Advanced Manufacturing | 27.03.23 | 5 Min

Hunkeler Innovationdays: Charismatic Industry Meeting Bolsters Lucerne as a Business Hub

Lucerne-based Hunkeler AG is the world's leading supplier of solutions for paper finishing in high-performance digital printing. Headquartered in Wikon, the company organizes the 'Hunkeler Innovationdays' every two years at the Lucerne exhibition center.

Industry meeting with international audience

In recent years, the Hunkeler Innovationdays have developed into one of the most significant industry events for the global digital printing and paper processing industry. The fourteenth edition of the event took place from February 24 to 27, 2023, at Messe Luzern. The event was a great success and exceeded all expectations, according to Philipp Fritschi, Head of Communication and Projects at Hunkeler AG.

"With the Hunkeler Innovationdays, we have developed our in-house exhibition into a significant, international industry event. The event is one of our most important marketing tools."

6700 visitors from over 100 countries came to Lucerne. Hunkeler AG and their approximately 100 exhibitors used the opportunity to present their latest products and solutions. Visitors were able to view numerous world and European premieres and learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry. The high internationality of the visitors, in particular, shows the great importance of the Hunkeler Innovationdays for the digital printing industry. The event creates an inspiring atmosphere in which all participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas about the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the printing industry.

"Our visitors appreciate the combination of the high-tech product show amidst the Central Swiss Mountains of the charming city of Lucerne and the service provided by the family business Hunkeler - this makes the event unique."

Catalyst for the economic region

The Hunkeler Innovationdays are not only an important industry meeting point but also a catalyst for the Lucerne economic region. With an average stay of more than 2 days for visitors, the event has a significant impact on Lucerne's hotel and gastronomy industry. Only 20% of visitors come from Switzerland, while 20% come from Germany, 40% from the rest of Europe, and nearly 20% from overseas. Local companies such as Tavolago also benefit from the event, offering approximately 14,500 meals on a catering area for 1000 people. The two Lucerne companies Albisser Design & Expo and Auviso transformed an exhibition area of around 11,000 m² into an impressive exhibition landscape, as emphasized by Philipp Fritschi:

"Many exhibitors, who are also large corporations, take the opportunity in Lucerne and hold many smaller side events for customers, their own employees, or their own dealer networks. Economically, the event brings several million Swiss francs to the Lucerne region."

Thus, the event contributes to strengthening the Lucerne economic location and confirms the region's position as a leading location for innovative companies.

The next Hunkeler Innovationdays will take place from February 24 to 27, 2025 and are expected to be another highlight of the industry.

Get some impressions from the video review.