BUSINESS UNITS

OVERVIEW



EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
IGEHO
Sustainability Days

ART BASEL

LIVE MARKETING SOLUTIONS
Expomobilia
MCH Global
MC² USA
MC² Europe

Messe Basel has a total exhibition area of 141,000 m², 122,000 m² of which is in the two main halls 1 and 2. Messe Basel also includes the Congress Center Basel with 25 rooms and capacities for up to 5,000 people. Messe Basel aims to meet the demand for sustainable meetings and events and has developed comprehensive offers extending from green meetings through to major events.
To Messe and Congress Center Basel

Messe Zurich has an exhibition area of 30,000 m². Around 27,000 m² are located in halls 1 to 7 in the main building, plus the stand-alone hall 9 with around 3,000 m². The main building also houses seven smaller conference rooms for 30 to 80 people. The main exhibition building is noted for its operational functionality and high degree of spatial flexibility.
To Messe Zurich

Pilot project for green events
A pilot project for green events has been implemented for guest events in cooperation with the Group Sustainability Team. This project now serves as a reference for sustainable events and highlights our expertise in this area.

Swisstainable Level II
The Venues team has been committed to creating and communicating sustainability-related offers since 2016. As part of the Swisstainable sustainability program run by the Swiss Tourism Federation, it was classified as Level II “engaged” in 2022. The Swisstainable program brings together businesses and organizations spanning the entire Swiss tourism sector. We are thus committed to continuous sustainable corporate development, to pursuing measures in the area of sustainability and to making a concrete contribution to sustainable Swiss tourism.

Accessibility
The OK:GO application provides accessibility information on events and services at a glance, simplifying planning. Accessibility plays a key role in our sustainability commitment.

Voices of Zurich
Following the example of “Voices of Basel”, we have now launched “Voices of Zurich”. This initiative gives prominence to local voices and perspectives in highlighting the uniqueness of the city.

Environmental measures

City oasis on Messeplatz
In cooperation with Stadtkonzept Basel and the Flaneur Festival, we have contributed to the creation of an urban oasis on Messeplatz. The trees that have been planted serve to improve the local climate and create a green, liveable environment in the heart of the city.

New sustainability checklist for guest events
To promote environmentally-aware event planning, we have introduced a specially developed sustainability checklist for guest events. This tool serves as a guide and support in the effective realization of sustainability goals.

Improvement through LED technology
Switching to more LED lighting is a key step in achieving greater energy efficiency and results in an impressive 50 % improvement. This modernization move not only ensures significantly lower energy consumption, but also considerably reduces maintenance and operating costs.

Provision of water
We have adopted various approaches to providing drinking water, including systems with water tanks and directly piped systems. This is aimed at reducing plastic consumption and offering a more environmentally friendly solution at different events.

Reduction of food waste
We work together with our customers in implementing measures to combat food waste. Surplus food is donated to charitable organizations or, in the case of internal events, distributed in the office.

Seed balls as giveaways
At our own customer events, we distribute seed balls as environmentally friendly and inspiring giveaways.

Reduction of material consumption
In consultation with our customers, we are increasingly dispensing with paper at events (flyers, documents) and also with carpeting. We use digital solutions (QR codes) and renewable or recyclable materials for furnishings.

Bike to Work for employees
We stage this challenge to motivate employees to cycle to work.

IGEHO is the international industry platform for the hotel, catering, take-away and care sectors. This guest trade fair takes place every two years. IGEHO's digital platform keeps interested parties up to date 365 days a year. To IGEHO 365

The 2023 trade fair was attended by 48,500 visitors. A total of 430 exhibitors – leading providers of products and services for the hotel and catering industry – were represented at the fair. IGEHO brings together key players and associations including Hotellerie Suisse (Assembly of Delegates), HGU (Hotel&Gastro Union) and SGV (Swiss Association for Community Catering).

Working together for the industry
IGEHO aims to establish itself as the leading platform for the hotel and catering industry. Networking events are organized between the trade fairs. Social media and the website ensure interactive communication. The trade fair constitutes an important tool for the industry which came under massive pressure during the coronavirus pandemic. Exhibitors and customers meet up at IGEHO, profiting from this platform where all their partners or suppliers are on site. This reduces the amount of travelling for supplier visits. IGEHO has now been expanded to include Lefa, the new industry meeting point for the Swiss food processing industry.

Commitment to the environment
IGEHO is also taking its own initiatives in addition to the measures already being implemented by Messe Basel (e.g. renewable energy):

Under the motto “Get things done”, the Sustainability Days bring together decision-makers from the public and private sectors every year to discuss sustainability issues that are of relevance to cities, spaces, the environment and the economy both now and in the future. With its mix of exhibition and congress, the platform presents trends, concrete solutions in the form of innovative products and services, as well as strategies and outlooks.

Urbanization, neo-ecology and connectivity, and their numerous follow-on trends pose major challenges for society and the economy alike. This is leading to a transformation driven by digitalization and sustainability. As a result, more and more technologies, industries and professional fields are merging, and interdisciplinary solutions are being developed.

Based on the four congress and exhibition formats of SmartSuisse, MUT – Trade Fair for Environmental Technology, Re' Summit, and Future-Proof Infrastructure, the Sustainability Days combine knowledge transfer, networking, and discussions in the fields of smart cities, sustainable business and environmental technology.

Successful start
The Sustainability Days 2023 mark the start of a new chapter in the sustainability movement. The new concept views itself as a congress (rather than a trade fair). A total of 180 experts and speakers – with Bertrand Picard as the highlight – were recruited for the first edition. The event was opened by Marco Lambertini, Director of WWF International. The partnership with SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and their active participation was similarly a key factor in the event's success.

Consolidation of services
By concentrating on just a single provider for stand construction, ICT, and AV services, a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of organization was achieved (fewer vehicles, journeys and people at the site and hence fewer emissions).

Sustainable travel policy
The speakers were given free train tickets and journeys by car were not reimbursed. Over 80 % of participants came by public transport. This measure was greatly welcomed and will be continued next year.

Courage to adopt a different catering approach
Vegetarian dishes were prioritized, with a reduced range of meat dishes on offer. In selecting the catering, particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that all the products – including wine – were sourced from within an 80-kilometer radius, including nearby regions of Germany and France. By dispensing with PET bottles and disposable crockery, waste was kept to a minimum.

Sustainable exhibition stands
The rear walls of the exhibition stands, which include illuminated sections, are designed in such a way that they can be reused in future years. Exhibitors were also able to take away their custom-printed back walls for reuse. This option was taken up by 20 % of exhibitors.

Reuse of packaging material and lanyards
In order to avoid waste, consistent use was made of the same reusable packaging material for both delivery and collection. The lanyards were designed without including a year and were collected after the event for reuse in future years.

Responsible use of printed material
In 2023, we printed a small run of 500 brochures for exhibitors to sell. For future events, we are looking into dispensing with printed material altogether and switching to digital solutions (such as touchscreens). The use of system walls also permitted a significant reduction in printing requirements.

Sustainable carpeting
We have taken a first step by employing reusable floor carpeting instead of conventional hallway carpeting. For the coming year, we are looking into a design that gets by without any carpeting at all.

Art Basel was founded by Basel gallery owners in 1970 and today organizes the world's most important art shows for modern and contemporary art in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong and Paris. Each fair is defined by its host city and region and is therefore unique. This is reflected in the participating galleries, the artworks presented and the content of the parallel program, which is drawn up in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel's commitment has expanded beyond its art shows with new digital platforms and a series of new initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. To Art Basel

All the Art events – Art Basel in Basel, Miami Beach, Paris+ par Art Basel and Hong Kong – were successfully held in the 2023 reporting year.

Sustainability is a pressing issue for art fairs and the art world in general. Art Basel is strongly committed to reducing its environmental impact and using its platform to stimulate change in the art world and serve as inspiration for sustainable practices. Working with climate consultants and the in-house Green Team, Art Basel is developing immediate and long-term initiatives to reduce its own environmental footprint.

Art Basel is proactively defining long-term strategies for more sustainable art events. The immediate priorities include in particular:

Art Basel is pursuing a holistic approach to sustainability that takes environmental, social and economic aspects into account.

As an active member of the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), Art Basel is supporting this key initiative, which was founded by gallerists and other art world professionals, and is committed to working closely with the GCC on sustainability issues, and especially on the reduction of carbon emissions and waste (see further below).

Certified event venues
The renovated Miami Beach Convention Centre has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new design reduces energy consumption by 20 %. The new exhibition center in Basel holds the BS-054 Minergie certificate and also complies with the target values of SIA Standard 380/4 (lighting, ventilation/air conditioning).

Transport and travel practices that are as sustainable as possible
In collaboration with the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), Art Basel is actively working with its logistics partners and exhibitors towards the goal of adhering to sustainable transport practices for all its shows. Art Basel works with local suppliers as far as possible. When the team is travelling, preference is given to low-carbon means of transport. Art Basel promotes responsible travel among its stakeholders. Tickets for Art Basel include free use of public transport in the Basel region.

Reusable exhibition material
The entire wall system for the four trade fairs is fully reusable and is transported to the individual locations by ship. It has a service life of 7–10 years. After that, the elements can be reused for other purposes.

Construction materials from the Miami Beach show that can be reused are stored on site. Material that is no longer required by Art Basel is offered to local businesses for collection.

The aisle carpeting is completely recycled after the show and used in other sectors such as the construction and furniture industries. No aisle carpets are used at the Hong Kong and Miami Beach shows.

Waste management
Waste management at the shows is aligned to the general regulations in force at the event location (e.g. Miami Beach Convention Center). The waste generated at shows is reduced through the use of reusable materials wherever possible.

Reusecity: A log is to be kept of waste sorting and recycling during the set-up and dismantling phases of the Basel show. This will be accompanied by a specific webinar on waste management and sustainable packaging for galleries and forwarding agents. This program is being introduced in collaboration with GCC and Reusecity.

One key measure is the avoidance of disposable cutlery at the food and drinks stands. A large number of vegan and vegetarian dishes are offered, working with local suppliers.

Water fountains instead of plastic bottles
For the shows in Basel, Paris and Miami Beach, water fountains were installed throughout the exhibition site to avoid the use of plastic bottles. Art Basel encourages catering businesses not to sell plastic bottles and to use glass or other recyclable materials instead.

Further measures
The lighting at the trade fairs is gradually being converted to 100 % energy-saving LEDs.

As far as possible, the printed products used at all the shows – Hong Kong, Basel, Paris and Miami Beach – are being replaced by digital means of communication.

Workshop with the logistics partners of Art Basel
To enable galleries and customers to create their own emissions reports, the logistics partners agreed at a workshop in November 2023 to include certain information – such as details of transport routes, weight and packaging – in all transport or shipping invoices. This constitutes a first step. The medium-term goal is to record the emissions of the upstream and downstream processes of all those involved in Art Basel. Customer enquiries are on the rise, which means that cross-industry cooperation will be crucial in the future.

Sustainability: Topic for the Conversations Program

Art Basel addresses the topic in the Conversations Program panel discussions which take place at all the shows, as well as in on-site presentations and editorial content, raising awareness of climate change and sustainability.

In the context of partner activation in Miami Beach by Parley for the Oceans, guided tours were offered during the Art Basel Miami Beach open days, presenting important artworks on the topic of sustainability and inviting visitors to discover how art can overcome language and cultural barriers and why art and artists are therefore the perfect ambassadors for change. The tours last one hour. The ticket proceeds of $35 go to the Parley Foundation.

Access by Art Basel
Access by Art Basel is a new initiative that connects galleries, artists, collectors and non-profit organizations through a bespoke digital sales experience to promote charitable giving.

Developed in partnership with blockchain Arcual and launched ahead of Art Basel Miami Beach 2023, Access by Art Basel aims to raise awareness of and support meaningful donations to charities through the sale of artworks in the Art Basel ecosystem. For every purchase enquiry for an artwork in this auction, collectors will be required to make an additional contribution to charity, which will go to either the Miami Foundation or the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), at their discretion. The donation will be made in addition to the sale price of the artwork and will amount to at least 10 % of the auction price realized.

Parley for the Oceans
Art Basel has teamed up with Parley for the Oceans to make an immediate impact, and also to inspire long-term, positive change. The alliance brings together creativity, environmental commitment, eco-innovation and art in a fundraising initiative. The aim is to protect the oceans and marine ecosystems by combatting the effects of climate change, plastic pollution and the loss of biodiversity.

Parley's Global Cleanup Network will thus remove one pound of plastic for every dollar donated and will support education and ocean programs with the mission to create a better future where clean and healthy oceans connect us all.

Art Basel has been an active member since 2023 and aims to create an environmentally friendly art world through its commitment to GCC. The Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) is an international community of art organizations committed to reducing the environmental impact of the art industry. The GCC's main objective is to reduce the sector's CO₂ emissions by at least 50 % by 2030 and to promote waste-free methods and practices. To this end, the GCC develops procedures and makes them available to its members. It provides leadership on sector-specific environmental issues and works to harness the collective power of its members to achieve systemic change. As a registered charity, the GCC is a not-for-profit organization. The tools and resources are provided free of charge. The GCC relies on voluntary donations. Key goals and measures of the GCC are:

Art Basel brings the art world to life – and that is why it is so successful. It is undisputedly the leading world show on the international art market. This entails both responsibility and commitment. One of the key qualities of Art Basel is the diversity of the galleries represented, in terms of both their geographical locations and the range of artists and artworks exhibited. Certain professional standards are therefore essential: they define the core values of the art market, regardless of where the gallery owners operate.

Art Basel is convinced that trust is crucial for the sales success of exhibitors, not only at the shows but in general. The integrity of the gallery owners participating in Art Basel is therefore a key criterion for their admission. Other criteria and measures are designed to prevent cases or actions that could damage the general trust essential for a healthy art market.

Art Basel has expanded its Exhibitor Regulations and defined a set of principles expressing Art Basel's expectations of exhibitors in terms of their responsibility towards artists, art providers, buyers and their industry. With this expansion of the Exhibitor Regulations, Art Basel aims to make a contribution to strengthening the international art market which is based on trust and protects and supports the artists.

The “Art Market Principles and Best Practices” were applied for the first time during the application process for admission to Art Basel Miami Beach 2018. More on this

Art Basel and UBS present the Art Market Report, an annual analysis of the global art market. The Art Market Report provides an overview of the international art market and highlights the most important trends and developments. As an independent and objective study, the report analyses the sales and other activities in various market segments such as galleries, auction houses, art fairs and collectors. To the report

Expomobilia creates spaces for extraordinary experiences. As a general contractor, Expomobilia realizes trade fair stands, exhibitions, art fairs, events, pavilions, showrooms, experience centers, roadshows, and temporary and semi-permanent buildings in all styles and formats, both in Switzerland and worldwide. The highly qualified team implements concepts and designs both precisely and efficiently. To Expomobilia

Expomobilia finds solutions for even the most unusual ideas and implements these to a high standard, while at the same time conserving resources and keeping within the specified time schedule and budget. Great importance is attached to stand constructions with a long service life and a high reusability. Sustainable solutions are tested, developed and realized in the production chain in collaboration with the customer. Expomobilia has locations in Switzerland (Effretikon) and Asia.

Expomobilia operates two photovoltaic systems with a total panel area of 3,000 m² at its sites in Effretikon and Fehraltorf. These generate an average of 435 MWh per year.

Since 2014, Expomobilia has covered its entire electricity requirements with Swiss green electricity purchased from independent green electricity specialist FAIR POWER. The FAIR POWER certificate guarantees that this electricity is produced ecologically and fed into the grid for Expomobilia. The CO₂ share of hydroelectric power production is fully offset via the Fair Recycling Foundation.

Further sustainability measures

Local competences
Expomobilia attaches great importance to building up local expertise and working with local partners when implementing projects around the world.

Major projects with an indirect economic impact
Expomobilia carries out individual projects that have a significant indirect economic impact and where the locations (Basel, Paris, etc.) also benefit from their implementation (tourism, restaurant trade, etc.).

Sustainable procurement, production and disposal
Expomobilia takes environmental influences, design and production into account in the products that it offers. Consideration is given to these criteria when selecting suppliers and subcontractors. Sustainability and the circular economy are key issues for certain projects. The number of customer enquiries received on this subject has increased significantly. Customers are interested, for example, in the materials used (e.g. certified oak), where they come from and whether they are reused, recycled or disposed of.

Logistics and transport
Expomobilia works together with a logistics partner. Logistics and transport jobs are combined whenever possible.

Attractive employer
Targeted branding measures increase the company's attractiveness as an employer. A new profit-sharing system is planned as of 2024, with job architecture and salary band analyses.

MCH Global is a leading brand experience marketing agency with offices in Zurich, Dubai and Amsterdam. MCH Global sees itself as a team of passionate storytellers. As such, the agency creates and realizes impressive experiences, combined with innovative, digital and virtual solutions and first-class content. To MCH Global

MCH Global is seeing a strategic reorientation among its customers in the post-Covid phase with a trend toward increasingly content-orientated marketing. Customers are thus focusing more on strategic growth initiatives (SGI), shows, events and virtual events. To meet these evolving market requirements, MCH Global restructured its team in 2023, expanding the studio team to include more creatives, designers and project managers. Content development is a new focus. In addition, MCH Global expanded its geographical presence by opening a new office in Amsterdam in April 2023. This new location serves as a strategic step in extending the company's reach and strengthening its presence in key markets. A total of 29 employees joined MCH Global in 2023.

In 2023, MCH Global worked with brands including:

“Move for the Planet” with Adidas
MCH Global adopted an environmentally responsible approach to the “Move for the Planet” project with Adidas. Only sustainable materials were used. Although this initiative marked a step forward in environmental responsibility, it has to be acknowledged that MCH Global has not yet attained its target in terms of waste. Although the materials were ecological, they were difficult to procure and involved higher costs. This aspect posed a particular challenge, since a balance had to be struck between financial responsibility and environmental ethics.

Internal Game Changers project
The “Game Changers” project initiated at MCH Group level has significantly improved team dynamics within the organization. This program involves all teams being brought together on a regular basis to create an environment where team members can share their feelings, discuss potential disruptions and align their goals. Currently, this initiative involves five MCH Global team members in Dubai and one in Zurich. The Creative Director in Dubai, for example, holds weekly training sessions for all creative staff to ensure continuous skills development and creative innovation. By understanding and appreciating different perspectives, the teams are able to work together more effectively.

Community project
MCH Global has developed a white paper highlighting the latest trends in the Middle East. This document serves as a valuable resource for the Dubai community and emphasizes the company's commitment to knowledge sharing and its community.

MC² is a multi-award-winning global brand experience solutions agency. Strategic insight, inspiring design and seamless execution ensure client success in an ever-changing world. MC² is passionate about pushing boundaries to create new opportunities in the interests of its clients. Creativity, the latest technologies and a global presence are available to clients for their further development. MC² is represented at 12 locations in the USA. To MC² USA

Dashboard introduced for the collection of environmental data
In 2023, MC² introduced a dashboard for the systematic collection of environmental data. An internal sustainability analyst will collect data on energy consumption and emissions, employee commuting behavior (miles/time), air travel, overnight stays, and emissions from transport, logistics and materials. By 2024/2025, MC² wishes to be able to set targets on the basis of robust data.

New customer needs – sustainable offers
Customer needs are changing. The demand for sustainable live marketing solutions has increased. At MC² the product range is being developed in line with customer needs and concerns are being addressed in respect of design, production and information regarding materials or transport.

Social issues and employee development are important concerns for MC².

Squared Effect – Internship program
An internship program was implemented together with HISPA and CHRPD. Four interns participated in the 8-week program. The aim is to help students from underrepresented population groups to accelerate their careers through work experience. The program proved to be a success for all those involved. One of the interns is now permanently employed. There are plans to continue the program and expand it across the country.

Participation in industry conferences on employee development
MC² actively participates – as a speaker or sponsor – in industry conferences on various topics, including:
- Sponsoring and leading the panel discussion “Your Rise as a Corporate Influencer” at the 2023 annual conference of the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA)
- Sponsorship of the sustainability course at the 2023 annual conference of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

Maternity and parental leave (since 2023)
In 2023, MC² introduced new parental leave arrangements for employees to support parents. This scheme offers parents additional flexibility and time to bond with their new child and adjust to the new family dynamic.

New code of conduct, business ethics and anti-harassment training for all employees:

With 40 years of experience as a full-service partner for eventful live communication, MC² Europe plans, designs and realizes customized temporary architecture of all types and sizes. Whether events, roadshows, showrooms or pop-up stores and whether in Germany, Europe or the rest of the world – MC² Europe turns brands into an experience.
To MC² Europe

MC² Europe can look back on a successful 2023. The purchasing experience in the field of digital solutions is taking on new dimensions. The creative and design department, responsible for ideas and concepts, is now working at a completely different depth. Managers specifically trained in sustainable events are implementing the concepts. The main challenges in 2023 were supply bottlenecks and the significant rise in energy prices.

MC² Europe coordinates its commitment to sustainability with both the UN SDGs and the MCH Group's goals (UN SDGs: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). Focal objectives have thus been defined and a budget earmarked for these. A great deal of effort has gone into gearing business processes to sustainability, not least in order to provide customers with comprehensive advice on the sustainable planning and implementation of projects and to act as a driving force in this respect.

Strong emphasis is placed on continuous improvement and the creation of a working environment in which not only new ideas and innovative solutions but also best practices can flourish. An open and cooperative culture with flat structures is lived, with everyone having the opportunity to develop their personal potential and contribute to further development.

Event management
In 2021, process owners qualified as “Sustainable Event Managers to DIN ISO 20121:2013” and are transferring their expertise to customers in all areas of work along the value chain. In 2023, additional training was funded in order to further enhance the employees' advisory skills.

Supplier evaluation
Suppliers and service providers are continuously surveyed and evaluated in respect of CO₂ emissions and their own sustainability endeavors. The results are incorporated into the supplier evaluation.

CO₂ calculator and certified climate protection projects
MC² Europe uses CO₂ calculators to display project-related energy consumption in emissions. This creates a better understanding and greater transparency, as well as highlighting unavoidable emissions that can be financially offset 1:1 via sustainable climate protection projects.

Photovoltaics
From 2021 to 2023, MC² Europe sourced more than 50 % of its electricity requirements from its own photovoltaic systems and fed excess capacity into the public grid. An expansion of the photovoltaic system is planned for 2024, which will double the generation capacity.

Modular and reusable stand construction systems
MC² Europe has introduced two new modular and hence reusable stand construction systems and procured new components that are used creatively and innovatively for customers.

Biodiversity
There are now green areas on the site that are not mowed in order to provide a suitable environment for bees and other animals and plants.

Further measures
The efficiency of the company-owned vehicle fleet is being verified.
Travel practices have been redefined.
Air conditioning systems have been replaced by more efficient ones.
Lighting has been adapted as agreed by the team.
Printers with more efficient toners are in use (emissions).
Biodegradable cleaning agents are used.

Stakeholder involvement
The managing director holds discussions with partners on the Sustainability Report as part of the year-end closing. The report and topics are discussed in greater depth with customers and partners, and all interested parties are involved, including the company's bank.

Diversity and equal opportunity
MC² Europe performs the gender equal-pay calculations (performance and qualification included in the evaluation) on an annual basis. The last major discrepancy was in 2016 and, since then, a pleasing balance has been achieved in the organization, particularly in terms of age and nationality. The broad diversification and mix works out well and is viewed as a valuable asset.

Image video to attract young talent
As a contemporary recruiting measure for qualified talent, a corporate advert was filmed presenting MC² Europe as a modern employer. This is used on the website and all social media channels. To the Video

Further education and training
In addition to the regular training courses, team members received further training on an individual basis. Specific training and development programs were identified in the annual one-to-one meetings with all employees. Team meetings are also used as an opportunity to raise awareness of sustainability issues.

Employee retention
To constantly maintain its attractiveness as an employer, MC² Europe offers its employees free membership of the FitX fitness company, flexible working time models including home office, the “Wertpapier” journal with guidelines providing a reliable basis for all decisions, and also equal pay and individual development and training opportunities.

Quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
Energy management standard DIN EN ISO 50001:2018
Environmental management standard DIN EN ISO 14001:2015
Auditing of sustainable event management to DIN ISO 20121:2013
Social responsibility guidance standard DIN EN ISO 26000