The organisers of the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Show (EPHJ) for the high-precision industry have confirmed that the event, which was originally scheduled to run from June 16–19 but was postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), will now take place from September 15–18, 2020, at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event brings together the main high-precision industries of watchmaking and jewellery, microtechnologies and medical technologies under one roof, and organisers state that the decision was made to go ahead with the event in order to contribute to the recovery of all high-precision sectors.

“We have held widespread discussions over the past few weeks with numerous exhibitors to obtain an accurate picture as possible of the situation on the ground,” explained Alexandre Catton, Director of the EPHJ Trade Show for the watchmaking, jewellery, and micro and medical technology sectors. 

“We received the following feedback. Some of them believe that the situation is difficult and that the market trend, the persistent uncertainties and the potential fall in footfall mean that they should concentrate on other priorities. For others, the majority, the desire is a return to normality; for them, to be able to present their innovations and to meet clients and prospective customers at the Trade Show is a priority,” Catton explained.

In an official statement, the event organisers wrote, “The vast majority of exhibitors have maintained their registration for the 2020 edition, and it is very important in the current environment, which makes recovery extremely difficult for an industry like the watchmaking and jewellery sector, to bring together all the players and to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”

“Since its inception, the EPHJ Trade Show has been at the service of the watchmaking community and the microtechnical industries as a whole. It is, therefore, our duty to remain at the service of all those exhibitors who want the Trade Show to take place to help them to relaunch their business activities.”

The organisers expressed their awareness that the 2020 edition will not have its customary configuration in terms of visitors and exhibitors, despite current travel restrictions in place for certain major businesses having less impact on manufacturing businesses and companies established in Switzerland, which are subject to fewer constraints in travelling to Geneva. 

They commented that they would prefer to take this economic and commercial risk “together with their exhibitors” than disappoint those who wish to attend the trade fair. 

Catton added, “This decision has been taken based on the data currently available. Depending on how the health restrictions evolve between now and September and on the authorisations granted to the EPHJ Trade Show, we will make adjustments and put in place the health and safety measures required.”

The programme of conferences and round tables for the event is yet to be confirmed.