CHICAGO — A recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UFI, the World Association of the Exhibition Industry and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has a dual purpose: to re-establish regular exchange between the associations for the benefit of their respective members and to help promote the exhibition industry as a whole.
While it is too early to describe details regarding the research, events or other initiatives around which the two major organizations plan to collaborate, there is marked enthusiasm on both sides.
“It is still too early to discuss specific collaboration projects between UFI and IAEE,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s Director General and CEO. “The MoU is about taking the time to talk again and see if there are convergences in areas such as events or research.”
IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, echoed Hattendorf’s sentiments, adding that she was “excited about this partnership” and was holding regular calls to explore how to proceed.
Potential areas covered by the MoU could include collaborations on upcoming events, such as the China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO), which the two associations are co-organizers of, and industrial research.
Sustainability is the theme of this year’s World Exhibition Day
The most immediate focus will be on advocacy, including supporting the Exhibitions and Conference Alliance’s (ECA) annual Legislative Action Day on May 30 in Washington, D.C., which will bring members of the business events industry to Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and policymakers. This year’s advocacy efforts will align with ECA’s public policy agenda, which includes a variety of initiatives ranging from music licensing to communicable disease coverage to visa processing times.
The IAEE will also help raise awareness of the industry on June 5 during Global Exhibitions Day, hosted by UFI. In recent years, the event has sparked activations and activities from industry members in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. Interested participants can find tools and resources to help with their promotional efforts on the GED website, including a #GED2024 toolkit with customizable visuals and a “Global Economic Impact of Exhibitions” infographic to highlight our industry’s relevance globally and regionally. There are also suggestions on how to make the most of the day and a tool for participants to add their efforts to a global map.
Contact Kai Hattendorf at kh@ufi.org; Marsha Flanagan at mflanagan@iaee.com