Editor ’ s Note
The ancient wisdom of ‘ the market places for everyone ’
he big message of the moment in the
T industry is , don ’ t look back , but forward and prepare for an accelerating future of business . That has come across loud and clear at our recent main industry forums . Whether it was at the UFI MEA Conference in Doha or at IMEX Frankfurt , or ECEF in Washington D . C , we are now swapping ideas and innovations for making our markets work at full capacity again .
Attendances at organisers ’ events are coming back near to 2019 levels , although there is still understandable caution due to inflationary pressures and energy prices in particular . And our biggest European exhibition market – Germany – has tipped into recession , so progress is not plain-sailing .
We also have an article reflecting the voices of some well known names on the service side . They offer insight into their business worlds and on how they are approaching the new post-Covid event landscape .
With UFI ’ s next regional conference , the European Conference , held this year in Maastricht , Holland , now upon us , this edition looks at what selected European destinations and flagship venues are doing in terms of development strategy . I particularly like what the Bella Center is doing to combat the energy price rises by installing a solar park on its roof .
And , of course , it is # GED ( Global Exhibitions Day ) time of the year again ( as our front cover illustrates ). GED is an unashamed marketing device for us to celebrate our industry and what it gives society . A great catch line this year , too – ‘ We run the meeting places and market places for everyone ’ – perfectly encapsulating the essence of our trade . It is a model that has stood the test of time since Ancient Greek and Roman markets and forums . We should be loud and proud of it on GED 2023 – 7 June . Or , as Caesar himself may have said in the forum : Gloria Global Exhibitions Diem !
Paul Colston Editor Twitter : @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram : @ ew _ magazine
Managing Editor : Paul Colston ; Portfolio Director : Iain Stirling ; International Reporter : Catie Owen ;
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