the hospitality industry from 18 to 22 November 2023, when Igeho 2023 will take place - in parallel with Lefa, the industry meeting place for the Swiss food processing sector, for the first time.
Benjamin Eulau, Brand Director of Igeho, in an interview about (personal) highlights of the trade fair, defining themes of the industry and the appeal of trade fairs for the hospitality segment.

Mr Eulau, November and with it Igeho and Lefa are fast approaching. Are you already looking forward with anticipation - or are you nervous about whether everything will run smoothly?
Of course, the anticipation is growing from day to day - and admittedly, there is also some nervousness, but that is quite normal. The whole team is working at full speed to launch the industry meeting point in November, to create an experience for visitors and exhibitors and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We are sure that we will succeed.

What themes will dominate Igeho this year? Where is the greatest increase in exhibitors noticeable in 2023?
Sustainability was already a relevant topic when it was last held in 2019, but it has gained much more importance since then. This topic is very prominent in all specialist areas and on all stages. IT and digitalisation also continue to play a very important role at Igeho.
This year we are launching Lefa, the industry meeting place for the food processing sector. The range of products and services is aimed at industry professionals and decision-makers from meat processing companies, bakeries, confectioners, cheese and dairy processing companies, beverage production companies and convenience food suppliers.

What highlights - apart from the exhibitors - can visitors to the fair look forward to? What is your personal highlight?
We have launched various new formats to create an appealing supporting programme: Masterclasses, workshops, live podcast interviews or panel discussions. Trade visitors can thus look forward to many innovations. Another highlight is the Kocharena, a fully equipped show kitchen where seasoned star chefs as well as up-and-coming young talents will be able to take a look into the cooking pots. This popular format will of course also be a highlight in November 2023!
I am looking forward immensely to the many handshakes and lively exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, as well as to the bustling atmosphere in our halls. The big reunion in Basel at Igeho - yes, I'm really looking forward to that!

What topics will be on the agenda of the Cheminée Chats?
Sustainability at various levels, future concepts and current trends in the catering and hotel industry, but also exciting personalities from the Swiss hospitality sector. The Cheminée Chats programme is organised by us as organisers and partner associations, among others.

How many visitors do you expect? Why should (community) restaurateurs and hoteliers not miss Igeho?
We expect 50,000 visitors over the five days. Why you should not miss Igeho 2023 and Lefa 2023?! It is the largest meeting place for the Swiss hospitality industry, combining everything under one roof. Six specialist areas, four stages, numerous programme items, association activities, shows and much more. New encounters, networking, discovering innovations, learning about new products, broadening your horizons and furthering your education... all this in the space of seven football pitches. It's not to be missed!

Have trade fairs still lost none of their appeal, after all, working and living environments are developing more and more in the digital direction?
Especially in our sector, the personal meeting, direct exchange and encounter is of immense importance. With our digital platform igeho.ch, we are also working on digitally networking the sector in the future and creating a digital meeting place, but the physical encounter is and remains relevant in the hospitality industry.
Thank you very much for the interview!