Xaver Award 2024 - "Bienvenue au Cirque d'Illusion"
The 22nd edition of the most important award ceremony in the Swiss event industry is over. 14 out of 34 submitted projects and one person were honored for their life's work.
Being transported to another world for a brief moment. One that inspires, motivates, evokes emotions of all kinds, can leave you both elated and saddened to death - that is the magic of events. Creating an illusion that makes the audience forget reality for a moment was also the inspiration behind this year's XAVER motto: "Bienvenue au Cirque d'Illusion".
"Creativity, charisma and innovation - these are the hallmarks of a good XAVER project. Once again this year, we were able to evaluate numerous submissions that meet these criteria and thus capture all the brilliance and talent of the industry," says jury president Dany Waldner.
Gold for Symbiotopia: Winner of the hearts and the XAVER Award
Symbiotopia, an award-winning installation in the new pediatric psychiatry building of the University Hospital of Geneva, won gold at the XAVER Awards in the category "Best Brandworlds & Temporary Installations and Exhibitions". Developed by Dorier SA for the Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, Symbiotopia uses a combination of therapeutic spaces and innovative gamification to reduce the stigmatization of psychiatric care for young people. The installation creates a vibrant space that actively engages children, their families and the community and promotes a new understanding. "Symbiotopia has found an answer to the complex question of destigmatization - it deserves a XAVER," said the jury.
Gold for the Lenzerheide Magic Forest: a magical winter experience
The Lenzerheide Magic Forest, which won gold in the "Best Public Event" category, has been delighting visitors with its unique mix of live concerts, light art, culinary delights and children's programs since 2013. Every year, a magical world is created in the wintry forest of Lenzerheide, enchanting thousands of people during the Christmas season. "Despite the icy cold, the Lenzerheide Magic Forest always brings to life a fairytale landscape full of creativity and diversity," says jury member Nadine Imboden.
Lifetime Achievement XAVER Award for Rémy Crégut: A life for culture
Rémy Crégut, long-time director of the Montreux Music & Convention Center 2m2c, receives this year's Lifetime Achievement XAVER Award. Over the past 19 years, the 64-year-old has shaped iconic events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Montreux Comedy Festival and helped the Montreux brand achieve international fame. Crégut is regarded as one of the key players who put Switzerland on the world cultural stage. Even today, Montreux is celebrated in music circles in England and the USA as a "safe space" that has always placed art above commerce. A detailed portrait of the winner can be found on the XAVER Award website.
Project wins public online voting
Holding your own against the two popular sports of football and ice hockey is anything but easy. However, this year's floorball Superfinal 2024 (agency: evenjo ag | client: Swiss Unihockey) impressively demonstrated that this is exactly what is possible with a successful live production. Around 9,000 people in the stadium and 139,000 viewers watching on their screens witnessed the showpiece of the Swiss floorball club championship live and, in particular, the superbly staged intro show. "When a sport that is not football or something similar captivates almost 150,000 people - it definitely deserves the public's adulation," concludes jury president Kern. Second and third place in the audience award went to Winterland Locarno (enjoyArena SA) and the gold award winner Zauberwald Lenzerheide.
An evening full of glitz, glamor and GV: XAVER Award inspires
The XAVER Award attracted around 700 guests to the JED Events in Zurich, hosted by Swiss drag queen Gossipa. Christian Künzli, President of the Swiss LiveCom Association, was delighted: "The XAVER has been showing what our industry can do for 22 years." The General Assembly of the Swiss LiveCom Association before the award ceremony offered insights into upcoming highlights, including the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, presented by Edi Estermann (SRG). In addition, the new Managing Director Martin Troxler was presented and projects on sustainability and promoting young talent were highlighted.
Xaver Award moves to Bern: a step towards French-speaking Switzerland
The XAVER Award is relocating to the federal city of Bern to further strengthen its ties with French-speaking Switzerland. The new Festhalle Bern, which will open in spring 2025 as Switzerland's most modern event location, will provide the perfect stage for the award. "We are a national award and by holding the event in Bern, we want to show that we are geared towards the whole country," says Christian Künzli, President of the Swiss LiveCom Association.
