March 2024

Exhibition

Embrace, Inspire & Transform

GEOFF

CEO, dmg events & President, UFI

I am thrilled to announce the dates for the eagerly awaited 8th annual edion of the Exhibion Excellence Awards, India’s foremostiniavecelebrangexcellenceinourdynamicindustry Astheregion’siconicandexclusiveawardsplaorm,wetake pride in acknowledging the invaluable contribuons of event and exhibion professionals towards shaping the landscape of experiencesandengagements.

Supportedbyesteemedgovernmentbodies,naonal,andinternaonalindustryassociaons,theEEAawardsceremonystands asatestamenttothecollecveachievementsandinnovaonsdrivingourfieldforward.Thisyear,ourprogramfeaturesparallel tracks focusing on Associaons and Corporate Leadership, MICE and Sustainability, ensuring comprehensive knowledge exchange & networking across diverse sectors. We are delighted to announce that the Exhibion Excellence Awards will be colocated with the presgious India Event Expo, enhancing business opportunies and fostering collaboraon within our community. Mark your calendars for June 5, 2024, as we celebrate our industry’s achievements in conjuncon with Global ExhibionsDay,amplifyingourimpactonaglobalscale.

Weinviteexhibionorganisingcompanies,tradebodies,associaons,serviceprovidingcompaniesandeventvenuestosubmit theirbestprojectsheldbetween1April2023-31March2024.Staytunedasnominaonsarenowopen,providingaplaormto showcase your exceponal work and be part of this landmark event in the event and exhibion calendar. Log in to www.exhibionshowcase.comdetailsaboutthisyear’sprogram.

Let’sconnuetoinspire,innovate,andelevatetogether!

EEA PAST EDITIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Dallas

Dallas Market Center announced that its recently held Total Home & Gift Market experienced a dramatic increase in buyers attending for the first time, especially from the western U.S. states. Tens of thousands of buyers from across the country attended the January seven-day trade event that welcomed single and multi-location retail, interior designers, buying groups, and major stores. The marketplace debuted more than thirty new or expanded showrooms across its campus and hosted the largest presentation of Temps in more than ten years.

Glasgow

Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 (OSM26) will be held in Glasgow – the first meeting outside of the United States for the biennial conference founded in 1982. The meeting will bring together more than 5,000 delegates in Scotland to discuss all aspects of oceanography following previous events in San Diego and New Orleans. OSM26, which will be held in February 2026, has been endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development.

Cannes

World AI Cannes Festival, the leading international event dedicated exclusively to AI and its economic, human and societal challenges, celebrated its third edition from February 8 to 10 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. The event, created at the initiative of the city of Cannes, the Alpes-Maritimes department, the EuropIA Institute and organized by RX France, was a great success this year marked by an increase in participation with more than 8,000 professional visitors (i.e. + 36% vs. 2023 ) over the two dedicated days, and more than 5,000 general public visitors on Saturday.

Dubai

FESPA has announced that the second edition of FESPA Middle East will return to the Dubai Exhibition Centre in 2025. The event will run for three days from 20 – 22 January 2025 FESPA’s decision to host this event in 2025 follows the positive response to the launch of the inaugural FESPA Middle East 2024. Taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 29 –31 January 2024, the event featured a line up of 150 brands and a comprehensive feature programme

Shanghai

The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) is the leading fair entirely dedicated to books and specific contents for children in Asia Pacific. The CCBF 2024 will be held in Shanghai from 15th to 17th November at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. By embracing the principles of "internationalization, specialization, and quality," CCBF aims to strategically engage both domestic and international markets

Melbourne

AUSPACK, Australia’s number one processing & packaging event has evolved. APPEX is the new event uniting all sectors of the Australasian processing and packaging industry, including machinery, equipment, materials & packaging, food processing and industry services. Owned & operated by the Australian Processing & Packaging Machinery Association (APPMA), APPEX 2024 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from March 12 to 15.

A hearelt thank you to Miami Athlecs for bringing the Muhammad Ali run from Hampton House to the MBCC at Rum Room on Feb 25! What an incredible event in celebraon of the 60th anniversary of Muhammad Ali's triumphant victory in the world champion boxing match held at the Miami Beach Convenon Center. #MBCC

Big 5 Construct Saudi 2024 officially opened its doors, marking the start of the largest businessto-business construcon event in Saudi Arabia. The opening was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Majid Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, with the invaluable support of the Saudi Contractors Authority. #dmgevents

Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo, it was an evening filled with networking, meeng industry leaders, capvang performances by the Bombay Choir, and a lavish Gala

Industry In Pictures From

#FIEO organised Indian Pavilion at #TEXTILEGPROM Exhibion, from Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2024 at Moscow, was inaugurated by Mr Ved Prakash Singh, First Secy (Eco & Comm Wing), India in Russia (Embassy of India, Moscow). Also present were Mr R Kulkarni, Head, Telangana Chapter, FIEO and other dignitaries.

from

the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop in Chicago last week with our show partners Gardner Business Media, Inc. & Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH & The Associaon for Manufacturing Technology to fine tune the new feature areas. #Messe Frankfurt North America

While diligently planning the upcoming #IAPCO2024 AM&GA in #Ljubljana, the IAPCO council enjoyed some well-deserved downme in the picturesque town of Bled. From the majesc Lake Bled and iconic Bled Castle to indulging in delicious local flavours, it was a perfect blend of producvity and exploraon.

When it comes to being prepared, here at #ExCeLLondon we like to plan for every eventuality. Earlier this month, more than 300 security personnel, contractors, suppliers and even Met Police Uk officers took part in a largescale major incident training exercise to educate and test around emergency preparedness.

Our colleagues

the SPS Atlanta team visited

dinner #aircargoIndia2024

Our incredible staff came together at Exhibion World Bahrain to parcipate in a day of exhilarang sports acvies, marking the joyous occasion of Bahrain Sports Day on 22nd February 2024. #ExhibionWorldBahrain

CTICC CEO, T. Taubie Motlhabane, with Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, and other key industry stakeholders at #MeengsAfrica2024

The World Of Social Media

Wonderoom Bal Pustakalay, in collaboraon with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundaon, organised an interacve storytelling session in Children's Pavilion at #WorldBookFair2024. Author, Mr. Nishchal Sharma narrated a beauful tale tled "Simpy Ki Chithiyaan," while the talented Mr. Dilip Sharma portrayed the narrave on canvas, enchanng the children. #Naonal Book Trust

in full swing. Filling the halls with the latest in retail merchandising, pricing and trends, this event ensures that every aendee leaves fully stocked with the industry’s ever-evolving necessies. #Orange County Convenon Center

IEEMA visited Washington DC from 22nd & 23rd of February 2024. The delegaon met with the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, USAID, and the Naonal Electrical Manufacturers Associaon (NEMA). #IEEMA

In partnership with Business Events Australia we’re treang internaonal hosted buyers and media to experience #Melbourne like a local at the Royal Botanic Gardens in #Melbourne providing inspiraon in how you can create an unforgeable business event to inspire! #melbourneconvenonbureau

Cra

2024: A testament to Malaysia's thriving cra industry Spearheaded by Kraangan Malaysia, this annual celebraon showcases diverse local cras and arsans, fostering cultural appreciaon and economic empowerment. With acvies ranging from exhibions to interacve sessions, Naonal Cra Day 2024 serves as a vibrant plaorm to promote Malaysia's rich cra heritage. #MyCEB

and Dan

Suppiah, Director of Penang Convenon & Exhibion Bureau and GM of CM Penang Incorporated graced us with their presence, adding presge to the celebraon.

#PCEB

Perspecve and Products & Technology Dynamics,' the spotlight was on emerging technologies and the automove sector’s ESG compeveness. #ACMAIndia

It's been an incredible few days at #AIME24 for the BESydney team and its members along with our partner Desnaon NSW and Business Events NSW to connect with #buyers and #media from the Asia Pacific and beyond. #BESydney

The Orgill Spring Market is

Melbourne brunches like no other!

Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creave Economy, Wong Yuee Harng, Director of Penang Convenon & Exhibion Bureau and State Assembly Person for Pengkalan Kota

Bharathi

In the second panel discussion, 'Becoming a Global EV Manufacturing Hub – Suppliers’

50 years of # NürnbergMesse - 50 years of IWA OutdoorClassics: The world's leading trade fair for the hunng and shoong sports industry can look back on a success story that is just as long as the exhibion company itself.

Naonal

Day

Art Brussels 2024 marks milestone 40th edition: Unveiling an international spectrum with exciting new key players

Art Brussels is announcing its 40th edition, taking place from 25 April to 28 April 2024. One of Europe's most distinctive and established fairs, this anniversary edition of Art Brussels will be at the Brussels Expo, the Art Deco icon built for the 1935 Brussels International Exposition. While celebrating its 40th edition and being the second oldest contemporary art fair (Art Cologne started in 1967, one year before Art Brussels), Art Brussels remains one of Europe's leading contemporary art fairs and is a highlight of the international art spring calendar. The fair returns with an exceptional international programme featuring galleries from 31 countries, offering a unique mix of established artists and emerging talent

Farnborough International invests in brand behind British Motor Show

Farnborough International has purchased a 48% ownership of Automotion Events, the company behind The British Motor Show, to support the brand in growing its automotive portfolio. More than just a car show, The British Motor Show is a four-day spectacle delivering live entertainment, interactive displays and driving experiences for the whole family. Hosted at Farnborough International’s award-winning Exhibition and Conference Centre since it was established in 2021, the event is embarking on its next wave of growth across the 500,000sqm show site. Operating as a joint venture between the two organisations, the partnership will drive an enhanced show experience that reaches beyond the conventional, stirs the imagination and creates memories that last a lifetime. The British Motor Show is taking place 15-18 August 2024.

SIMA 2024 cancelled

In view of today’s climate of a declining market and a farming crisis in France and Europe, Exposima has decided to cancel 2024 edition of the SIMA ag machinery trade fair in Paris, France The farming environment is worsening in 2024, with forecasts of a substantial drop in the agricultural equipment market. This situation comes in the wake of the COVID crisis, the war in Ukraine, and raw material and energy price volatility In these circumstances, EXPOSIMA – the organiser of the trade show SIMA – taking due note of the sector’s difficulties today has taken the decision to cancel the 2024 edition of SIMA. The next SIMA will call on new partners of the sector so as to promote the agricultural innovation and techniques that constitute the driving force of agriculture It will act as the voice of the agricultural equipment and farming community before the public authorities

TPCI organized India Pavilion at the Lohas Expo 2024, Hong Kong

Trade Promotion Council of India, in collaboration with CGI Hong Kong, orchestrated a remarkable showcase of Indian excellence at the Lohas Expo 2024 This event, inaugurated by Ms. Satwant Khanalia, the Hon’ble Consul General of India in Hong Kong, highlighted the prowess of 13 Indian exporters across various segments including Food, Health Food, Herbal, and Natural Beauty Products The Indian Pavilion stood as a testament to India’s rich heritage and innovation in these sectors. Visitors were treated to a diverse array of products that not only exemplified quality but also underscored the country’s commitment to sustainability and wellness. From traditional herbal remedies to contemporary health foods, the exhibitors left a lasting impression on attendees, showcasing the breadth and depth of India’s offerings in the global market The event served as a platform for networking and collaboration, fostering partnerships that are vital for furthering India’s presence in the international marketplace. With the support of the Trade Promotion Council of India and the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong, the Indian Pavilion at Lohas Expo 2024 emerged as a beacon of success, reinforcing India’s position as a leading exporter of goods that promote health, wellness, and natural beauty.

March 2024

Europe’s premier ceramics fair comes to Olympia London

Ceramic Art London will bring its largest ever fair to Olympia London this spring for the 20th anniversary of the show. Running over three days from Friday April 19 to Sunday April 21, this will be its debut at Olympia London as it expands to the venue ’ s West hall. 118 different makers will be on show, selected from hundreds of applicants by the Craft Potters Association, with prices starting at under £100 and reaching up to £10,000 for museum-quality pieces. Makers are coming from across continents, from Greece to Guatemala and Korea to Japan The list includes Melina Xenaki, who has created exclusive collections for the shops of the British Museum and the Benaki Museum of Green Culture The fair will also include a host of interesting speakers as well as a hands-on display for the first time. Visitors will be able to take inspiration from the breadth of form and function on display across the three days.

For the 2025 edition, SANA Beauty, to be hosted within the pavilions of Cosmoprof

A new synergy will enrich the exhibition offering of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna in the coming months. For the 2025 edition, SANA Beauty, the leading trade fair platform for organic and natural consumption, will be hosted within the pavilions of Cosmoprof. With its 35 years of experience and Supported by its historic partner, Cosmetica Italia, specifically by the Natural and Herbal Cosmetics Group, the format will enhance the offering for herbalists and herbal shops, creating new international opportunities in synergy with the Cosmoprof network.

"BolognaFiere has started a new process for the near future: no longer just product fairs, but specific events tailored to distribution channels. The goal is to become an increasingly strategic partner for companies and operators: our events will be essential tools for consolidating and developing business," said Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere.

ATM 2024 to focus on India’s outbound tourism potential

With the Indian outbound market forecast to be worth $143.5 billion annually by the end of this decade, the Indian tourism sector will come under the spotlight during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 31st edition from 6-9 May. According to a report by booking.com and McKinsey, 70% of Indians travelling overseas choose nearby destinations, with one-third choosing destinations in the Middle East. The UAE is the top regional destination, followed by Saudi Arabia. According to the DET, India is Dubai’s top source market, with 1.9 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia is aiming for 7.5 million visitors by 2030. According to a survey by Acko Insurance, the majority of Indian travellers who responded were willing to spend up to $7,000 on international trips. The 31st edition of ATM will once again host a range of stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond.

Queensland to host major agrifood tech and innovation event

Queensland’s credentials as Australia’s emerging AgTech innovation capital have received a major boost with Brisbane announced as the home of the AgriFutures evokeAG global innovation event in 2025. In partnership with the Queensland Government and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, AgriFutures Australia will be bringing the Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood innovation event to the Sunshine State, with evokeAG 2025 to be held at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane on 18 and 19 February, 2025 Brisbane was announced as next year’s host city as a group of Queensland innovators and industry leaders joined more than 1800 delegates from across the Asia Pacific attending this year’s event in Perth evokeAG connects the global agrifood innovation community of investors, entrepreneurs, AgTech service providers and agribusiness professionals by providing a digital platform and a premier agrifood tech event.

24th edition of Gifts World Expo kicks off its debut in Kolkata:

Unveiling new opportunities in Eastern India’s Gifting Market

ifts World Expo, India's leading platform for gifting and promotional solutions took place in the dynamic city of Kolkata from February 16 to 18, 2024, at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (Milan Mela). The event marked a significant expansion into Eastern India, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and buyers to explore new avenues of growth and collaboration.

Prior to inaugural of the event, Himani Gulati, Director of MEX Exhibitions

Pvt. Ltd said "We are excited to bring Gifts World Expo to the vibrant city of Kolkata". This expansion represents our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the gifting industry, and we are confident that it will open up new opportunities for businesses in Eastern India.”

GTThe exhibition was inaugurated with insightful speeches and lamp lighting ceremonies graced by the chief guest, Shri Prahalad Rai Agarwala - Eminent Enterpreneur & philanthropist, a Padmashri awardee 2022 and Chairman of RUPA & COMPANY Limited along with our guest of honour, Shri Sushil Poddar, the President of Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA) industry experts, and key stakeholders. This event marked an auspicious occasion, symbolizing the

commencement of a transformative journey for the gifting industry in Eastern India. Attendees can expect, and networking opportunities as they witness the unveiling of a diverse array of gifting and promotional solutions.

With over 120 exhibitors and 500+ renowned brands participating in the 24th edition, attendees explored a wide range of products across 12 distinct segments. From corporate gifts to gourmet hampers, electronic gadgets to handicrafts, the expo offered something for every taste and preference.

The Gifts World Expo Kolkata edition came up with an extensive array of promotional and customized solutions sourced from leading brands as U&I, Swiss Military, Armee, Artiart, ADRA, Xech, Mangalam Brands, IGP, Pikmee, Urban Gear, Eume Lifestyle, Presto, Raymond, JBL, Blaupunkt, Wellspun, JAYPEE Marketing, Borosil, Wonderchef, Prabhu ji, The Backbencher, Help Us Green, Havells, Safari, Fuzo, Fujifilm, Kairos, Kutchina, Power Plus, Hawkins, Matrix & so on. The show also covered varied budgeting parameters and explicit preferences. The event has shown a noteworthy growth every year with a success rate of 33%.

INDIAWOOD – A Quarter Century of Excellence, Innovation and Global Dominance

The INDIAWOOD marked a significant milestone for the global woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry. Hosted at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre from 22-26 February, INDIAWOOD 2024 underscored the industry’s evolution and India’s pivotal role in the global woodworking and furniture manufacturing market.

The event has established itself as the premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth in the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry, not just in Asia but globally. The 2024 edition of INDIAWOOD sprawled over 75,000 square meters, showcasing over 950 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and featured focused participation from Germany, Italy, France, Malaysia, USA and Taiwan. This year, the event welcomed over 75,000 visitors, reflecting the industry’s vibrant dynamics and the event’s crucial role in shaping future trends.

Furniture & Kitchen manufacturers, architects, interior designers, timber traders, saw millers, builders,

contractors, hardware distributors, dealers from all over the world and neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Middle East participated in huge numbers at the event, reiterating its position as the melting pot for the “woodworking and furniture manufacturing” Industry.

underpinning the industry’s contribution to economic development and prosperity.

The event has emerged as the cornerstone for the industry, driving development, sustainability, and growth. By providing a platform for businesses to expand their markets, forge international partnerships, and explore new opportunities, INDIAWOOD has played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sector. The event has contributed to job creation, skill development, and the promotion of exports,

From 2025 INDIAWOOD will take place at alternate locations between Delhi and Bengaluru each year, ensuring a meticulously curated, focused, and internationally recognized platform to champion the industry’s growth and global aspirations.

Great is the Art of Beginning, but Greater still is the Art of Ending

The India International Textile Machinery Exhibitions Society, commonly known as India ITME Society, stands as a cornerstone in the global textile industry. The society organised a farewell function for their beloved leader Mr. S. Hari Shankar in Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Moderated brilliantly by Ms. Seema Srivastava, India ITMEs dynamic Executive Director, the program was well curated and brought back the reminiscences of ITMEs key milestones under Hari's leadership. Apart from industry captains, former Chief Justice of India Mr. Sathasivam also graced the occasion.

steering the success of the India ITME Society, setting new benchmarks of excellence in the industry. Hari's bold decision to shift their flagship event's venue from Mumbai to Gr. Noida showcased his courage and foresight, ultimately contributing to the resounding success of the 11th edition of India ITME in 2022, which garnered acclaim on both national and international fronts.

As he bid adieu after a remarkable tenure as the Chairman of India ITME Society spanning from 2017 to 2023, the industry came together to reflect on his exemplary leadership. His decadelong tenure as an office bearer, marking a historic milestone in ITME's journey, stands as a testament to his unwavering

commitment and visionary guidance (he served as Treasurer for 4 years before becoming the Chairman. Throughout his tenure, Hari embodied the essence of exemplary leadership, characterized by a calm and peaceful demeanor, discipline, punctuality, and concise communication. His strict yet decisive leadership played a pivotal role in

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hari's patience and perseverance shone through, culminating in the establishment of the ITME Expo Centre in Mumbai and earning him the prestigious Leadership Award in 2022. His unwavering sense of purpose (organised many virtual buyer seller meets) and unity during the trying times of the pandemic inspired one and all, propelling the India ITME Society to new heights of success and resilience.

Hari's multifaceted contributions, including the launch of the ITME Awards and overseas outreach programs, exemplify his commitment to excellence and innovation in the textile engineering industry. Additionally, his emphasis on corporate social responsibility through initiatives such as the Sidhi and student internship programs underscores his holistic approach to leadership. And then Ms. Seema Srivastava, put it in the last for Mr. Shankar, you may relinquish the post, but you can never relinquish your responsibilities towards the India ITME Society.

SATTE 2024 concludes successfully, highlighting sustainable tourism and industry collaboration

The 31st edition of SATTE 2024, South Asia's leading travel show which took place from 22-24 February at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, was a resounding success with an overwhelming response from buyers, exhibitors, industry leaders and travellers from across the globe. On the final day, the event witnessed buyer-seller meets, featuring various destination presentations, highlighting diverse offerings from national and international tourism boards. Buyers and sellers engaged actively, generating ample future business opportunities. The event also created a platform for strategic discussion on subjects such as Vision@2047, MICE tourism, tangible

and intangible heritage, the market of South Asia and its momentum, and how to boost inbound tourism in India.

Partner Country for the event.

Themed "Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism," SATTE 2024 served as a significant platform for driving collaboration and innovation within the travel and tourism space. Over 1,500 exhibitors, 50,000 pre-registered trade attendees were expected to attend the show from across India and the world, including 1000 domestic and international buyers. State such as Uttar Pradesh, as the host state, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and 8 Northeastern States also participated in the event. The global platform of SATTE 2024 featured prominent partner countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Mauritius, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Jamaica, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Danang Province of Vietnam, Chonburi Provincial of Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan among others. Saudi Arabia was the Premium

Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director at Informa Markets India Pvt Ltd, expressed his gratitude. “As we conclude SATTE 2024, I am filled with immense pride for what we have accomplished together. This year's edition pushed the boundaries for innovation, collaboration, and set a benchmark for travel trade tourism events in India.

SATTE 2024 showcased the resilience and potential of South Asia's travel and tourism industry. The focus on sustainable tourism is crucial for our future” he said.

Initiatives such as 'ATITHI', an exclusive reverse buyer-seller meet in collaboration with SPEC (Service Export Promotion Council), and 'Shakti', an award function recognizing the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry, were the key highlights of the three-day expo.

The 10th edition of air cargo India closed on a successful note

Messe Muenchen India concluded the 10th edition of air cargo India on a jubilant note with stakeholders expressing delight at the curated experiences, knowledge exchange, and potential partnerships emerging from this platform. With a 24% increase in exhibition space over the previous edition, air cargo India 2024 witnessed higher representation from key decision makers in the air cargo ecosystem, including airlines, airports, cargo handlers, GSAs, and many other services like IT systems, drone companies, etc.

The 10th edition of air cargo India was held on 14-16 February 2024 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. The inauguration ceremony was graced by industry veterans as well as

representatives from the foreign missions of Germany and Turkey, in addition to air cargo India Advisory Board members comprising senior most representatives from Emirates Sky Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Dachser

India, Skyways Group Airports, Delhi International Airport, Adani Airports, and Air India. With 12 conferences over three days, air cargo India 2024 attracted 50+ globally-acclaimed speakers, industry veterans and thought leaders, in addition to 600+ conference delegates from 50+ countries.

About the success of air cargo India 2024, Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, “We are delighted at the overwhelming response to this milestone 10th edition of air cargo India. We witnessed some solid ideas and insights exchanged at the conferences as well as the exhibition floor. We are confident that the networks and partnerships emerging from this edition will have a long-term positive influence on the competitiveness of the Indian air cargo industry.”

Valve World Expo India announces its inaugural edition

Valve World Expo India has announced its inaugural edition, scheduled to take place on 19th and 20th September 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai. Dedicated to industrial valves and valve accessories, the show is set to become the premier meeting place for professionals across various sectors who are seeking advanced products & solutions and looking for meaningful business connections.

Jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf

India and Global Flow Control, Valve World Expo India follows the legacy of Valve World Expo - that has been bringing together the global and

regional valve industry in Düsseldorf, Germany since 2010. The Valve World Expo has evolved into the largest trade fair for industrial valves, uniting 700 exhibitors from 40 countries. After successful launches in China, Singapore, and the USA, the stage is set for a comprehensive summit and trade show in India this year.

Following its launch, the show has garnered an outstanding response from the industry. The trade expo will feature the participation of industry leaders, including L&T Valves as Platinum Partner and GM Engineering & Valve Tech Industries as Gold Partners and it is also supported by The Indian Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association (IVAMA) as the Country Partner. The 2-day show will feature an extensive expo showcasing the latest products, services, and innovations from over 80 leading global and domestic manufacturers of valves, actuators, positioners, gaskets, castings, components, accessories in addition to valve testing, diagnostics solutions and technology.

March 2024

With Fair2Future into a sustainable trade show future: Deutsche Messe's company-wide sustainability project

Fair2Future is Deutsche Messe's company-wide sustainability project, integrating all relevant measures with the goal of making the Hannover Exhibition Center carbon neutral by 2035. Fair2Future defines success in the dimensions of ecological and social responsibility. Deutsche Messe's sustainability levers, such as those focused on energy, mobility, and waste management, are all encompassed within the Fair2Future project. The goal is to make the Hannover Exhibition Center carbon neutral by 2035, with CO2 emissions in Scopes 1 + 2 to be reduced by 65 percent by 2030.

The aim in Scope 3 is to achieve quantifiable improvements in emissions falling within Deutsche Messe's sphere of influence. With the area of energy in mind, a comprehensive energy transformation concept was therefore developed in 2023, and is currently being progressively implemented. The first steps involve replacing gas burners

with heat pumps in all permanently used buildings by the end of 2027, and installing a photovoltaic system on exhibition halls 19 and 20. Both these measures are being carried out based on the premise of electrification and scaling up the proportion of energy generated by the Hanover Exhibition Center itself.

Deutsche Messe's electricity supply has been 100-percent green since as far back as 2019. In the area of mobility, Deutsche Messe aims continuously to expand the e-charging infrastructure on the exhibition grounds. The goal of decarbonization is also a priority when it comes to Deutsche Messe's own vehicle fleet: it is planned for the existing vehicles (including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, special vehicles) to have been replaced by carbonfree alternatives in a phased approach by late 2025.

To facilitate the transition

to using public transport, Deutsche Messe is covering the cost of the Deutschland-Ticket – a digital transit pass entitling holders to use local and regional public transport throughout Germany – for its employees. The range of rental systems on offer by Deutsche Messe has likewise been reconfigured with sustainability considerations in mind, and the recycling rate among rental system stand materials already stands at over 90 percent today. The sustainable offerings are highlighted in Deutsche Messe's online booking system, thus making for transparency among the options. Furthermore, Deutsche Messe is aiming for a substantial scaleup in the use of sustainable outdoor advertising materials in 2024.

The key tasks of Fair2Future also include reporting in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Deutsche Messe has secured the support of Bosch Climate Solutions GmbH (BCS) in creating the organizational prerequisites, besides which the additional position of a sustainability controller has been established within the Corporate Finance department.

IAEE achieves EIC Sustainability Certification for the second year in a row

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced that Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2023 has been recognized by the Events Industry Council for achieving the Silver Level Certification in its Sustainable Event Standards. Expo! Expo! previously achieved Bronze Level Certification in 2022.

“We are proud to receive the prestigious Silver Certification from the EIC,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “Earning this certification, especially moving up a level from our previous efforts, reflects our ongoing commitment to improving our sustainability initiatives. EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards provided us with a blueprint for maximizing our

resources and reducing Expo! Expo!’s environmental impact.”

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards are specific standards for environmental and social responsibility within the events industry. Created by the EIC Sustainability and Social Impact Committee in partnership with industry professionals and leading sustainability practitioners, the requirements provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive actions for producing and delivering sustainable events. The standard specifies performance criteria in the areas of organizational

management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact.

The Alliance for Audited Media, a notfor-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of the event’s compliance with the Event Organizer standard.

“The independent certification process is a rigorous review of the company’s compliance to the EIC standards,” said Alliance for Audited Media President Richard Murphy. “We applaud IAEE on this achievement because it demonstrates their commitment to sustainable business practices and optimizing their performance year after year.”

Freeman earns Environmental and Sustainability Management Certifications

Freeman, has announced that it has been recertified with the prestigious ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management certifications. Originally certified in 2016, Freeman was the first events company to earn both the ISO 20121 and ISO 14001 certifications, an international standard which helps to guide and measure its actions and approach to sustainability.

“We are proud to be recognized and receive these esteemed certifications by

Alliance for Audited Media (AAM),” said Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman. “As a leader in the events industry, we owe it to everyone to deliver in a way that is equitable and sustainable. Every day, we find new ways to be better and do more – for the

planet and for the communities we are part of.” Freeman’s work touches all aspects of the events industry.

By using ISO practices in its efforts to reduce its impact on the planet, Freeman is ensuring a focused, pragmatic, and systematized approach that will have a positive impact on the industry at large.

Freeman is a founding member of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NCZE) industry initiative and aligned its goals with the pledge to both reduce its carbon footprint, and leave a positive imprint at every event.

Easyfairs Nordic strengthens market position with acquisition of stand building business

Easyfairs Nordic announces the acquisition of the stand building business at Kistamässan venue from Workman Event. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening Easyfairs Nordic's presence in the market and expanding its capabilities in providing comprehensive event solutions.

Workman Event will continue to play a pivotal role as a strategic partner and supplier to Easyfairs Nordic, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained collaboration.

The newly established company, operating at Kistamässan, will be named Kista Mässservice, reflecting Easyfairs Nordic's commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of services provided to exhibitors and guests at the venue. Kista Mässservice will continue to provide stand building services at Kistamässan, ensuring a

seamless experience for exhibitors and guests.

Messe Berlin acquires entire stake in Mobile Seasons

Messe Berlin acquires entire stake in Mobile Seasons GmbH from founder Boris Jebsen and is now the sole shareholder. After the first droidcon in Berlin in 2009, Boris Jebsen and his team managed to position the brand internationally within a very short time and to place Mobile Seasons GmbH very successfully on the market. In just a few years, the droidcon

conferences have developed into a global hub for Android developers. Mobile Seasons has a firm place in the tech community.

The aim of Messe Berlin is to successfully drive the further expansion of droidcon into new markets and the development of new products and to create an even more powerful and connected network for Android

developers worldwide. Under the droidcon brand, developer conferences focussing on software development for the Android operating system are held at 20 locations worldwide. The Mobile Seasons GmbH team, led by Greg Fawson, organises a total of six droidcon events in Paris, San Francisco, Berlin, New York, London and Bengalore. The remaining events are marketed worldwide as franchises. The next droidcon in Berlin will take place from 3 to 5 July 2024 in the CityCube on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

In addition to the expansion of live events, the portfolio has been continuously expanded to include digital products. Since 2023, the droidcon Academy has been a subscription-based e-learning platform for developers that enables digital, timeindependent and flexible learning.

March 2024

Newport International Boat Show joins the

growing portfolio of best-in-class boating and yachting events managed by the South Florida Ventures

The Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) owner and producer of the annual Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) announced that the Show was acquired by South Florida Ventures to expand and deliver enhanced value to participating marine industry businesses and a seamless and unparalleled experience for attendees.

With a rich 53-year heritage deeply rooted in the Newport community, the Newport International Boat Show occupies over thirteen acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Under the stewardship of Paul O'Reilly and his dedicated team, NIBS stands as one of the nation's premier boat shows and the foremost event of its kind in the Northeast. Boasting a lineup of over 600 exhibitors and the largest in-water

display in New England, the show showcases an impressive array of power and sailboats, marine accessories, products, and services. South Florida Ventures has seen rapid expansion over the past five years, acquiring and launching specialized businesses and brands catering to the luxury lifestyle sector, including most recently the esteemed Miami International Boat Show. With successful ventures like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, the St. Petersburg Power and

Sailboat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show under their belt, the team is well-positioned to propel the Newport International Boat Show to new heights. The partnership between these two entities has been forged through extensive deliberations, focusing on strategies to elevate industry standards and cultivate an unparalleled boat show experience.

The Newport International Boat Show will be the first Northeast addition for South Florida Ventures' boating portfolio. The NIBS event will take place September 12-15 in the historic waterfront of downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Exhibitor and Sponsor space contracts are actively being accepted as of January 15, 2024, and tickets will go on sale to the public June 1st, 2024.

Acquision

March 2024

Nazara Technologies to Acquire Comic Con India via Nodwin Gaming

In a significant development within India’s entertainment and gaming landscape, Nazara Technologies has announced its acquisition of Comic Con India through its subsidiary, Nodwin Gaming. The acquisition, valued at Rs 55 crore, marks Nazara’s expansion into the realm of popular culture and entertainment.

The deal involves Nodwin Gaming acquiring 100% of Comic Con India’s shares through a combination of cash and share swaps from the founders, Jatin Varma and Karan Kalra. Varma and Kalra will continue to helm the operations of Comic Con India under the umbrella of Nodwin Gaming.

