Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
CareFair is the leading job fair for the healthcare industry in Switzerland, providing a platform for employers to connect with qualified candidates.
Scheduled for 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Zurich Exhibition, this event facilitates networking and recruitment opportunities for healthcare professionals.
With a focus on addressing the skilled labor shortage in the health sector, CareFair offers a unique opportunity for both job seekers and employers to engage directly.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: CareFair takes place from 20 to 22 October 2026 at Zurich Exhibition.
- 2Scale and Focus: This job fair is dedicated to the healthcare sector, connecting employers with qualified candidates.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by CareFair Schweiz GmbH, with more details available at carefair.ch.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include healthcare professionals, job seekers, and employers in the health sector.
- 5Entry: Free registration is available for visitors on the official website.
Why visit
Visitors will benefit from direct access to numerous healthcare employers, networking opportunities, and insights into career paths in the health sector. This job fair is dedicated to the healthcare sector, connecting employers with qualified candidates. Attendees include healthcare professionals, job seekers, and employers in the health sector.
Why exhibit
CareFair puts Swiss hospitals, Spitex home-care organisations, nursing homes, psychiatric and rehabilitation clinics, medical practices and nursing schools in front of people actively choosing a care employer. Attendees include healthcare professionals, job seekers, and employers in the health sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Registered nurses (Pflegefachpersonen) with hospital, clinic or home-care experience
Nursing assistants (FaGe) and healthcare assistants looking for permanent or part-time roles
Medical practice assistants (MPA) seeking practice, clinic or hospital administration roles
Midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and radiologic technologists
Nursing students and apprentices completing HF, FH or vocational training
Career changers exploring adult-entry nursing programmes and paid training pathways
Swiss-qualified care professionals returning after a career break
Internationally trained nurses checking SRK/SBFI recognition and language requirements
Team leaders and care managers comparing employers, shift models and continuing-education support
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Acute-care hospitals and university hospitals recruiting nurses, MPA and allied health staff
Private clinics, specialist practices and day-surgery centres
Spitex home-care organisations and community nursing services
Nursing and retirement homes with permanent and part-time care roles
Psychiatric and rehabilitation clinics
Nursing schools, universities of applied sciences and vocational training providers
Healthcare recruitment and international staffing agencies
Employer-branding, career-platform and continuing-education providers
Professional associations and care-sector advice services
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Permanent nursing vacancies in hospitals, Spitex, nursing homes and clinics
Part-time and full-time care roles with shift, weekend and on-call patterns explained
Apprenticeships and entry roles for nursing assistants (FaGe) and medical practice assistants (MPA)
Bachelor's and master's nursing programmes plus HF vocational nursing training
Continuing education and specialist certificates in intensive care, anaesthesia, psychiatry, oncology and midwifery
Career-change and adult-entry pathways into care work
Recognition of foreign nursing qualifications and credential advice
Employment percentages, salary bands, shift supplements and working-condition guidance
International recruitment and relocation support from Swiss employers
Allied health roles in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and radiography
Leadership, advanced practice and care-management positions
Location & Facilities
Venue
Zurich exhibition
Stockerstrasse 42, CH-8002 Zürich
Facilities
Parking
Zurich exhibition in Zürich 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: Zurich exhibition in Zürich 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 Zurich exhibition for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
CareFair Schweiz GmbH
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Zürich, Switzerland
Why it matters
On 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-22, CareFair in Zürich covering Job opportunities in healthcare, Healthcare training programs, Medical equipment and supplies, Healthcare consulting ser gives medical 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.
Primary gateway for Messe Zürich. Take the S-Bahn to Zürich Oerlikon, then tram 11 or a 10-minute walk to the halls; a taxi takes about 20-30 min depending on traffic. Confirm live ZVV/SBB times before travel
approx. 10 km
to venue
20-30 min by road; 10-15 min by S-Bahn to Zürich Oerlikon plus tram or walk
by car
Backup rail gateway, not a Zürich city airport. Bus links connect EuroAirport to Basel SBB, then trains reach Zürich HB in about 55-70 min; continue by tram or S-Bahn to Oerlikon. Use only if fares or schedules justify the longer transfer
approx. 90 km
to venue
about 1h15-1h30 door to door by bus and train
by car
Long rail transfer. Direct trains from Geneva Airport to Zürich HB take roughly 2h45, followed by tram 11 or an S-Bahn to Oerlikon. Consider Geneva only if long-haul fares are materially lower than into Zurich
approx. 280 km
to venue
about 2h45 by direct train to Zürich HB, plus onward tram or S-Bahn
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Zürich - Messe by IHG
4-star
Messe Zürich / Oerlikon4.2
About 100 m from the exhibition halls; breakfast and parking are paid extras. Captured sample: CHF 265 for 20-22 Oct 2026, so treat the USD night band as approximate.
ibis Zurich Messe Airport
3-star
Messe Zürich / airport corridor4.2
Budget-friendly base between the fairground and Zurich Airport. No CHF sample in the capture, so the USD band is an estimate; confirm the exact ZVV connection to Messe/Hallenstadion.
Sheraton Zurich Hotel
4-star
Zürich city4.3
Central Zürich option, roughly 20-25 min from Messe Zürich by tram 11 or S-Bahn to Oerlikon. Captured sample: CHF 610 for 20-22 Oct 2026.
Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel
5-star
Zürich city4.3
Central Zürich tower hotel with easy tram or S-Bahn access to Oerlikon. Captured sample: CHF 562 for 20-22 Oct 2026; recheck rates for your exact show dates.
B&B HOTEL Zurich East Wallisellen
3-star
Wallisellen4.6
Lower-cost base east of Zürich; needs a tram or train connection to Messe Zürich. Captured sample: CHF 145 for 20-22 Oct 2026.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn
Estimated costApprox. CHF taxi/rideshare from ZRH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Zürich Oerlikon
Fastest airport-to-fairground leg, about 10-15 min. From Oerlikon, take tram 11 or walk about 10 min to Messe Zürich. Buy before boarding and validate where required.
tram
Estimated costCHF 3.50-6.50 single S-Bahn/tram journey
Best forZürich HB to Messe/Hallenstadion
Tram 11 connects the main station area with the Messe/Hallenstadion stop. Allow 20-25 min plus walking time to your hall; a day pass pays off for multiple trips.
S-Bahn
Estimated costCHF 45–90 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forZürich HB to Zürich Oerlikon
Frequent S-Bahn service to Oerlikon, then tram 11 or a 10-minute walk to the halls. Useful if your hotel is near Zürich HB rather than on the tram 11 route.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 50-70 one-way (confirm meter or fixed quote)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich exhibition
Door-to-door option for late arrivals or heavy materials, about 20-30 min depending on traffic. The S-Bahn is usually faster and cheaper during peak hours.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 25-35 one-way (confirm meter or fixed quote)
Best forZürich HB to Messe Zürich
Short city transfer, about 15-20 min. Use only when carrying stand materials or arriving outside tram hours.
parking
Estimated costApprox. CHF 15-30 per day (confirm current tariff with Messe Zürich)
Best forMesse Zürich on-site parking garage
On-site parking is available but fills on busy fair days. Check hall access and height restrictions before driving; a ZVV Park+Ride plus S-Bahn can be simpler.
rail
Estimated costApprox. CHF 40-60 one-way, 2nd class (confirm SBB fare)
Best forBasel EuroAirport / Basel SBB to Zürich HB
Backup airport option. Allow 1h15-1h30 door to door including the bus from EuroAirport to Basel SBB, then continue by tram or S-Bahn to Oerlikon.
rail
Estimated costApprox. CHF 90-120 one-way, 2nd class (confirm SBB fare)
Best forGeneva Airport to Zürich HB
Long rail transfer of about 2h45. Add tram 11 or S-Bahn to Oerlikon. Only practical if long-haul fares into Geneva are materially lower.
Weather
Zürich in October is mid-autumn: cool mornings, mild afternoons and a real chance of rain on any show day. Typical daytime highs sit near 13-15 °C and nights near 6-8 °C; the fairground halls are heated, but tram stops and queuing areas are outdoors. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket rather than relying on an umbrella in crowded trams, and check the five-day forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise run 4G and 5G networks with strong coverage in Zürich and around Messe Zürich. Switzerland is outside EU roaming for many mobile plans, so check your operator or buy a Swiss eSIM or prepaid SIM at Zurich Airport. Power is 230 V with type J sockets; bring a type C adapter if needed. Venue Wi-Fi policy and exhibitor network access should be confirmed with Messe Zürich before you rely on it for demos or interviews.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and CVs
Swiss German is the everyday language in Zürich, while High German is used in job ads and interviews. Bring a German-language CV if you have one; English is common in international teams, but clinical roles often require German at B2 or higher. Ask employers which language level the role needs.
Qualifications and recognition
Swiss employers will ask about recognised diplomas and, for clinical roles, language certificates. If you trained abroad, start the SRK or SBFI recognition process before the fair and bring copies of your diploma, transcript and language certificate.
Working percentages and shifts
Care vacancies in Switzerland are often advertised at 80-100% with shift, weekend and public-holiday supplements. Ask how Pikettdienst (on-call duty) is compensated and how rosters are planned before you compare offers.
Practical etiquette
Arrive on time, greet with a handshake and use surnames until invited otherwise. Cards are widely accepted in Zürich, but keep some CHF cash for small purchases; most shops close on Sunday.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ZRH
Fly into Zurich (ZRH) where possible; it is about 10 km from Messe Zürich and connected by S-Bahn to Zürich Oerlikon. Captured samples for the 20 October 2026 window showed fares from London around CHF 55, Singapore around CHF 521, Bangkok around CHF 518 and New York around CHF 383; treat these as search-page samples, not quotes, and recheck for your exact dates. October is shoulder season, so booking 6-10 weeks ahead and avoiding Friday evening arrivals usually helps. Basel (BSL) and Geneva (GVA) are rail backup options, not convenient city airports for a short Zürich trip.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Zurich Airport (ZRH): 20-30 min by road; 10-15 min by S-Bahn to Zürich Oerlikon plus tram or walk; Basel EuroAirport (BSL): about 1h15-1h30 door to door by bus and train; Geneva Airport (GVA): about 2h45 by direct train to Zürich HB, plus onward tram or S-Bahn. Allow road or rail time to Zurich exhibition; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Zurich exhibition: Messe Zürich / Oerlikon: Holiday Inn Zürich - Messe by IHG; Messe Zürich / airport corridor: ibis Zurich Messe Airport; Zürich city: Sheraton Zurich Hotel.
Ride-hail: Uber and local taxi operators serve Zürich, including Messe Zürich. For airport runs, the S-Bahn is usually faster and cheaper during peak hours; use ride-hail for late arrivals or if you carry exhibition materials. Confirm the pickup point at Messe Zürich and expect surge pricing around fair opening and close.
Public transit: Zürich public transport is operated by ZVV with trams, buses and S-Bahn trains. Messe Zürich is served by tram 11 to Messe/Hallenstadion and by S-Bahn to Zürich Oerlikon with a 10-minute walk or onward tram. From Zurich Airport, take the S-Bahn to Oerlikon in about 10-15 min, then tram or walk. Buy a ZVV ticket from machines or the app before boarding and validate where required; a day pass or Zurich Card can pay off for multiple trips.
Parking: Messe Zürich has an on-site parking garage, but spaces fill on busy fair days. Confirm the current hourly or daily tariff and hall access with Messe Zürich before driving. For a simpler arrival, use a ZVV Park+Ride outside the city centre and continue by S-Bahn, or take the airport rail link to Oerlikon.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Temperature: Approx. 6-15 °C (daytime highs 13-15 °C, nights 6-8 °C); confirm the forecast five days before travel.
Seasonality: Rain is common in October, with roughly 8-12 wet days in a typical month and showers that can pass quickly. Keep a compact waterproof layer and waterproof shoes for the walk between tram stops and the halls.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for the Messe Zürich halls, a business-casual interview outfit, printed CVs and certificates, a type J power adapter and a portable charger. October evenings are cool, so add a warm mid-layer for travel to and from Oerlikon.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CareFair usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
T-14: Register or check visitor details on carefair.ch and confirm which halls and days are open to job seekers.
T-2
T-14: Shortlist 8-12 exhibiting employers such as hospitals, Spitex organisations, nursing homes, clinics and nursing schools, and note the roles or programmes you want to discuss.
T-3
T-12: Update your CV for Swiss care roles with qualifications, diplomas, language levels, employment percentage, shift availability and references.
T-4
T-12: If you trained abroad, check SRK/SBFI recognition steps and bring copies of your diploma, transcript and language certificate.
T-5
T-10: Book accommodation in Zürich Oerlikon or along tram 11 or the S-Bahn, and confirm free cancellation.
T-6
T-7: Plan your ZVV route to Messe/Hallenstadion and decide whether a day pass or Zurich Card suits your trip.
T-7
T-7: Prepare a 60-second introduction covering your specialty, experience, preferred workload and the questions you want answered.
T-8
T-5: Print 10-15 CV copies, save a PDF on your phone, and pack certificates and reference letters.
T-9
T-3: Check the carefair.ch schedule for employer talks or interview slots and note times; confirm whether registration is required.
T-10
T-1: Pack business-casual interview clothes, comfortable shoes, a charger and a waterproof layer for October weather.
T-11
Show day: Arrive early at Messe Zürich, collect your badge and prioritise employers with live vacancies before browsing.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Zurich exhibition
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CareFair registration concourse
Zurich exhibition
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Zurich exhibition
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 CareFair fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For CareFair, 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 Job opportunities in healthcare and Healthcare training programs solutions and benchmarking suppliers at CareFair in Zürich.
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 Job opportunities in healthcare and Healthcare training programs 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 Zürich show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- CareFair
- Swiss healthcare careers fair at Messe Zürich where hospitals, Spitex organisations, nursing homes, clinics and nursing schools meet nursing and health professionals, students and career changers.
- Spitex
- Swiss home-care organisation that provides nursing, personal care and household support to people living at home; Spitex employers recruit nurses and assistants directly at CareFair.
- Pflegefachperson
- Registered nurse in Switzerland, typically qualified through a three-year HF vocational programme or a FH university of applied sciences nursing degree.
- FaGe
- Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit, a three-year vocational qualification for nursing and healthcare assistants who work in hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatry and home care.
- MPA
- Medizinische Praxisassistent/in, the Swiss qualification for medical practice assistants who support doctors with consultations, administration and patient care.
- HF and FH nursing education
- Two Swiss routes into registered nursing: HF higher vocational schools and FH universities of applied sciences. Both lead to recognised nursing qualifications, with different academic and practical profiles.
- Weiterbildung
- Continuing education and specialist training in Switzerland, such as intensive care, anaesthesia, psychiatry, oncology, midwifery or leadership certificates. Employers often discuss funding and study leave at the fair.
- Stellenprozent
- The employment percentage stated in Swiss job ads, for example 80% or 100%. Care roles are often available part-time, so compare workload, shift supplements and roster patterns rather than the headline percentage alone.
- Pikettdienst
- On-call duty outside normal shifts, used in some Swiss care settings. Ask how on-call hours are compensated and how often they occur before accepting a contract.
- SRK recognition
- The process run by the Swiss Red Cross for recognising foreign nursing qualifications. Internationally trained nurses should check requirements and language certificates before applying for clinical roles.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CareFair 2026
- CareFair Zürich 2026
- Zürich Switzerland
- Job Fair Zürich 2026
- Job opportunities in healthcare
- Healthcare training programs
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Healthcare consulting services
- digital transformation expo
- Zürich technology expo 2026
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.