Industrial Engineering Events in Switzerland
Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo
Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo: Rethinking the Future of Façade Innovation
As the global demand for sustainable, energy-efficient architecture continues to grow, the Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo has emerged as one of the most influential international gatherings in the field of building envelope technology. More than just a conference, it is a cross-disciplinary think tank — bringing together architects, engineers, researchers, and manufacturers from over 50 countries to reimagine how buildings interact with their environments.
The event has established itself as a vital platform for exploring new materials, advanced design strategies, and smart technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in façade innovation and building performance.
The Role of Building Envelopes in Sustainable Architecture
The building envelope, or outer skin of a structure, plays a central role in how buildings consume energy, regulate temperature, respond to climate, and engage with urban surroundings. As regulations tighten and public awareness increases, the architectural industry is under growing pressure to deliver façades that are not only visually striking, but also environmentally responsible, resilient, and technologically integrated.
The Advanced Building Skins Conference responds directly to this challenge by offering a dedicated space for innovation — where academic research meets commercial application, and where today's ideas become tomorrow's standards.
A Multi-Faceted Program for Industry Professionals
What sets this event apart is the depth and breadth of its programming. With a rich mix of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions, the conference addresses both high-level theoretical insights and practical implementation strategies.
Key Focus Areas Include:
Adaptive and kinetic façades
Smart glass and dynamic shading
Energy-harvesting envelope systems
Climate-responsive design
Lightweight composite materials
BIM and digital modeling for envelope performance
Fire safety and regulation compliance
Thermal, acoustic, and environmental performance analysis
These topics reflect the conference’s commitment to exploring the intersection of design, engineering, and sustainability.
High-Caliber Presentations and Global Expertise
Each year, the conference features world-renowned speakers and thought leaders who present cutting-edge research, case studies, and technological breakthroughs. From iconic skyscrapers to passive house prototypes, these presentations offer a deep dive into real-world projects and the innovations that made them possible.
Participants benefit from:
Diverse Perspectives
Presenters include architects, façade consultants, structural engineers, material scientists, and regulatory experts.
Project-Based Insights
Case studies of completed or in-progress buildings that demonstrate applied envelope strategies.
Forward-Thinking Research
Academic and institutional studies that forecast future trends and explore novel materials.
Open Dialogue
Interactive Q&A sessions that allow attendees to directly engage with speakers and panelists.
An Exhibition Designed for Interaction and Innovation
Beyond the conference halls, the event also features a tailored exhibition area, where companies showcase the latest technologies, materials, and solutions for modern building skins. Unlike traditional trade shows, this exhibition is intentionally curated to align with the themes of the conference and to foster meaningful interaction between suppliers and decision-makers.
Exhibitors typically include:
Façade system manufacturers
Smart material innovators
Insulation and glazing suppliers
Structural and thermal analysis software developers
Fire-resistant material providers
Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) companies
Whether you're seeking a new product, testing a prototype, or exploring collaboration, the exhibition offers a valuable extension of the conference experience.
Strategic Networking and Global Collaboration
One of the greatest strengths of the Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo is its ability to attract a truly international audience. With attendees from over 50 countries, the event creates an unparalleled environment for global networking, cross-border collaboration, and idea exchange.
Attendees regularly include:
Senior architects and design directors
Engineers specializing in façades and structural systems
Sustainability consultants and energy modelers
Urban planners and public sector officials
Researchers and PhD candidates in building physics
Product developers and marketing executives from building tech firms
The event’s networking sessions both formal and informal encourage participants to form partnerships, share regional insights, and drive innovation forward collectively.
Sponsorship and Visibility Opportunities
For companies and brands working in the building technology space, the conference offers highly targeted sponsorship programs that enhance visibility among a specialized, decision-making audience. Options range from booth presence to sponsored talks, branded networking areas, and product demos.
Benefits of Sponsoring:
Position your brand as a leader in sustainable building innovation
Connect with top architects, engineers, and researchers
Showcase new solutions to a qualified audience
Receive coverage in post-event media and professional networks
Build long-term relationships with future project partners
This tailored approach ensures sponsors gain real value and exposure where it matters most.
Why Attend the Advanced Building Skins Conference?
With climate change and urban growth reshaping architectural priorities worldwide, the demand for high-performance façades and intelligent envelope design has never been higher. This conference offers a unique opportunity for professionals to:
Stay updated on the latest materials and regulatory frameworks
Explore the synergy between aesthetics and functionality
Learn how to integrate smart and adaptive systems into façades
Discover innovations that reduce energy demand and emissions
Be inspired by some of the most forward-thinking projects in architecture today
Whether you're designing the next high-rise, refining your firm’s green strategy, or developing façade products, this event delivers knowledge, connections, and tools that fuel progress.
Building Tomorrow with Smarter Skins
The Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo represents a forward-looking vision of architecture one where the building envelope is not just a barrier, but a living, responsive interface between humans and the environment. It is a space where disciplines converge, ideas evolve, and new standards are set.
As buildings become smarter, greener, and more interactive, events like this provide the necessary platform to ensure that architectural innovation is as practical as it is visionary.
Wood
Wood is one of the most important trade fairs in Switzerland dedicated to wood processing, offering a dynamic and essential platform for professionals within the sector. Held in Basel, this exhibition has become a key meeting point for carpenters, woodworkers, and decision-makers from the wood and furniture industries, as well as timber traders from across Switzerland and neighboring countries. The fair brings together a diverse audience eager to explore the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions in wood processing, establishing itself as a central hub for knowledge exchange and networking in the industry.
Over the years, Wood has grown to encompass a wide range of products, catering not only to machinery and tools but also to materials, supplies, and even education and training resources. The event serves as a comprehensive showcase, where visitors can find everything from cutting-edge equipment to the most recent advancements in materials and techniques. This broad product range makes the fair a one-stop destination for anyone involved in the wood processing industry, offering unparalleled opportunities to discover new tools, learn about emerging trends, and meet potential business partners.
The 2016 edition of the fair, held from October 11 to 15, was a resounding success, drawing approximately 36,626 visitors over five days. With 363 exhibitors on hand, the event was a vibrant display of the breadth and depth of the wood processing and timber trade industries. Attendees had the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovations that are shaping the future of woodwork, from state-of-the-art machinery to sustainable materials and advanced techniques. For many businesses, the fair provided a valuable chance to connect with new customers, strengthen existing relationships, and explore potential collaborations that could drive growth and development in the years to come.
Beyond the exhibits, Wood also serves as an important educational platform, offering professionals the chance to expand their knowledge through seminars, workshops, and demonstrations. These educational offerings are vital in keeping industry participants up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. The fair is not just about showcasing products but also about fostering a deeper understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, making it an indispensable event for anyone serious about the future of wood processing.
Wood in Basel has firmly established itself as a leading event in the wood processing and timber trade sectors. With its wide range of exhibitors, educational opportunities, and focus on innovation, the fair continues to attract professionals from all corners of the industry. It serves as a vital platform for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in wood technology and processing, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry while providing immediate, tangible benefits for those who participate.
MEDTECH EXPO - AM EXPO
The Swiss Medtech Expo in Lucerne, often simply referred to as "Swiss Medtech," is a premier event in the medical technology sector, standing out as a significant gathering for industry professionals. Organized by Messe Luzern AG, known for its extensive experience in managing high-profile events, this biennial expo takes place every September in the stunning city of Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland. The venue offers not only modern infrastructure but also excellent accessibility for visitors from both Switzerland and abroad, making it an ideal setting for a global exchange of ideas and innovations.
Swiss Medtech uniquely combines elements of a conference, trade fair, and professional meetings, creating a dynamic platform where knowledge from various sectors, including supply chains, academia, research, and funding bodies, comes together. This collaboration is pivotal for driving advancements in medical technology. The expo showcases dominant themes such as innovative materials, intelligent design and engineering, additive manufacturing, smart products, and miniaturization. These topics underscore Switzerland’s vital role and commitment to innovation in the medical technology field.
A diverse array of exhibitors participate in the event, presenting their cutting-edge products, services, and solutions. Companies from both local and international markets unveil groundbreaking innovations, targeting primarily manufacturers of medical products. This focus enables participants to leverage the collective expertise displayed at the expo, fostering commercial success and growth within the industry.
A notable feature of Swiss Medtech is the "Wine & Cheese Party," a relaxed networking event that encourages attendees to connect and engage in meaningful conversations in an informal atmosphere. This gathering highlights the importance of relationship-building within the industry and adds a unique charm to the overall experience.
The Lucerne Exhibition Centre is not only lauded for its contemporary amenities but also for its picturesque location. The city of Lucerne, with its breathtaking scenery and rich historical background, offers a captivating backdrop for the expo. Coupled with stellar transport links, the exhibition centre is easily reachable for all attendees, solidifying its status as the quintessential venue for such a prestigious event.
As Swiss Medtech continues to evolve, it reinforces its position as a vital hub for innovation and collaboration in the medical technology sector. The event is not just a showcase of current advancements but also a catalyst for future developments, making it an essential gathering for anyone invested in the progress of healthcare technology.
ILMAC BASEL
The Ilmac industry event in Basel stands as Switzerland's largest meeting point for the chemistry and life sciences sectors. Since its inception in 1959, Ilmac has grown into a central gathering for professionals, researchers, and industry leaders, reinforcing its reputation as a vital hub for knowledge exchange and innovation within the country.
Organized by MCH Messe Schweiz (Basel) AG, a subsidiary of MCH Group AG, the event benefits from the expertise of a renowned organizer skilled in managing international fairs and events. In addition to the flagship event in Basel, Ilmac is also hosted biennially in Lausanne, further expanding its reach within the Swiss market.
Taking place in the heart of Basel at the MCH Messe Basel, the fair attracts a diverse array of visitors and exhibitors from across the globe every autumn. Basel’s strategic location as a hub for the pharmaceutical industry, housing numerous international companies, makes it an ideal venue for Ilmac. The city is not only significant in scientific and economic terms but also boasts a rich cultural landscape and a welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
Exhibitors at Ilmac predominantly represent fields such as chemistry, pharmaceutical research, and process engineering. This focus ensures that the event draws a range of professionals, decision-makers, and interested parties eager to discover the latest innovations and technological advancements in these sectors. The opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and development is a key highlight for many attendees.
MCH Messe Basel offers a convenient and accessible venue, situated centrally within the city and easily reachable by public transport, car, or on foot. Basel itself is known for its vibrant art scene, cultural attractions, and innovative spirit, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure for visitors after a day of networking and exploration at the fair.
In summary, Ilmac is more than just an industry event; it is a cornerstone of the chemistry and life sciences sectors in Switzerland. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing, Ilmac continues to play a crucial role in driving advancements and fostering connections among professionals in these vital fields.
FORSTMESSE
Since its inception in 1971, the Forstmesse Luzern has garnered an esteemed reputation as a leading trade fair for the forestry and timber industries across Europe. As Switzerland’s largest exhibition dedicated to forest and wood, the event serves as a crucial hub for showcasing advancements and innovations within these sectors. It is widely recognized for its role in highlighting the latest developments in forest management, timber harvesting technologies, and forestry logistics.
The fair brings together over 220 specialized exhibitors who present a diverse array of sophisticated processing techniques and cutting-edge products essential for effective forest management. These innovations cover everything from new machinery and equipment to advanced software solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in forestry practices.
Forstmesse Luzern attracts approximately 22,000 professional visitors, including forest managers, timber merchants, equipment manufacturers, and industry consultants. This diverse audience represents a broad spectrum of the forestry and timber sectors, making the event an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.
The fair is not only a showcase of technological advancements but also a forum for discussing trends and challenges facing the industry. It features presentations, demonstrations, and discussions on topics such as sustainable forest management, the integration of digital technologies in forestry operations, and innovations in timber processing and logistics.
In addition to its role as a trade fair, Forstmesse Luzern is a significant meeting point for industry professionals seeking to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments. The event provides a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the industry, explore new business opportunities, and gain insights into future directions for the forestry and timber sectors.
For companies and organizations looking to make a significant impact within the industry, securing a stand at Forstmesse Luzern offers the chance to showcase their products and services to a discerning, international audience. The fair’s focus on providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s latest innovations and trends ensures that both exhibitors and visitors gain valuable insights and opportunities.
Overall, Forstmesse Luzern stands as a cornerstone event in the forestry and timber industry calendar, reflecting the sector's continuous evolution and the growing emphasis on sustainability, technology, and efficiency.
