FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2008 Geneva Venue

Geneva makes an ideal international meeting point for Europe's screen and digital printers when they converge on FESPA Digital 2008 at the city's Palexpo exhibition centre.

FESPA Digital 2008 from 1-3 April 2008.

A key destination for many national airlines, Geneva is also served by regular discount flights arriving from locations such as Milan, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Rome, London, Vienna, Madrid and Barcelona, making it a practical destination for the business traveller.

Palexpo is one of the most easily accessible major city exhibition centres in Europe, just 10 minutes from the centre of Geneva.

The venue is right next to Geneva Cointrin International Airport, the international train station with high-speed train service to Paris, London and Milan, and at the junction of north-south motorways.

Palexpo is also conveniently near to many hotels, and with Geneva being voted amongst the Top 3 world cities for good value hotel accommodation, a visit to FESPA Digital 2008 should be a highly affordable and efficient way for printers to update themselves on what's new in wide-format digital.

Geneva is a small city, but has an extensive, world-class public transportation system which relies on its tram and trolleybus services.

The TPG (Transports Publics Genevois) operates 345 trolleybuses, trams, and autobuses in and around Geneva.

Boat travel is also available and popular with visitors to Geneva.

Tickets purchased apply to all these modes of transportation, making varied travel options easy.

What's more, visitors to FESPA Digital 2008 staying overnight in a Geneva hotel will receive a complimentary Geneva Transport Card for free public transport around Geneva.

Geneva's proximity to the Alps also makes it an ideal ski destination, with the Grand Massif on its doorstep.

This attractive area between Geneva and Mont Blanc includes four charming traditional ski resorts - Morillon, Samoens, Sixt-Fer-andagrave;-Cheval and Les Carroz.

The region, which offers 265 km of piste, is easy to get to via direct motorway links from Geneva or by TGV train from Geneva to Cluses, with regular bus links between the resorts.

For printers wanting to combine time at the exhibition with some mountain air, FESPA will offer complete 'snow and show' packages.

For more information, visit the FESPA Digital web site.

Even without a trip to the slopes, after a day at FESPA Digital, there is plenty to do and see in and around Geneva.

Perhaps the most famous landmark is the Jet d'Eau fountain, undoubtedly the icon of Geneva.

Originally a simple security valve at the Coulouvreniere hydraulic factory, this water fountain has, over the years, grown to be the symbol of Geneva, and at any given moment there are roughly 2000 litres of water in the air.

Also on lake Geneva is the Societe Nautique de Geneva (SNG) where currently the victorious America's Cup winning team Alinghi show the boat that sailed them to victory.

It also helped them sail into the history books, along with the USA and New Zealand, as a multiple America's Cup winner.

While at the SNG, why not take a stroll around the picturesque Harbour or enjoy a meal at Le Restaurant Du Club, with views over the harbour and the winning boat itself.

Geneva's lakefront is one of the city's greatest assets.

A stroll down the lakeside quays lets you pass by beautiful flowerbeds and other exotic flora as well as elegant old residences.

Swans, ducks and diving birds cohabit the lake along with a multitude of brightly coloured sailing boats.

On the right bank, take a look at the Brunswick Monument which contains the tomb of Charles II and crossing the Mont-Blanc bridge towards the left bank, you'll see the Jardin Anglais (English Garden).

Here you'll find the famous flower clock, a reflection of Geneva's preoccupation with watchmaking, and the National Monument which commemorates Geneva's joining the rest of Switzerland in 1815.

One hundred and fifty seven steps lead to the summit of Saint Peter's Cathedral's north tower and to a fabulous panoramic view overlooking the city and the lake for a perfect photo opportunity.

The UN Building was constructed between 1929 and 1936 to house the League of Nations, the Palais des Nations became the headquarters of the United Nations in 1946 when the former organisation was dissolved.

The vast wooded park overlooking the lake, where it is located, was donated by the City of Geneva.

Today, and after the completion of a new wing in 1973, it is the second most important centre of the United Nations after New York.

During the day Geneva rarely falls quiet.

With a myriad of boutiques and department stores, Geneva offers something for everyone.

Carouge, with its Mediterranean-like atmosphere is bustling and the streets are full of trendy boutiques, antiques and curios dealers, restaurants and bistros which ensure a very warm and congenial ambience.

Eating and drinking combine in Geneva to the extent that Geneva has become the culinary capital of Switzerland.

Haute cuisine restaurants and bistros with classic or innovative cuisine attract a remarkable number of people to the Rhone city.

When night falls in Geneva, trendy restaurants, bars and night-clubs spark to life.

With numerous bars and nightclubs in the city there is sure to be something for everyone's taste.

Managing Director, FESPA Exhibitions, Frazer Chesterman comments: "With a show such as FESPA that changes location each time, we are always searching for fresh, accessible and inspiring destinations that will broaden FESPA's appeal and attract visitors from the widest possible area".

"Geneva, as a destination has the feel of a cosmopolitan capital city, but doesn't suffer from typical capital city problems such as pollution and overcrowding".

"Its compact size and excellent public transport system make it convenient to get around, and its excellent international connections mean it is easily reached by printers from all key European markets".

"Palexpo is a fine exhibition venue, and the city has a great deal to offer the business visitor, both on the doorstep and in the surrounding area".

"We're confident that two days in Geneva in April next year will give printers a perfect combination of business inspiration and relaxation.".

Back to top