Matthieu Humair, CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation: “The 2024 Edition Focuses on Optimization”

On April 9th, 2024, the 2024 edition of Watches and Wonders Geneva will officially open, with professionals hoping for a more vibrant atmosphere than the subdued reflections of the latest Swiss watch export statistics, which declined by 3.8% last February. For seven days, every effort will be made to captivate retailers and end customers from around the world with the latest watch innovations fresh from the workshops of the 54 exhibiting brands. With eight more brands joining the now essential salon, following the pandemic traumas that once foreshadowed the end of physical fairs, Matthieu Humair, CEO of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, displays a wide smile, confident that the success of the 2023 edition, which resonated with an enthralled audience, will be replicated. Moreover, there is still room to accommodate future major brands in Hall 1 of Palexpo. Ranging from 25m² for the smallest booth to 3000m² for the largest currently occupied by a brand, Watches and Wonders aims to expand further. Our meeting.

How do you feel a few days before the opening?

I have never felt more serene. This edition is all about optimization. We have worked on all aspects of hospitality, providing a better experience tailored to each type of visitor. Profiled guided tours on different routes have been created for the public, a magnificent exhibition has been set up. We have expanded the press area, opened a hall to welcome the eight new brands, including Bremont, Norqain, Eberhart, Raymond Weil, Nomos, not to mention the development of better flow management to avoid waiting times, with a second entrance. Additionally, starting this year, the coordination of retailer appointments is centralized with us, allowing for cost optimization. In this regard, attendance is increasing, as we have noted an increase in appointment bookings, rising from 8,000 in 2023 to 10,000 over the week this year. Our operational limit remains wide, as we can still open a new hall if necessary, depending on new exhibitors.

Have you intensified your contacts with non-exhibiting brands?

We are in discussions with brands that left SIHH, as well as those that have never exhibited at Watches and Wonders Geneva. The salon's B2C (Business to Consumer) orientation - this opening to the public that did not exist before - might attract them. The fact that we are also focused on the end customer is also very appealing. Discussions are ongoing; we engage with everyone.

Last year, the President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, and yourself expressed hope for Swatch Group to join the salon. What is the current status?

Similar to last year, no decision has been made.

What's the holdup?

That's a good question. From our side, we are doing everything between B2B (Business to Business) and B2C to ensure that this program allows each brand to benefit and do business. During the first four days, we welcome 1500 journalists, 6000 retailers, as well as end customers, and the last three days are dedicated to the general public, with a significantly enhanced experience. Watches and Wonders Geneva has become an essential global watch summit.

Are the costs of exhibiting still a barrier?