Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The official recap describes IFAS as a leading trade fair and industry platform for the healthcare market and states that the event successfully returned in 2022 after a four-year. [truncated]
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at IFAS 2026 include Actigroup, activeIT Solutions GmbH, AD Swiss Net AG, Adamcares AG and adroplan Beratungs AG - Vertriebspartner von BD Rowa™.
- Actigroup
- activeIT Solutions GmbH
- AD Swiss Net AG
- Adamcares AG
- adroplan Beratungs AG - Vertriebspartner von BD Rowa™
Event overview
Overview
IFAS 2026 is a business trade fair and industry platform for the Swiss healthcare sector, taking place from October 20 to October 22, 2026, at Messe Zürich.
The event covers health.
[truncated]
TL;DR
- 1IFAS 2026 is the largest industry meeting point for the Swiss healthcare sector, held biennially at Messe Zürich.
- 2The 2026 edition features eight focal themes, with a special emphasis on healthcare IT and digitalisation.
- 3The event includes a Startup & Innovation Park, a Speakers Corner for 20-minute presentations, a Presentation Cube for product workshops, and a dedicated Networking Zone.
- 4CareFair, the Swiss job fair for healthcare professions, runs concurrently with IFAS 2026, addressing the skilled labour shortage.
- 5The 'Spitäler der Zukunft' (Hospitals of the Future) special show highlights how efficiency, patient comfort and sustainability can be combined.
Why visit
Visitors can explore suppliers, products, technologies and innovations across healthcare IT, medical technology, nursing, hygiene, laboratory and diagnostics, medication, rehabilit. [truncated]
Why exhibit
IFAS 2026 positions itself as a business platform for the Swiss healthcare sector, giving exhibitors access to healthcare decision-makers, buyers and professionals. Participation o. [truncated]
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Healthcare professionals from all areas: medical, nursing, therapy, pharmacy and management.
Hospital administrators, purchasing managers and IT decision-makers.
Specialists, nursing staff, therapists and pharmacists.
Professionals from the medical technology, diagnostics and laboratory sectors.
Job seekers and career changers in healthcare professions (via CareFair).
Researchers, innovators and industry experts seeking to exchange knowledge and explore collaborations.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of medical technology, electromedicine, laboratory technology and diagnostics.
Providers of healthcare IT solutions, digitalisation services and software.
Companies offering nursing, hygiene, rehabilitation and physiotherapy products and services.
Consultancies, logistics providers, and suppliers of consumables and training services.
Startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs, particularly those in the digital health space.
Established healthcare companies and institutions, including hospitals and clinics.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Medical technology and electromedicine
Nursing and hygiene
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
Laboratory technology and diagnostics
Healthcare IT, digitalisation and software solutions
Logistics and consumables
Consulting and training
Hospital equipment and infrastructure
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
5Hall 3Hall 4Hall 5Hall 6Hall 7
Messe Zürich
Wallisellenstrasse 49, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
Parking: Parking is available at the Messe Zürich parking garage on Hagenholzstrasse (paid parking). The garage offers around 60 charging stations for electric vehicles.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
9:00 AM –5:00 PM daily, October 20–22, 2026
Ticket info
Ticket notes
A free IFAS Community 365 user account is required to obtain a ticket.
Who runs the show
Organisers
MCH Group
Event organiser and venue group
What's on
Programme
Topic tracks
Forum & Speakers Corner
Co-located events
CareFair
Separate ticket
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Visitors
10,000
Exhibitors
250
Growth over time
Edition recap
IFAS 2024 recap
IFAS 2024 took place from 22 to 24 October 2024 at Messe Zürich. The official post-event release reported more than 250 exhibitors and approximately 10,000 trade visitors.
Official recap and gallery: https://www.ifas-expo.ch/de/rueckblick
New this edition
- 1
Startup & Innovation Park
A dedicated 2026 participation format designed to give startups visibility with investors, partners and early adopters.
Source - 2
Speakers Corner
A 2026 presentation format offering 20-minute slots for solutions, use cases and innovations.
Source - 3
Presentation Cube
A ready-to-use branded setup for product presentations, workshops and customer meetings.
Source - 4
Networking Zone & Matchmaking
Structured networking formats intended to connect exhibitors with prequalified contacts and potential customers or partners.
Source - 5
CareFair
A job and career platform connected with IFAS 2026 for recruiting and employer branding in healthcare.
Source
Next edition outlook
2026-10-20 – 2026-10-22confirmed
IFAS 2026 is scheduled for 20-22 October 2026 at Messe Zürich. Official participation materials emphasize expanded business-development and networking formats alongside the exhibit. [truncated]
Startup & Innovation Park Speakers Corner with 20-minute presentation slots Presentation Cube for product presentations and workshops CareFair job and career platform Networking Zone & Matchmaking
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The organiser describes IFAS 2026 as a business platform aimed at decision-makers responsible for investments, partnerships and healthcare solutions, and states that it brings toge. [truncated]
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
The organiser positions IFAS 2026 around access to purchase-ready decision-makers, visibility, digital reach, presentations, recruitment, networking and matchmaking. No independent. [truncated]
Intelligence
Exhibitors
349
Exhibitors
30
Categories
11
Countries
11
Pavilions
Top exhibitor countries
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
- Switzerland294
- Germany38
- Austria4
- Netherlands3
- Sweden2
- France2
- Finland2
- Denmark1
- Russia1
- Belgium1
~84% of listed exhibitors are from Switzerland.
Category breakdown
349Exhibitors
1~50
estimate
2~47
estimate
3~38
estimate
4~16
estimate
5~15
estimate
6~15
estimate
7~14
estimate
8~12
estimate
9~12
estimate
10~11
estimate
11~10
estimate
12~9
estimate
13~9
estimate
14~8
estimate
15~8
estimate
National pavilions
Switzerland
~294 stands
estimate
Germany
~38 stands
estimate
Austria
~4 stands
estimate
Netherlands
~3 stands
estimate
Sweden
~2 stands
estimate
France
~2 stands
estimate
Finland
~2 stands
estimate
Denmark
~1 stands
estimate
Russia
~1 stands
estimate
Belgium
~1 stands
estimate
Spain
~1 stands
estimate
Buyer targets
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Healthcare Staffing & HR Services Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Healthcare IT & Automation Suppliers (profile Pending)
Buyers sourcing
Other Healthcare IT & Automation Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Telehealth, RPM & Remote Care Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Clinical Communication & Collaboration Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Nursing Home & Aged Care Operators
Buyers sourcing
Medical Devices & Diagnostic Equipment Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Laboratory Diagnostics & LIS Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Medical Training & Healthcare Education Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Rehabilitation & Therapy Technology Suppliers
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Switzerland / DACH healthcare market
Why it matters
IFAS positions itself as a major business meeting point for the Swiss healthcare sector and offers access to healthcare professionals, decision-makers, suppliers and innovation-focused stakeholders.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Healthcare digitisation
The official IFAS site identifies IT and consulting as an event topic and highlights digital healthcare solutions from exhibitors.
SourceConnected care and smart monitoring
The official event page highlights solutions such as resident-call systems, smartwatches and sleep sensors.
SourceInnovation and startup visibility
The organiser offers a Startup & Innovation Park aimed at investors, partners and early adopters.
SourceCare, hygiene and workforce development
Care and hygiene, plus education and professional development, are included among the sectors addressed by IFAS.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Zurich Airport
Primary international airport for Zürich; verify route details with Messe Zürich.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Oerlikon / greater ZürichUSD 90–160 / night
Estimate from third-party aggregators, not an official IFAS or organiser rate. Covers 1-2 star hotels and hostels; examples cited include Ibis Budget-style properties and hostels in Oerlikon and central Zürich.
mid range
Oerlikon, close to Messe ZürichUSD 150–320 / night
Estimate from third-party hotel aggregators, not an official IFAS or organiser rate. The Holiday Inn Zurich Messe, directly opposite the venue, is a commonly cited 4-star reference point in this range depending on date and demand.
premium
Zürich city centre / Altstadt / lakefrontUSD 300–600 / night
Estimate from third-party hotel aggregators, not an official IFAS or organiser rate. Reflects 5-star city-centre properties; prices rise further in December but October trade-fair weeks also see elevated demand.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Public transport (train/S-Bahn)
Estimated costStandard ZVV public transport fare, not separately verified
Best forZürich Main Station to Zürich Oerlikon Station (then short walk/tram to venue)
Messe Zürich's official travel page states Zürich Main Station connects to Oerlikon every 6 minutes via S-Bahn lines S2, S3, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S15, S16, S19 and S24.
Tram/Bus from Oerlikon Station
Estimated costStandard ZVV public transport fare, not separately verified
Best forZürich Oerlikon Station to Messe Zürich
From Oerlikon, Messe Zürich is reachable in a few minutes on foot, via Tram No. 50, or Bus lines 61 and 62, per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Airport train + tram/bus
Estimated costStandard ZVV/SBB public transport fare, not separately verified
Best forZürich Airport to Messe Zürich
Messe Zürich is about 6 km from Zürich Airport and reachable in about 12 minutes by public transport, per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Taxi
Estimated costFare not verified
Best forZürich Airport or hotel to Messe Zürich
No official IFAS or Messe Zürich fare information found; check current taxi rates before travel.
Car / parking
Estimated costParking rate not verified
Best forHighway access from Basel, Bern, Chur, Lucerne, or St. Gallen to Messe Zürich parking garage
Follow the 'Z' exhibition signage; parking is available at the Messe Zürich parking garage on Hagenholzstrasse, per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: accepted
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) Business | Nationals of countries on the Swiss/Schengen visa-required list traveling to IFAS 2026 for business meetings, trade fair visits, or exhibiting purposes | $95.00 | Standard decision within 15 calendar days of a complete application; can extend to 30-60 days in complex or peak-period cases | |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) Tourism/Visit | Nationals of countries on the Swiss/Schengen visa-required list traveling primarily as attendees rather than on business | $95.00 | Standard decision within 15 calendar days of a complete application | |
| National (Type D) Visa | Visitors needing to stay in Switzerland longer than 90 days, which does not apply to a standard 3-day trade fair visit | — | Not applicable to short trade fair visits |
Nationality-specific entry rules were not determined. Roughly 60 countries (including EU/EFTA states, the US, UK, and Canada) have visa-free access to Switzerland for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period; nationals of other countries generally need a Schengen Type C visa. Consult the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) visa-requirement list before travel.
Switzerland accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary, duty-free import of exhibition and trade-fair goods, professional equipment, and commercial samples, per the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). Carnets must be arranged in advance through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the exhibitor's home country; the Swiss Chambers of Commerce request a security deposit of 20-30 percent of the merchandise value. This is general Swiss customs policy, not IFAS-specific confirmation from the organiser.
Official visa pageWeather
October is an autumn travel period in Zürich; check the short-range forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The official IFAS site provides German and French language options. Confirm venue Wi-Fi and exhibitor connectivity services with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business language
The official IFAS website provides German and French language versions; prepare materials for the relevant Swiss-speaking audience.
Meeting etiquette
Use scheduled appointments, arrive on time and bring concise product, compliance and procurement information.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Use Zurich Airport as the primary arrival airport and allow time for onward public transport to Messe Zürich.
Visa
Visa requirement depends on nationality. Visa-exempt nationals (EU/EFTA, US, UK, Canada, and roughly 60 other countries) may enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa; other nationals need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa, obtainable for business or tourism purposes, before traveling to IFAS 2026.
Processing: Standard 15 calendar days from a complete application; up to 30-60 days in peak or complex cases
No nationality was provided, so a definitive visa determination is not possible. Fee cited (EUR 90, approx. CHF/USD 95) and 15-day processing figure are drawn from Swiss federal and consular sources for the standard Schengen Type C visa, not an IFAS-specific fee schedule.
OfficialPartnerHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Zürich Oerlikon · Zürich city centre · Airport area
budget
$90-$160/night (estimate)
mid range
$150-$320/night (estimate)
premium
$300-$600/night (estimate)
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Zürich Airport is about 6 km from Messe Zürich and reachable in roughly 12 minutes via public transport (train to Oerlikon plus a short tram/bus/walk), per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Hotel → venue: Hotels in Oerlikon, such as the Holiday Inn Zurich Messe directly opposite the venue, are within walking distance; hotels in central Zürich are a short S-Bahn ride to Oerlikon Station followed by a brief tram, bus, or walk to Messe Zürich.
