Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
AidEx 2026 is set to be a pivotal event in the humanitarian aid and development sector, taking place at Palexpo, Geneva, from 21-22 October 2026. This exhibition will gather industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to discuss pressing issues and solutions in humanitarian efforts.
With a focus on collaboration and innovation, AidEx aims to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action and development initiatives. AidEx takes place in Geneva, Switzerland.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: AidEx 2026 takes place from 21-22 October 2026 at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event focuses on humanitarian aid and development, attracting key stakeholders from the sector.
- 3Organiser: AidEx is organised by AidEx Geneva Ltd., with more details available at aid-expo.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers and influencers in humanitarian aid and development.
- 5Entry: Registration is open now for those interested in attending or exhibiting.
Why visit
Attending AidEx 2026 offers invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions in humanitarian aid. Attendees include decision-makers and influencers in humanitarian aid and development. Registration is open now for those interested in attending or exhibiting.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at AidEx 2026 provides a platform to showcase your products and services to key decision-makers in the humanitarian sector. It’s an opportunity to network, build partnerships, and demonstrate your commitment to improving humanitarian efforts. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Suppliers of humanitarian aid products, Technology providers for aid delivery, Consultants in humanitarian strategy. Position your offer across humanitarian aid supplies.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
NGO representatives seeking innovative solutions
Government officials involved in humanitarian policy
Private sector partners looking to collaborate
Academics researching humanitarian aid
Philanthropists interested in funding initiatives
Media professionals covering humanitarian issues
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of humanitarian aid products
Technology providers for aid delivery
Consultants in humanitarian strategy
Organizations specializing in disaster response
NGOs showcasing their projects and initiatives
Financial institutions supporting humanitarian efforts
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Humanitarian aid supplies and equipment
Innovative technology for aid delivery
Training and consultancy services for NGOs
Funding solutions for humanitarian projects
Logistics and supply chain management tools
Health and nutrition solutions for crisis settings
Location & Facilities
Venue
Palexpo
Geneva, Switzerland
Facilities
Parking
Palexpo in Geneva typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Palexpo in Geneva typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Palexpo for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
21 – 22 October 2026:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
AidEx Geneva Ltd.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Geneva, Switzerland
Why it matters
On 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-22, AidEx in Geneva covering Humanitarian aid supplies and equipment, Innovative technology for aid delivery, Training and consultancy services for N gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport is the closest international gateway to Palexpo and is directly linked to the venue district by local transport
TBA
to venue
Short transfer to Palexpo by local rail, bus or taxi; confirm live timetables
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
ibis budget Genève Palexpo Aéroport
budget
Grand-Saconnex / Palexpo airport districtGoogle Hotels lists this 1-star hotel about 70 m from the venue search location; amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar.
B&B HOTEL Geneva Airport
budget
Geneva Airport / Grand-SaconnexGoogle Hotels lists this 3-star hotel about 2 km away; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar, airport shuttle, kid-friendly.
Nash Pratik Hotel
midscale
Grand-SaconnexGuest rating 4.0 (541 reviews) in the Google Hotels results for hotels near Palexpo; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, paid parking, air conditioning, bar, restaurant, airport shuttle, laundry, accessible rooms.
Nash Suites Airport Hotel
midscale
Geneva Airport / Grand-SaconnexGuest rating 4.1 in the Google Hotels near-PALEXPO results; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, fitness center, spa, restaurant, airport shuttle, laundry.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train (SBB / regional)
Estimated costCHF 12-28 airport or S-Bahn single journey
Best forGeneva Airport (GVA) to Palexpo
Route planners list direct rail connections between Geneva Airport and Palexpo; the venue is one short stop from the airport station.
Bus (TPG)
Estimated costCHF 3.50-6.50 single S-Bahn/tram journey
Best forGeneva city centre (Cornavin / Nations) to Palexpo
TPG buses including line 5 connect central Geneva with the Palexpo stop; timetables and live departures are listed on Geneva public transport guides.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF taxi/rideshare from GVA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forGeneva Airport (GVA) to Palexpo
Taxis are available at the airport terminal; travel time is short given the proximity to the fairground.
Weather
Geneva in October is mid-autumn: daytime temperatures often sit around 8-17 C, with cooler mornings and evenings and a realistic chance of rain showers. Pack layers and a compact umbrella, and confirm the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Switzerland.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language
Geneva is French-speaking; English is widely used in the humanitarian and development sector and at Palexpo. Carry key addresses in French for taxis or local transport.
Business etiquette
Swiss business culture values punctuality and concise introductions. Exchange business cards and confirm meeting times in advance, especially with UN and NGO buyers.
