Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Asia-Pacific – The leaders of
15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have signed one of the biggest free trade deals in history , The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ( RCEP ). The free trade pact covers 2.2bn people and 30 % of the world ’ s economic output and covers the terms of trade in goods and services , cross-border investment and intellectual property . Leaders said the deal would form a crucial part of pandemic recovery plans . The combined GDP of the signatories is about 30 % of total global GDP .
Americas – Practical solutions and creative strategies dominated the agenda at the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum , broadcast as an online-only event in 2020 . Opening keynoter Shelly Palmer , CEO , The Palmer Group challenged organisers to concentrate on raising the ROI to customers as the key to prospering , while keynote Julie Cottineau , founder and CEO of BrandTwist , offered examples of brand experience innovations . UFI MD and CEO Kai Hattendorf was joined from Hong Kong by UFI ’ s regional manager for Asia / Pacific , Mark Cochrane , to discuss the state of industry .
England – Prime minister Boris
Johnson has said that business events will be allowed to continue in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas when the UK emerges from national lockdown on 2 December . As a result of the Winter Plan , large events , including business events , may run at the following capacities : at Tier 1 these will be 50 % capacity or 4,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors , whichever is lower and at Tier 2 these will be 50 % capacity or 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors , whichever is lower . All events are subject to social distancing . Events will not be permitted to run in Tier 3 areas .
Americas – Hugh Jones , global CEO of
Reed Exhibitions , has announced that Fernando Fischer has been named president , Reed Exhibitions Americas . Fischer joined Reed Exhibitions as president , US in January 2020 . Previously he was CEO of Reed Exhibitions ( RX ) Brazil for three years , during which time he improved financial performance . In that role he also led the introduction of high impact digital solutions for matchmaking at the company ’ s events and won RX Brazil the accolade of one the ‘ best places to work ’ in the country . Prior to joining Reed Exhibitions , Fischer served as CEO of six companies in Brazil as well as a US start-up .
6 Issue 6 2020 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk