Just before the show Basel 2000 we made an attempt to examine the magic parallels between the history of the country of Russia and the first (by its world status) show-fair of watches, clocks and jewellery. The parallels go on.

Pavilion I at the show Basel 2000

This year Basel introduced a number of innovations that are a brave step beyond the traditional style of the show. This show was set up and conducted by the new administration spearheaded by Rene Kamm, Michel Mamie's successor in this position. The new administration was determined to give the fair a more upbeat, contemporary image - to "upgrade the whole set-up," in Kamm's words.

Following the desire of the exhibitors to debut their new trends in jewellery and watch production early in the year, the show dates were changed from mid-April to late March.

Another innovation obvious for the exhibitors and visitors was a futuristic three-corner white canopy over the entrance to its main exhibition building and a blue instead of traditional red carpet. In Kamm's opinion, a red carpet would be ostentatious, while blue is just right for the upscale, tasteful impression this first Basel show of a new century wants to convey. The exhibition space has been increased by more than 10%, to 865,000 square feet.

The layout of the show was too subject to changes:

• wider aisles between the stands,
• enlarged press reception area,
• the commercial center occupied the specially added floor in Hall 5,
• clocks for the first times were presented in a separate area - Hall 1.

The Watch Hall struck the viewer with its two-story stands. Over 80% of the exhibitors chose stands constructed in this manner for their new collections. The houses might have served the security purposes as some pieces of jewellery cost millions of dollars. The rent for such a house was over $7 million.

Less obvious but nevertheless innovations were introduced at the show the contest for young jewellery designers and forums dedicated to branding and the role of the Internet in jewellery industry. As to the Internet, the show events were reported on-line by several sites. Among Russian sites the information was reported by the Russian Jewellery Network.

The number of exhibitors exceeded that of last year and reached 2.400. For Russia and Sri Lanka this was their first appearance. Much larger representation was by China, Hong Kong and India.

Percentage wise the show looked like the following: 77.5% of exhibitors from Europe, ; 16.8 % - from Asia; 3.7 % - from the US and Canada 2 % from other regions. Vistors of the show 59 % from Europe, excluding Switzerland; 22 % - from Switzerland; 8 % - from the United States and Canada; 6 % - from Asia; 5 % - from other corners of the world. Thematically: 56 % of exhibitors focused on jewellery; 25 % on watches and clocks; 19 % on accessories. As we have seen, the show innovations were inspired by the new administration. Our country has also experienced an administration shift. Let's hope that the coming changes will be just as positive as those at the jewellery show in the beautiful Swiss city of Basel.

The pavilion where the forum and conferences were held during the show Basel 2000