PARIS — Recognizing the important role trade shows play in growing economies around the world, UFI’s Global Exhibition Day (GED) on June 2 was like no other. The exhibition industry celebrated the launch of the first-of-its-kind global coalition designed to prioritize the safety and success of communities as they resume operations post-COVID.
“Trade shows and business events are the fastest path to economic recovery. We are event professionals and the best prepared industry in the world to safely organize and manage trade shows and business events, with best-in-class procedures in place. Trade shows are ready for you, better than ever!” said Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director/CEO of UFI.
Now in its sixth year, GED 2021 focused on the importance and influence of exhibitions in creating platforms for growth and recovery, while building confidence and enthusiasm to encourage participation in organized events that place equal priority on safety and success.
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This coalition, led by GED organizer UFI, and including industry associations such as SISO and leading exhibition organizers including Clarion Events, Comexposium, Diversified Communications, Emerald, Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions (RX), and Tarsus, joined forces because their clients made it clear they were ready to return to in-person events. For GED 2021, the coalition focused on proving that in-person opportunities for connection and business can happen safely and successfully, with a focus on teamwork, stability, and customer experience.
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The 2021 GED campaign, which engaged audiences in over 46 countries/regions, offered a range of events including videos, meetings with policymakers, webinars, hybrid events, webcasts, social campaigns, and virtual races.
Some companies, like Informa Markets in India, have not only called for solidarity, resilience and safety for the industry but have also taken their efforts a step further. Informa has launched two notable initiatives: the ‘Namaste-Leaders’ Playbook’, an exclusive e-newsletter for the industry that will explore industry trends, projections and outlooks that reflect the specific challenges of the trade show industry. And to ensure the safety of its employees and their families, help stop the spread of the virus and prepare for the return of in-person trade shows, Informa has just launched a vaccination drive, a timely initiative given the general perception that getting vaccinated is difficult.
The UFI European Conference, held June 9-10, closely followed its Asia Pacific online conference and its in-person MEA conference at the Dubai World Trade Center.
Hattendorf said UFI will once again focus on in-person events, with the 88th UFI World Congress to be held Nov. 3-6 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Contact Kai Hattendorf at +40 171 5441198 or kh@ufi.org.