Concept

War in Europe, democracies under pressure, climate change and energy shortages – the planning of the next national expo is taking place in a time of general uncertainty. It is precisely now, in these times of crisis, that a national expo is needed more than ever. Every generation deserves a national expo that addresses current issues and challenges while creating perspectives for the future.

NEXPO wants to explore how, in a diverse Switzerland, we can strengthen our bonds and shape our common future. NEXPO promotes this social cohesion by not focusing on one region, but by involving many different communities and regions as well as the population as a whole.

Until now, the national expo has always been held in a single city or region. This is not the case with NEXPO, which will be held throughout Switzerland. NEXPO will therefore not be a classic expo on a defined, fenced-off site. By taking place throughout Switzerland, it will build bridges between the centre and the periphery, from the city to the mountains, and thus create meeting places across language regions. The various NEXPO themes will be linked together by NEXPO itineraries that cross Switzerland, from the city to the mountains.

Each of the ten cities deals with a relevant societal theme of the 21st century. These themes are all linked to the history and identity of the regions. The associated towns and villages will take up one of these themes and interpret them in their own way. In this way, the voice of the countryside will be heard in the city and vice versa.

Each expo site will have a NEXPO square. It will serve as a starting point and a welcome area for people who are about to explore the expo. The square introduces them to the theme of the city in a surprising way, gives them an overview of the experiences and routes available and provides a space to live, discuss and play.

NEXPO will be the first national expo to consider and implement the theme of sustainability in a consistent manner. This applies to the transport network, the know-how and the buildings. NEXPO is deliberately not building large new structures that would be demolished after the expo. Instead, it is making use of existing locations, buildings or institutions that are normally closed to the general public and will be open during the expo.

NEXPO is creating a buzz throughout Switzerland, with a focus on openness and the joy of exchange. NEXPO moments play an important role in this. They promote exchanges and discussions within the population, e.g. on a pedal boat on the lake or on a chairlift in the mountains.

The NEXPO application is a game guide, a discussion facilitator and a tool that enables the population to submit their ideas. At the same time, it serves as an information platform, tourist guide and booking portal.