Historic Events with a Bright Future

This autumn, Messe and Congress Center Basel is hosting three flagship in-house trade shows that combine professional depth with long-standing industry ties: With Ilmac, Holz, and Igeho, we look forward to three events that – having developed over decades – today serve as key platforms for their respective fields.

Ilmac – 66 Years of Chemistry, Pharma & Biotechnology

Kicking off the season from September 16 to 18, 2025, Ilmac brought together international experts from the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. For 66 years, this trade show has fostered exchange between research, industry, and practical application.

The anniversary edition featured more than 400 exhibitors showcasing forward-thinking solutions and technologies, with a strong focus on lab automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. A comprehensive supporting program provided valuable knowledge transfer and engaging interactive highlights. New features such as the Women in Life Sciences networking hub and the year-round platform Ilmac 365 continue to drive industry dialogue far beyond the exhibition halls.

Holz – Tradition in a Three-Year Rhythm

From October 14 to 18, 2025, Basel welcomes back Holz – Switzerland’s oldest trade fair. First held in 1957 and staged every three years, Holz is dedicated entirely to the renewable resource of wood.

 

Today, it ranks among the most important industry gatherings for woodworking, timber construction, interior design, as well as machinery and material technology. This year’s focus will be on digital manufacturing technologies, new materials, and the synergy between craft and industry. Supporting the next generation also plays a key role: competitions, interactive forums, and a strong emphasis on education and training ensure the sector remains resilient and future-ready.

Igeho 2025 – 60 Years of Hospitality Excellence

From November 15 to 19, 2025, Igeho will celebrate its 60th anniversary in Basel. As Switzerland’s leading hospitality platform, Igeho will deliver a standout experience in this milestone year with visionary concepts and inspiring formats.

Among the new highlights are the special showcase Hotel Utopia and the future-focused dining concept Utopia Dining, both exploring innovation and digital transformation in the industry. The Igeho Rising Star Award will again honor an outstanding start-up, while the Cheminée Chats and Igeho Atelier provide interactive spaces for discussion and inspiration.

“The need for personal exchange and genuine encounters remains high in the hospitality industry,” says Exhibition Director Benjamin Eulau. In an in-depth interview, he shares his strategy for further positioning Igeho as a forward-looking platform for topics in hospitality and gastronomy.

In true hospitality spirit, Igeho opens its doors not only to industry insiders, but also to the public, inviting them to immerse themselves in a rich culinary experience.

Basel as a Hub for Exchange and Innovation

Ilmac, Holz, and Igeho clearly demonstrate how Basel fosters knowledge-sharing, innovation, and meaningful encounters – across both technical-industrial and medical-scientific contexts. The long-standing success of Igeho also shows that trade fairs can create real value for the broader public.