XAVER AWARD 2026: «NIGHTCALL» Calls on the LiveCom Industry
Under the motto «NIGHTCALL – for LiveCom Excellence,» the XAVER AWARD 2026 is already showcasing 49 submitted projects online. For the first time, the XAVER LiveComvention—an industry event—is complementing the program leading up to the big Awards Night.
The XAVER AWARD 2026 is themed «NIGHTCALL – for LiveCom Excellence» and showcases the most creative projects in the Swiss live communications industry. 49 outstanding entries are now available to view online—and for the first time, the XAVER LiveComvention, a new industry format, is part of the program.
49 projects and a satisfied jury
On May 26 and 27, 2026, during the official jury sessions at the Hallenstadion, the submitted projects were thoroughly reviewed, discussed, and evaluated by a high-caliber panel of experts. The result: 49 projects are now open to the public—a number that the Swiss LiveCom Association describes as exceptionally strong. Public voting will also begin on August 4, 2026, allowing the general public to vote for their favorites.
Jury Chair Andy Kern is impressed: «The quality of the submissions clearly demonstrates just how innovative, relevant, and forward-looking our industry is. The projects reflect not only creative excellence but also the high strategic standards of modern live communication.» Outgoing jury president Dany Waldner also expresses his satisfaction: «What we saw during the jury sessions leaves us wanting more. The Swiss LiveCom scene is once again proving its enormous creative power—with ideas that can have an impact far beyond our national borders.»
New: The XAVER LiveComvention as an Industry Event
For the first time, the XAVER AWARD 2026 is expanding its program to include the XAVER LiveComvention—a participatory pre-event designed as the Swiss live communications industry’s first «unconference.» The format aims to bring together professionals, executives, service providers, and the next generation of the Swiss LiveCom scene, and to promote open dialogue through so-called «Bar Camps.».
The focus will be on future-oriented questions that are likely to have a lasting impact on the industry: How can we achieve credible sustainability beyond greenwashing? Why are certifications increasingly becoming a decisive competitive factor? And what expectations do clients have today regarding responsible event concepts? Another Bar Camp will explore the impact of artificial intelligence: Where does AI create real added value, which processes can be meaningfully automated—and where does human creativity remain irreplaceable?
In addition, the industry is discussing the formats of tomorrow: Which ones will remain deliberately analog, and which ones will evolve into immersive or hybrid formats? And how can innovative event concepts be implemented in a way that ensures long-term economic success? A dedicated BarCamp will also focus on the international competitiveness of the Swiss market—and on the question of how value creation and innovative strength can be sustainably strengthened domestically.
The sessions follow the “unconference” model: open, interactive, practical, and with plenty of room for active discussion. Instead of traditional lecture-style formats, the focus is on discussion, collaboration, and concrete ideas for the future of the industry.
Tickets for the 2026 XAVER AWARD are now on sale
The combination of XAVER LiveConvention and Award Night is set to create a new industry experience in 2026—ranging from a knowledge-sharing and networking event to a grand awards ceremony in the evening. Tickets are now available. All submitted projects, additional information, and ticket sales can be found at: https://www.xaver-award.ch/xaver-award
