Executive Focus
Showing a lead on life ’ s journey through events
Mina Booth talks to Ted Bloom , CEO , Messe Frankfurt Middle East
F ollowing confirmation of his recent promotion to CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East , we met Ted Bloom at Confex 2024 , the UK ’ s leading event for events professionals .
Beginning as a contractor and later transitioning into exhibition organising , Bloom is one of the few people to boast comprehensive experience across all sides of the events industry in his 25 year career . In each role he has been a dedicated , long-term employee highly valued by colleagues and peers .
His focus on excellence is a key trait commented on by many colleagues . Founder of Benchmark Collective Debbie Lee , who worked with Bloom for over a decade at GES , said : “ Ted is one of those managers who shone as a true leader from when we met in the 90s through to today . He has inspired so many of us to maximise our potential through his empathetic approach , energy
Above : Ted Bloom
and sense of fun . He always puts collective success before personal gain , to facilitate great growth experiences together .”
Bloom ’ s priority in the new role is the 140-plus staff that work with him at Messe Frankfurt Middle East ( MFME ). He said , “ To see the staff coming on a journey together is beyond exciting and humbling as regards the engagement we share already .” He places particular emphasis on driving company culture , creating an environment of growth and a place that employees are proud to work . The company achieved Great Place to Work accreditation in October last year , following winning the Employer of the Year prize at the Middle East Event Awards in June .
Most companies are aware of the importance of recruitment and the increasing importance of retention in the equation . MFME ’ s commitment to culture and staff development has led to a retention rate in the 90 % s in 2023 , and potentially even more significant was the company achieving an 80 % rate in 2020 .
2030 Vision Short-termism maybe a long term issue for the events industry , however Messe Frankfurt has always been renowned for a strategic approach . Bloom believes this will pay even greater dividends in the future , giving the time required to properly build new foundations for sustainable growth . Bloom believes that the key to this is people . MFME focuses on the longer-term by creating a leadership pod that meets annually to set the vision that will take the business into the next decade and beyond . While growth of existing shows and launches are always a consideration , data and how it is used to create better B2B experiences is today deemed just an important , if not even more so . All of this is driven company wide , with everyone having an involvement , to create a journey that all staff can engage , thrive and enjoy .
Dubai Advantage Exhibition organisers benefit greatly from the “ value ” Dubai Economic and Tourism Dept ( DET ) place on hosting international events in the city , working with organisers including MFME to create truly world class experiences that evolve year after year . Bloom
24 Issue 2 2024 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk