Global Snapshot
Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
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Europe – Global Experience
Specialists( GES) EMEA has opened a Paris office, part of the UK-based event services group’ s strategic expansion across the region. The move follows announcements of new operations in Qatar and India, as well as the continued evolution of the business’ s Dubai office. GES has also recruited a team of local French talent. Thibault Mervaillie is heading up the new team in Paris, and said:“ We want to bring global expertise, delivered locally by Frenchspeaking teams with in-depth knowledge of the national event landscape.”
Europe – The American Society of Travel Advisors( ASTA) has announced at its fifth 2026 River Cruise Expo, held in Amsterdam, that the event will return to Vienna, Austria, 10 – 14, March 2027. The Amsterdam expo, which ran 11-15 March, was the biggest edition to date, drawing 1,600 attendees, 900 of whom were first-time attendees. Sponsored by Celebrity River Cruises, the five-day event in Amsterdam featured 14 river cruise brands, 16 ships, and offered travel advisors firsthand insight into the industry.
Americas – The US Exhibitions &
Conferences Alliance’ s new ECA 2.0 initiative is targetting advocacy impact and engagement across the industry. Launched at the Society of Independent Show Oganisers’ SISO CEO Summit in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, 10 March, ECA 2.0 represents a new phase of growth for the association which is doubling down on its advocacy work in Washington, D. C. ECA is also launching new programmes, services and tools for connecting stakeholders across the industry to the action inside the Beltway.
Asia – Global exhibition and events service provider GES has opened a new office in Mumbai, India. Pranay Chandan will head operations and business development in India, based in the Mumbai office and supported by a local team. Among the events the team has already supported is the recent Cosmoprof 2025, at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.“ Our new Mumbai office represents a major step in strengthening our local capabilities,” said Chandan.“ Being closer to our clients allows us to better understand their needs.”
6 Issue 2 2026 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk