PARIS — UFI, the global association for the exhibition industry, has launched a series of one-on-one video interviews with trade and tourism ministers from around the world. The Global Policy Leadership Series (GPLS) is one strand of UFI’s advocacy work on behalf of the exhibition industry.
“Advocacy for the exhibition sector has become increasingly important throughout the pandemic. It has been over a year and a half since we stopped our normal programming, and while we are seeing some positive progress and restart, there is also a yo-yo effect of start and stop that continues to cause uncertainty for our sector,” said Anbu Varathan, UFI President. “As a global industry, we must strengthen our ties with governments around the world to reinforce our critical role in rebuilding economies and societies, and to assure authorities, as well as customers, that we are a safe and effective way to support business, trade and tourism.”
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The video lecture series, which runs throughout the year, features dialogues with national government representatives on the role of exhibitions in economic recovery and post-pandemic reconstruction. In the first three interviews in the series, Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s Director General/CEO, speaks with Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong; Robert Troy TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion of Ireland; and Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal.
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“It’s fascinating to have the opportunity to engage with different ministers from around the world. They all have unique perspectives on economic recovery and plans for their country/region, but one thing all of these discussions have in common is that the ministers strongly believe in the role of trade shows in driving global trade and local tourism,” Hattendorf said. “Now more than ever, we need to work together as a global industry and with governments around the world to get back to what we do best: bringing people together.”
Government leaders expressed their support for the industry and the role it will play in their countries’ overall economic recovery. Key comments from each included:
• “I am convinced that the business events sector has an important role to play in the recovery of the tourism sector,” said Rita Marques, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism.
• “The trade and exhibition sector is always a good platform for us to plan for the future and, for the post-pandemic era, to determine how best to restart business (and) provide a better platform for all trade that can count on the success of this particular industry,” said Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
• “Your sector creates business opportunities, a platform for business growth, a platform for businesses to engage with each other and it is critically important, particularly for our SME sector,” said Robert Troy TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion in Ireland.
Successful awareness campaigns in the events industry are the result of large-scale, organized efforts. However, Hattendorf emphasizes that individuals must also convey messages to explain the importance of the industry to the global economy.
“Advocacy is every conversation you have with everyone, every day. People have asked me if with salons closed you have to have a really relaxed time right now. I say I’m busier than ever because I’m explaining to people who we are, what we do and the role of our industry,” he said. “From every conversation, people take something, every nugget of information and pass it on. You’re constantly fueling many conversations with friends and colleagues in the workplace and in your community and that’s what advocacy is all about. It’s not just about Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It’s about your neighborhood, your community and your environment.”
To view the full GPLS video discussions and receive advance notice of upcoming videos, visit: Global Policy and Legislative Summit.
Contact Kai Hattendorf at +40 171 5441198 or [email protected]