André Béchir receives the Xaver of the Year

André Béchir is a pioneer in an industry that has undergone major changes in recent decades due to digitalization and globalization. Since the beginning of his career, André Béchir has worked closely with specialists in live communication and therefore considers the Xaver of the Year Award an honor: "It means a lot to me to be honored by the Expo Event association, which represents trade fair venues, event agencies, caterers and suppliers, among others. It shows that we have been able to benefit a lot from each other in recent years. We have walked the same paths together and are also challenged in the same places today. We all have to keep finding out what the audience wants and adapt to their changing needs." 
 

The almost 70-year-old André Béchir has been probably the most influential and successful concert promoter in the country for many decades. Thanks to him, world stars such as the Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, Coldplay or Céline Dion have performed in Switzerland, to name just a few examples. In 1972, together with two partners, he bought the concert agency Good News, which he managed for several decades, organizing more than 5,500 events, including numerous concerts at the Dübendorf airfield and the Moon & Stars Festival at the Piazza Grande in Locarno. In 2012, André Béchir founded abc Production and, together with his partner CTS Eventim, quickly advanced to become the market leader in the Swiss concert industry. abc Production organizes around 80 concerts, festivals, shows and events a year, with a total of more than 300,000 visitors.

During the Xaver Awards next May 23, 2019, legendary concert promoter André Béchir will be honored with the Xaver of the Year by Expo Event Swiss LiveCom Association. Every year, Expo Event Swiss LiveCom Association awards the most exceptional live projects in the country, marking the seal of approval of the Swiss LiveCom industry. In addition, the presentation of the Xaver of the Year award for the most outstanding personalities from the industry is a central component of the Xaver Awards. This year, at the ceremony in Zurich-Oerlikon, this Lifetime Achievement Award goes to André Béchir, the country's most influential concert promoter. 

Xaver'19 will take place on May 23, 2019, at Halle 622 in Zurich-Oerlikon. The Public Xaver, which is chosen by the audience, is also particularly coveted. The Voting runs until shortly before the winner is announced at the award show on May 23, 2019.