Two XAVERs are better than one

Since its inception in 2002, the XAVER Award has been seen as the most important seal of quality for live communication in Switzerland. As the only national award for outstanding performance in the industry, it has also become an essential meeting place for creatives, agencies, companies and technology experts.

The 2025 award ceremony was held for the first time at the BERNEXPO Festhalle, and the motto of the event was “WANTED – LIVECOM EXCELLENCE”. The hall was kitted out in a Wild West theme: authentic decorations, detailed backdrops and fitting activities lent the evening an unmistakeable character. The combination of show staging and relaxed networking created a unique atmosphere for specialists, creatives and decision-makers from the industry to come together. Christa Rigozzi hosted the event with lots of charm and humour.

Silver and bronze for Messerli

Andreas Messerli AG entered the race with two projects – both of which received awards:
The first was our impressive trade fair stand for IWC Schaffhausen at Watches and Wonders in Geneva, which offered timeless elegance coupled with impressive branding. Titled “A tribute to eternity”, it won the Silver XAVER Award.

The second project, “A sustainable concept for clean air”, won the Bronze XAVER Award. The sustainable trade fair booth for Unifil Filtertechnik at Swissbau 2024 demonstrated how forward-looking modular concepts can be: regularly in use since 2016, the booth is continuously adapted and enhanced. Both projects were unique in their categories – reason enough for them to take home these sought-after awards.

Another highlight of the evening: As a XAVER partner, CEO Daniel Wyss presented the Public XAVER Award – the only award that is voted on by the audience before the event. The excitement in the hall demonstrated just how effectively this audience award has built a bridge between the industry and the public.

Xaver Bronze Winner Unifil AG Filtertechnik – Swissbau

Xaver Silber Winner IWC Schaffhausen – Watches and Wonders

More than an award ceremony

XAVER recognises not only outstanding projects, but also the people and teams that make them possible. In this way, it honours the entire spectrum of the industry, which shapes interactions and turns communication into an experience.

Founded by the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT, the goal of the award since day one has been to shine a spotlight on creativity, innovation and professionalism. In addition to the award ceremony, the evening also serves as a platform for discussion, inspiration and industry networking.

XAVER is more than a look back at successful projects – it also offers a glimpse into the future of live communication. The award aims to show how bold ideas and innovative concepts can shape this future.

This also gives up-and-coming talent a stage where they can bring their ideas to life and make valuable connections in the industry. After all, fresh perspectives and bold concepts are the only way to keep the Swiss live communications scene competitive on an international level and ensure Switzerland remains a place where encounters stir emotions, brands are brought to life, and communication is transformed into an experience.

The organisers behind XAVER

The Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT is the leading industry association for Swiss live communication – a network that unites all companies and organisations involved in events, trade fairs and event communication. It is a place where event organisers, agencies, technological service providers, booth builders and other specialists meet to establish standards and move the industry forward.

Originally known as the EXPO EVENT Swiss LiveCom Association, the association rebranded in early 2024. In addition to its new name, the organisation also adopted a new logo that maintained the well-known “X” from the original – a symbol for connection, diversity, and the combination of people, ideas, and services.

As the organiser of the XAVER Awards, EXPO EVENT is not only responsible for organising, planning and managing the event; it also shapes its purpose. The award is part of the organisation’s strategy of making excellence in live communication visible and promoting creative and innovative projects. The organisation uses this platform to network the industry, take a public stance on issues and drive trends forward.