Swiss LiveCom Association Has a New Co-Presidency
At the general meeting held on September 8 at the Festhalle in Bern, the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT established its strategic priorities for the coming years—and elected Bala Trachsel and Nicole Pandiscia as its new co-chairs.
Swiss LiveCom Association Sets the Course for Growth
At its general meeting on September 8, 2026, at the Festhalle Bern, the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT defined clear strategic priorities for the coming years. The focus is on national expansion, stronger political advocacy, sustainability, and the further development of the XAVER Awards. At the same time, Bala Trachsel and Nicole Pandiscia took over as the association’s new co-presidents.
Going forward, the association will focus on intensified regional market development to better reach companies and professionals throughout Switzerland. The association aims to continue its targeted efforts to grow its membership in various regions and cantons. According to the association, the LiveCom industry plays an important economic and social role throughout Switzerland—ranging from major international events to trade shows and conferences, as well as festivals, corporate events, and tourist attractions. In addition, the association has created a platform for «Trade Shows & Venues» where trade show organizers, exhibition centers, and other stakeholders can discuss common challenges, developments, and policy issues.
Political Advocacy: The Industry Wants to Be Heard
Alongside its national expansion, the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT is expanding its advocacy efforts in close collaboration with the Alliance of Event Organizers« Associations. Managing Director Martin Troxler emphasizes: »We are actively and collectively advocating for the political interests of our industry and our members at the national level.”
Last year, the focus was on, among other things, the new fire safety regulations, the SRG Halving Initiative, Parliamentary Initiative 20.406 by Andri Silberschmidt, and the partial revision of the Epidemics Act. Through position statements, workshops, and direct dialogue with policymakers and authorities, the association brought the industry’s perspective to political processes and advocated for practical and economically viable framework conditions.
Focus on Sustainability and the Circular Economy
The Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT also plans to further expand its commitment to sustainability. Plans for 2027 include an introductory consultation, the further development of the certification program, additional certification partners, and the expansion of the sustainability toolbox. In the coming years, training programs, a roundtable series, reverse monitoring, and a collection of best practices are set to be added. At the same time, consulting services in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino will be expanded. According to the association, the goal is to make sustainability practical, economically relevant, and implementable in the industry’s day-to-day operations.
The XAVER continues to evolve
The Swiss LiveCom industry’s most important awards program is also set to undergo further development. The XAVER Award will be positioned even more strongly as a platform for quality, innovation, and industry dialogue. The XAVER LiveComvention, held for the first time this year, represents an important next step in this effort: The «unconference» brings together experts, executives, clients, service providers, and up-and-coming talent, and deliberately focuses on discussion rather than traditional lectures. Co-President Bala Trachsel explains: «The existing awards day is to be expanded into a more comprehensive multi-event day that brings together various formats from across the industry.»
New Faces at the Top of the Association
At the general meeting, the association bid farewell to President Christian Künzli as well as board members Danilo Dela Ca and Andy Kern. Going forward, the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT will be led by a co-presidency consisting of Bala Trachsel, CEO and founder of the creative agency Republica (Bern), and Nicole Pandiscia, founder and event manager of EventsDesigner Sagl (Ticino). With this new leadership model, the association is aiming for broader support and diverse perspectives. «The LiveCom industry is facing major changes—from new technologies and sustainability to shifting audience expectations. We don’t want to simply observe these developments or react to them; we want to actively shape them,» said the new co-presidents at the Festhalle Bern.
The association is also seeking additional expertise and broader support on its board. The General Assembly elected Juan Becerra of the Nüssli Group, Michel de Maddalena of Evenjo, Fabio Marino (Head of Operations, co-owner, and managing director of Verve Festival and Kopfklang), and Jean-Pierre Pigeon, Managing Director of the 2M2C Montreux Music & Convention Center, as new members of the board. The four new board members bring diverse perspectives and many years of experience in the fields of event production, festivals, venues, and live communication.
More information about the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT is available at www.expo-event.ch.
