Three formats, one day – the 2026 XAVER Award sets new standards
On September 8, the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT will bring together three events in one day for the first time: the General Assembly, the XAVER LiveComvention, and the XAVER Award Night. Forty-nine projects are competing for the coveted 2026 XAVER Award—and Urs Kessler will be honored for his lifetime achievements.
September 8, 2026, will be a special day for the Swiss live communications industry: Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT will bring together three events for the first time at the Festhalle Bern—the General Assembly, the new XAVER LiveComvention, and the XAVER Award Night. The highlight will be the 2026 XAVER Award, which honors the best LiveCom projects of the past year. In addition, this year’s XAVER Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Urs Kessler, the longtime CEO of Jungfraubahnen.
President Christian Künzli is enthusiastic: «XAVER has always stood for the diversity and quality of our industry. With LiveComvention, we are now creating additional opportunities for exchange, discussion, and looking toward the future.»
Premiere of the XAVER LiveConvention
New to the program is the XAVER-LiveComvention—a participatory format designed as a so-called “unconference.” Instead of traditional lectures, it features “bar camps”—open sessions without a predetermined agenda. Industry professionals, innovators, service providers, and up-and-coming talent come together to discuss current topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, international competitiveness, and the future of live communication.
Bala Trachsel, Vice President of the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT, sums up the goal: «With the XAVER-LiveComvention, we want to create a place where the future of our industry is not only discussed, but also jointly debated and shaped. The LiveComvention stands for exchange, creativity, and the courage to break new ground.»
49 projects are competing for the 2026 XAVER Award
For this year’s edition of the XAVER Award 2026, 49 projects were submitted, all of which are intended to showcase the quality, creativity, and innovative strength of the Swiss LiveCom industry. An independent panel of experts thoroughly reviewed and evaluated the submissions back in May. The awards are presented in eight categories: Best Corporate Event, Best Consumer/POS Event, Best Public Event, Best Exposition Project, Best Exhibition Stand, Best Brand Worlds & Installations, Best Efficiency Project, and Best Supplier Services.
In addition to the jury awards, the Public XAVER is also presented, which is determined by online voting. Voting was open until 11:59 p.m. on September 7.
Urs Kessler: A Life's Work in Pictures and Experiences
The 2026 XAVER Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Urs Kessler, who served as CEO of Jungfraubahnen from 2008 to 2025—spending a total of 38 years with the company. During this time, the 64-year-old native of the Bernese Oberland consistently delivered spectacular events with international appeal: from Roger Federer to Bryan Adams to Lang Lang, he brought countless superstars to the region. In doing so, he had a lasting impact not only on the development of the Jungfraujoch—Top of Europe—but also on the Swiss event and LiveCom landscape.
With SnowpenAir on the Kleine Scheidegg, he spent more than two decades creating a festival that was second to none. He is being honored for his life’s work and his courage in consistently combining tourism, brand promotion, and live experiences.
Tickets for LiveComvention and the XAVER Awards Night
Tickets for the XAVER LiveComvention and the XAVER Award Night can be purchased individually or as a combo package. Members of the Swiss LiveCom Association are eligible for a special rate.
For more information and tickets, visit www.expo-event.ch.
