April 2022

Media Partner From India Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations

April 2022 Vol 10 Issue 09 Voice of Asia’s Exhibition & Convention Industry

Christian Ulrich Kids India will take place from 15 - 17 Se ptember 2022 at the JIO World Convention Center in Mumbai. At last, toy retailers and buyers will once again be able to meet toy manufacturers face-to-face and try out the new products.

NEW OPPORTUNITY MEX Exhibitions & India Exposition Mart Announce Leather Asia Expo

SUCCESSFUL RESTART Indian Ceramics Asia concludes It’s 16th edition

plus: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS & EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

BOUNCING BACK Berlin Supports The Reboot of Its Event Industry

India's Iconic Exhibition Excellence Awards Are Back

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J U L Y 2 0 2 2

India Expo Mart Gr. Noida Delhi/NCR

Advisory Partner

ACKNOWLEDGING INDUSTRY TORCHBEARERS

Event Services

Expo 2022

Showcasing the best of event offerings

IACLS

India Associations & Corporate Leadership Summit Bringing together national associations

Limited booth space & sponsorship opportunities available

For quries contact Dharam at dd@exhibitionshowcase.com or +91 9999194995

Dear Readers, Starting in 2016, today the Exhibition Excellence Awards have become a much revered initiative in the Indian exhibition fraternity.

The Exhibition Excellence Awards have gained a pioneering spectrum and the initiative has made a signicant contribution to promote the Indian exhibition industry on a global level. Never before this, there had been any initiative to recognize the excellence in the exhibition industry and honor the contribution made by the achievers in this space. With Exhibition Excellence Awards, this great cause was addressed beautifully.

After a gap of two years, the EEA is coming back in physical format in 2022. Despite the pandemic, we owe a lot to many such torchbearers who continued to lead & show the way to industry at large. While a few organisers also managed to run their shows successfully despite the crisis. Many sustained their teams and provided them upskilling opportunities. There are so many heroic facets to appreciate and acknowledge.

ASSOCIATION

CORPORATE BUZZ

Please save the date for EEA2022 and join us in this endeavor as we bring together the champions and raise a toast to the signicant contributors of our industry in the last two years gone by.

This year, we have made the program even more stronger as we have co-located the much anticipated India Associations and Corporate Leadership Summit with EEA. IACLS will be held in the rst half of the event on 8th July while the EEA will commence from the 2nd half. All in all, this year the event is full of whole day action, amazing business opportunities and some truly memorable experiences. Over 500 exhibition organisers, trade & professional associations, trade bodies, corporate heads, venues and MICE stakeholders will attend the event on 8th July 2022 at India Expo Mart, Gr. Noida. To leverage the business opportunities, there will be a co-located Event Services Expo that will run parallel for the whole day.

Nominations have started and I look forward to welcoming you at the red carpet awards ceremony. For further details, please visit www.exhibitionexcellenceawards.com. We remain thankful to the entire industry for giving so much love to EEA through these years.

Best wishes!

A P R I L 2022

CON T E N T S

15 Pg. 20-33 INTERVIEWS 20-23 In Conversation With Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board, Spielwarenmesse eG 24-27 Exhibition Showcase Talks To Katharina C. Hamma, Founder myHomice GmbH & MD, COO, Expert International Trade Fairs and Events

40 Pg. 12 Quick Bytes 12

CFOSE Collaborates With NürnbergMesse India

30-33 In Conversation With Sankar Chakraborti, Group CEO, Acuité Ratings & Research Limited

Pg. 35-38 INSIGHTS 36-37 Are We Trivialising The Intangible

20-23

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Message From The Desk Of Kai Hattendorf, MD & CEO, UFI

Pg. 08-09 World Map

Pg. 39-40 SUSTAINABILITY

Pg. 10-11 Industry In Pictures From The World Of Social Media

Pg. 42 PARTNERSHIP

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42 Pg. 13-18 NEWS BUZZ 13

Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Honours High Performing Exporters Of Plastics Industry, Presents Export Excellence Awards In Mumbai

Pg. 43 ASSOCIATION NEWS Pg. 44 PEOPLE MATTER Pg. 45-58 GLOBAL NEWS 45-46 Expo 2020 Dubai Draws To A Close With A Spectacular Closing Ceremony

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Media Expo Mumbai 2022: Reimagining Retail Signage With Cost-Effective Solutions

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ITPO Announces Measures To Support The Aggrieved Participants At AAHAR 2022

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UFI’s Asia-Pacific Week Reunited The Industry

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IFA 2022: Global Tech Reboot In September In Berlin

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Messe Frankfurt Reschedules CAPAS 2022 And Auto Maintenance & Repair Expo 2022

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Berlin Supports The Reboot Of Its Event Industry With Comprehensive Relaunch Programme

Istanbul HOMETEX, the biggest textile meeting of Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Africa, which will host the world's leading textile companies in the home textile industry, will be held at Istanbul Expo Center on May 17-21, 2022.

Vancouver

Jamaica

Durban

Canada’s largest plant-based lifestyle expo is taking place on June 4 and 5 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The highly anticipated event will showcase over 200 plant-based companies with their latest products and new services.

Jamaica will host the World Free Zones Organization’s 8th Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022, from June 13-17, 2022, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. the first to be held in the Caribbean. The event is expected to bring over 1,000 visitors into Jamaica.

The 2022 Comrades Expo will be held at the Durban International Convention Centre for the first time in 22 years, from August 25 to August 27. The iconic expo has a long history with the City of Durban as the main registration point for athletes registering for the Comrades Marathon.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Hong Kong Art Central is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 26 May to 29 May 2022, with an expanded roster of participating galleries and a dynamic four-day programme. Twenty of these galleries are joining Art Central for the first time, including local galleries Touch Gallery, Double Q Gallery and Square Street Gallery.

Hanoi

Thailand

Kuala Lumpur

Th a i l a nd ’ s Ce nt r e f or Cov i d - 1 9 S i t u a t i on Administration (CCSA) has approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals, 1 May 2022, and the country has introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

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Vietnam Expo 2022, themed 'Step together in Digitised world, took place from April 13 to 16 at Hanoi International Exhibition Centre (IEC) in Hanoi. On display were products divided in four sections – national and export brands, machinery for supporting industries, digital technology and e-commerce, and food and beverage.

With the recent re-opening of Malaysia’s international borders, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre looks forward to hosting over 20 high-profile international events, 10 conventions and 13 exhibitions, from now until December 2022.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Industry In Pictures From

Shri. Jagdishbhai IshwarBhai Vishwakrma, Minister of State for Industries, Govt of Gujarat. The 16th Annual Edi on, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. #MesseMuenchenIndia

TCEB representa ves in China and The Peninsula Beijing collaborated on the hybrid "TCEB & GSO Networking Event 2022." The event brought together 16 decision-makers from well-known Chinese companies to network and virtually meet 7 Thai MICE suppliers for product updates.

TCEB Thailand Mee ngs Incen ves#

In light of the evolving pandemic situa on across China, Toy & Edu China, Baby & Stroller China and Licensing China will now be held from 5 – 7 August. The three shows will s ll take place at the Shenzhen World Exhibi on & Conven on Centre.

India exported goods worth $18.79 billion during the first two weeks of April, up 37 per cent compared to the same period last year, as external demand con nued to remain robust, according to commerce department’s preliminary data. #Trade Promo on Council of India

The Penang Career Expo "Jom Cari Kerja Expo 2022" press conference took place at St Giles Wembley on 9 April. Media statements with regards to the expo and career opportuni es in tourism and hospitality industry were delivered by YB Yeoh Soon Hin and Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran (CEO, Penang Conven on and Exhibi on Bureau). #ExpoJomCariKerja

Shri Narendra Modi was speaking a er the inaugura on of the three-day Global #AYUSH Investment and Innova on Summit at Mahatma Mandir in #Gujarat, in the presence of #Mauri us PM Pravind Jugnauth and World Health Organiza on director general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .

So good to spend me with some of our Melbourne members Exhibi on & Event Associa on of Australasia #Nicole (Chambers) Walker

The Big 5 has launched hundreds of thousands of products into the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The event serves as a pla orm to facilitate partnerships, reconnect with clients, knowledge and to propel local and interna onal businesses into the market.

#TBT Glimpses of Day 2 at the Brazil Trade Mission to West Africa - Accra, Ghana 2022 | B2B Mee ngs. A total of 184 Ghanaian Companies were in a endance with a total of 329 B2B mee ngs.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

The World Of Social Media

SIWW2022 will forever be remembered as the first global water show to take place a er the pandemic. Everyone that I spoke with was happy that they were able to meet with old friends and know many new ones. The energy and vibe throughout the week has been amazing. #SIWW2022

Australia’s new major annual event will once again light up our state, as Illuminate Adelaide unveils its 2022 program set to bring light, music, art, innova on and immersive experiences to #Adelaide from 1 to 31 July. #SeeSouthAustralia #EventsSouthAustralia

We are looking forward to another amazing collabora on with the Consulates of Sweden, Germany , Canada and Spain ! #FeministForeignPolicy

EXHIBITION EXCELLENCE AWARDS

New show Hive Furniture at Expo Centre Sharjah. (13th to 16th June 2022) #Saif Mohamed Al-Midfa

India's iconic Exhibi on Excellence Awards are back & are scheduled for 8 July 2022 at India Expo Mart, Gr. Noida. The India Associa ons & Corporate Leadership Summit will be co-located with EEA this year.

Unbreakable Resolve! Export of Indian Ceramics & Glassware products register an impressive jump of 168% in 2021-22 over 2013-14. #PiyushGoyal

The end of a busy week for MMI Asia Pte Ltd. The Asia Climate Forum featuring #InterMET, #InterFLOOD and #InterAIR finally took place again in person, a er a 3 year wait. #asiaclimateforum #acf2022

Honoured to host Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribu on and Tex les, Shri Piyush Goyal at India Interna onal Conven on & Expo Centre (IICC). #commerce #india #infrastructure

7th Interna onal Conference on #IndiaPharma and #IndiaMedicalDevice, to be held on 25-27 April, released by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Chemicals & Fer lisers, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Hon’ble Minister of State Chemicals & Fer lisers the curtain.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Quick Bytes

April 2022 SIAL Shanghai Postponed Due To Logistical Challenges

Shanghai’s ongoing COVID-19 lockdown has forced the postponement of one of China’s biggest seafood marketing trade shows, SIAL Shanghai, a business-to-business food and beverage fair usually held in May. A statement issued by the COMEXPOSIUMSIAL Exhibition Co., read: Following the latest COVID-19 development in Shanghai, SIAL Shanghai 2022 new dates will be December 7-9 this year after thoughtful consideration according to the opinions from all parties. The location will remain the Shanghai New International Expo Center. SIAL Global Food Industry Summit will take place as planned on May 18-20, 2022. It will be hosted digitally with webinars and livestreaming in the live studio. We are glad and honored to have many well-known economists and leading industry experts to bring their world-wide cutting-edge and in-depth thinking and sharing during the summit. We are looking forward to having you in SIAL Global Food Industry Summit from May 18 to 20 and to meeting you at Shanghai New International Expo Center from December 7 to 9 this year.

Bangladesh Denim Expo (BDE) Returns After A Two-year Gap

INHORGENTA MUNICH 2022: successful new start after two years of pandemic Once postponed to spring, INHORGENTA MUNICH took place from April 8 to 11, 2022 and saw strong and international participation in a challenging time. The watch, jewelry and gemstone industry made intensive use of the platform to drive their business success. The highlight was the presentation of the INHORGENTA AWARD, which recognized exceptional watches, jewelry and a retail concept. “After a compulsory break of two years due to the pandemic and the postponement to April, INHORGENTA MUNICH has convincingly reaffirmed its position as Europe's leading platform for the watch, jewelry and gemstone industry,” explains Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München. “732 exhibitors from 33 countries and 17,285 visitors from 79 countries are a clear vote. The share of international visitors has grown to 40 percent; among exhibitors this share is stable at 45 percent.” After Germany, the top ten visitor countries were Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium, Great Britain and Ireland, Spain, Denmark, and Hungary.

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After a two-year break, Bangladesh Denim Expo will once again open its doors in the international Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka on May 10th & 11th, 2022. The event is now firmly established as one of the world’s leading denim trade shows, and its live return is a huge boost to the global denim manufacturing sector. “Beyond Business” is the theme of the 12th edition of the show. Bangladesh Denim Expo addresses the new opportunities for successful & sustainable business, in a world that now demands that industry leaders to go “Beyond Business.” In this edition exhibitors will display fabrics, garments, threads, machinery, finishing equipment and accessories, positioning the show as a true representation of Bangladesh’s denim industry – the second largest denim exporter to the EU and third largest to the United States.

CFOSE Collaborates With NürnbergMesse India CFOSE has been the bicycle’s Industry’s focused platform since the last 12 years. In a recent development, CFOSE has now collaborated with NürnbergMesse India.

NürnbergMesse India is part of NürnbergMesse Group, one of the 15 largest trade fair companies in the world and represented in more than 150 countries. They bring on board their vast network and expertise in organizing world-class trade fairs.The 13th Edition of CFOSE will take place from September 2nd to 4th, 2022 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. The exhibition will have participation from more than 300 national & International exhibitors and attendance from more than 10,000 B2B buyers from various cities across India as also international visitors. The organisers are inviting buyers from multiple countries. The event is expected to set new benchmarks in the national Capital Region of India.

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News Buzz

April 2022

Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Honours High Performing Exporters Of Plastics Industry, Presents Export Excellence Awards In Mumbai nion Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal on April 16, exhorted the Indian Plastic Industry to take the sector from the current level of around Rs. 3 lakh crores of economic activity to Rs. 10 lakh crores in around 4-5 years.

The Minister said that this would be a national service from the plastics industry; this will create at least 1 – 1.5 crore jobs which is what the country needs today.

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Addressing the ‘Export Excellence Awards 2017-2021’ of apex plastics industry trade body The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL) in Mumbai the Union Minister said that he sees the industry as one which gives lot of impetus for job creation, especially in MSME sector, with the potential to provide jobs to many people from marginalized sections who have been left behind in the development cycle.

The Minister called upon the Plastic industry to emerge as a benchmark for

quality & carve its way towards a larger global market share.

The Minister told the industry that it needs to reduce the volume of imports and become self-reliant. The volume of imports of 17 billion dollars shows that there is a clear market waiting for us to capture, said the Minister. “With an economy growing at 7%-8% for next 25 years, I am sure making the plastics industry a 100 billion dollars industry in next 4-5 years is very much achievable.

We must aspire to reach that level.”

“We have to now look at significant growth since the world today is looking towards India, to be a part of resilient supply chains. India has requisite skills and capabilities in plastics sector; we can match competition from anywhere in the world” Shri Goyal added.

The Minister asked the industry to think big and expand their global footprint. “Free Trade Agreements with UAE and Australia which we have signed recently will open opportunities for you in contemporary sectors, but this will be possible when we embrace international standards, so see how we can get a larger share of the pie in developed economies” he said.

operations. “All our products should be second to none in the world; it is time we embrace high quality standards which will help sustain the industry in the long run. Sectors like construction and healthcare sectors offer lot of potential for the plastic industry; plastics can help bring down energy usage in automobiles and aeroplanes.” he added.

Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister assured the assistance of foreign missions to achieve the industry’s foreign ambitions. “Our PM has instructed our foreign missions to look at Trade, Technology and Tourism as a part of their key performance indicators; our mission heads are all quite excited to support, handhold and facilitate you, to connect you with local businesses.’

Pitching for sustainability in the sector, the Minister said that we need to demonstrate to the world that Indians are environmentally conscious. “It is important to devise ways to collect and recycle and reuse plastic waste, so that it does not mess with our environmental story. We need to seriously consider segregating and reprocessing plastic waste; once we are able to do this, it will significantly reduce the negativity about using plastics”.

Shri Goyal emphasized the importance of upholding world-class quality standards. The Minister reiterated his appeal to the industry to upgrade technology and enhance scale of

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

News Buzz

April 2022

Paperworld India 2022 To Focus On Sustainable And Innovative Stationeries Of Tomorrow lated to be held from 12 – 14 May 2022 at Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Paperworld India will open doors for the first time alongside Corporate Gifts Show and Interior Lifestyle India presented

by Ambiente India. Reynolds has signed up as associate sponsor of this key business event for the Indian market that will encompass emerging trends and innovative displays in the world of stationery. Fueled by a burgeoning young population, India stands out as a highly competitive market for school and office stationery. Despite the rise of digital learning platforms, the Indian stationery industry has grown into an INR 4000 Crore market.

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Furthermore, stationery trends have continued to evolve over time alongside

the changing priorities of consumers.

The alarming concern for the environment has also brought attention

to eco-conscious or sustainable stationery. Not only papers but even pens, compass boxes and other writing instruments are being recycled today.

This not only contributes to ecological preservation but also allows manufacturers to significantly reduce their expenditure by repurposing discarded products, instead of acquiring new raw materials.

While Indian stationery had been a disorganised sector in the past, increasing influx of both domestic and foreign brands, an uptrend in buying patterns and excessive cash inflow in the market are gradually transforming it into a highly lucrative business ground.

Along with conventional school and office stationery, Paperworld India 2022 will display a series of sustainable, innovative and unique products during its three-day exhibition.

uto EV India 2022 is slated to be held from November 9-11, 2022, at KTPO ground in Bengaluru.

Auto EV India is one of the premier EV Auto and technology shows.

A

Auto EV India 2022 is an EV technology show, broadly focusing on Drive System, Rechargeable nextgeneration Batteries, Motor Technologies, Parts and Materials, Microcontrollers, Driver ICs, Control Modules, Software, Sensors, Measurement and Simulation, Production Facilities, Inverters, Peripherals, Converters, Power Devices, Passive Elements, HeatResistant Products, Inverter Evaluation and Testing System, Chargers,

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Auto EV India 2022 To Be Held In November Connectors and Harnesses.

The event also aims to enable a large showcase of the new EV models & innovative solutions.The show offers the massive opportunity to meet the

manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, influencers and purchase heads focused on the latest developments in technology and the entire ecosystem in e-mobility industry.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

News Buzz

April 2022

Media Expo Mumbai 2022: Reimagining Retail Signage With Cost-Effective Solutions

he Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) recent move of making it mandatory for shops to use signage boards with regional language is set to create an influx of business opportunities for the signage industry in India. With the dates of its 2022 edition nearing, Media Expo’s return after two years in the financial capital will be the perfect meeting point to identify innovative as well as cost-effective signage solutions.

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Opening next month, the mega event will host over 100 exhibitors showcasing LED and digital signages, advancements in printing technologies and branding solutions in Mumbai. Top signage brands including Cosign India Pvt Ltd, ADS LED, Sign India Corporation, Arihant Uniglobe Pvt Ltd, Sign Junction, Mistry Sign, Newtech Video Systems Pvt Ltd, Universal Signs Creation, PV Media

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Signage, Mahalaxmi Rubtech Ltd. will be demonstrating innovative solutions at the three-day fair from 12 – 14 May at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.

LED display screens held the majority share in India’s digital signage market in 2021 owing to their growing adoption in the retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors. As the OOH ecosystem evolves technologically, digital signage and billboards will continue to attract attention and offer greater opportunities to local manufacturers. Electronic or Digital Signages, and touchscreen kiosks are emerging technologies as the industry matures.

“The next big opportunity lies in digitising OOH spaces and the civic body’s regional push hints at a massive opportunity – both for signage manufacturers and retailers. Moving away from traditional signages, retailers

can adopt advancements in digital and electronic signages to capture consumer attention and increase retail footfalls. We are confident that the broad showcase will help retailers, corporates and marketers gain new perspectives on the shifting trends.” commented Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd. An exclusive whitepaper on ‘Indian Digital Signage Industry 2022 – 2028’ will also be unveiled by 6W Research at the three-day expo next month, presenting a forward-looking analysis of India’s growing digital signage advertising segment and sectors that will drive growth.

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News Buzz

April 2022

MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. & India Exposition Mart Ltd. Announce Leather Asia Expo and Shoe Technology Expo 2022

EX Exhibitions is aiming for new heights by introducing power-packed shows: Leather Asia Expo and Shoe Technology 2022 in collaboration with India Exposition Mart Ltd. at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi - NCR from 10-12 November 2022. This platform brings together the entire leather and footwear technology value chain industry.

Also, it will showcase footwear advancements, including its various aspects, synthetic materials, shoe components, trims, accessories, machinery, dyes, and chemicals. The show will be a comprehensive marketplace for those involved in leather goods, leather clothing, furnishings, Footwear, and automotive Industries.

India is currently the 2nd largest exporter of leather garments in the world & also the 2nd largest producer of footwear in the world. This can be credited to the abundant availability of raw materials, skilled manpower, latest technology, and support of allied industries. Considering the potential of this highly promising industry, the show will display the entire range of products related to the leather industry, including finished leather, synthetic

Mr. Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd said, "I am delighted to announce the Leather Asia Expo & Shoe Technology Expo launch. We are proud to say that we will play a role in consolidating the fragmented Indian Leather and Shoe Technology industry.

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material, leather accessories & trims, machinery, dyes, and chemicals.

Through this Expo, we will provide a platform to both big & small players to come forth and showcase their products & technology for the benefit of the industry & to boost further exports. We are happy to be collaborating with IEML for this venture.”

Mr. Sudeep Sarcar, CEO of India Expo Centre, added: "The venue will be proud to host Leather Asia Expo and Shoe Technology Expo 2022. This is a B2B Expo, and business visitors are expected to visit the show. The venue will explore the future of leather technologies and offer attendees/visitors the opportunity to learn about 'up-to-date' technical and scientific developments in the leather sector industry."

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News Buzz

April 2022

Indian Ceramics Asia 2022: Successful Restart Of The Ceramic Industry ndian Ceramics Asia concluded it's 16th edition on 8 April – back in its physical avatar at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The event was inaugurated on 6th April by the chief guest Shri. Jagdishbhai Ishwarbhai Vishwakarma, Minister of State for Industries, Gandhinagar, Government of Gujarat.

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Continuing the bounce back sentiment, the business community enthusiastically took part; where 100+ companies from 11 countries including Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK and United Arab Emirates; displayed their innovative solutions to 6440 visitors from across the globe.

This year's India Ceramics Asia has received tremendous advocacy and support from multiple Trade Associations such as, Indian Ceramic Society (InCerS), Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association (MCA), The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), The Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for the Ceramics Industry (ACIMAC), Indian Council of Ceramic Tiles & Sanitary ware (ICCTAS) to name a few.

Shri Brijesh Bhai Merja, Minister of State, Labour, Skill Development, Employment, Panchayat, Rural Housing and Rural Development, Govt. of Gujarat highlighted; “Since Morbi is the hub of ceramic industry, Govt. of Gujarat has proposed a budget of 400 crores to build an International Ceramic

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Park; thereby boosting the ceramic manufacturing companies in the region”.

Dr. Lalit Kumar Sharma , President, Indian Ceramic Society, was delighted with the response; “We congratulate the organizers of Indian Ceramics Asia; as it was a great initiative and our members truly benefitted by the presence of leading ceramic raw material and machinery brands from across the globe. We really look forward to once again partner in the next edition as we anticipate more business opportunities for the stakeholders involved” Mr. Mukesh Kundariya, President, Morbi Ceramics Manufacturing Association added; “All our members were thrilled to witness such a strong partnership from the entire ceramic industry as the demand for ceramic finished products is increasing year-on-year. The exhibition enabled a strong supply chain platform for all our members”.

Mr. Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India commented, “We are happy that the 16th edition of Indian Ceramics Asia once again delivered a successful platform for exhibitors, partners and buyers to meet, greet and do business successfully. The exhibition halls

displayed an atmosphere of confidence and the energy to exchange business on the floor”.

Mr. Ken Wong, General Manager, Unifair Exhibition Service, added “We are glad to see the exhibition hall buzzing again and would like to thank all participants for their care and cooperation”.

Co-located shows: To provide market insights and knowledge on the latest innovations and technology under one roof, Indian Ceramics Asia is co-located with iBaRT and ETC Expo. iBaRT focuses on the niche industry of brick and roof tile whereas ETC Expo 2022 concentrates on the dynamic field within the industry with technical and advanced ceramics.

