Exhibition World Issue 5 — 2019 | Page 25

UFI Congress All set for big Bangkok welcome for global exhibition industry he Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will host the largest global meeting of the exhibition industry, the 86th UFI Global Congress, when it takes places, 6-9 November 2019 in Bangkok. TCEB says the event is testament to the country’s MICE industry’s strong private and public sector co-operation which also supports the Thai government’s 4.0 initiative. In hosting of the UFI Congress TCEB joined forces with multiple partners including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Hotels Association (THA) and Bangkok River Partners to welcome approximately 500 leading exhibition professionals from 50 countries. “The UFI Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year and is the ‘must attend’ event for industry professionals,” said Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB President. “Each year its updates set the trends that move the global exhibition industry forward and to host them in Thailand is a huge win for the country’s MICE sector.” The Global Congress will be organised under a ‘Platforms of Trust’ theme that highlights one of key drivers behind the global exhibition industry. The Platforms of Trust emphasises that trustworthiness is key to the entire exhibition value chain covering exhibition platforms, marketplaces, service providers, venues and partners. Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO, said: “Markets are built on trust as are the exhibitions we run, the marketplaces we maintain, and the services we provide. “They all rely on trust. As organisers, venues and partners in the industry, our success is based on the trust our customers place in us. And Thailand’s global profile as a hub for international exhibitions has grown significantly in recent years, and our latest UFI research data show that the Thai market is well-positioned for additional growth in the years to come.” 86th UFI Global Congress business and networking sessions: Chiruit notes the 86th UFI Global Congress in Thailand will feature unique business and networking sessions, including: Thai Town – A showcase of Thailand as a destination for the industry, whereby, delegates can meet representatives of TCEB and find out how the bureau can assist them. Delegates can also converse with TEA members who are ready to introduce them to Thai service providers. Meanwhile, Thai MICE Cities stands will highlight how the infrastructure and facilities in emerging destinations can accommodate tradeshows. Focus on Thailand – Will present business opportunities in Thailand with a pair of high-profile speakers showcasing their experiences in collaboration with Thai companies in staging international tradeshows in the country. Speed Dating – Will be organised under a ‘Follow Focus’ concept allowing UFI members to meet ten event organisers in Thailand to explore ideas of collaboration, connection, shared objectives and the possibilities of co-organising and co-locating future tradeshows. w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk Issue 5 2019 25