Agency view
Building global event supply chains: the foundation for international success
The secret to delivering world-class international events isn’ t just about scale – it’ s about the relationships you build years before the first delegate arrives. Drawing on lessons from COP26 and COP28, Simon Dunnell, managing director- International Projects at UKheadquartered global events agency Identity, explores why investing in local supplier partnerships creates lasting economic benefits that extend far beyond any single summit.
aving been immersed
H in the complexity of delivering COP26 and COP28( and many more besides), I ' ve learned that the difference between a successful global summit and a logistical nightmare often comes down to one crucial factor: the strength of your local supplier relationships.
As countries position themselves to host major international events, there’ s a critical conversation we need to have about building event supply chains, not just for individual conferences and exhibitions, but for the long-term benefit of national industries and economies.
The reality of scale Major international conventions bring together delegates from around the world, plus representatives
“ Suppliers who successfully deliver major international events don’ t just gain experience; they gain credibility that opens doors worldwide”
Left: Simon Dunnell from industry, academia, and civil society. We’ re talking about events that can see 40,000 + attendees, requiring everything from temporary structures capable of housing world leaders to sustainable catering for thousands; security systems that meet international standards, and technology infrastructure that can handle global media demands.
The temptation will be to look overseas for suppliers who have“ done this before.’’ But here ' s what I ' ve learned from multiple international events: the suppliers who truly deliver are those who understand the local landscape, have skin in the game, and have been building their capabilities over years, not months.
The economic multiplier effect When we invest in local suppliers for major events, we ' re not just ticking a procurement box. Hosting major international conferences brings hundreds of millions in benefits to host cities, but more importantly provides a powerful impetus for stronger domestic and regional investment.
Every dollar spent with local suppliers creates a ripple effect. That marquee company doesn’ t just deliver structures, they employ fabricators, designers, project managers, and logistics coordinators. That audiovisual company doesn ' t just provide screens, they drive innovation in sustainable event technology, create jobs, and build expertise that serves the industry long after the delegates have gone home.
But here ' s the kicker: these relationships need to be built now, not 18 months before the event.
Building capability, not just capacity The conversation shouldn ' t just be about whether local suppliers can handle the scale, it should be about how we help them develop the capability to excel. This means: Early engagement: Start conversations with potential suppliers now.
32 Issue 4 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk