CORDER'S COLUMN: Baselworld must adapt or die in a digitally connected world

The only innovation in recent years that has improved Baselworld has been the emergence of Airbnb, which has increased the amount of rooms available to hire in recent years and made it just about affordable for hard pressed jewellers and journalists to attend Nick Hayek, chief executive of Swatch Group, has accused Baselworld executives of arrogance and snobbery as they ignored cries from exhibitors and visitors for a more rewarding experience Swatch Group reportedly spends around $50 million on space, building its stands and relocating its staff to Baselworld.

My hope is that Baselworld and Basel see sense and work with Swatch Group to work together from 2020 onwards SIHH provides free transport to whisk visitors to and from their hotels, while the city of Basel allows taxis to ramp up fares during Baselworld week Visiting SIHH in January and Baselworld in March is manageable, but there are now events held by groups including MGS and Festina in different countries.

Baselworld has contributed to its own problems, and must find a way to regain its relevance in a digitally connected world. . Source