Ride-hail: No official IFAS or Messe Zürich ride-hailing information found; verify currently available providers and local taxi options before travel.
Public transit: From Oerlikon Station, Messe Zürich is a few minutes on foot, via Tram No. 50, or Bus lines 61 and 62. Zürich Main Station connects to Oerlikon every 6 minutes via S-Bahn lines S2, S3, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S15, S16, S19 and S24, per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Parking: Parking is available at the Messe Zürich parking garage on Hagenholzstrasse; follow the 'Z' exhibition signage when arriving via the Basel, Bern, Chur, Lucerne, or St. Gallen highways, per the official Messe Zürich getting-here page.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Seasonality: Autumn conditions; verify the forecast shortly before departure.
Packing: Bring layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
A mid-event day normally provides a full exhibition day while avoiding first-day setup pressure and final-day departures; this is a planning recommendation, not an organiser-designated best day.
T-30
Define visit objectives and target exhibitors — Use the official exhibitor directory and event topics when available.
T-21
Book travel and accommodation — Prioritise Zürich Oerlikon or city-centre access.
T-14
Confirm entry requirements and registration — Check the official Swiss immigration source and IFAS ticket page.
T-7
Confirm meetings and prepare questions — Group meetings by hall and sector.
T-1
Download directions and hall plan — The event is scheduled for halls 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
09:00
Arrive and register
Messe Zürich09:30
Visit priority exhibitors
Halls 3–712:00
Lunch and networking
Messe Zürich13:00
Attend demonstrations, presentations or matchmaking
Messe Zürich16:30
Capture actions and confirm follow-ups
Messe ZürichNetworking spots
3Networking Zone & Matchmaking
Official event networking area
The organiser describes structured networking and matchmaking for prequalified contacts.
Exhibitor stands
Exhibition networking
Use scheduled appointments and product demonstrations for focused discussions.
Startup & Innovation Park
innovation area
Official 2026 area for startups seeking visibility with investors, partners and early adopters.
Budget
Costs & budget
No official 2026 booth prices were exposed in the retrieved official materials. Exhibitors are directed to the participation page and registration form for participation details.
sourceBuild your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 3 nightsCHF 375.00
- Per diem × 3CHF 207.00
- InsuranceCHF 35.00
Estimated totalCHF 617.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Module stand PLATIN with furniture
exhibitor · standard
CHF 268 / per m², excluding stand space
officialAs of 2026-08-05
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module stand PLATIN with furniture | exhibitor | standard | CHF 268 / per m², excluding stand space | official | 2026-08-05 |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use your objectives, budget and lead-generation needs to decide whether to attend as a visitor or exhibit.
QUESTION 1 OF 1
Is this event aligned to your priority buyer market?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
Visit
You want to compare healthcare products, technologies and suppliers in person
Best for
Healthcare professionals, buyers, technology evaluators and sector stakeholders
Timeline
Plan at least 2–4 weeks ahead for meetings and travel
Risks
2026 ticket, programme and exhibitor details may change before the event
exhibit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
No major risks listed.
skip
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
No major risks listed.
Book with
Partners
Swiss entry requirements
Visa
Official Swiss immigration guidance for entry requirements and visas.
Visit partner Confidence: known
Official Swiss federal source.
Messe Zürich travel information
Transport
The official IFAS travel page links to Messe Zürich arrival information.
Visit partner Confidence: known
Official IFAS source.
SYMA stand construction
Exhibitor services
Official IFAS stand-construction page lists the Modulstand PLATIN package and SYMA contact.
Visit partner Confidence: known
Official IFAS source.
Recommended providers
Visa
Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
Official Swiss immigration information.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- IFAS Community 365
- The organiser’s year-round community and account platform used for personalised recommendations and ticket access.
- Speakers Corner
- An exhibitor participation format offering 20-minute presentation slots for solutions, use cases and innovations.
- Presentation Cube
- A dedicated presentation format for product presentations, workshops and customer meetings.
- CareFair
- A job and career platform focused on healthcare professions and recruitment.
- Networking Zone & Matchmaking
- A structured networking format intended to connect exhibitors with pre-qualified customers and partners.
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Trust footer
Sources
19
References
10
Publishers
0
Date checked
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CareFair
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.