Food & Beverages Eventos en Sankt Gallen
RHEMA
The RHEMA is a significant regional trade fair in Altstätten, and for many people in eastern Switzerland it represents far more than a date in the calendar. Known officially as the Rheintaler Messe Altstätten, the event has grown into a lively meeting point for business, craftsmanship, agriculture, and regional culture. Its name is closely tied to the Rheintal, the Rhine Valley that shapes both the geography and the identity of the region. Each year, the fair reflects this connection by bringing together local strengths, innovation, and community spirit in one vibrant place.
Held on the exhibition grounds in Altstätten, the RHEMA benefits from excellent infrastructure and convenient transport connections. The Allmendplatz on Oberrieterstraße, located just outside the town center toward Oberriet, is easy to reach and clearly signposted from the Oberriet/Kriessern motorway exit. This accessibility has played a key role in the fair’s long-term success, allowing visitors from across the region and neighboring countries to attend with ease. Since its founding, the RHEMA has become a fixed and much-anticipated part of the regional event culture.
RHEMA Altstätten as a cornerstone of regional economic life
The RHEMA stands out as a fair that truly represents the economic diversity of the Rhine Valley. Organized by Rhema Altstätten AG, a company with extensive experience in planning and managing trade fairs, the event is carefully structured to serve both exhibitors and visitors. The organizers place strong emphasis on quality, regional relevance, and a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that the fair remains authentic and approachable.
Taking place every year and spread across two weekends, the RHEMA attracts thousands of visitors. This format allows people to plan their visit flexibly and encourages repeat attendance. For exhibitors, it offers sufficient time to present their products and services, engage in meaningful conversations, and build long-term relationships. For visitors, it creates a relaxed environment in which discovery and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Who exhibits at the RHEMA and why it matters
One of the defining features of the RHEMA is the wide range of sectors represented. The fair mirrors the economic backbone of the region and highlights both traditional crafts and modern industries.
Commercial enterprises presenting regional and national products
Craft businesses showcasing skill, quality, and innovation
Industrial companies demonstrating technologies and services
Agricultural producers sharing local food and farming expertise
Tourism and gastronomy providers inviting visitors to explore and taste
This diversity ensures that the RHEMA appeals to a broad audience, from professionals and entrepreneurs to families and curious visitors interested in regional life.
A wide range of topics from agriculture to gastronomy
The thematic breadth of the RHEMA is one of its greatest strengths. Rather than focusing on a single industry, the fair presents a holistic picture of the region’s economic and cultural landscape. Agriculture plays a visible role, highlighting local production, sustainability, and the connection between land and community. Visitors gain insight into modern farming practices as well as traditional methods that continue to shape the region.
Commerce and industry are equally prominent, with exhibitors presenting services, technologies, and innovations that respond to current challenges. Tourism and gastronomy add another important layer, transforming the fair into a place where visitors can not only learn, but also taste and experience the region.
After spending time exploring the exhibition halls, many visitors are drawn to the lively supporting program, which adds depth and entertainment to the fair experience.
Entertainment, knowledge, and interaction at the RHEMA Rheintal Fair
Beyond its exhibition stands, the RHEMA is known for its rich supporting program. This program turns the fair into a social event that appeals to all generations and interests. Live music creates a festive atmosphere, while culinary tastings invite visitors to discover regional specialties and new flavors.
Expert lectures offer valuable insights into topics relevant to business, agriculture, and everyday life. These talks are designed to be accessible, encouraging dialogue rather than one-way communication. Interactive activities ensure that even younger visitors feel involved and welcome.
Live music performances from regional and national artists
Culinary tastings highlighting local and seasonal products
Expert talks on industry, innovation, and regional development
Hands-on activities and attractions for families and children
These elements help balance information and entertainment, making the RHEMA a place where learning feels enjoyable and natural.
The exhibition grounds in Altstätten as an ideal venue
The exhibition grounds in Altstätten provide the perfect setting for an event of this scale. Spacious areas allow for clear presentation of exhibits and comfortable visitor flow, even during peak times. Outdoor and indoor spaces are used thoughtfully, giving the fair a varied and open character.
The location outside the town center helps manage traffic while remaining easy to reach. Clear signage and good infrastructure ensure a smooth arrival and departure, which contributes significantly to a positive overall experience. For many visitors, the journey to the RHEMA is as straightforward as the visit itself, reinforcing the fair’s regional appeal.
RHEMA as a meeting place for community and culture
At its core, the RHEMA is about connection. It brings together people from different professions, backgrounds, and age groups, united by a shared interest in the region and its future. Conversations between exhibitors and visitors often go beyond business, touching on shared values, local identity, and mutual support.
Families attend the fair not only to explore products and services, but to spend time together in a lively and welcoming environment. Businesses use the opportunity to strengthen their presence in the region and to listen directly to customer needs. This mutual exchange is what gives the RHEMA its lasting relevance.
A regional fair with lasting impact
Over the years, the RHEMA Rheintal Fair has established itself as more than a temporary event. It is a reflection of the region’s strengths, ambitions, and sense of community. By combining commerce, crafts, industry, agriculture, tourism, and gastronomy in one accessible and engaging format, the fair creates value that extends well beyond its two weekends.
Visitors leave with new ideas, enjoyable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the Rhine Valley. Exhibitors benefit from visibility, dialogue, and long-term relationships. In this way, the RHEMA continues to play a vital role in the cultural and economic life of Altstätten and the wider region, year after year.
OLMA
The OLMA, officially known as Olma Messen St. Gallen, stands as the largest and most popular public fair in Switzerland, with its origins tracing back to 1943. Organized by Olma Messen St. Gallen AG, the fair not only showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the region but also plays a significant role in planning and executing various notable events throughout St. Gallen.
Held annually in October, the OLMA spans an exciting eleven days, taking place in the heart of St. Gallen, a city steeped in history and agricultural tradition. The fair presents a wide array of topics related to agriculture and nutrition, featuring captivating animal exhibits, live demonstrations, and informative booths. Visitors are invited to taste, compare, and purchase a diverse range of products and services across sectors such as living, construction, and machinery.
One of the event's highlights is the dynamic animal presentations, which draw significant attention and admiration. Additionally, the fair includes special exhibitions and a lively program of entertainment that keeps visitors engaged. Each year, the appearance of a guest canton adds fresh perspectives and variety, enriching the overall experience for attendees. With around 650 exhibitors utilizing over 49,000 square meters of space, OLMA consistently attracts more than 350,000 visitors, reflecting its status as a must-visit event in the region.
The fairgrounds themselves are not only a central hub for events in St. Gallen but also offer modern infrastructure, making them easily accessible. The picturesque backdrop of the city enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the OLMA, transforming it from a mere exhibition into a lively folk festival. This event serves as a vital meeting point for individuals from various sectors and interest groups, fostering exchange, learning, and celebration. Each year, the OLMA reinforces its reputation as a cornerstone of community engagement and agricultural appreciation, making it an essential part of the cultural fabric of St. Gallen.
OFFA
The consumer fair OFFA has established itself as a major spring event in St. Gallen, eastern Switzerland, captivating audiences since its inception in 1977. Held annually in April at the renowned Olma Messen St. Gallen, the fair presents a broad spectrum of topics and products that resonate with diverse interests. The name "OFFA," while evocative of historical figures like King Offa of Mercia, has no specific meaning tied to the event itself; it simply represents the fair's identity.
As a significant gathering, OFFA attracts exhibitors and visitors from various industries, providing an engaging platform for exploring current trends and innovations. The fair is thoughtfully organized into several subject areas, including leisure, gardening, mobility, household items, and building and living. This thematic division allows attendees to navigate the extensive offerings easily and discover products and services that meet their needs.
Beyond product showcases, OFFA features a vibrant supporting program that includes special shows and demonstrations, enhancing the visitor experience with additional insights and suggestions. These interactive events create an atmosphere of learning and engagement, making the fair a valuable resource for families, friends, and business professionals alike.
Over the years, OFFA has grown into a pivotal event for the St. Gallen region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. Its wide-ranging appeal and thematic diversity ensure that there is something for everyone, whether seeking inspiration for home improvement, new gardening techniques, or simply looking to enjoy a day out with loved ones. The fair serves as a popular meeting place, fostering connections and interactions among attendees, all while showcasing the best of what the region has to offer. With its rich history and vibrant offerings, OFFA continues to be a highlight on the spring calendar, reflecting the spirit and dynamism of the community it serves.
