2026 marks Winkler’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate, we have not only looked back, but also rethought our website. Reduced to the essentials, with more space for what defines Winkler – more space for our work, our projects and the people behind them.
But before we arrive in the present, we are going back to where it all began. And that was actually several years before the company was founded in 1996.
1989–1995: How It All Began
The story of Winkler begins in the late 1980s, where many good stories in the events industry begin: with self-organised parties and a great deal of enthusiasm for event technology.
What starts on a small scale soon becomes more professional. Before long, events throughout German-speaking Switzerland are being organised and technically equipped.
In 1994, the first request for an exhibition stand at the Geneva Motor Show arrives. Further projects for the automotive industry follow, and a passion for events increasingly develops into a professional business.
1996: The Company Is Founded
In 1996, Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH is founded.
The company’s first warehouse at the former Benkler site in Villmergen is modest: spotlights, loudspeakers and other event equipment form the technical foundation of the young company.
But Winkler grows quickly. By 1998, the GmbH becomes a public limited company and the business moves to Gewerbering in Wohlen.
1999–2001: The First International Projects
As the number of exhibition projects grows, Winkler expands beyond Switzerland. In 1999, a project for Siemens in Barcelona becomes the company’s first major international assignment.
In the same year, Light-Tech Professional Veranstaltungstechnik Tanner is acquired and integrated into the company. Another acquisition follows in 2001 with Light & Sound Equipment AG.
The equipment inventory also grows rapidly. The warehouse at Gewerbering soon runs out of space, prompting Winkler to take on additional premises at the former Cellpack site in the centre of Wohlen.
2002–2005: New Look. New Home.
In 2002, Winkler receives a new visual identity. The distinctive yellow logo becomes a defining feature of the brand and shapes the company’s appearance for many years.
Another major step follows in 2005: Winkler moves to Nordstrasse in Wohlen. The entire site is acquired and remains the company’s headquarters to this day.
Shortly afterwards, Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik AG becomes part of the MCH Group, marking the beginning of a period of strong growth and new opportunities.
2007–2017: New Markets. New Opportunities.
Fischer Video AG is acquired in 2007, followed by 3-D Deko Design AG in 2008. Winkler continues to expand both its technical expertise and its range of services.
In 2010, the company undergoes an international repositioning. Winkler Veranstaltungstechnik AG becomes Winkler Multi Media Events AG.
The opening of the new exhibition hall in Basel in 2013 creates new business opportunities, particularly around international trade show formats such as Baselworld.
At the same time, the market is undergoing fundamental change. Traditional automotive exhibitions are becoming less important, and Winkler begins developing new areas of business. From 2015 onwards, the company’s involvement at the World Economic Forum continues to grow.
In 2017, Halle 622 in Zurich marks Winkler’s entry into Venue Service – the beginning of a business area that continues to develop in the years that follow.
2017–2019: Winkler Becomes Livecom.
In 2017, Winkler undergoes a comprehensive rebranding. Winkler Multi Media Events becomes Winkler Livecom.
The change goes far beyond a new name and visual identity. Winkler repositions itself: from a traditional event technology service provider to a partner for integrated live communication.
This process also gives rise to the three values that continue to define Winkler today: inspiring, strong and reliable.
The next decisive step follows in 2019: through a management buyout, Winkler Livecom once again becomes owner-managed.
2020–2022: Ready for the Restart
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hits the events industry with full force. Events become virtually impossible overnight, bringing a large part of the existing market to a standstill.
Winkler makes a conscious decision to invest in the future. New digital and hybrid formats are developed, an in-house studio is built, and targeted investments are made in infrastructure and future technologies.
Also in 2020, Winkler Livecom enters into an asset deal with SYMA AG Kirchberg for its event technology business. The equipment inventory of the events division and ongoing projects are taken over and continued.
In 2021, Winkler acquires a majority stake in Mesol AG, further expanding its range of services.
By 2022, Winkler has returned to its previous market strength. Live, hybrid and digital events shape the business – and with JED in Schlieren, Venue Service continues to grow.
2023–2024: Continuing to Grow
In 2023, Winkler expands its presence in Central Switzerland. More than ten new employees join the company, and Rothenburg becomes an additional location.
The next strategic step follows in 2024: the fixed installations division, which had been developed within Winkler over many years, is transferred into an independent company.
With the founding of Winkler Systems AG, a specialised sister company is created for the planning, implementation and maintenance of professional fixed installations.
2026: 30 Years. And Counting.
What began with a few parties grew into international productions. A small equipment warehouse became one of Switzerland’s leading companies for event technology and live communication.
Today, we deliver events and exhibition projects in Switzerland and abroad, operate event technology across a wide range of venues and work with customers and partners to develop solutions for projects of every scale.
Three decades have shaped Winkler and brought continuous change. In 2026, the next chapter begins: since 1 April 2026, Winkler Livecom has been part of the IDS Group, taking on a leading role within the Group’s events business.
The merger opens up new opportunities to combine expertise, leverage synergies and further develop our range of services. Winkler Livecom remains an independent company and brand and continues to be led by CEO Christian Künzli.
Together with Winkler Systems AG and Mesol AG, Winkler Livecom brings its experience, expertise and market position to the IDS Group – laying the foundation for continued development.
What remains unchanged is our commitment to being inspiring, strong and reliable.
Here’s to the next 30.