Exhibition World Issue 1 – 2019 | Page 5

Welcome Our great industry loves a show, and showmen and women. There are precious few shrinking violets among our organiser entrepreneurial class. That means their achievements – as well as any shortcomings – can be public and quickly apparent. It is a fast-paced industry and information and data is king, and that kingdom is growing exponentially. It is also why we need industry associations like UFI and all the satellite benefits that spin from that membership, such as access to the latest trends research like the joint survey with Explori, Global Visitor Insights, which we explored in our previous issue. It also means that when the global economy hits a rock in the road or an old format becomes quickly outdated we know where to turn for advice. The past few weeks illustrated the point well and our Cover Story homes in on two big acquisitions; two large show fails and, with the help of some expert interpretation, offers a map to read these runes correctly and draw some wise conclusions. This first issue of EW for 2019 also brings you analysis from the global region in sharp focus – South East Asia. I would also encourage readers to get involved in the UFI NGL Grant process for 2019 – you will see the very best of these young talented professionals at the UFI Global Congress in Thailand – and to note the UFI regional conference dates coming up fast: the association’s European Conference comes to The Vox, Birmingham, 15-17 May, while UFI’s conferences in Japan (March) and Dubai (April) are coming up even more quickly. Do send any feedback on anything you read here that may or may not chime in with your own exhibition experience. We’re keen to share all knowledge and experiences. Matthias Baur, in this issue, shares some White Paper highlights on AI and innovation in our industry on p.61. Whether the outlook is smooth or bumpy, the shows must go on, but hopefully bigger and better if you’re armed with the smarts… Paul Colston Managing Editor Twitter: @ExhibitionWorld @paulcolston Publishing Director: Simon Farnfield; Managing Editor: Paul Colston; Account Director: Iain Stirling, Global Portfolio Director: Jonathan Gordon; News Reporter: Stuart Wood; Graphic Designer: Kateryna Smirnova, Production Manager: Elizabeth Nixon. Contact us: Subscriptions:[phone], Editorial: [phone], Advertising: [phone], Production:[phone]. Exhibition World is published by Mash Media, Second floor, Applemarket House, 17 Union Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1RR, UK. Tel: [phone] fax: [phone], Email: [email protected] Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd. w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk Issue 1 2019 5