Uncovering new opportunities
ll signs indicate that the exhibition industry
A is successfully getting back to business – and rapidly . Face-to-face trade shows are continuing to re-open despite postpandemic headwinds . Exhibitors and attendees are returning to busy show floors and leaders are setting their compasses toward a brighter business future in 2023 and beyond .
Acquisition and M & A activity is also resuming and , on page 23 , you can read about Stephen Brooks ’ comeback into the B2B exhibition market , as well as Steve Monnington ’ s regular Dealmaker insights on page 9 .
The Gulf is in sharp focus as we gear up to the UFI Annual Congress in Oman , 14-17 November . It was certainly one of the most progressive and pragmatic regions in dealing with Covid-19 protocols and we have seen events running again much more quickly here than in other areas of the world . The investment they ’ re making in venues , hotels , and transport links really demonstrates the region ’ s commitment to our industry . Business events , moreover , are clearly appreciated as a true economic driver . We also tighten that focus to Abu Dhabi in particular in our special supplement to this issue . We hope you enjoy reading about the initiatives and investment taking place there and can draw some inspiration from it .
We uncover initiatives not just in Abu Dhabi ; our international reporter Catie Owen investigates issues of mental health in the industry ( p . 39 ) and exhibition guru Jochen Witt shares some deep thoughts on likely necessary business strategies for success in the future ( pages 30-33 ).
‘ Uncovering ’ the unseen , be they opportunities or challenges , has emerged as the main theme also of the UFI Annual Congress , so we hope this edition of EW can serve as a healthy hors d ’ oeuvre to the Muscat main course . Check out our preview ( pages 12-13 ).
You might be someone who comes away from the Congress inspired to be a risk seeker and not a risk taker – a theme explored by our Stateside sage Stephanie Selesnick in her report from SISO ’ s Summer Conference and its Women ’ s Leadership Forum .
A final word of personal thanks to all the team who have stepped in to support Exhibition World as well as me personally during the past couple of months of leave as I dealt with some health issues . You heroes all know who you are and it ’ s good to be back !
Paul Colston Editor Twitter : @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram : @ ew _ magazine
Editorial Director : Martin Fullard ; Managing Editor : Paul Colston ; Global Account Director : Iain Stirling ; International Director : Mercedes Alonso ; International Reporter : Catie Owen ;
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www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2022 5