Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Europe – Event management platform Hopin announced a third round of layoffs , 15 November , reportedly letting 17 % of staff go . The company made 29 % of its staff redundant earlier in the year . Hopin had raised more than $ 1bn in 2019 and was valued at $ 8bn at its peak .
The company says it will transform into a multiproduct suite with the launch of new product Session and the release of StreamYard On-Air and Podcasting . Hopin founder Johnny Boufarhat says the company would be “ cash-flow positive , growing , and well-capitalised ” in 2023 .
Americas – The International
Association of Exhibitions and Events has announced its full support of VSef ( Virtual Standard Export Format ), including the RSDE ( Reporting Standards for Digital Events ) standards .
VSef was launched in early 2021 as a response to the rising uptake of digital event platforms and the increase in virtual event experiences . Its goal was creating a global standardised data structure and output format for digital events .
Australasia – New Zealand ’ s
Auckland Showgrounds , which went into liquidation in June 2021 , are set to reopen following the appointment of a new operator to run the site . The landowner , the Cornwall Park Trust Board , has agreed to let the NZ Exhibition & Events Co . operate the showgrounds under a temporary licence as an events facility while it secures a longterm tenant . Several parties have expressed interest in taking over the lease , although it is expected to take several months to secure an agreement .
Europe – Global organiser Informa reported accelerating international B2B Markets growth and continuing US operating expansion , in a trading statement , 14 November .
Stephen A . Carter , group chief executive , Informa PLC , said : “ B2B market demand is growing across many industries and most geographies , with the current exception of China , which will provide incremental growth as it reopens . Informa and its brands are at the heart of this B2B market strength .”
6 Issue 6 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk