Editor’ s Note
Trends, tariffs and automobiles
T his edition of EW is a true compendium of content. The US is in the spotlight and industry guru and facilitator of deep dives and research, Tesi Baur, takes us inside his company MBB’ s recent panel discussion on trends in the US trade fair markets. Panelist and Society of Independent Show Organisers( SISO) CEO Vincent Polito points to the diversity of the US and it being 50 distinct states under one umbrella name. This fragmentation can be a challenge, he says, but it also opens doors for organisers to tap into new sectors across these states, each with its own set of demands. Another challenge of course is the tariff issue, still to play out fully. Watch that space for sure.
Nevertheless, the US remains a robust economy, the go-to destination for both established global businesses and start-ups alike and the potential rewards are usually worth the investment, with many market routes for those who know how to navigate and capitalise on them. Indeed, the barrier can be low for seizing opportunity, says Clarion Events North America chairman Greg Topalian in the discussion and, if you’ re successful, he notes there’ s usually someone waiting to buy you out within a few years.
MAD Event Management’ s Martha Donato adds that resurgent trade show activity in the US also proves the irreplaceable value of face-to-face even in an era dominated by digital advancements and AI. Costs of entry to the US market can be high, and the MBB panel addresses this. too. Read the full report on pages 16-17.
Theo Reilly also explores the question of Trump’ s tariffs and their effect on trade shows, and‘ Stateside with Stephanie’ moves up a gear in Florida with a whistle stop tour and report on RevvedUP, so buckle up!
Outside the US we have interviews from Oman, Italy and Saudi Arabia with leading organisers, so a true global perspective on offer. EW
Paul Colston Editor X: @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram: @ ew _ magazine
Managing Editor: Paul Colston; Portfolio Director: Iain Stirling; International Reporter: Theo Reilly; International Sales & Marketing Executive: Charlie Carter.
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