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The St. Gallen Exhibition Centre is one of the established event venues in Eastern Switzerland. Located in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, it combines regional roots with national appeal. Trade fairs, public events, congresses and cultural formats characterise the annual programme. The location thus fulfils a dual function: it is a platform for economic exchange and at the same time a meeting place for a broad audience from the city and region.
The development of trade fairs in St. Gallen is closely linked to the economic structure of Eastern Switzerland. Industry, agriculture, textiles and trade have shaped the region for decades – and these sectors were reflected in the event profile from an early stage. Small exhibitions and regional trade shows gradually gave rise to a professionally organised exhibition centre, which is now operated under the name Olma Messen St. Gallen. The St. Gallen exhibition centre is not only an event venue, but also part of a long-established identity. Traditional public exhibitions in particular have attracted visitors for generations and are firmly anchored in the regional calendar. At the same time, the site has been continuously modernised to meet the requirements of international trade events.
The site comprises several halls of varying sizes and uses. These are complemented by outdoor areas, conference rooms and multifunctional event areas. The architecture is designed to accommodate both large-scale exhibitions and specialised congresses or corporate events. Modern hall concepts enable flexible stand designs and variable room configurations. Technical infrastructure for lighting, media technology and digital presentation formats is just as much a part of the basic equipment as logistical connections for assembly and dismantling. This allows the venue to host events of different sizes in parallel or one after the other. The key infrastructure features include:
The programme covers a wide range of topics. Agricultural trade fairs traditionally play an important role, reflecting the proximity to the agricultural region of eastern Switzerland. In addition, trade fairs are held in areas such as construction, industry, health, education and leisure. Public fairs with a regional character complement the portfolio and regularly attract high visitor numbers. The St. Gallen exhibition centre also serves as a conference venue. Companies, associations and institutions use the infrastructure for conferences, product presentations and networking meetings. The combination of exhibition halls and conference rooms makes it possible to combine exhibitions and specialist lectures. Typical event formats include:
Good transport links are a key location factor. The St. Gallen exhibition centre is close to major transport routes and is easily accessible by car and public transport. St. Gallen railway station offers direct connections to other Swiss cities as well as to southern Germany and Austria. Bus routes also provide local transport links to the site. For international guests, the proximity to several airports, including Zurich and Altenrhein, is relevant. The rail and road connections make it relatively easy to travel to the site from within Switzerland and abroad. Parking spaces around the site complement the mobility options.
As an event location, the site contributes significantly to regional value creation. Trade fairs and congresses generate demand in the hotel, catering and service sectors. At the same time, they offer companies a platform to present products, cultivate contacts and discuss market trends. The St. Gallen exhibition centre is an important gateway to the market, especially for small and medium-sized companies from the region. Personal encounters, live demonstrations and direct consultations remain important even in the digital age. The location thus acts as an interface between the regional economy and a supra-regional audience.
Like other venues in Europe, this location is also facing structural changes. Digitalisation, sustainability requirements and changing visitor behaviour are influencing the planning of new formats. Operators are therefore investing in energy-efficient building technology, digital infrastructure and flexible room concepts. Hybrid events, which combine physical presence with digital transmissions, are gaining in importance. At the same time, the role as a physical meeting place remains central, as personal networks and direct product presentations continue to be valued. The St. Gallen exhibition centre has positioned itself as an adaptable venue in this area of tension. Its strength lies in the combination of regional identity, modern infrastructure and thematic diversity. This means it remains a relevant component of the Swiss trade fair and congress landscape and an economic driver for eastern Switzerland.
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