Winds of change and challenge
T here is certainly new wind worldwide in the exhibition industry ’ s sails , albeit blowing in various directions and at different speeds .
There are strong tailwinds in the States where the world ’ s biggest market is coming back strongly , with several big events back in Vegas and SISO rallying leaders and providing a strategic lead in person at its recent CEO Summit in Florida as our front cover illustrates . More from the Summit to come online at : www . exhibitionworld . co . uk
For many months in the past two years China was showing a lead for trade shows as the world locked down , but now the mainland is battening down hatches again and Hong Kong has lost some headline shows , even if organisers are saying it is just for a ‘ special edition ’. Singapore is one area picking up some of those pieces , and appears to be on the verge of doing away with quarantine restrictions .
The AIME events industry trade show in Melbourne was another flag in the sand to rally the regional events sector in March and even New Zealand is making some small steps to reintegrating into the international travel network .
We present here previews of the upcoming UFI European and Latam conferences and they will no doubt provide further in-person rallying points for the exhibition industry .
Mergers , acquisitions , annual statements and
launches are all worthy of poring over – which our expert columnist Steve Monnington does again so well in this edition – and recent news of Cisco Webex ’ s move further into in-person meetings market territory could signal a step change for Big Tech intentions . Watch that space .
Lastly , I am sure we have all been sparing many anguished thoughts for those suffering in Ukraine . Many in our industry have been delivering support and aid and we should all stand ready for the huge rebuilding effort that will be required eventually .
So , as we gear up to mark the seventh Global Exhibitions Day , and with the 2022 GED campaign focussing on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery , let us not forget the humanising value of meetings and events and hope some of that spirit can connect us with our colleagues suffering in Ukraine , and that it can be drawn upon to create a better and peaceful future .
Paul Colston Editor Twitter : @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram : @ ew _ magazine
Editorial Director : Martin Fullard ; Managing Editor : Paul Colston ; Global Account Director : Iain Stirling ; International Director : Mercedes Alonso ; International Marketing Executive : Catie Owen ;
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www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2022 5