Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Australasia – The Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Trust has been confirmed as the operator for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre scheduled to open in Victoria , Australia , in 2026 .
As the existing government operator of convention and exhibition services in the state of Victoria , the Trust already manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre .
The new AUD $ 294m ( US $ 205.2m ) project includes the construction of a purposebuilt Convention and Exhibition Centre , incorporating a 1,000-seat plenary venue and at least 3,700sqm of flexible event space .
Middle East – Abu Dhabi National
Exhibitions Company ( ADNEC ) has announced its direct and indirect impact on the Abu Dhabi economy in 2021 as AED2.4bn ( US $ 250m ).
During 2021 , ADNEC made investments and expanded its leisure tourism sector , diversifying the portfolio . ADNEC launched Tourism 365 , to support experiential travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi , and to enhance the emirate ’ s regional and global positioning in the wider tourism sector .
Asia – Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( Mitec ) has appointed Mala Dorasamy as its new CEO .
Dorasamy has served as Mitec ’ s director of marketing and sales in Kuala Lumpur since 2017 and took on the acting CEO role in 2021 . Dorasamy has over 31 years of experience in the business events industry specialising in the opening of new centres .
Dorasamy was also nominated in the Top 40 Women in MICE in Africa for 2015 and was awarded the South African Association of Conference Industry Fellowship Award .
Europe – London ’ s new metro
Elizabeth Line , which opened 24 May , has reduced travel time to the ExCeL venue by up to two-thirds .
ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees heralded the 4 May announcement as a ‘ game-changer ’ for the city and the recovery of the UK ’ s £ 32.1bn ( US $ 40.1bn ) business events industry .
With the Royal Docks venue now having its own dedicated Elizabeth Line station , in addition to two existing DLR stops , CEO Rees says it will result in time saved leading to a significant increase in networking for delegates .
6 Issue 3 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk