Business Chief APAC+ANZ Magazine October 2021 | Page 34

Mel
Kai Hattendorf
LEADERSHIP

REIMAGINING THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EVENTS

Mel

Shah
VICE PRESIDENT ASIA , DMG EVENTS

Kai Hattendorf

CEO , UFI ( THE GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF THE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY )
Having worked in leadership roles in the international trade fair and conference industry for more than two decades , Shah has vast experience building and operating business units for the likes of Montgomery Exhibitions , Fiera Milano , Messe Frankfurt India and Informa with experience spanning the energy , digital manufacturing and F & B sectors in Asia . In particular , he has a deep understanding of operating successful entrepreneurial ventures in Asia and India . As Vice- President of dmg events ’ operations in Asia , Shah is responsible for growing the company ’ s portfolio of events across Asia as well as creating new launches .
Starting out as a journalist working for international broadcasters including Euronews and BBC , Hattendorf has worked in the exhibition industry for 15 years including in senior management positions at Messe Frankfurt ’ s global headquarters . Based in Paris , Hattendorf has been the CEO of UFI , the leading global association of the world ’ s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators , for the last six years where he is responsible for UFI activities and events globally , as well as the operation of its offices and presences in Paris , Hong Kong , Shanghai , Dubai and Bogota .
34 October 2021