Palexpo is the successor to the old Palais des Expositions in the downtown Plainpalais district which was built in 1926 for the Geneva Motor Show.

The two foundations were merged in June 2008 to form the public limited company Palexpo SA, which is majority owned by the Canton of Geneva.

In early 2009, the Palexpo underwent a renovation project to enhance and improve the convention center's architecture, furnishings, and technology.

Palexpo hosts a variety of convention and sporting events, including the 2014 Davis Cup semifinals between Switzerland and Italy.

It is scheduled to host the final weekend of the 2028 European Men's Handball Championship in which Switzerland will act as co-host alongside Portugal and Spain.

In May 2024, the venue expressed interest in hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, following Swiss representative Nemo's victory in 2024.