The future depends on wha t we do in the present”

Following this famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi IFES takes up the challenge of continously establishing itself as a trustworthy, transparent and cosmopolitan network.

As we enter the last year of this decade we must prepare for the fu ture, as the only truly worldwide association we have become. This is wh y we w ant to increase our partnerships with National A ssociations through-out the world, take a deeper look into the emerging markets of our industry and be aware of the upcoming changes in the Blue-Chip-Regions.

Our education program are constantly evolving, and after the success of MasterClass in 2018, we will aim in making them more ad vanced the year s to come.

We will continue exhibiting and making our presence known in renowned exhibitions and events worldwide, such as ExhibitorLive in Las Vegas this February, or EuroShop next year, in order to greet curren t members as well as introducing ourselves to potential ones.

The World Summit in Athens, between the dates of J une 26th –28th, and who se motto is “The Summit of Inspiration”, is intended t o surpass any previous attendance, and moreover, “inspire” our audience on the latest trends and ideas of our industry. The Sustainable Starter we created as a new platform at the Chicago summit las t year will continue at this year’ s summit.

We encourage all of you, especially the young and passionate ones to come and join our activities. We need volunteers who are willing to share time and ideas with the “mature generation” and bec ome better altogether.

Together, we shall make every effort for new ideas and inspirations and continue to be “the” global collaboration network.

THE IFES BOARD

This is the third edition of IFES Worldview. Its focus is on “Engagement”.

E ngagement in the trade show and event industry no w has a number of faces: it is about ecological in volvement in a circular economy, about empo werment of w omen in exhibitions, about visionary concepts, for example in the use of Artificial Intelligence, and about involvement within associa tions. We have selected four examples, four that encourage and inspire. We will address these topics at our “Summit o f Inspir ation”, which will take place in Athens at the end of J une. We cordially invite y ou to participate in the discussion.

U ntil then, we hope y ou enjoy reading it.

UTA GORETZKY