Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The International Lausanne Arms Fair is a premier event for weapon enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers. Scheduled from December 4 to 6, 2026, at Beaulieu Lausanne, the fair will host nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of firearms, hunting gear, and militaria.
This event provides a unique opportunity to buy, sell, and trade both modern and historical weapons. International Lausanne Arms Fair takes place in Lausanne, Switzerland.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The 32nd International Arms Fair takes place from December 4 to 6, 2026, at Beaulieu Lausanne.
- 2Scale and Focus: Featuring nearly 100 exhibitors and collectors, the fair specializes in modern and antique weapons, hunting, and militaria.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by BIA International Arms Exchange Srl, with more details available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts interested in firearms and related items.
- 5Entry: Tickets are priced at CHF 25 for adults, free for accompanied children, and CHF 120 for professionals.
Why visit
Visitors can explore a diverse range of firearms and militaria from reputable exhibitors. The fair offers a chance to connect with collectors and industry professionals, enhancing knowledge and networking opportunities. Attendees can also find unique items for personal collections or business ventures.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the International Arms Fair allows businesses to showcase their products to a targeted audience of collectors and enthusiasts. It provides an excellent platform for networking, generating leads, and increasing brand visibility within the arms industry. Exhibitors can engage directly with potential buyers and industry stakeholders.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Private collectors of antique and modern firearms, including target-shooting and curio pieces
Dealers and traders sourcing collectible rifles, handguns, edged weapons and militaria
Hunting and sport-shooting enthusiasts looking for firearms, optics, ammunition and accessories
Militaria collectors seeking uniforms, helmets, insignia, medals and field gear
Museum curators, historians and researchers documenting Swiss and European arms
Gunsmiths, restorers and conservators looking for parts, tools and reference material
International buyers checking Swiss market pricing and cross-border transfer rules
Trade visitors sourcing ammunition, safes, display cases and collector supplies
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers and importers of sporting, hunting and target-shooting firearms
Specialist dealers in antique, collectible and modern arms
Ammunition, reloading and optics suppliers
Militaria dealers with uniforms, medals, insignia and field equipment
Gunsmiths, restorers and conservation workshops
Edged weapon and historical replica makers
Accessory suppliers for safes, display cases, cleaning, leather goods and specialist literature
Associations, museums and publishers serving the collector and military-history community
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Sporting and hunting rifles and shotguns
Collectible and antique handguns and long guns
Militaria: uniforms, helmets, insignia, medals and field gear
Ammunition, reloading components and black powder where permitted
Optics, scopes, sights and shooting accessories
Edged weapons: swords, bayonets, daggers and knives
Gunsmithing tools, restoration materials and spare parts
Display, storage and security equipment for collections
Books, catalogues and historical reference material
Location & Facilities
Venue
Beaulieu SA
Avenue des Bergières 10, 1000 Lausanne
Facilities
Parking
Beaulieu SA in Lausanne 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: Beaulieu SA in Lausanne 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 Beaulieu SA for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
December 4 to 6, 2026:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
December 6:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General admission
Adults (16 years and older)
25General admission
Professional card
120
Who runs the show
Organisers
BIA International Arms Exchange Srl
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Why it matters
On 2026-12-04 to 2026-12-06, International Lausanne Arms Fair in Lausanne covering Modern firearms and ammunition, Antique weapons and collectibles, Hunting gear and accessories, Militaria and historical gives trade 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
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Tulip Inn Lausanne Beaulieu
midscale
Beaulieu, Lausanne200 m to venueIbis Lausanne Centre
budget
Lausanne Centre530 m to venueAquatis Hotel
upscale
Lausanne2.9 km to venueHôtel Lavaux
upscale
Lavaux region10.1 km to venueLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro
Estimated costCHF 3.50-6.50 single S-Bahn/tram journey
Best forLausanne M2 / regional transit links toward Beaulieu district
Use local Lausanne public transport to reach the Beaulieu SA exhibition district; hop-on tickets available at machines.
Taxi
Estimated costCHF 45–90 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLausanne city center to Beaulieu SA
Short taxi ride (under 5 km) from central Lausanne hotels.
Train / regional rail
Estimated costCHF 3.50-6.50 single S-Bahn/tram journey
Best forSwiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF) to Lausanne station, then metro/bus to the venue
Intercity trains from Geneva Airport (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH) connect directly to Lausanne main station.
Weather
Lausanne in early December is winter: highs around 5-7 °C, overnight lows near 0 °C, with a good chance of rain or light snow. Bring a warm waterproof coat and layers for transfers between hotels and Beaulieu SA.
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 at Beaulieu
Lausanne is in French-speaking Switzerland, so French is the default language on signage and with many dealers. International exhibitors often speak English or German; ask before assuming a language for negotiation.
Weapons handling and security
This is an arms fair, not a general consumer show. Expect security checks and strict handling rules; do not touch displays without permission, and do not bring loaded firearms or loose ammunition into the hall.
Collector etiquette
Ask before photographing stands or individual pieces, especially militaria with sensitive insignia. Dealers may prefer cash or verified bank transfer for collectible items; confirm provenance and condition before paying.
