Time for China , and for champions
UFI president and Informa Markets EVP commercial development Michael Duck looks to the future and offers some tips for tackling the challenges ahead
s new UFI president ,
A what are the priorities for the association and what initiatives do you envisage championing ? The priority for us is to get back to some semblance of normality . The past three years have been horrendous for our industry and those associated with it . And , although in some geographies the trade show / events businesses are back to levels we knew in 2019 , many are not .
UFI is the catalyst to bring the industry together to encourage and guide companies / businesses to share best practices . Many companies have not had any cash flow for a very long time . The cash ‘ blood ’ needs to flow and restart the ‘ beating heart ’, as without the trade show business , many companies cannot survive .
So , it ’ s not so much in terms of new initiatives , but concentrating on some key ones that can drive our industry such as : Advocacy –
The role we play in encouraging national / local governments and trade associations to use trade shows to stimulate business ; Research and Content – The use of findings from our members ’ shows that guide exhibitors and buyers to invest in stands / marketing / data , etc ; Education – Everyone wants to be trained better , be brought up to date with new systems and ways to handle business solution . The more that is offered , the more the personnel will enjoy working for your company . HR / Talent – Many people moved during the pandemic years to other industries , so new people must be found or old staff need to be re-attracted to the industries . And Sustainability : UFI has signed up many members to the Net Zero Carbon initiative at COP 26 and this is key for all of us .
The association is credited with playing a leading role for the industry in difficult times of
Michael Duck
“ The future demands strong leadership and a strong work ethic ”
Covid . How is it now placed to lead during what is , hopefully , a time of returning shows and growth ? Yes , UFI played a very important role during the pandemic , as it gave constant information to members as to what were the current rules and regulations and as to what ‘ hope ’ there was on the horizon . Many members were desperate for correct , up-to-date information and good advice and that was shared openly during the many online seminars and conference sessions . We , in turn , offered the best of it out to our customers on a regular basis .
What are the main challenges the association faces ? Challenges are basically those that I have mentioned i . e . the things we need to champion . Information flow is two-way and members need to work well by also ‘ giving back ’. Many times we have said an association is only as good as the efforts the members put into it . At the root of all members is HR / Talent ; without key hardworking and intelligent staff who enjoy ‘ hard working ’ we will not get anywhere . There will be issues about pay hikes , as other industries are paying more . More time off / holidays / maternity / paternity leave will be asked for and options / share ownership , and so on . All of which will cause some inflationary pressure but companies will have to retain the best . The future demands strong leadership and a strong work ethic .
What are some of the key topics UFI will be addressing at its main regional conferences and events this year ? No . 1 for global operators is what is happening in China and Hong Kong and the question of when these markets will be back fully to market after such a long absence . At the time of writing , all signs look positive . Opening will be quick , but travel to and from the cities where shows take place will depend on the
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