Venue practicalities
Palexpo is a large exhibition complex; allow extra time for badge collection, security screening and walking between halls. Public transport and taxis serve the site.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: GVA
Fares sampled on Google Flights for 21-25 October 2026: London LHR-GVA from roughly CHF 161 and New York JFK-GVA from roughly CHF 1,139 connecting or CHF 1,772 nonstop. Prices are indicative only, change daily and exclude optional bags; book early for the show week and verify entry requirements before departure.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Geneva Airport (GVA): Short transfer to Palexpo by local rail, bus or taxi; confirm live timetables. Allow road or rail time to Palexpo; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Palexpo: Grand-Saconnex / Palexpo airport district: ibis budget Genève Palexpo Aéroport; Geneva Airport / Grand-Saconnex: B&B HOTEL Geneva Airport; Grand-Saconnex: Nash Pratik Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Geneva; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Palexpo; check operator timetables.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Palexpo; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Seasonality: October is mid-autumn in Geneva, with changeable weather and a realistic chance of rain showers. Pack layers and a compact umbrella, and check the forecast before travelling to Palexpo.
Packing: {'low_c': 8, 'high_c': 17, 'unit': 'C', 'notes': 'Approximate October daytime range for Geneva; confirm the forecast before travel.'} October is mid-autumn in Geneva, with changeable weather and a realistic chance of rain showers. Pack layers and a compact umbrella, and check the forecast before tra
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at AidEx usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your AidEx visitor registration and badge status on aidexpo.com; save the confirmation email and check any collection instructions.
Day 14
Book Geneva accommodation near Palexpo or along the airport rail line; October is a busy conference period, so confirm cancellation terms.
Day 12
Review the AidEx exhibitor list and conference schedule; shortlist suppliers, sessions and side meetings relevant to your humanitarian or development programme.
Day 10
Book flights to Geneva (GVA) and plan the short transfer to Palexpo by train, bus or taxi; confirm live fares and timetables.
Day 7
Prepare a one-page organisational capability sheet and meeting requests for UN, NGO, donor or government contacts you want to meet.
Day 5
Check Swiss entry requirements for your nationality and carry your passport, any required visa and event confirmation.
Day 3
Pack business cards, a refillable water bottle and layers for changeable October weather in Geneva.
Day 2
Download the Palexpo floor plan and mark priority stands; allow extra time for badge collection and security screening.
Day 1
Charge devices, save the official schedule and confirm opening hours on aidexpo.com before leaving for the venue.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Palexpo
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2AidEx registration concourse
Palexpo
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Palexpo
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCHF 190.00
- Per diem × 2CHF 150.00
Estimated totalCHF 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether AidEx fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For AidEx, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Humanitarian aid supplies and equipment and Innovative technology for aid delive solutions and benchmarking suppliers at AidEx in Geneva.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Humanitarian aid supplies and equipment and Innovative technology for aid delive products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Geneva show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Humanitarian procurement
- The sourcing of goods and services for emergency relief and development programmes, usually governed by donor compliance rules, framework agreements and transparent tender processes.
- WASH
- Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions used in humanitarian settings to prevent disease and maintain public health, including water supply, latrines, hygiene kits and behaviour-change programmes.
- Shelter and NFI
- Emergency shelter and non-food items such as tents, tarpaulins, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lamps and family kits distributed after displacement or disaster.
- Cash and voucher assistance (CVA)
- A form of aid delivered as cash transfers or vouchers so affected people can buy what they need locally, often linked to markets, mobile money and beneficiary data systems.
- Localisation
- The shift of humanitarian leadership, funding and delivery toward local and national responders, including local NGOs, community groups and national authorities.
- Humanitarian-development-peace nexus
- An approach that links short-term emergency response with longer-term development and peacebuilding work to reduce vulnerability and repeat crises.
- Framework agreement
- A pre-negotiated supply arrangement that sets terms, prices and service levels for repeated purchases, commonly used by UN agencies and large NGOs to speed up procurement.
- Humanitarian logistics
- The planning and movement of relief supplies, equipment and people into crisis-affected areas, including warehousing, customs clearance, fleet management and last-mile distribution.
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Readiness activities such as contingency stockpiling, early warning, drill exercises and rapid procurement arrangements that help organisations respond faster when a crisis hits.
- Medical supply chain
- The sourcing, storage and distribution of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and medical equipment under temperature control, quality assurance and traceability requirements.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- AidEx 2026
- AidEx Geneva 2026
- Geneva Switzerland
- Humanitarian Aid and Development Geneva 2026
- Humanitarian Aid and Development Exhibition Geneva
- Humanitarian aid supplies and equipment
- Innovative technology for aid delivery
- Training and consultancy services for NGOs
- Funding solutions for humanitarian projects
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.