Currency and payments
The local currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Card acceptance varies by stand, so carry some CHF for smaller purchases, catalogues and transport tickets; confirm card surcharges before paying.
December weather and transfers
Early December in Lausanne is cold and often wet, with temperatures near 5-7 C by day and around 0 C overnight. Wear a waterproof layer and allow extra time for tram or bus transfers to Beaulieu SA.
Cross-border purchases
Buying a firearm or militaria item at the fair does not automatically make it legal to take home. Check Swiss export rules, your own country's import rules and carrier restrictions before committing to a purchase.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book flights to Geneva (GVA) as the primary gateway for Lausanne, with Zurich (ZRH) as an alternative. Sample Swiss round trips captured for reference: Geneva-London from CHF 55, Geneva-Paris from CHF 97, Geneva-New York from CHF 464 (1 stop), Zurich-Bangkok from CHF 519 (1 stop). Fares vary by date - confirm live availability when booking for the show dates.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Lausanne; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Beaulieu SA: Beaulieu, Lausanne: Tulip Inn Lausanne Beaulieu; Lausanne Centre: Ibis Lausanne Centre; Lausanne: Aquatis Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Lausanne; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Lausanne public transport connects Beaulieu SA with the city center and main railway station. Local single fares run approximately CHF 3-4; buy tickets at station machines or via the tl.ch app. Intercity trains from Geneva Airport reach Lausanne Gare in roughly 40-50 minutes, then a short metro or bus trip reaches the venue district.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Beaulieu SA; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Seasonality: December is a cold, wet winter month in Lausanne with frequent cloud cover and occasional rain or snow at higher elevations; expect a damp, chilly feel along the lakeshore.
Packing: Pack a warm coat, layers, waterproof shoes and an umbrella for the December show; indoor halls are heated but outdoor transfers between hotels and the venue will be cold.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at International Lausanne Arms Fair usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days before: confirm the exact fair dates and opening hours on bourseauxarmes.ch/schedule and check whether your ticket type needs advance registration.
T-2
14 days before: book travel to Lausanne and a refundable hotel near Beaulieu SA; the Tulip Inn Lausanne Beaulieu and Ibis Lausanne Centre are the closest listed options.
T-3
10 days before: check Swiss entry and visa requirements for your passport, and request an invitation letter from the organiser if your visa application needs one.
T-4
7 days before: buy train tickets to Lausanne Gare and plan the metro or bus connection to Beaulieu SA; allow 40-50 minutes from Geneva Airport by train.
T-5
5 days before: review Swiss weapons-law and customs rules if you plan to buy, sell, transport or ship any firearm, ammunition or militaria item.
T-6
3 days before: pack a warm waterproof coat, comfortable shoes and CHF cash for smaller purchases; confirm whether your bank card works in Switzerland.
T-7
1 day before: check the organiser's security and bag rules, save the venue address, and download any transit app or ticket you need for Lausanne.
T-8
On arrival: go to the published ticket desk with ID and your confirmation; ask staff about photography, handling and exit rules before entering the hall.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Beaulieu SA
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2International Lausanne Arms Fair registration concourse
Beaulieu SA
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Beaulieu SA
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.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
CHF 25 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | CHF 25 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether International Lausanne Arms Fair fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For International Lausanne Arms Fair, 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 Modern firearms and ammunition and Antique weapons and collectibles solutions and benchmarking suppliers at International Lausanne Arms Fair in Lausanne.
Min. budget
$570.00
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 Modern firearms and ammunition and Antique weapons and collectibles products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,565.00
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 Lausanne 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
- Bourse aux Armes
- French term for an arms fair or arms exchange, used as the name of this Lausanne collector event.
- Militaria
- Military collectibles such as uniforms, helmets, insignia, medals, field gear and documents.
- Antique firearm
- An older firearm collected for historical or decorative value; legal classification varies, so confirm with Swiss cantonal authorities before purchase or transport.
- Modern sporting firearm
- A current-production hunting, target or sport-shooting firearm; sale and transfer in Switzerland are subject to weapons-law checks.
- Ammunition and reloading components
- Cartridges, powder, primers and projectiles; transport and sale are regulated, and some items may not be allowed at the fair.
- Deactivated firearm
- A firearm permanently rendered unable to fire, usually with certified proof; confirm Swiss and destination-country acceptance before buying.
- Cantonal weapons office
- Swiss cantonal authority that handles weapons permits, registrations and transfer approvals.
- Professional card
- A trade ticket tier listed by the organiser; confirm eligibility and what access it includes.
- Beaulieu SA
- The Lausanne exhibition site that hosts the Bourse aux Armes Lausanne.
- Cross-border transfer
- Moving a firearm or militaria item across a national border; requires checking export, import and carrier rules before travel.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Bourse aux Armes Lausanne
- Lausanne arms fair 2026
- Swiss arms fair Lausanne
- Beaulieu Lausanne gun show
- antique firearms Switzerland
- militaria Lausanne
- hunting arms Lausanne
- collectible firearms Switzerland
- Bourse aux Armes Beaulieu
- Lausanne weapon collectors fair
3 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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BIA International Arms Exchange Srl
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.