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AfSAE: FESTIVALISATION OF EVENTS
www.theevent.co.za
RISE OF THE FESTIVAL? In mid-February UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the latest edition of its Global Barometer Research. Highlights include a strong industry performance overall in 2019, uncertainties ahead, and the rise in the festivalisation of business events.
Image by Vonecia Carswell via Unsplash
U
FI’s latest Global Barometer shows that the industry performed well in 2019 overall. That said, there are regions where there are challenges ahead – particularly Asia-Pacific* and Latin America. According to Kai Hattendorf, MD and CEO of UFI, the slowdown is
expected for the beginning of this year. “The novel coronavirus outbreak, which has already led to many shows being postponed or cancelled in China or Asia, will impact this as well,” he says. “We all hope this situation settles quickly, as the exhibition industry is using these results to shape its general development plans
and how it’s adapting to the continually evolving classic business model.” Regardless of the coronavirus setback, companies have indicated uncertainty with the state of the industry. Issues include local economic issues, competition within the industry, and global economic developments.
