Baselword Cancels 2022 Show as Event Boss Quits
November 15, 21
(IDEX Online) - Baselworld has suffered a further setback with the cancelation of its 2022 show and the departure of its managing director.
The iconic Swiss watch event, which last took place in 2019, has been hit by the wholesale departure of high-profile names exhibitors, the launch of a rival event by Rolex, Patek Philippe, and others, and Covid-related postponements and cancelations.
The show, which dates back to 1917 has also flip-flopped on its identity, ditching the Baselword name in favor of HourUniverse, then switching back to Baselword.
Organizers MCH Group now say the five-day event planned for 31 March to 4 April will not take place. They said they needed more time to arrange the re-launch.
It was, they said in a press statement, "particularly difficult to launch a new concept for a new target segment due to the renewed aggravation of the COVID situation and the associated uncertainty among customers".
They also announced that managing director Michel Loris-Melikoff had decided to leave the company and "take on a new challenge".
Organizers say they will now "analyze the target segments and, in close exchange with manufacturers and retailers, make a deep dive into their marketing and transaction needs".
Pic shows Baselworld 2018