Comic Con India, established in 2011, has been instrumental in organizing festivals across the country that celebrate various facets of popular culture, including comics, cosplay, movies, TV shows, gaming, and merchandise. With events held in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Comic Con India has garnered

widespread popularity among enthusiasts and fans.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the acquisition, Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India, stated, “For more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to build a unique space in India for promoting and celebrating popular culture. With that goal in mind, I am very excited to join hands with Nodwin Gaming in taking the next step and building upon this goal together.”

This move underscores Nazara Technologies’ strategic vision to diversify its portfolio and tap into the growing market for entertainment and gaming experiences in India. Founded in 1999, Nazara Technologies has weathered various economic and technological shifts, emerging as a stalwart in the Indian gaming industry. With the proliferation of smartphones and the

digitalization of everyday life, Nazara has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, positioning itself as a leader in the dynamic gaming sector.

The acquisition of Comic Con India represents a synergy of interests between two entities deeply rooted in India’s entertainment landscape. Nazara Technologies’ foray into popular culture through the acquisition of Comic Con India signifies a strategic alignment with the evolving preferences of Indian audiences, reflecting a commitment to innovation and growth in the digital entertainment space.

UFI Global Barometer indicates that the exhibition industry will grow to record levels in 2024

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest 32 nd edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research which takes the pulse of the industry. The results highlight that in most markets around the world the exhibition industry fully recovered from the pandemic slump in 2023, with revenues reaching a comparable level to 2019, on average. The outlook for 2024 is very positive, with revenues expected to grow by an average of 15%, setting the industry up to record the highest ever revenue levels in 2024. Globally, 52% of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming 6 months, and 45% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.

Size and scope

This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry survey was concluded in January 2024 and includes data from 419 companies in 61 countries and regions. The study also includes

outlooks and analysis for 19 focus countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the USA – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.

Operations

The level of operations has clearly picked up in the second half of 2023, with a large majority of companies from all regions (77% in the Middle East and Africa to 57% in North America) declaring an increase. This trend will continue in 2024 with, on average, a percentage of companies reporting an increased activity ranging from 66% in North America to 64% in

the Middle East and Africa, 55% in Asia/Pacific and 54% in Central and South America and Europe respectively.

Turnover and operating profits

The year 2023 witnessed the full recovery of exhibitions, with revenues reaching a comparable level to 2019, on average. The outlook is very positive, with 2024 revenues expected to grow by an average of 15%. The highest proportion of companies expecting a profit increase of more than 10% when compared to 2019 are in the UAE (91%), Saudi Arabia (80%), India (71%), Brazil (67%), and Mexico (64%).

Generative AI applications

For a second time, the 32 nd Barometer survey asked a specific question on the impact of generative AI on the exhibition industry, to shed light on this emerging digital transformation. The survey aimed to assess the current utilisation of AI across various business functions and gauge future expectations. As mentioned above, 91% of respondents consider that AI will affect the industry, up from 87% in the previous edition. The areas expected to be most affected by the development of AI are: “Sales, Marketing and Customer relations” and “Research & Development” (both 80%) and “Event production” (65%). These are precisely the areas where generative AI applications are mostly used already (37%, 35%, and 20% respectively).

The 32 nd Global Barometer survey was conducted in collaboration with 31 UFI member associations.

ICCA and ABEA sign MOU at AIME to propel diversity, sustainability and talent development sector

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) to strengthen their partnership through a commitment to work together on three key issues facing the Australian business events industry.

ICCA and ABEA will collectively amplify their core values and positions on three pillars: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Legacy and Sustainability; and Talent Development and Retention by the publishing of white papers, access to programmes and information sharing, and developing key opportunities for emerging leaders

Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA, said that the Australian Business Events

Association had led the way with its unification of industry bodies, providing a powerful entry point into the Australian sector.

The MOU details the work that the two organisations will complete together under the three pillars.

Pillar One: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. ICCA and ABEA will support members and associations in their DEI practices by:

Ÿ Collecting and sharing case studies

Ÿ Co-publishing a White Paper focusing on the impacts and opportunities of multiculturalism in the Business Events industry

Ÿ ABEA members will have access to ICCA's International Business Events Preceptorship Programme that facilitates educational mentoring opportunities with ICCA global members (Preceptors), allowing ABEA members the opportunity to

learn about global best practices

Pillar Two: Legacy and Sustainable Industry ICCA and ABEA are united in their goal to advocate to government and stakeholders on the importance of the Business Events industry as a key economic and social impact driver

Ÿ ICCA to initiate cross-regional collaboration on Business Events legacy impact with ABEA through case studies and other information sharing.

Ÿ ICCA and ABEA will host quarterly meetings to discuss progress, stakeholder engagement and advocacy programmes.

Pillar Three: Talent Development and Retention. This pillar works to address workforce challenges.

Ÿ ICCA and ABEA to collaborate on the Emerging Leaders Challenge at AIME 2024. This programme aims to provide recognition and a voice for emerging leader professionals to share their ideas on refining the Business Events proposition in the area of talent attraction and retention.

Ÿ The winner will be awarded ICCA's scholarship to pursue the ICCASkills certification as a Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS).

Ÿ ICCA and ABEA will review the Emerging Leaders Challenge in 2024 to address how the programme will be delivered for 2025

The MOU commenced 19 February 2024 and will be reassessed in December 2026

Geoff Dickinson CEO, dmg events & President, UFI

BE THE LEADER YOU WOULD FOLLOW

Geoff Dickinson graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK with an LLB Law honours degree. He started his career in publishing with emap in London He worked on the launch of emap’s exhibition businesscreatingaseriesofhighlysuccessfultechevents.Hemovedontobepartoftheleadershipteam that launched Haymarket Exhibitions and BBC Haymarket Exhibitions creating a series of large scale consumer exhibitions Geoff worked for a variety of events businesses holding numerous senior roles includingbeingtheGlobalManagingDirectorofIIRExhibitionsinthemid90’s.Hethenspentoveradecade as an entrepreneur in Dubai launching two successful exhibitions businesses He sold his first business to Messe Frankfurt and the second to Clarion. In 2010 he returned to the corporate world by joining dmg events for which he currently acts as the global CEO. dmg events is an international events business with offices in ten global cities, operating events in 28 countries dmg events focus on trade fairs and conferences covering energy, construction, interiors, coatings, hotel & hospitality, food, security, manufacturing,medicalandfreight

ES. You have extensive experience in exhibition industry, how did you land up here? Kindly share with us your professional journey in this industry, major milestones achieved over the years.

Geoff Dickinson. My childhood was never easy with a single mother and two sisters always struggling to make ends meet. I worked in shops on evenings and weekends to help support myself and my family. This gave me both a strong work ethic and the ability to interact with customers from a young age. At University I studied Law and graduated early with an LLB Law Hons degree at just age 20 but decided a career in Law was not for me.

At the dawn of the 80’s the publishing industry was going through a boom, and I decided to make a career in that sector. I joined emap in London, who at that time were a dynamic force in launching new magazines for youth and business. I started on the launch of computer magazines as the tech revolution started to explode with the advent of desktop computing. After just one year of working on magazines emap decided to launch an exhibitions division and I was asked to join this new enterprise. None of us really knew how to operate events but we were all young and had no fear, so we launched a number of computer shows which very quickly gained traction and success. From then on, I was hooked, and I knew I had found my future career path.

Some years later I met Richard Hease who was a very wellregarded entrepreneur in the publishing and events space and at just 25 years old he made me Managing Director of his events company (Focus Events). He was very trusting and patient and taught me how to write smart budgets and create event launch strategies. He was a big influence on my development and latter aspirations to become an entrepreneur. At the end of the 80’s I joined Haymarket Publishing and along with my boss Peter Osborne we launched Haymarket Exhibitions and BBC Haymarket Exhibitions. Peter was a big personality and an incredible deal maker with a wonderful imagination for content. He came from publishing. I taught him exhibitions and in return he taught me the value of highly engaging event content. He had a wonderful personality and was incredible at building strong stakeholder relationships and I learnt from him.

In the early 90’s I joined IIR, who were owned and operated by Irvine Laidlaw a hugely successful entrepreneur. Irvine was fearless in opening offices throughout the world and trusting people to launch and acquire in many exciting emerging markets. I went to Dubai to create the Middle East office and quickly also took on the Far East office in Singapore to develop a portfolio of events throughout the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. In 1996 he rewarded my efforts making me Managing Director globally for

exhibitions and regionally in the Middle East and Eastern Europe for conferences. I operated 16 offices from North America to Southeast Asia – all in my mid-thirties. Irvine taught me how to take calculated risks and in particular understand which parts of the portfolio deserved more attention to drive future growth. He always told me that focus is key, and you have to learn to “Chase the Winners”.

In the late 90’s I developed a close friendship with a work colleague Michael El Nayal, and we decide to launch a business ourselves. We launched a number of events in Dubai and in the early years we struggled. But Michael was always a loyal steadfast business partner who would never give up and his friendship and never say die attitude helped us endure and make the business a success. We sold the business to Messe Frankfurt in 2005 to become Messe Frankfurt Middle East. Following the launch and sale of a second business I decided to join dmg events and return to the corporate world. They were looking for someone who understood how to run a corporate business but also had entrepreneurial experience to launch and drive organic growth. I have been with dmg events now for over 13 years operating as the global CEO. This has been the most enjoyable period of my career. I am blessed with having an incredible team around the world who innovate new content for their events on every edition and constantly launch exciting new events. The two divisional Presidents Chris Hudson and Matt Denton are amazing consistently seeking out and developing new content and event opportunities and opening up new geographies. My CFO Nick Ratcliffe is super smart and empowers the business to consistently grow and develop. My CTO Alistair Roylance has

developed systems that help us know where we are in an instant. Working with great people is the most rewarding experience and at dmg events we have so many great people right across the business. I am very lucky.

ES. dmg events has a strong foothold in the exhibition industry, please tell us more about the organization?

Geoff Dickinson. dmg events is a global exhibitions and publishing company, established in 1989 and operating with 13 offices around the world. With a vast portfolio of over 80 exhibitions annually, we attract more than 425,000 visitors, positioning us as one of the leading players in the industry. To provide our customers with exceptional service, we have offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. Our local presence enables us to understand market needs better and build strong relationships, ensuring unforgettable experiences for our attendees.

At dmg events, we take pride in our impressive growth in emerging and mature markets. Our success is driven by our ability to launch events, acquire complementary businesses, and partner with industry leaders. We also adapt our core event brands to work seamlessly across new countries, resulting in substantial market expansion.

Our team of experts focuses on nurturing professional communities from diverse industries such as Construction, Energy, Mining, Transportation, Hospitality, Interiors, and Food & Beverage. Our exhibitions serve as focal points, complemented by strategic conferences, certified workshops, technical seminars, and industry publications.

We value our exhibiting companies and ensure they receive the best return on investment. We listen to their needs through focus groups and advisory panels and provide them with services such as business matching, lead scanners, and webinars on best practices for exhibiting. Our sponsorship opportunities and free marketing and PR services help our exhibitors get in front of an audience of decision-makers. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate business through face-to-face events. We bring people together, creating opportunities for them to network, do business, overcome challenges, and discover emerging opportunities. At dmg events, we work tirelessly to make this happen, and we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence in the years to come. We have seen a huge

important facets of the event?

Geoff Dickinson The upcoming UFI APAC Conference will explore crucial topics and themes, such as sustainability. Sustainability will shape the outlook for Asian exhibitions for years to come. Successful events in Asia will need to incorporate elements of sustainability. Another central theme of the conference is the resurgence of growth. Our latest UFI Global Barometer report shows that key markets such as China are finally surpassing 2019 levels. The conference will examine growth opportunities across the region and beyond. Furthermore, discussions will explore changing event formats and the integration of AI – topics that are shaping the direction of the industry in Asia for the foreseeable future.

appetite and growth for events globally since the pandemic – people realised events truly are the fastest, most efficient way to maintain relationships with customers and gain new customers whilst attending conferences that help shape the future of their industries. They serve to help countries and economies grow and aggregate travel in one edition to avoid numerous trips – burning carbon and time. We have grown by over 40% in terms of events and staff since the pandemic. We understand that it is vital to involve governments and ministries in all our events so that we can mirror their needs to develop and grow their economies through dialogue in the conferences ad by introducing new products and the latest technologies and new ideas best practices and for sustainability.

ES. What are your insights on UFI APAC Conference? Can you share some details depicting facts and figures and

ES. In your vision, with the arrival of new year what new plans, changes and trends will the industry witness in upcoming era?

Geoff Dickinson UFI released this year’s ‘5 trends to watch’, listing the themes that are driving board room discussions around the industry. And we will programme the content for the regional conferences in the coming months around these. Our events have to become more sustainable – both for the good of the planet and to retain the support of our customers. Through UFI, we need to exchange shared learnings on using the latest technologies, such as AI, for the good of our events and our customers We need to continue to embrace diversity and inclusivity – and be an industry with opportunity for everyone. If we do these things together, then we can solve the issues many of us face in attracting new talent.

We need to position ourselves as an industry always striving to be better and an industry that creates platforms for our customers to positively develop and grow their opportunities for a better future

ES. There was a lot of hue and cry that virtual shows may reduce the need for physical shows. What is your take on the relevance of physical shows?

Geoff Dickinson. Human beings need to get together to collaborate and evolve – they need in person events. Virtual events have little value in themselves – but they are useful if they are embedded into and around the physical, face to face events. Exhibitions in some form or other have been around for thousands of years and have seen huge advances in technology which have all ended up being not a threat but a benefit. Technology has often been viewed as a threat when in reality it has helped events grow and develop.

Virtual platforms were incredibly valuable during Covid, helping organisers to maintain customer connections and to serve the industries they represent with valuable information. Having virtual options now gives organisers the opportunity to deliver some of the key content from the conference or the exhibitor floor to people who could not attend in person. This extends the events reach and its customer service and is therefore highly beneficial. Our industry learnings about virtual events during the pandemic will help us to make our physical events reach more customers and serve our industries better.

ES. According to you how can the exhibition fraternity benefit from AI’s advanced marketing? Is AI a threat to the industry as it may perform quadruple tasks for which manual labor is needed?

Geoff Dickinson. It is very early to truly assess the impact that generative AI like ChatGPT will have for our business. UFI lists AI as one of our ‘5 trends to watch in 2024’, and we will cover developments regularly throughout the year. I see some good potential for ‘wins’ for our industry: In a secure data space, we can use AI with general visitor customer information to build more relevant conference and exhibition floor content for our customers. We can use AI to target more effectively the right audience for our exhibitors and sponsors, and to identify potential exhibitors, sponsors, speakers. Also, AI can help source content for websites or event community sites to present up to the minute information year-round for customers and to source market data and stats

ES. In times when the rapid increment of carbon footprint is a worrisome subject, what measures do you suggest to the organizers to attain sustainability?

Geoff Dickinson. Our events have to become more sustainable – both for the good of the planet and to retain the support of our customers. At UFI we will be committed to seeking to get to Net Zero – but we cannot do this alone – we need to engage with our suppliers and discuss ways we can achieve this together. During my Presidency I want us to reach out to our supply chains such as airlines, hotels, venues, stand contractors to seek solutions to help us to honour our net zero pledge.

ES. A message inspiring the industry and influencing youth to participate in the industry

Geoff Dickinson People want to think that every generation is different, but young minds have always been attracted to jobs where they have a sense of purpose – just as I was some 40 years ago. We need to position ourselves as an industry always striving to be better and an industry that creates platforms for our customers to positively develop and grow their opportunities for a better future. Together we can use our events to continue to be a catalyst for change for a better, a sustainable, an inclusive world – this is our purpose as it has been for thousands of years and I am sure for thousands of years to come Human beings need to get together to collaborate and evolve – they need in-person events.

“Hong Kong is a highly advantageous exhibition city due to its strategic location in the heart of Asia, offering convenient access for international exhibitors and visitors”

STUART BAILEY Chairman, Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association

ES. Can you tell us about the role of the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) and its significance within the region?

Stuart Bailey. The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) was established in 1990 to promote Hong Kong as a world-class exhibition and conference destination and the trade fair capital of Asia Pacific. It works to represent the interests of all members involved in the exhibition and convention industries, and provides a unified voice in dealing with the government, legislative and statutory bodies, the media and public organisations, on all matters associated with the role of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong’s economy.

ES. Can you provide an overview of the current state of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong?

Stuart Bailey. Leaving geopolitics aside, the outlook for the Convention and Exhibition industry in Hong Kong in 2024 is moderately optimistic. The trade exhibitions in the last quarter of 2023 experienced a strong rebound, with a significant number of exhibitors and visitors. Across the board, the industry has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Some speculate that this recovery may be attributed to the post-pandemic honeymoon period, as global trade remains sluggish. However, exhibitions serve as a reliable indicator of trade, as exhibition stand bookings typically occur 9 to 12 months in advance. Positive exhibitor sentiment for the year ahead is evident, and January has started well with the HKTDC’s toy fair being highly praised for its success.

Nevertheless, there are persistent challenges that need to be addressed. One such challenge is the severe shortage of manpower, although it's important to note that this issue is not unique to our industry. Additionally, high inflation and escalating costs in travel and accommodation make Hong Kong an expensive destination, which can have a dampening effect on the industry. Furthermore, geopolitical uncertainty remains a significant factor, with democratic elections taking place in important export markets worldwide. We are waiting to see if these events will impact the industry.

Both trade and consumer exhibitions in Hong Kong are experiencing optimistic outlooks regarding future bookings. Not only are the returning shows that left during the pandemic scheduled to come back in 2024, but new shows are also set to debut in Hong Kong. This positive trend can be attributed, at least in part, to the government's stimulus packages that are available to support these events.

The initial part of 2023 continued to experience the negative effects of anti-Covid measures, leading to a sluggish recovery for the industry. However, the latter half of the year witnessed a significant upturn, characterised by a substantial expansion in the size and scope of international events in Hong Kong. While specific data for 2023 is not yet available, it is projected to have reached approximately 70% of the prepandemic levels, which resulted in an economic impact of HK$58.4 billion. Looking ahead, we have high expectations for 2024, anticipating that it will surpass the aforementioned levels. This is expected to provide crucial support to numerous industries in Hong Kong and serve as a catalyst for bolstering the local economy.

ES. How does Hong Kong's exhibition and convention industry compare to other major international hubs, and what advantages does it offer?

Stuart Bailey. Hong Kong is a highly advantageous exhibition city due to its strategic location in the heart of Asia, offering convenient access for international exhibitors and visitors. It boasts world-class infrastructure, including modern exhibition centres and convention venues such as the Asia World Expo

and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. With its strong business environment, efficient transportation system, and supportive policies, Hong Kong provides a conducive environment for trade shows and conferences.

The city's international connectivity, multicultural atmosphere, and wide range of professional services further enhance its appeal. Additionally, Hong Kong's expertise in various industries and its position as a global financial hub makes it an attractive destination for industry-specific exhibitions, providing exhibitors with access to relevant markets and business opportunities.

ES. Could you share any insights or success stories of notable events or conventions hosted in Hong Kong in recent years?

Stuart Bailey. Hong Kong stands as the most important exhibition hub in the region, hosting a diverse array of trade exhibitions that attract participants from around the world. With renowned events in industries such as electronics,

jewellery, fashion, art, technolo food and wine, the city offers a vibrant platform for professionals seeking market insights, business collaborations, and unparalleled exposure. These exhibitions foster international trade, facilitate networking opportunities, and showcase cutting-edge products and services. Hong Kong's status as a global business hub is solidified by its position as a crucial destination for industry professionals across a plethora of sectors.

ES. Looking ahead, what are your expectations and aspirations for the future of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong, and how does the HKECIA plan to contribute to its continued success?

Stuart Bailey Hong Kong's government is actively driving the expansion of the convention and exhibition (C&E) space in the city to bolster the growth of its exhibition sector. Major developments are progressing in Wan Chai North, where the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is located, as well as on the airport island, known as AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). These projects aim to seamlessly integrate with the existing venues, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive exhibition infrastructure. Once these initiatives are completed,

E space in Hong Kong will nd by more than 40%, oviding a total area of over 220,000 square meters

The expansion of the C&E space represents a significant investment in Hong Kong's future as a premier destination for business events. The increased capacity will cater to the growing demand from business professionals seeking a platform to meet, network, and explore partnership opportunities. By providing more space for exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows, Hong Kong aims to attract a diverse range of industries and foster greater collaboration and innovation.

The expansion not only addresses the immediate need for more exhibition space but also positions Hong Kong as a long-term leader in the international Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As business people from around the world gather in Hong Kong, the city's reputation as a prime MICE center will be further enhanced.

The additional capacity will allow for larger events, accommodate a greater number of participants, and provide a platform for usinesses to showcase their ducts and services on a grand

Come to Macau

we're ready for you

KaiHattendorf,ManagingDirector&CEO,UFI

ES. How does theme of the UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2024 reflect with the current landscape of the exhibition industry in the Asia Pacific region?

Kai Hattendorf One of the key themes of the programme is sustainability. Sustainability will shape the outlook for Asian exhibitions for years to come. Successful events in Asia will need to incorporate elements of sustainability. Another key theme of the conference is the return to growth. Our most recent UFI Global Barometer report shows that key markets such as China are finally surpassing 2019 levels. The conference will also examine growth opportunities across the region.

ES. Could you highlight some of the key topics and discussions that attendees can expect at the UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2024? How do these topics address the evolving needs and trends within the exhibition sector?

Kai Hattendorf. In addition to sustainability and growth, the conference will also include important topics such as changing event formats and the role of AI in events. Together these topics will define the direction of our industry in Asia for years to come.

ES. Collaboration and innovation are essential for driving growth in the exhibition industry. What initiatives or partnerships is UFI fostering to promote collaboration and

innovation among stakeholders in the Asia Pacific region?

Kai Hattendorf. UFI puts a lot of emphasis on both collaboration and innovation. We promote innovation through discussions at our events, such as the upcoming conference in Macau, and through our education programmes, such as the Venue Management School (VMS) and the Exhibition Management School (EMS).

We promote collaboration through facilitating dialogue between our stakeholders - once again at our events and through our education programmes. We also engage governments at many levels across Asia through our advocacy initiatives. This serves to promote collaboration with one of our industry’s most important stakeholders: government bodies. Global Exhibition Day (GED), held on 5th June this year, is an excellent example of UFI facilitating collaboration in the global exhibition community.

ES. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point for businesses across industries. How is UFI integrating sustainable practices into its events?

Kai Hattendorf We signed on to the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative as a supporting association, and we are working with the guidance and materials provided to reduce the ecological impact of our events. As we go through the process of setting up methodologies and metrics, we work

March 2024

with our respective hosts to implement good practices that we know from around the world – from avoiding single-use plastics to optimising food options and portions, from going paperless where possible to providing low to zero carbon transport options. The list is long, and as we organise events in all parts of the world, the approaches and solutions are always local

ES. In your views, how can our industry effectively integrate sustainable best practices to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis while maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness?

Kai Hattendorf In 2023, for the first time, the global surface temperature partially tracked 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than in pre-industrial times as planet Earth experienced the hottest year on average since the dawn of humanity. Extreme weather conditions will lead to more frequent show cancellations and postponements. They will also impact travel and show attendance. Climate-related reporting standards are being introduced. More and more businesses are prioritising their investments to match emission targets. The “Net Zero Carbon Events” Initiative delivers good practices and evolving industry standards, but our industry will need to speed up and go beyond the “low-hanging fruit” if we want to remain in control over how our industry responds to this very real threat.

We will work with this year’s group of “Next Generation Leaders” to analyse and share ideas on to to benefit from AI – see here for more details: ufi.org/ngl

ES. Can you share some insights into the educational programs or initiatives that UFI is offering to support professional development in the region?

Kai Hattendorf. I already mentioned the Next Generation Leadership Grant Programme – a huge opportunity for industry talent to shine. The deadline to apply for this year is 7 April 2024, and we encourage people from all backgrounds and roles within the exhibition industry to apply

Our UFI Exhibition Management School will run another online edition, with live, online classes starting 24 June 2024. For other UFI education programmes, please check our education portal at ufi.org/education.

ES. As the exhibition industry evolves, what are your predictions for the future of trade shows and events in the Asia Pacific region? How is UFI positioning itself to lead and navigate through these changes?

ES. How can businesses adapt to the radical changes brought about by AI in their respective industries, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and human-centric values such as ethics and inclusivity?

Kai Hattendorf. The launch of the original iPhone in January 2007 became a watershed moment for many industries, including ours. As smartphone penetration grew, the way we organised and served those on our show floors around the world changed dramatically. I think this industry evolution serves as a good blueprint when we discuss how AI will change our industry. Our latest barometer shows that 9 out of 10 businesses are sure that AI will have a major impact, and around 1/3 of businesses globally are already working with the technology in some areas.

Kai Hattendorf. Trade shows in Asia will become more innovative, more international, and more tech-driven. We expect to see a rapidly expanding role for AI at trade shows in Asia as well as evolving event formats to become more innovative and experiential. There will be an increasing recognition that international participation will drive growth at all shows. Finally, the rise of India. There is a strong sense that India is poised to quickly grow and take its place alongside China as one of the leading exhibition markets in the region.

ES. Finally, what message would you like to convey to attendees and stakeholders of the UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2024 as they prepare to participate in this significant industry event?

Kai Hattendorf. Come to Macau – we're ready for you. Connect with your peers, discuss what is next, and leave with new insights and opportunities for your business to grow.

SAMEER TOBACCOWALA CEO, Shobiz Experiential Communications Pvt. Ltd.

“As part of the Havas Creative Network, we have access to unparalleled resources, ensuring that we offer nothing but the best-in-class solutions”

ES. Can you give us a brief overview of Shobiz Experience and its mission?

Sameer Tobaccowala Since 1982, Shobiz has been India's leading experiential agency. We thrive on creativity, innovation, and excellence. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, empowering clients to tell their stories uniquely. As your partner for events and exhibitions, we combine passion and proficiency to create unforgettable experiences that deeply connect with your audiences to positively impact your businesses. As an agency, we cater to both big and small projects and believe in bringing newness to all that we undertake. Today, we are India’s first truly experiential agency, renowned for our unparalleled creative solutions and impeccable delivery.

Shobiz has been working with some of the biggest, global brands for decades. These include FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever (5 decades), Tech majors like SAP, Intel, HPE, and VMware (over 2 decades), and Automobile heavyweights like Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes Benz (over a decade). We believe our people make us and we take pride in our 300+ employees who may come from diverse backgrounds but bring the same passion for innovation and creativity to their work.

Our mission remains to be known as the most innovative and creative experiential marketing and exhibitions agency in India that engages in cultural immersion events, interactive experiences, art and design installations, fashion shows and shopping events, music and entertainment festivals, corporate team-building activities, and much more by tailoring the activities that resonate with the target audience to drive brand engagement and recall.

ES. How does Shobiz Experience differentiate itself from other similar platforms in the industry?

Sameer Tobaccowala. We are the storytellers of the modern era, crafting meaningful experiences through a fusion of innovation, technology, and decades of industry expertise. With over four decades in the industry, our experience-led approach enables us to deliver exceptional results efficiently. As part of the Havas Creative Network, we have access to unparalleled resources, ensuring that we offer nothing but the best-in-class solutions.

Shobiz brings to the table a unique blend of expertise and experience, with a proven track record of success working with both national and global brands. Our agency boasts some of the longest-standing client partnerships in the industry, including an impressive 49-year collaboration with HUL. It's this enduring commitment to our clients that sets us apart. We don't just prioritize the quality of our work; we also place immense value on nurturing strong relationships, listening to feedback, and, above all, cherishing our talented team members who drive our success. They are the heart and soul of our agency, and their dedication is what truly defines us. Our mission is to transcend brand stories into real-life experiences, setting new benchmarks along the way. Across various industries, we specialize in creating exhilarating experiences that leave

a lasting impact. We believe that each "WOW" moment builds emotional connections, reinforces brand recall, and becomes a cherished memory for years to come.

ES. How do you measure the impact and effectiveness of the experiences offered on your platform?

Sameer Tobaccowala. We prioritize understanding our client's expectations, from goal setting to creating a tangible list of outcomes, and work towards achieving that. The more detailed the measurement metrics that range from understanding the audience, the brand's current perception, KPI, and the final ROI you are sure to achieve what one has set out for. Innovation is integral to our approach, as we actively research and develop innovative strategies mapped against the KPI’s. We place great emphasis on cultivating strong and innovative creative solutions that set the project apart and make it eyepopping and memorable. Eventually, the impact and effectiveness are twofold, one is how the experience was perceived through media and social impressions and the conversations it sparked and the other is whether the actual brand experience impacted the brand/product sales, reputation, and affinity

ES. What advice would you give to someone looking to create their own unique experience or event?

Sameer Tobaccowala The events industry is inherently dynamic. Many things come together to create a unique experience or event. From setting out goals of why, what you want to achieve, how will you reach your intended audience, and what you want them to experience all require deep understanding, research, and experience. It is best to get in touch with the experts who have deep domain knowledge and a proven track record

to deliver what you have set out for. Agencies like us deliver a lot of value and expertise. A client realizes this once we start working with them and that is the reason why our client relationships run into decades.

ES. With AI gaining traction much faster than other emerging technologies, and with new talent crashing and cracking new technology every day, how do you keep up with changing technology?

Sameer Tobaccowala. We are committed to infusing newness into everything we undertake. We understand that innovation stems from continuous learning and evolution. Maintaining a mindset of perpetual learning is essential for us to stay ahead of our competitors. Our team comprises a diverse blend of talent, ranging from seasoned

into extraordinary WOW moments that leave a lasting impression on consumers. Our commitment to innovation drives us to constantly push boundaries, offering fresh, exciting, and unique experiences that keep the momentum alive and leave everyone involved energized and enthralled.

ES. Like we have seen how considerate you are towards your client’s satisfaction, it also raises a question that how you cater to the needs of those you are providing your services to. We are eager to know how you deal with unsatisfied customers.

Sameer Tobaccowala. At Shobiz, our commitment to customer satisfaction drives everything we do. We prioritize a customer-centric approach, consistently striving

veterans to fresh minds from Generation Z. Embracing technological advancements necessitates not only adopting the new but also letting go of outdated practices. This often involves enlisting expert guidance and supporting ongoing learning journeys. We prioritize investing in our employees and fostering their professional development, recognizing that a nurtured workforce fosters brand loyalty. With staff members who have been with us since the company's inception, we uphold the belief that traditional values remain pertinent to our success.

At our core, we prioritize the human connection, striving to exceed expectations for our clients and their audiences by delivering unforgettable experiences. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we transform ordinary moments

to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional experiences. But this is not left as an intangible feeling but rigorously implemented through detailed measurement metrics. Client expectations, key KPI’s, and ROI’s are all listed out right at the beginning of the project. The project's outcome and knowing what everyone is trying to achieve here especially measured against these metrics leave nothing for surprise later and the outcome is always effective. That doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement. By analyzing feedback and identifying trends, we continuously refine our processes and services to better serve our clients in the future. Our dedication to finding meaningful solutions ensures that we restore satisfaction and trust continuously strengthening our relationships with our valued clients.

ES. The year 2023 was promising for the industry, in your words how would you like to summarize 2023 for Shobiz?

Sameer Tobaccowala. In 2023, Shobiz experienced a year filled with remarkable achievements. Our agency garnered prestigious accolades, winning Gold for South Asia Event Marketing Agency of the Year and Silver for South Asia Brand Experience Agency of the Year at the ‘Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2023’. We also won Gold for the Experiential Agency of the Year at e4M Media Awards 2023. Moreover, our commitment to client satisfaction was evident as we successfully retained all our clients, with many celebrating 20 years of partnership with us, including the noteworthy association with HUL, which reached an impressive 49 years.

Recognizing the growing demand for exhibitions among our clientele, we established an Exhibitions Business Unit to cater to these specific needs effectively with its rollout from January 2024. On the people front, Shobiz was one of the few experiential agencies that focussed on gender quality, having more women in leadership positions, and creating an equal-opportunity workplace. Our efforts to look after the well-being of our employees and creating opportunities for their growth won us the coveted – ‘Great Place to Work’, for the second time in a row.

Sameer Tobaccowala. According to Make in India, India rose to the 63rd position in the comfort of doing business rank in 2020, a remarkable improvement from its 2014 ranking of 142 out of 190 countries—a significant leap of 79 positions. This improvement reflects the concerted efforts and progressive policies implemented by the government, which have enhanced operational flexibility and attractiveness for international investments. As an industry, we should take immense pride in this achievement. It underscores the value of our resources, talented workforce, and the burgeoning demand for alternatives among consumers, which has drawn the attention of numerous international brands to invest in India

Overall, 2023 was undeniably a triumphant year for Shobiz, reflecting our dedication to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.

ES. Any message that you like to share with the industry.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges that persist, such as infrastructure limitations, logistical hurdles, and the need for more extensive facilities. Addressing these challenges requires collective efforts and collaboration within the industry. In India, we possess the right mindset and expertise to overcome these challenges and achieve extraordinary feats. At Shobiz, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional experiential and exhibit solutions tailored to any location, whether in India or across the globe. We are eager to collaborate with partners to create innovative, impactful, and meaningful experiences for targeted audiences. Being part of a larger communications groupHavas Creative Network, we have access to a diverse range of expertise, enabling us to offer comprehensive solutions that drive growth and success for the industry.

ES. Can you share with us your journey and how it led to the establishment of Paul Woodward Advisory?

Paul Woodward. The company was established in 2016 after I had stepped down from my role as CEO of UFI. The objective was to use my global network to assist companies in the exhibition and events industry to expand their international activities. It complements Business Strategies Group, BSG, the company I had established in Hong Kong in 2010 and which remains the only consultancy in the Asia Pacific region with a dedicated focus on the industry. Originally a journalist and magazine publisher, I had been based in Hong Kong since 1985 and was lucky enough to work as part of a business which was a pioneer of conferences and trade fairs in the region, eventually becoming the heart of the business which is now Informa Markets Asia.

ES. As someone with over 30 years of experience in the industry, what do you see as the primary drivers shaping the future of the global events and B2B media business, particularly in terms of globalization, technology, and research?

Paul Woodward. In many ways, the key drivers of global business events remain as they have always been: trade fairs remain far and away the most effective way for companies to demonstrate their products and services and to meet current and potential customers face-to-face. The rush to relaunch after covid shut-downs was an incredibly clear demonstration of just how important our events are to business. Of course,

“ Trade fairs remain far and away the most effective way for companies to demonstrate their products and services and to meet current and potential customers face-to-face “

Paul Woodward Chairman, Paul Woodward Advisory

the exact nature and location of these events changes, depending on new and emerging technologies, new industries, and where business is growing fastest. Over the past 30 years, this has meant a lot of focus and lot of growth in Asia, particularly East Asia. As China matures and growth slows there, other fast-growing markets in the region, and elsewhere, will come into the spotlight.

ES. From your vantage point, what are your thoughts on the global perspective of the exhibition industry? Are there any emerging trends or shifts in the industry landscape that you find particularly noteworthy?

Paul Woodward. As I already mentioned, I am confident that Asia will remain a driver of growth for the Industry although probably with less of that growth coming from China at least int he medium term. We are also seeing some very interesting developments in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia which is giving a big push into major events including trade fairs. The country sees this as an important component of its ambitious plans to diversify the economy away from its dependence on hydrocarbons. We’re seeing a huge change in the balance of power in our industry in that region and the rapid emergence of a major player.

ES. In your opinion, how can industry stakeholders leverage technology and research to adapt and thrive in an increasingly globalized marketplace for exhibitions and B2B media?

Paul Woodward. Although a number of the technological experiments which were tried during covid appear to have

failed and been shelved, the large companies in the events industry are still heavily focused on data generated by events and how t developed. They see it as a p profitable service in its own r also as a powerful tool to imp the efficiency and attractiven of the events they organise. There’s no doubt that the more forward thinking are now working hard to integrate AI tools into this process

Although probably overhyped by in a lot of media coverage, there is no doubt that big changes are coming which will have a significant impact on how data from ou events is collected, collated, a analysed. As always with new technology trends, big mistak made and money wasted. Bu nostalgic view of the “simple life” and choose to ignore these trends will almost certainly be left behind or gobbled up by the more sophisticated players.

Paul Woodward. I would say that the industry has recovered remarkably well. In many parts of the world, 2024 will see it exceed business levels from 2019 before the pandemic closed things down. The financial markets certainly think so and the pace of transactions is racing forward. Those in the know tell me that there will be a number of very big deals announced in the coming months. The smart money is very interested in events businesses again.

ES. What are your aspirations or goals for the uture of Paul Woodward dvisory, and how do you ision contributing to the nued growth and evolution xhibition industry on a e?

ES. The pandemic significantly impacted the event industry. How do you see the industry recovering, and what adaptations do you believe will be necessary for future events?

Paul Woodward. There are a lot of exciting opportunities for companies in the events business around the world, for new companies trying out new event formats and for the existing players as they choose to expand to new markets. We look forward to working with those companies and helping to facilitate their growth. Our basic approach to business is simple: we take on interesting projects for people we like.

Jublia
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“ ”

As the event industry gradually returns to pre-Covid levels, with 2024 poised to break previous records, it's crucial to recognise the symbiotic relationship between technology and events

ERROLLIM,COO,Jublia.com

ES. Can you tell us more about Jublia and its role in the business matching and event networking landscape?

Errol Lim. Jublia is a seasoned event technology firm with a global mindset ingrained since day one, now headquartered in Singapore. With a presence in over 10 languages, we cater to events spanning continents, from Africa to Australia. Our journey began in 2013 when we identified a crucial need for business matching services at B2B events, recognising a significant gap in the market.

Events are lauded by marketers for yielding high-quality leads, yet they are also acknowledged as expensive endeavours, with a high cost-per-lead. This poses a challenge, especially as datadriven CMOs, educated in the realm of digital marketing, increasingly demand measurable returns on investment. Unlike digital channels, where ROI is readily quantifiable, events often present a murkier picture. This discrepancy underscores the importance of tools like business matching, which empower event organisers to optimise attendees' ROI. In essence, business matching transforms events into purposeful platforms, placing the ability to engineer customer

ROI squarely in the hands of event organisers.

ES. Could you share some insights into Jublia's journey since its founding in 2013 and how it has evolved to become a global leader in event networking data analytics?

Errol Lim Certainly, our journey with Jublia has been marked by perseverance and continuous learning. None of the founders came from an events background, so building the company involved a steep learning curve, countless experiments, and a willingness to adapt quickly. From the outset, we made a strategic decision to specialise in event networking and data analytics. We recognised the critical role networking plays in the event experience how it often determines the success of an event and the inherent challenge in facilitating meaningful connections between attendees Data analytics became a natural extension of our focus on networking. By collecting and analysing interaction data, we gained insights ranging from simple correlation patterns to understanding attendee intentions, enhancing our event networking solutions. However, our journey is far from over. We are continually investing in innovation and

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improvement, striving to enhance our offerings and services. Crucially, our success wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the invaluable feedback from our customers, who have collaborated closely with us to refine our value proposition.

ES. What sets Jublia apart from other companies in the industry, particularly in terms of event networking solutions and customer engagement?

Errol Lim. We have several distinctive qualities that set us apart from competitors in the industry. Firstly, our company's DNA is rooted in being bootstrapped from the beginning. This has instilled a sense of pragmatism in our decision-making processes. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every investment and effort contributes directly to improving our product, enhancing customer experiences, and maximising the return on partnering with Jublia.

Secondly, our unwavering focus on the segment of the event lifecycle that attendees experience—from registration to the event's conclusion—drives all our product innovations. For example, this focus led us to develop our own Interactive Maps technology powered by Artificial Intelligence, tailored specifically to in-event navigation needs. This strategic

direction has also facilitated fruitful partnerships with other technology providers offering complementary services such as registration.

Thirdly, recognising that the events industry thrives on human relationships, we've invested in building a proficient Customer Success Team. This team serves as both engagement experts for our event organiser clients and dedicated concierges for end-user attendees. At Jublia, we firmly believe in adopting a human-first approach to event tech engagement, understanding the importance of personal

connections in this industry. Fourthly, we prioritise seamless scalability and flexibility in our solutions. While our

products are designed to operate seamlessly out of the box, they also offer the flexibility to customise functionalities to meet the unique needs of each event we partner with. While we don't operate as a development house, our established products come with built-in mechanisms for adjustments and personalisations, ensuring a tailored fit for every client.

ES. You mentioned that Jublia works closely with clients to meet their specific meeting needs and event objectives. Can you provide examples of how Jublia tailors its services to different clients?

Errol Lim. At Jublia, we take a personalised approach to client collaboration, assigning dedicated solutions specialists to each event project. Our goal is to not only meet the specific objectives outlined by event organisers but also to ensure they fully leverage the capabilities of our comprehensive suite of solutions. This process begins with an in-depth discovery call, during which we delve into various aspects of the event. We explore the event format, attendee numbers, and whether the primary focus lies on networking or content consumption. Additionally, we assess the organisers' level of technological proficiency and the

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audience's characteristics, such as their tech adoption rates, geographical location, and industry sector

By gathering this information, we tailor our platform to be highly relevant, targeted, and effective in driving engagement and performance. For instance, the strategies we employ for an exhibition trade show, where buying and selling take centre stage, will differ significantly from those for a conference focused on content delivery. Ultimately, our approach is centred on understanding each client's unique requirements and crafting solutions that align closely with their objectives, ensuring a seamless and impactful event experience.

ES. Could you elaborate on the concept of "end-to-end engagement" that Jublia focuses on to enhance the event experience for professionals? How does this concept drive the company ' s mission and services?

Errol Lim. At Jublia, our core mission is to intelligently connect professionals, products, companies, and content at events. This mission inherently centres on the segment of the event lifecycle that follows attendee registration, spanning from pre-event engagement to the fulfilment of event value during the event itself. We recognise that one of the greatest values events offer is the ability to provide tailored recommendations on people, products, companies, and content, optimising the limited time attendees have at the event. Our concept of "end-to-end engagement" embodies our commitment to delivering a comprehensive 360-degree experience for both event organisers and attendees. We ensure that all our capabilities are designed to complement each other seamlessly, aiming to be the one-stop solution for the entire engagement journey

A typical journey within our ecosystem begins when a registered user gains access to the event platform, where

they can start building their personalised schedule for the event days. They can then seamlessly transition to the mobile app during the event, accessing the same platform to execute their planned activities with tools like Jublia Scan and Jublia AI-Maps, driving fulfilment of their agenda. Every day, we strive to enhance our solutions to empower event attendees to make the most of their event experience while providing event organisers with the tools they need to track and optimise engagement experiences effectively. Through our continuous efforts, we aim to refine and perfect the end-toend engagement process, delivering maximum value to all stakeholders involved

ES. You mentioned Jublia AI Maps and Jublia Scan as part of the during-event experience. How do these features enhance attendee engagement and lead generation during live events?

Errol Lim. Jublia AI Maps stands out as our proprietary Interactive Floor Plan solution, leveraging Artificial Intelligence to transform static venue images into dynamic, interactive maps in under 10 seconds. This innovative feature allows attendees to navigate event spaces effortlessly by clicking on designated areas to explore ongoing activities. For instance, stages display scheduled events in chronological order, while booths open up exhibitor profiles featuring product listings. Additionally, attendees benefit from point-topoint way-finding functionality, enhancing their overall event experience by providing clear direction and facilitating seamless navigation. Ultimately, Jublia AI Maps significantly enhances attendee engagement by ensuring they can easily find their way around the event, fostering a sense of fulfilment and maximising their participation. Jublia Scan serves as our in-house Lead Retrieval solution, offering a seamless integration within the Jublia ecosystem. This feature provides event organisers with monetisation opportunities by enabling on-demand activation. Attendees, in turn, enjoy immediate

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access to lead retrieval capabilities, including tagging, categorisation, and note-taking functionalities. Furthermore, Jublia Scan offers real-time tracking and measurement for event organisers, granting them the ability to monitor lead generation activities and export data as needed. This comprehensive approach not only provides attendees with instant gratification in lead collection but also offers event organisers invaluable insights into attendee engagement. While lead retrieval services are common at trade show exhibitions, Jublia Scan sets itself apart by seamlessly integrating into the digital engagement experience, enhancing the overall value proposition for both attendees and organisers alike.

ES. Post-event feedback is crucial for improving future events. How does Jublia utilise AI-powered sentiment analysis to gather insights from attendee feedback and ensure longlasting event success?

Errol Lim. At Jublia, we prioritise gathering data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure long-term event success. As part of our comprehensive end-toend engagement process, we track metrics such as Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction Scores (CSAT) using our data analytics platform called Jublia Sense. Unlike traditional static surveys, our dynamic approach fosters significantly higher user feedback input, often three times more, due to the rapport established through various touch-points during the event experience and the personalised relationship with our provided concierge service. Utilising AI-powered sentiment analysis, we efficiently filter and sort through the abundance of feedback received to accurately measure scores and identify specific areas for ongoing improvement. This allows our team to continually refine our services in collaboration with event organisers.

with real-time insights to make instant adjustments rather than waiting for the next edition. These capabilities include providing instant ROI reports, access to personalised recommendations for people, companies, products, and content, as well as the ability to engage specific attendee groups based on behaviour. As AI capabilities evolve, we remain committed to integrating more advanced analytics into our platform to further enhance event management and data analysis capabilities.

ES. You recently attended PCMA Convening Leaders. What were some key takeaways from the event, and how do they inform Jublia's strategies moving forward?

However, it's important to note that while post-event feedback is essential, Jublia's tools are designed for continuous feedback throughout the event lifecycle. Recognising that events are cyclical, we empower organisers

One key takeaway was the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI continues to evolve, it's poised to become as ubiquitous as the internet. While concerns about AI's potential negative impacts exist, it's crucial to approach it as we would raising a child—by instilling it with good values. Viewing AI as an extension of our collective intelligence underscores its potential to positively impact society, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Another notable takeaway revolved around the importance of soft skills in a techdriven era. As technology levels the playing field, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and connection become paramount. Despite the dominance of tech, fostering innovation requires embracing friction while remaining compassionate innovators—critical yet not cynical. In recognising the relatively slower pace of innovation in the events industry, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining relevance without being overly hasty. While Jublia is actively exploring opportunities in AI, we understand the importance of strategic timing and staying abreast of industry developments. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the irreplaceable value of face-to-face connections. It serves as a reminder that behind every digital interaction is a human being with whom we engage in buying, selling, and forging partnerships.

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Greg Topalian

Clarion Events has announced that Greg Topalian, current CEO of Clarion's North America business, will be elevated to the role of Chairman of Clarion Events North America. In his capacity as Chairman, Greg will focus on acquisitions and business development and provide high-level strategic planning for Clarion globally while actively supporting North America's presidents, Liz Irving, President of Clarion Events North America, and Kelly Comboni, President of Quartz Network, Consero, and LeftField Media, who will run the day-to-day strategy and operations across the business.

Kinsey Fabrizio

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is announcing Kinsey Fabrizio as president of CTA. Previously, Fabrizio served as Senior Vice President CES and Membership. In her new role, she will sit on the Executive Board and will be responsible for the following departments: CES, CTA Membership, CTA Conferences and Marketing and Communications. Fabrizio will also speak for the association on all matters. Gary Shapiro, current president and CEO, will relinquish the president title but will continue to serve as CEO.

Renard van Blerk

The Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC) and Rand Show have announced Renard van Blerk as the new Head of Marketing at Rand Show. Renard takes charge of conveying the significant evolution of this year’s event, promising an enhanced experience for all attendees. Furthermore, Renard will contribute his valuable expertise and insights during the upcoming Dalebrook Media’s Marketing Café event. Renard is an experienced marketing professional with almost two decades of success in digital ad sales, content creation, social media management, and activation production.

Anne Dunbar

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and RAI Amsterdam, co-owners of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), announced the promotion of Anne Dunbar from Show Director to Executive Director of IBEX LLC. Having successfully steered IBEX for more than a decade, Dunbar has played a pivotal role in making it the largest marine trade show in North America, with over 700 exhibitors and attracting more than 5,000 marine professionals annually. In her new capacity as Executive Director, Dunbar will spearhead the strategic initiatives and long-term plans for the show.

Exhibition World Bahrain Concludes 2023 on a High Note and Enters 2024 with Numerous International Events

ecognising the transformative power of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) industry for economic growth and sustainable development, the Kingdom of Bahrain has prioritised its strategic development as a key pillar within its Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). By leveraging its unique strengths and aligning with the Kingdom's broader economic aspirations, Bahrain seeks to become a leading regional and global MICE destination, capitalising on the significant opportunities outlined in its Tourism Strategy.

RDriven by a mission to leverage the power of the MICE industry for economic growth, investment attraction and global recognition, Exhibition

World Bahrain (EWB) – winner of the World Travel Awards' “World's Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023”, concluded 2023 on a high note. The venue hosted an impressive 186 events and welcomed 800,000 visitors throughout the year. More than just impressive statistics, EWB's global reach fuelled a significant economic ripple effect across diverse sectors Local retailers, F&B outlets, airlines, hotels, and the broader hospitality industry all benefited, highlighting the

venue ' s positive impact on Bahrain's economy

This strong international showing directly supports the Kingdom's ambitious Tourism Strategy (20222026), which positions MICE as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development. With a

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packed calendar of international events already secured for 2024, Bahrain is well-positioned to solidify its status as a leading regional and global MICE destination. In just over a year since its grand opening in November 2022, EWB has established itself as a premiere venue. Its diverse and prestigious event portfolio, ranging from large-scale exhibitions and conventions to intimate gatherings like weddings and product launches, consistently captivates audiences and exceeds expectations.

This remarkable range of events highlights EWB's flexibility and adaptability, catering to a wide variety of needs and exceeding expectations. As it continues to attract prestigious events and gatherings, EWB is poised to remain a major player in Bahrain's dynamic event scene.

In October 2023, EWB proudly became an award-winning venue less than a year after its inauguration, securing the World Travel Awards' “World's Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023”. A testament to its success and influence within the international MICE industry, and its unwavering drive to draw worldrenowned events to Bahrain Bahrain's strategic investment in the venue has significantly enhanced its standing within the MICE industry. The venue propelled the Kingdom of Bahrain back into the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) top 100 Global Rankings demonstrating the venue ' s growing value as a strategic and appealing business tourism destination

international events and drive further visitor growth. In today's competitive landscape, EWB prioritises visitor satisfaction, pursuing a customer-centric approach and strategic partnerships with key MICE stakeholders from both the local and international community.

Moving ahead, EWB has numerous local and international exhibitions and conventions confirmed over the next 12 months and expect to add more throughout the year. These include both the return of major shows to the venue, and new events hosted for the first time in the Kingdom.

For the first time in the Kingdom of th Bahrain, EWB is proud to host the 9 UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024, the

world's largest gastronomy tourism event, awarded recently by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) due to Bahrain's renowned tourism and entertainment capabilities as one of the leading gastronomy and gourmet destinations in the Middle East.

EWB's 2023 achievements in 2023 highlight the undeniable impact of the MICE industry and business tourism on Bahrain's prosperity. The venue enters 2024 with ambitious goals to attract even more prestigious

Routes World 2024 is another prestigious event that will bring together 3,000 airlines, airports, and aviation stakeholders from across the world. This gathering aims to build air services and global economic growth, enhancing Bahrain's air connectivity and attracting more targeted markets, MICE visitors, and international Meeting & Event planners and buyers.

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INHORGENTA MUNICH 2024: Shining bright for 50 years, anniversary trade fair sets international records

Taking place in Munich since 1974, INHORGENTA

MUNICH is a trade fair for watches , jewelry , gemstones , pearls and technology. For its 50th anniversary, INHORGENTA MUNICH presented itself fresher, more modern, more diverse, more international, and more high-profile than ever from February 16 to 19. With 870 exhibitors from 37 countries, INHORGENTA has grown by nine percent compared to the previous year.

Half of the exhibitors came from abroad, making INHORGENTA MUNICH 2024 more international than ever before. In addition, with 25,000 visitors from 90 countries, there were a good five percent more guests

than in the previous year. The countries with the strongest increase in visitor numbers were the Czech Republic, Switzerland, China, France, the Netherlands, and Norway.

To kick off the event, leading figures from the industry celebrated an unforgettable evening in the style of the 1970s at the Tantris Maison Culinaire, full of glamor, with spectacular necklaces with well over 1,000 carats, couture, and culinary delights. The anniversary edition of INHORGENTA was officially opened by honoring those exhibitors who happened to be associated with the trade show for 50 years.

Over 50 top-class speakers from Europe, Africa, America and Asia spoke in the Trendfactory, in the Experience Hub with the Watch Talks, and at many other events, such as the unique “Wedding World”. Six special exhibitions reflected the past, present and future of jewelry, watches and people.

Messe Frankfurt to organise Texcare Forum in Casablanca

For the first time, Messe Frankfurt is organising a Texcare Forum in Casablanca, Morocco, thus opening a door to the booming region of North Africa. The forum also serves as a prelude to the leading global trade fair for textile care – Texcare International – in Frankfurt am Main in November 2024. The Texcare Forum Casablanca is a regional conference and networking event that opens the door to the growing markets in North Africa. On 4 June 2024, around 150 participants from the region's laundry and dry cleaning industry are expected to discuss current topics with international experts and manufacturers. The conference will focus on automation,

digital technologies, production, logistics and environmental protection in the textile services sector.

Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President Technology Shows at Messe Frankfurt, explains the reasons for the commitment: "Morocco is an attractive market for textile care, as it has a strong tourism industry with high-class hotels and an important textile industry. As the host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup,

it is expecting extraordinary growth impulses. The country is also an economic centre for the entire Maghreb region "With average GDP growth of 4.3 per cent over the last ten years, Morocco is considered the engine of growth in North West Africa. The liberal economic policy, investments in infrastructure and the expansion of trade relations with Europe make the country an attractive partner, also for international companies. The Texcare Forums are one-off events that have already travelled from Frankfurt to many countries around the world, including France, China, India and Singapore. They contribute significantly to the international transfer of knowledge in the industry.