Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Christchurch - Te Pae Christchurch
Convention Centre in New Zealand has partnered with local extended reality ( XR ) technology company JIX Reality to launch a virtual tour of the centre . The tour can be viewed online and centre general manager , Ross Steele , said : “ Christchurch is well-known for being innovative in areas where it has the expertise and passion to make a difference , so it ’ s little surprise that high-tech solutions are one of the city ’ s growth industries .”
Cologne - Koelnmesse is the winner of UFI ” s Operations and Services Award 2020 - open for venue operators and organisers to share good practice examples , and showcase successful operations partnerships .
Jules Broex , vice-chair of UFI Operations and Services Working Group , said : “ With its large-scale digital signage project , Koelnmesse focused not only on a strong visual presence but combined it with an intelligent digital communication system ... This digital signage set a new standard for the industry .”
Abu Dhabi - ADNEC has acquired from Reed Exhibitions the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience .
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri , MD and group CEO , said : “ ADNEC is enhancing its contribution to the economy of the emirate through our diversified portfolio of activities . This high-level event is a strategic addition .” The first revamped edition under ownership of ADNEC will take place in early February 2022 . Due to Covid-19 , Reed Exhibitions had cancelled the 2020 edition .
England - Exhibitions , conferences and large sporting events in England will not be allowed to run from 1 October , as previously hoped , prime minister Boris Johnson has told parliament . The prime minister said : “ The virus is affecting our ability to reopen business conferences and exhibitions and large sporting events . I recognise the implications … and [ we ] are working urgently on what we can do to support .”
The prime minister said the ruling would last for six months , with cases of Covid-19 on the rise . The government has moved the UK up to a Level 4 alert .
6 Issue 5 2020 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk