Editor ’ s Note
Following the Saudi trail and learning to apply AI
W e follow up on our front cover from the previous issue (‘ The race to Riyadh ’) which outlined the serious intent to turn the Kingdom into a global MICE hub , with an exclusive interview with the head of Tahaluf ( p18-19 ), the joint venture between Informa and Saudi Federation for Cyber Security and Programming ( SAFCSP ) and the Saudi Events Investment Fund ( EIF ).
AI is finding application in our sector after much background noise about potential and Theo Reilly explores some of the AI tools on the market ( p30-31 ). There are more AI insights from our experts on pages 14-15 , although the latest news from DeepSeek may encourage some to be looking East for inspiration here .
We also delve into the history vaults ( p39- 41 ), as Max Steventon celebrates and salutes Montgomery ’ s 130 years of pioneering work to spread the exhibition world .
It is always worth hearing what CloserStill chairman Phil Soar ( p26-27 ) has to say . In this issue he posits the view that it is companies that make people and not the other way round .
He backs up his view with the usual compendium of evidence and examples . A truly absorbing read .
While rumours are rife of upcoming organiser business sales , you can be sure to read about the actual done deals with our new M & A expert columnist John McGovern who is predicting a very active 2025 on that front .
Our geographical spread of feature articles also offers a focus on Asia , with Theo Reilly looking at India and at Singapore Expo ’ s business .
For those of you in the UK , we hope to see you at our own show , International Confex , at Excel London 26-27 February – the largest MICE industry gathering in the UK . There you can be sure to find plenty of insight , plenty of new products and plenty of inspiration to take back into your own exhibition world . Come say hello to our EW team if you are able to ! EW
Paul Colston Editor X : @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram : @ ew _ magazine
Managing Editor : Paul Colston ; Portfolio Director : Max Agostini ; International Sales Director : Iain Stirling ; International Reporter : Theo Reilly ;
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