With new trends & technologies transpired in last 18 months, the event gave more than enough reasons to look forward to the next edition scheduled from 15 – 17 February 2023 at Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

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News Buzz

April 2022

ITPO Announces Measures To Support The Aggrieved Participants At AAHAR 2022

ITPO Releases Statement For Aahar Participants

he first day of the muchanticipated AAHAR 2022 – India’s leading international food and hospitality exhibition at the redeveloped Pragati Maidan was disturbed by protests by some exhibitors and visitors on-site. The 36th edition of AAHAR, originally scheduled to run from April 26-30, 2022, is spread across a gross area of 70,000 sqm with around 1125 exhibitors.

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Exhibition Showcase reached out to Mr. LC Goyal, CMD, ITPO to comment on the developments at the fair. In his response, Mr. Goyal assured that ITPO is committed to serve the interests of the participants and every effort is being

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made to address their concerns in a positive manner.

were for a refund of today’s cost, which has been accepted.

Excerpts from his statement:

ITPO has announced that if any participants request a refund for today, we will issue them a refund for the day.

If they want to extend the fair, it has already been extended by one more day now, and if they want to close their stall, the entire amount will be refunded to the participants. ITPO has been and will continue to support our exhibitors/participants. Furthermore, we are grateful to all of our exhibitors for their sincere participation, and ITPO remains committed to serve the interests of all stakeholders.”

“ITPO is a premier trade promotion organisation of the Government of India that has been organising trade fairs over the past 40 years. This is the 36th edition of AAHAR, ITPO’s flagship event, and ITPO has been putting its best endeavour to promote Aahar and to promote its reach to the farmer and the agricultural sector.

Today, on the first day of the Aahar, there were some logistical and service related issues, most notably a power failure of electricity. However, ITPO and the vendor agencies are taking action and resolving all of the exhibitors’ complaints. The participants’ demands

Notably, the fair has started and visitors are meeting the exhibitors on the show floor.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

ASSOCIATION

CORPORATE BUZZ

IACLS

India Associations & Corporate Leadership Summit 8 JULY 2022 II India Expo Mart Gr. Noida

ASSOCIATI

LEADERS

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Recognizing the leading associa ons for the outstanding contribu ons in serving their industry

CONFERENCE

Power-packed sessions and panel discussions by renowned speakers on wide ranging topics

NETWORKING

Build your business network by engaging with key stakeholders from leading associa ons and corporate

H AWARDS

PROFESSIONAL/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

N

IP

BRINGING TOGETHER LEADING

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Co-Located With Exhibition Excellence Awards 2022

AND CORPORATE ON ONE PLATFORM TO DISCUSS, FELICITATE , COLLABORATE AND NETWORK FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Consul ng Partner

Supported By

Cover Interview

April 2022

“

India is a very exciting country. There are so many people there who just want to create something new, make plans for big visions and implement their ideas.

After the interruption of the fair cycle due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we are looking forward to a great reunion among industry partners, to re-establish and intensify their business contacts.

The “Kids India” Show will provide a perfect platform for an insight into current market developments and an overview of the latest toys and technology for the buyers.

“

CHRISTIAN ULRICH Member of the Executive Board, Spielwarenmesse eG 20 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Cover Interview

April 2022

In Conversation With Christian Ulrich Member of the Executive Board, Spielwarenmesse eG Kids India will take place from 15 - 17 September 2022 at the JIO World Convention Center in Mumbai. At last, toy retailers and buyers will once again be able to meet toy manufacturers face-toface and try out the new products. Christian Ulrich is very much looking forward to India's biggest international B2B fair for toys, children's products and sporting goods. He is Spokesman of the Executive Board of Spielwarenmesse eG (Germany) since July 2021. In the interview, he provides insights around the upcoming Kids India.

ES. What kind of developments do you see in India?

Christian Ulrich. India is a very exciting country. There are so many people there who just want to create something new, make plans for big visions and implement their ideas. These many parallel activities bring people so many opportunities for their personal development and for their business.

ES. Why did Spielwarenmesse eG decide to organize its own fair for toys in India?

Christian Ulrich. For the toy industry, India is one of the most dynamic markets in the world. The large number of children and young people and the increasing prosperity of the population mean a lot of growth potential for toy manufacturers and start-up companies.

For an industry, an international trade fair in the country brings an intensification of both incountry and cross-country business activities. And we love to boost toy business.

ES. The first Kids India took place in 2013. Was Spielwarenmesse eG already active in the Indian market before?

Christian Ulrich. Indian companies have been taking part in the Spielwarenmesse (International Toy Fair) in Nuremberg for much longer. We have been working with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce for our visitor service since September 1995. Today Tanu Aliwadi is our representative and contact person for trade visitors and exhibitors in India.

ES. And who exactly is behind Kids India?

Christian Ulrich. Spielwarenmesse India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Spielwarenmesse eG, is

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Cover Interview

April 2022

the organizer of Kids India. But the implementation is entirely in the hands of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. The team knows the Indian market very well to host a trade fair. All Indian participants appreciate having contacts they can work with in their home country.

Christian Ulrich. A great reunion among market partners, an insight into current market developments and an overview of the latest toys that buyers can finally touch and try out again.

ES. Why do you, on the part of Spielwarenmesse eG, attach so much importance to market proximity?

Christian Ulrich. After the interruption of the fair cycle due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it is very important for all manufacturers and buyers to join in 2022 and to re-establish or intensify their business contacts. Manufacturers participating in Kids India can start preparing now to maximize the success of the fair.

Christian Ulrich. It simplifies cooperation for everyone if neither time zones nor cultural customs have to be bridged. It is important to us that Kids India strikes the right note that picks up the vibrations of the market and generates resonance. To achieve this cultural fine-tuning exactly, the trade fair team needs very good contacts with the participants.

After all, it's the team which assess market developments accurately and, above all, know the needs of manufacturers and buyers. That is why we appreciate the cooperation with the IGCC. ES. And what will Kids India 2022 offer toy professionals?

ES. What tip do you have for the players in the toy industry?

ES. What do you wish for the fair participants?

Christian Ulrich. I wish all toy professionals that the exchange at the JIO World Convention Center from 15 to 17 September will really drive business. Our colleagues from the IGCC will do everything to ensure that all exhibitors and visitors at Kids India have the best conditions for a successful trade fair participation.

KIDS INDIA Testimonials NIKHIL DUA, Chief Operating Ofcer - Webby Toys “Kids India is the only platform in India that serves the industry as a whole. It has undoubtedly made it very convenient for retailers/e-tailers like us to interact with the right manufacturers in the industry not only on a PAN India basis but also with international suppliers. Kids India has also made it very easy to keep track of the latest trends in the toy industry. With new additions of services & themes every year it also keeps the excitement alive for the attendees.”

MANISH KUKREJA, President - The All India Toy Manufacturers Association “Kids India is perhaps one of the best platforms for the Indian Toy Industry to showcase not only their products, but also their abilities to the world. The most professionally organized Toy Trade Fair in India, Kids India has something for everybody concerned with the Toy Trade in India. With the number of international visitors growing, Kids India will soon be on the must-visit list for the international toy fraternity.”

TARUN DEWAN, Executive Director - The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council KIDS INDIA, over the years, became an important meeting ground for Indian manufacturers and buyers not only from around the country but also from world over. During the 2019 edition of Kids India, International buyers were very excited to see the vast range of Toys offered by India. We are keenly awaiting the next edition of Kids India for Indian manufacturers to showcase their collection of Toys and for International buyers to meet their sourcing requirements.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Cover Interview

April 2022

R. JESWANT, Chief Executive Ofcer - Funskool Kids India has established itself as India’s leading Toy Fair in a very short period. The fair presents a wonderful platform for Indian & International toy companies to showcase their products for potential exports or to tie up distribution arrangements . With the Indian toy market bound to get much bigger , the importance of being present in Kids India will be felt even more in the years to come!

SONIA PRASHAR, Deputy Director General - Indo-German Chamber of Commerce “Indo-German Chamber of Commerce has been representing Spielwarenmesse eG in India for many years and was also responsible for the organization of their premiere event in India in 2013. Since then Kids India has become a must attend event for those keen to explore the Indian toy market and has established itself as an effective marketing and communication platform for the industry in India. With the Indian government’s aim of boosting toy manufacturing in India the fair is set to grow even further and will be adding many new exhibitors and products in the future. Going forward we are also planning to add new, innovative features and special areas keeping in line with the current market trends. As the Indian representative for Kids India we are thrilled to be organizing this event once again.”

Save The Date

For more information:

priya.sharma@indo-german.com | +91 98107-30216 II tanya.bhardwaj@indo-german.com | +91 98996-50737

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

“Digitization, new trade restrictions, the desire for climate neutrality, and also the fear of contagion at major events will turn the trade fair world upside down.”

Katharina C. Hamma, Founder myHomice GmbH & MD, COO, Expert International Trade Fairs and Events ES. Let’s kick off this interview with some words about myHomice. How did the concept of myHomice come to you?

Kindly brief us about the company, its specialization, and the services that your company offers.

Katharina C. Hamma. myHomice is a digital marketplace for home office facilities and arose from the effects of the Corona Pandemic. During the first lockdown in spring 2020, the government in Germany ordered home office (work@home) for all office workplaces and thus started the mass experiment home office (work@home).

In autumn 2020 it became clear to me that corona is not a short-term phenomenon and that the home office will establish itself as an alternative place of work for office work as well as thinking and creative professions. As the Managing Director of Koelnmesse, I was heavily involved in the redesign of Orgatec, the world's leading trade fair for the workplace. As a result, after the first few months of the Corona Pandemic, it became clear to me very quickly that there would be new, asyet untapped sales markets for the office furniture industry that would not be developed through the existing structures.

In Germany there are extensive guidelines and laws on how an office workplace must be set up according to ergonomic specifications. This has not yet been regulated for the home

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office (work@home) workplace. myHomice closes this gap with its attractive voucher system. Employers can purchase vouchers of any value for their employees from myHomice. With these vouchers, employees can then select the home office (work@home) facility that suits their personal needs and tastes.

The employer, in turn, has the guarantee that the financial contribution was actually invested in ergonomic equipment, since all the products offered on myHomice also comply with German workplace guidelines. After around 2 years of the corona pandemic, both employers and employees have discovered the advantages of the home office (work@home). The employer can save expensive office space, since around 20 square meters are required per employee in Germany.

The employee saves long travel times to and from the office and can better integrate work into his work-life balance - a big issue in Germany. There is currently a great deal of pressure from the trade unions to contractually regulate the ergonomic equipment in the home office, as they want to prevent the health of employees in the home office (work@home) from suffering. The main aim here is to avoid back pain caused by an incorrect working posture at the desk.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

Podcast Interview with Stefan Merx independant journalist Handelsblatt Group

From my point of view, it is to be expected that sooner or later there will also be a legal regulation in Germany for setting up the home office.

ES. What is an Ergonomics Index? As an employee, how does one benefit from myHomice?

Katharina C. Hamma. We have the myHomice Ergonomics Index as a simple product classification system to help customers choose a product. Here in Germany, all larger companies have experts who ensure compliance with ergonomics at the workplace in the office. Of course, this does not apply in the home office (work@home). With the myHomice Ergonomics Index, which we have derived from the recommendations of the German administrative professional association, the customer has a simple orientation as to how ergonomic the product is and whether it is suitable for his needs. We would like to give all customers even more security when choosing products.

ES. With 20+ years of fair trade experience in management positions, please take us through your professional journey since inception and some major milestone achieved over the years.

Shanghai in 2002, which was the largest trade fair organized by a foreign trade fair organizer in China right from the start. The first bcIndia India in Mumbai in an open space in Bandra Kurla (Mumbai) was also a real highlight for me. We simply swapped the processes over during construction: the exhibitors first placed their machines in the planned hall and we then built the airconditioned hall around it. The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 a few days before the start of bauma was definitely a particular challenge for me. At the time, this paralyzed all international air traffic and together with the airlines we looked for solutions to let our customers travel to Munich. Even today, the industry tells us how many turbulent days travelers put up with and what unusual travel communities have formed to get to the fair, which lasts a total of 7 days.

ES. Can you identify a trend or development that is enveloping the Exhibition industry around the world that you believe is important?

Katharina C. Hamma. Digitization, new trade restrictions, the desire for climate neutrality, and also the fear of contagion at major events will turn the trade fair world upside down. I am convinced that the prognosis for the international trade fair industry can be compared with the development in another branch of the economy, or is dependent on it: passenger air traffic. International event participants usually arrive by plane.

This was made clear to me by the volcanic eruption just before Bauma 2010. As long as air traffic does not return to its “normality”, the number of participants at leading international trade fairs from the spoiled pre-Corona period will simply not be possible. Unfortunately, the statements made by the airlines about their business forecasts are difficult to read. Trade fairs are becoming more regional again. This was shown here in Germany in an unintended way at the beginning of the year in the lifestyle and interior sector.

Katharina C. Hamma. I think I'm one of the very few managing directors or board members who has climbed all hierarchical levels in the trade fair career, because I started as a trade fair hostess and then climbed up the career ladder very quickly. As a result, I always had deep insights into the processes and procedures involved in preparing and holding trade fairs. During my work in Munich in particular, I was able to develop many new topics - first in the organizational structure in Munich and then the international portfolio of capital goods fairs.

Stefan Merx and Sabine Falke Rotonda Business cCub

The highlights were certainly the first Bauma China in

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

The international industry beacon Ambiente, where manufacturers from India have always had a large presence, had to be canceled - not because of official requirements but because a large part of the international participants were obviously unable to attend the event due to the coronarelated travel restrictions. On the other hand, the regional events Trendset Mustermarkt in Munich and Nordstil in Hamburg met with a positive response from participants. In addition, the trade fair industry moves in a global scramble.

The bottlenecks in the supply chains caused by the corona pandemic have unfortunately only increased due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The issue of supply chains is more under scrutiny than ever, because the associated price increases and the resulting volatilities in delivery dates are already extremely high and sometimes unbearable for the companies. If procurement becomes more regional again, then this will also be reflected in the trade fair industry.

I am convinced that trade fairs will become more focused and curated in the future.

Trade fairs will no longer be trade fairs with large thematic complexes, but will reflect niche offers.

They will be more specific and focused, as the preselection of manufacturers, dealers and service providers will continue to increase in the broad digital offering. More and more tour operators will emerge who are experts in their niche. And, to the chagrin of the leading trade fairs, there will be offers that are creative, flexible and innovative. In addition, for the visitor to a world-leading trade fair, all the product segments were seldom of equal interest. As a rule, there was always a focal point of the visit.But I don't believe that trade fairs will become obsolete as marketplaces. People crave live communication, personal exchange, experience, human exchange and nuances. The major political and social discussion about a "Freedom Day" here in Germany has shown this clearly. However, all of our behavior has changed.

I think carefully about where I want to be present and who I want to get in touch with. I consider whether keeping a

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possible distance is still in my own hands. Trade fairs are therefore becoming more of a gated community format in which participants trust that these fears will be minimized.

Companies with a duty of care towards their employees do this much more intensively - and will continue to do so - even if it can be combined with cost savings or the expansion of market power. Large companies are investing significantly in their own digitization and their own live communication and have long been making attractive offers to retailers and end customers independently of trade fairs. Digital marketplaces for niche topics such as screws, shoes and chocolate are developing rapidly, ES. In your opinion, what does the Exhibition industry need to improve and what are some challenges surrounding this sector?

Katharina C. Hamma.

From my point of view, the term trade fair will have to stand for changed formats of changed content in the future. After decades of maintaining the business model, the market will change it disruptively, especially with international formats. Above all, the pricing model for square meters sold is wobbly.

The attempt by trade fair organizers to flee to digital or hybrid formats is a dead end. What is advertised as a hybrid variant is often nothing more than the meaningless depiction of trade fair stands in real time on the Internet or an information overload with product presentations from individual large exhibitors.

At an "analogue" trade fair, each participant could simply look around anonymously and discover topics that he had not even included in his agenda before. The English language has the beautiful word "serendipity" (meaning for lucky coincidence, happy meeting). Every decision-maker with a high procurement or investment budget either has to get a digital alias for a hybrid event or runs the risk of being rated as high potential with every digital step and being processed accordingly in terms of sales.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

Female Leaders Dinner

Good for trade fair organizers and exhibiting companies bad luck for the interested party who can no longer determine the time of the anonymity surrender himself. On a digital marketplace, I usually only have to reveal my contact details if I really want something.

ES. How important is the German market for you despite all the internationality?

Katharina C. Hamma. As a German living in Germany, I naturally have the greatest insight into market developments in Germany. With my new business model, I was able to derive an opportunity from a crisis. I am convinced that after decades of globalization there will be a return to regional markets. And Germany, with 83 million inhabitants, is by no means as big as India, but it is still a very large market with high purchasing power. And actually I haven't strayed that far from the trade fair business model. I bring supply and demand together like at a trade fair, only digitally.

ES. What is one of the hardest challenges that you’ve come up against and what did it teach you?

Katharina C. Hamma. A really big challenge was and is the non-digital slowness of the German authorities when founding a company and everything that goes with it. This has certainly increased again due to Corona and the government restrictions to protect employees from Corona. For example, I actually only need stamps for correspondence with state institutions - everything else is done digitally. Germany has a lot of catching up to do there. Apparently, constant economic and social growth over generations without a real crisis or upheaval also inhibits the willingness to innovate in

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In Discussion with Stefanie Haaks Managing Director KVB (Public Transport Company Cologne)

established structures. This is a learning curve for me.

Countries that have had to reinvent themselves in recent decades, such as the Baltic States, are simply much further along.

Social acceptance and the recognition of the advantages of working from home (work@home) only came about as a result of the external impact of the corona pandemic.

ES. On another note, what do you enjoy the most about your work? Please share your hobbies, what keeps you busy when you are away from work?

Katharina C. Hamma. In addition to classic hobbies such as golfing and skiing, I really enjoy cooking – of course also dishes that I have gotten to know on my many travels. Dal Makhani is one of them. In India I also got the joy of spicy food. I grow chillies on my terrace so that I can cook them at home, as fresh hot chillies are still very rarely available here.

To relax I have - in addition to the chillies on my terrace, also a lot of roses, peonies, iris camellias and even jasmine.

English gardens or gardens in general fascinate me.

ES. Is there anything that you would like to share with our readers?

Katharina C. Hamma. As a textile engineer, I naturally also have a soft spot for beautiful fabrics and handicrafts. I'm a big fan of Indian textile craftsmanship and now almost have a collection. I was very amused that an Indian colleague who once accompanied me when I went shopping for a genuine all-over embroidered pashmina shawl was shocked by the prices. Quality has its price everywhere in the world.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

In Conversation With Ruan King, Managing Director at King Cargo Projects (Pty) Ltd ES. Tell us a bit about your journey into the world of logistics and how that crossed paths with the logistic industry?

Ruan King. We have been at the front of various exhibitions across the years where we have been privileged to move cargo across the world, some notables are IDEX – ABU DHABI, LAAD – BRAZIL, DSA – MALAYSIA, EUROSATORY – FRANCE, DSEI – LONDON. In addition, also Various military shipments which includes AMRAP Vehicles, Ammunition & Weapons ES. How and when did you get into the shipping and transportation business?

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Ruan King. I have been in the industry for 18 exciting years. I started off in 2005 as a junior consultant “an export controller” supporting senior leadership in various freight forwarding projects.

I gained critical experience exporting military related cargo, project abnormal cargo, charter flights, cargo for events and cargo for exhibitions. Looking back, I am still learning every day, but I am grateful for those years of fining my craft and learning how to not only do the job but excel within the industry.

ES. Kindly brief us about the company, its specialization, and the services that your company offers.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022 worst. With the current restrictions we need to be agile and open for new and different ideas or we will be left behind.

ES. On another note, what do you enjoy the most about your work? Please share your hobbies, what keeps you busy when you are away from work?

Ruan King. After all the years of being in the industry I have learnt that I have a passion for exhibitions. Each exhibition is different, and the type of cargo varies which poses it challenges but it is unique to other logistics industries. Regardless of the long hours and being away from home, I enjoy the travelling, experiencing different food cultures, exercise and golf.

Ruan King. King Cargo Projects is a freight forwarding company that was established in 2019. Our focus is project type cargo such as Dangerous Goods & Abnormal Loads, Military related cargo and of course exhibitions and events.

We offer turnkey solutions, from door to door including customs clearance services, transportation by air, road, and sea.

ES. What is your biggest USP that differentiates the company from competitors?

ES. What would be your message to the industry?

Ruan King. We have come so far with the challenges we faced with Covid over the past 2 years. Some of us have accepted new challenges and some of us have tried everything possible to keep our heads above water. We need to stay focused and determined on our goals and the results will come. Whether it be now or later the point is it will come.

Ruan King. At King Cargo Projects, we drive every project across the finish line by applying our company’s core values; Our team is service-driven, always manages open communication, produces comprehensive project solutions and are very well experienced. These values combined sets the King Cargo Projects team apart from other industry players.

ES. What are your growth plans for the next year?

Ruan King. We plan to expand our reach in the exhibition industry for both local and international exhibitions. King Cargo Project has recently established a sister company, King Cargo Onsite who specialise in logistics on-site at exhibition and events around South Africa.We are excited about this new venture and plan to expand as our economy slowly recovers from the Covid 19 – Pandemic.

ES. According to you what are the top challenges faced by the logistics Industry today?

Ruan King. Without a doubt the Covid pandemic was and remains our industry’s biggest challenge. This is an enormous obstacle that we and the rest of the industry will need to learn to live with. A lot of industries have been affected of which the events and exhibitions industry have been one of the

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

“

Sankar Chakraborti is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Acuité Ratings & Research Limited, a credit rating agency, accredited by Reserve Bank of India as an External Credit Assessment Institution under New Capital Adequacy Framework (Basel II), and registered with Securities & Exchange Board of India. He is also the Chairman of SMERA Ratings Private Limited, and Chairman of ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Limited, India's first ESG Rating Agency. Acuite Ratings & Research is an initiative of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Acuite is promoted by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited (D&B), leading public, private, and foreign banks in India.

“

IN CONVERSATION WITH SANKAR CHAKRABORTI, GROUP CEO, ACUITÉ RATINGS & RESEARCH LIMITED ES. How Acuité Ratings & Research has served its clients worldwide. Please take us through the journey of Acuité Ratings & Research Limited since inception and some major milestone achieved over the years.

Sankar Chakraborti. Acuite is an institutionally owned and promoted rating agency and its shareholders include SIDBI, D&B, SBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, Union Bank, Bank of India, ICICI Bank among others. Acuite has assigned over 9,100 ratings since 2012. Acuite has several firsts to its credit: First CRA to introduce QR codes in its Rating Letters & communication for lenders to establish the authenticity of the document carrying the rating communication Ÿ First CRA from India as a signatory to UNPRI Ÿ First CRA in India to include a section on ESG assessment in the Rating Rationales of issuers that form part of the top 1000 listed entities Ÿ

Acuite launched an app “RatingsBuzz” that is available on

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Android and iOS platforms for easy, convenient and leisurely access to all rating actions and rating rationales to bankers, investors and other rating users.

Acuite launched Bankers’ Connect – a platform to collect bankers’ and investors’ feedback on Acuité rated entities, thereby ensuring immaculate stakeholder experience. Very recently in January 2022, Acuite was certified as “Great Place to Work”. Acuite group is headquartered in Mumbai and operates from minimalistic but functional office spaces.

Acuite group currently has 9 offices spread across six Indian cities. During the early days for our efforts to eliminate information asymmetry and facilitate funding for MSMEs, SIDBI was awarded ‘Outstanding Development Project Award’ in SME Development Category by The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP). IFC recognized us as a novel and sustainable initiative of the Government of India, to improve the credit flow to the MSME sector. DFID, UK had sanctioned a Technical Assistance grant under the World Bank ‘Project on SME Financing & Development.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

Business Development Strategy Meet ESGRisk.ai, one of the wholly owned subsidiaries of Acuite and the first ESG rating company of India, is engaging with a lot of domestic & global investors and multilateral bodies to service their ESG ratings, research and training needs.

ES. The macroeconomic scene has deteriorated. How do the macro and micro environments of corporate and economic growth look like?

Sankar Chakraborti. Given the initiation of monetary policy tightening in the developed economies, the projected increase in government borrowings in FY23 and the latest geo-political crisis in Ukraine, the G-sec 10 yr. yields have already shot up to beyond 6.8%. We expect the benchmark yield to touch 7.25% by Mar-23.

India’s Q3 FY22 GDP growth decelerated more than expected to 5.4% YoY from 8.5% in Q2 largely due to a slowdown in the industrial sector post the festive season.

While Omicron is set to impact the GDP growth in Q4FY22, we believe such impact has been limited and therefore, our revised GDP growth forecast for FY22 at 9.2% remains slightly higher than that of NSO. ES. Considering the current scenario, how do you see economy expanding and the investment cycle at some stage to pick up. What about banks’ ability to support growth?

surprises, it laid a platform for a sustainable capex cycle over the medium term with significant participation from both the public and the private sector. Higher capital investments should structurally push up the medium to long term growth prospects of the Indian economy. It also brought in a slew of policies that should not only induce fresh investments in clean energy, electric vehicles and digitization but take India forward towards its sustainability goals.

The last time non-food credit grew in double digits on a YoY basis was in July 2019. Since then the monthly trend of growth (YoY basis) non-food credit has either been negative or in single digits. However, the deposits mobilisation has seen a steady growth through the same period. Clearly, there is ability of banks to support growth provided there is adequate demand for credit at the appropriate risk-reward pricing.

ES. Shall we see a pick-up in the investment cycle in the current financial year? How is the new investment cycle going to be different from the previous one?

Sankar Chakraborti. The recovery in private investment cycle anticipated in H2 FY23 could turn tentative, owing to the potential uncertainty in domestic demand amidst lurking inflationary pressures from fuel price revisions. IIP granular data already highlights a broader slowdown in rural demand.

Sankar Chakraborti. While the budget didn’t have any major

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

Further, downside risks to growth have emerged from possible financial market volatility, as key global central banks normalize monetary policies at a faster pace amidst geopolitics fanning inflation pressures further.

ES. The Indian economy remains on track to regain its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy after official estimates put the GDP expansion at a tempered 9.2 per cent this fiscal amid concerns over the impact of a resurgent virus on the fragile recovery. What is your growth projection for 2022-23?

Sankar Chakraborti. While Acuité has lowered its growth estimate for FY22 to 9.2%, it is still marginally higher than the average market estimate given our expectation on the pickup in contact intensive services, back loaded government expenditure and the strong vaccination coverage. For FY23, GDP growth is expected to be at 7.5% amidst government's strong thrust on infrastructure segment highlighted in the Union Budget. This is further supported by the likely recovery in rural consumption and the full play out of pent-up demand, although it is likely to be partly offset by high crude oil prices and higher than expected inflationary pressures arising from geopolitical tensions.

deficit and consequently, higher borrowings which have already been projected to rise sharply in the next fiscal.

Acuite expects Brent crude to stay around $97 per barrel in Fy23.

ES. How do you perceive trade shows as an economic driver for a country?

Sankar Chakraborti. India's merchandise trade deficit widened to USD 20.9 bn in Feb-22 from USD 17.4 bn in Jan-22. After the sequential contraction seen in Jan-22 on account of the Omicron wave, both exports and imports rose in Feb-22, with momentum in imports exceeding that of exports. We expect India's merchandise trade to clock USD 1 trillion in FY22 largely driven by rising global

ES. What are your comments on the current scenario of rising petrol and diesel prices?

Sankar Chakraborti. Clearly, the first casualty in any geopolitical strife is price stability which has already seen headwinds across the globe. The prolonged pandemic has left deep scars in the global supply chain which is set to get further aggravated by the latest conflict. Given the market share of Russia in the global oil and gas sector as well as the increasing breadth of economic sanctions, the crude oil prices have started to rocket and already breached the levels of USD 120 per barrel. Needless to say, persistently high crude oil prices will have far reaching impact on the domestic macro-economic contours.

The domestic retail fuel prices have started getting revised upwards after a gap of 4.5 months. A significant pass through will start to have an impact on headline CPI inflation which has been supported so far by benign food prices. We believe that the MPC’s forecast of a 4.5% CPI print in FY23 may not be realistic given the emerging ground realities unless we see a quick resolution of the geopolitical conflict. Even if the government decides to absorb a large part of the crude price increase through further excise duty cuts, it may lead to a higher than budgeted

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Learning & Development - Jan 2020 commodity prices with exports touching the target of USD 400 bn set by the commerce ministry.

While exports are set to exceed government's target of USD 400 bn in FY22, imports are also poised to exceed USD 600 bn level in FY22, thereby resulting in total merchandise trade crossing USD 1 trillion mark for the first time. Ÿ Merchandise exports moved up just a tad to USD 34.6 bn in Feb-22 from USD 34.5 bn in Jan-22. This translates into a modest increase of 0.2% MoM over the 12.1% sequential contraction seen in Jan-22 on account of Omicron related uncertainty. On the other hand, merchandise imports increased to USD 55.5 bn in Feb22 from USD 51.9 bn in Jan-22, translating into a higher growth of 6.8% MoM. Ÿ

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

April 2022

For the eleven months of FY22, cumulative trade deficit stands at USD 176 bn, higher than USD 151 bn deficit seen in the corresponding pre-pandemic period of Fy20. Ÿ Basis the surge in commodity prices since the last week of Feb-22, we now see a minor upside risk (of around USD 2 bn) to our FY22 current account deficit forecast of USD 50 bn. Ÿ Elevated commodity prices, unlocking of the economy, increased vaccination cover and pickup in consumption demand, among others are some of the reasons behind the expected expansion of the trade and current account deficit. For FY23, we project current account deficit to widen towards USD 85 bn assuming an average crude oil (Brent) price of USD 97 per barrel. Ÿ

despite the pandemic even when a lot of companies had to rationalise their staffing. On the contrary Acuite kept hiring new employees. We quickly adapted to the “work from home” scenario thrust upon us by the global pandemic and ensured that not a single clients or banker / users got impacted by continuing to offer rating services seamlessly.

We could do so by swiftly rolling out an OTP based, digitally signed agreement execution process. Acuite also did not seek or avail of any specific regulatory concession other than what was extended by the regulators themselves in response to the pandemic.

ES. I want to switch topics a little bit and talk about your hobbies. What do you love to do when you are away from work?

ES. Can you share how you have used the crisis as a catalyst

Acuite Town hall

and have accelerated the change in a world of accelerated change?

Sankar Chakraborti. We set up a wholly owned subsidiary in the first year, actually in the midst of the global pandemic by incorporating ESGRisk.ai in November 2020. ESGRisk.ai is the first ESG rating company in India. We are encouraged with the response to ESGRisk.ai. Our thought leadership in ESG space was institutionalised with the first edition of ESG India Leadership Awards in early October 2021.

We executed a record number of resolution plan ratings in the fist year of pandemic when a lot of borrowers approached the bankers to restructure the loans and working capital facilities after being adversely impacted by the pandemic. We believe, our resolution plan ratings helped the deserving borrowers and their lenders to tide over the crisis situation brought about by the pandemic even as we adhered to the regulatory norms.We did not let go of a single employee

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Sankar Chakraborti. I like photography. I like gazing stars and planets and have built telescopes. I like to keep myself abreast of technology especially developments that improve efficiency and productivity. I have an interest in well-built, high quality, fast & powerful automobiles. I consider these to be products of marvellous engineering.

ES. Would you like to give out any message to your readers?

Sankar Chakraborti. Acuite is focused on long-term institution building. The path is not easy as the foundation for this is based on value-based principles and business practices.

Fundamentally, it is important to have a common, shared understanding of what “conflict of interest” means and this has to be across the length and breadth of the organisation.

We believe, such value-based principles and business practices will help employees, organisations and the society at large in the long run as good governance practices will stand any scrutiny and the test of time.

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CELEBRATING INDIAN EXHIBITIONS

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EXHIBITION ORGANISERS

EXHIBITION SERVICE PROVIDERS

EXHIBITION VENUES

Apply Online Now Visit www.exhibitionexcellenceawards.com for details

Insights

April 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT SUNIL MORE INDIAN EXIBITIONS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS SERVICES ASSOCIATION

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the selfesteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.

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hope you all will agree with me that CoVid worries are almost over and many states are limping back to normal.

Barring recent resurgence of virus in states like Delhi, Haryana and UP, most of the remaining states are reporting patients in 2 digits with almost nil fatality.

On this positive note, I hope the state governments will release the exhibition venues held by them in

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fear of resurgence of the pandemic hitting with the 4th wave. As a result, many exhibitions are happening or being announced in most of the states in southern as well as northern India.

