The live communications industry in Switzerland is preparing for a historic change. The gala evening for the award ceremony XAVER Award, the most prestigious award in the industry, will be held outside of Zurich for the first time. The event, scheduled for September 9, 2025, will take place in Festival hall in Bern, a recently inaugurated location which, according to the organizers, symbolizes a new beginning and the growing national importance of the sector.
The Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT has chosen the federal capital for an edition that promises to be packed with innovations and significant moments. Under the motto "WANTED – LiveCom Excellence," the entire event has been designed in "cowboy chic" style, with Wild West-themed displays that, according to the organizers, will once again highlight the creativity and ability to create unique experiences that are at the heart of the LiveCom sector.
A tribute to Marco Solari and Christa Rigozzi's hosting
One of the most anticipated aspects of the evening is the award ceremony Lifetime Achievement Award Ticino native Marco Solari. The association thus intends to honor his extraordinary career and fundamental contribution to Switzerland's cultural and events landscape. Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, will deliver the eulogy. Solari's selection underscores the importance of the work done by prominent figures from our canton at the federal level.
The ceremony will be hosted by the charismatic Ticino presenter Christa Rigozzi. Known for her professionalism and warmth, Rigozzi is a prominent figure in Swiss television, and her presence on the Festhalle stage will add a touch of energy and authenticity to the event.
Innovation and participation
The 2025 edition of the XAVER Award saw the submission of 45 projects. For the first time, a new category, "Best Expo Stand," will be introduced, adding to the eight existing ones. These range from corporate events to exhibition installations, to digital formats. A further innovation is the Public XAVER, which allows the public to vote for their favorite project. Voting is open online until September 8, 2025, on the official website.
Christian Künzli, President of the Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the award's role as the "most important showcase" for the industry. The choice of Bern's new Festhalle, according to Künzli, is a "very clear signal" of the association's intention to celebrate excellence in a location that symbolizes the dawn of new opportunities.
The awards ceremony will also be an opportunity to highlight the close collaboration with regional catering and beverage partners, ensuring a dining experience that reflects the values of quality, regionality, and sustainability.
The event promises to be a turning point, not only for the XAVER Award, but for the entire live communications sector in Switzerland. With its move to Bern, the ceremony strengthens its role as a national reference point, celebrating past successes and looking confidently to the future.
For more information and to participate in the Public XAVER vote, please visit the official website: www.xaver-award.ch/it/.