Some states however are not releasing the exhibition venues without realising that, as a result, exhibitions are moving away from these states.

With some events happening the industry is limping back to possible normalcy though companies of many of our friends closed down during this horrendous time. I only hope, they will be able to catch up with the rest. My best wishes to all for a successful hot summer with some business coming their way.

Let us keep our fingers crossed for a better tomorrow.

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Insights

April 2022

Are We Trivialising The Intangible All success parameters surely cannot be attributed only to the measurable. When you trivialize something, you make it seem less important than it really is.

Y Mukund Rao Owner, Interface Data & Design instein famously said this, that not all that matters can be measured. But in business, we've taken this way too far… Agreed to measure is to know.

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Let us just re-state that to “measure a goal” factually is to know, with as much objectivity and confidence as possible, whether or not it's being reached.

Factual tangible measurement is evidence that convinces us – and anyone else that has a stake in the goal – that it really is happening.

But what about the 'In-tangibles', all success parameters surely cannot be attributed only to the measurable.

When you trivialize something, you make it seem less important than it really is. Let's for example take a case a celebrity account on “Instagram account” the popularity and huge number of followers probably has nothing got to do with the content on Instagram the intangible here is the

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stardom achieved by their movies.

When we have a goal that is a highly intangible and intrinsically complex outcome, and we resign ourselves to the 'fact' that it is immeasurable.

Maybe the celebrity example is not the apt one, let me talk about the subject that is close to my heart namely Visitor registration. Though the visitor registration's main role maybe data capturing and badge issuance, but there are so many intangibles involved, understanding that registration is the face of the event, how the staff sits, behaves, talks, addresses the visitor, ensuring the right spelling on the badge, the font size of the personalisation, crowd management ensuring staff used are screened and registered with the agency, staff communication skills, staff grooming, value of reports and metric provided. (we as an agency also went to the extent of monitoring academic progress of our staff, protection of client data, safety of information like day-to-day visitor

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counts, total turn up counts, there was a time when as an agency we would not re-employ temporary staff in-case they worked with another agency just to Ensure client/exhibition details like counts etc.Would be leaked), Ease of use of software for temporary staff used, staff punctuality, resources planning (ideally resources should be broken down into supervisors for badge quality checking, supervisors for crowd control, supervisors to monitor counter registration executives & Monitor data capturing quality, form filling assistance staff to ensure higher capture of visiting cards which ensures better data quality, ushering personnel to ensure queuing and better visitor movement experience, store room executive for better material management), Store room material management, reg. agencies ideally should follow process and have set SOPs, client data/form audit on-site, share visitor feedback on registration k flow, first hour smooth operations, experience to the client, Being

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Insights ready for the Visitor Pea identifying first hour visitors for pre-badging for next edition, sponsorship opportunities based solutions at the registration desk, software specialisation and tailor made for your event, in the case physical forms are being the data should be packed in lots and segregated by categories trade visitors, outstation visitors, international visitors etc., the data digitization done post show should capture lot number, date of visit and category which should help easy audit of data if required to be done. Innovations and small recall values created at the registration.

Something like pens and staplers constantly being made available at the registration desk may seem silly and small but the impact of non-availability is huge forms may be incompletely filled, visitor cards attached to the forms may reduce. Here one may place an argument that going digital with the forms may be a solution, but in reality have digital forms on tabs or touchscreens for visitors is a expensive proposition and assuming a visitor will fill the form digitally faster or it is easier for them to fill on a tab is a wrong assumption. Primary idea at the registration desk is to ensure a smooth and easy experience for the visitor while

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April 2022 ensuring data is captured well for the benefit of the organiser.

effect on the visitor turn-up, data and information security.

The service level at the registration desk should be a constant irrelevant to peak hour or lunch time. Taking care of the temporary staff on-site goes a long way ensuring good work ethics and performance.

If we only have hope that our immeasurable outcomes will be achieved as a result of investing time and money into them, we can expect a lot of waste. The final purpose of these intangibles is to achieve a smooth and positive experience for the visitor at the registration desk, after all the first event opinion of the event is formed at the registration desk.

Post Show Registration reports can be a great sales & marketing tool and a tool to correct or improve your advertising spend.

The list of in-tangibles at registration desk can be endless. It up to the organiser how these intangibles are valued and evaluated. With the pressure on budgets due to computer rental agency and manpower agencies masquerading as specialised registration agency many an intangibles have been completely compromised.

It is important that marketing department of exhibitions are involved while defining the role of a registration agency on site. Operations department can ensure the required hardware and resources are made available on-site.

Registration is after all a extension of the marketing arm of the organiser. In the long run this will surely have a cascading

'Immeasurable' outcomes are often the most important ones, so don't they deserve just a little more effort to find meaningful evidence of their achievement?

If an outcome matters enough for us to invest resources to improve it, we should be able to describe it clearly enough to observe, in some way, if that outcome is changing or not. If we can observe a change, then we can quantify how often or how much it's happening.

The Author – Y Mukund Rao comes with having been associated with trade shows and exhibitions since the last 27 years. He mostly expresses his views and opinions mainly revolving on the subject of Visitor registration. He can be reached on muksrao@gmail.com

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April 2022

Insights

Message From The Desk Of Kai Hattendorf, MD & CEO, UFI oing through the current activities, it struck me that, despite all the challenging circumstances around the world, the UFI team is out again in full force, being in touch with our members, face to face at shows, industry events, and in meetings – from Argentina to Thailand, and from the US to the UAE, to give just a few examples.

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From March to May, UFI organizes its regional conferences around the world. While gatherings still look a bit different in 2022, we are nonetheless able to again offer events in all of our regions. In early March, we had a delegation of thirty participants visit the Dubai World Expo 2020, and just last week, the first UFI Asia-Pacific Week took place with more than a dozen

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regional and local meetings and activities organized by UFI members to connect and reconnect industry colleagues and the wider community across Asia.

In May, we will see two Regional Conferences: the UFI European Conference and the UFI LATAM Conference, taking place in Poznan, Poland, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, respectively. And in June, we will hold the Global CEO Summit in Hamburg, Germany, which was originally scheduled for late January.

Our events are an integral part of the work we do for our members, and we look forward to welcoming each and every one of you all on site!

As an industry, we continue to demonstrate our resilience in the face of difficulties. This year, let’s again make use of Global Exhibitions Day

(GED), scheduled on 1 June, as an excellent platform to celebrate collaboration, invest in advocacy efforts and recognise success. 2022 will mark the seventh edition of GED, and this year’s focus is on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating opportunities for economic growth and recovery, as well as being the perfect occasion to network and meet new people.

UFI is providing you with ideas and support in building your initiative, which you can find at www.globalexhibitionsday.org. I encourage all event industry professionals and enthusiasts to get ready for, and get involved in the many different activities that will take place around the world – and help make #GED2022 the best ever!

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Sustainability

April 2022

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – Urbanice Malaysia Collaborate To Drive Malaysia’s Sustainability Agenda Forward in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, Malaysia SDG Cities and Kuala Lumpur’s vision as a ‘City for All’.”

he Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Urbanice Malaysia have recently signed the first public-private sector Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will contribute towards the SDGs of the nation and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) efforts to create a sustainable city. The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by YBhg. Datuk TPr. Sulaiman bin Mohamed, Executive Director of Planning, DBKL.

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As part of the MOU, Urbanice Malaysia will provide strategic counsel and advice to help the Centre further align its corporate responsibilities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; enhance and execute its SDG roadmap; develop an SDG business events guideline; and expand SDG reporting. The venue,

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together with Urbanice Malaysia, will also be engaging with the Government and DBKL through knowledge sharing dialogues and the development of integrated urban solutions.

Elaborating on the partnership, TPr. Ts. Norliza Binti Hashim, Chief Executive, Urbanice Malaysia, shared, “This collaboration demonstrates a high level of commitment from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to align its activities towards achieving their sustainable development goals and targets.

The effort sets a great example and we hope it will drive more businesses and corporations in Malaysia towards adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to help accelerate the localisation and implementation of the country’s SDGs

Alan Pryor, General Manager of KLCC, added, “This marks an important step for the Centre and Malaysia’s business events industry in contributing to and supporting the country’s adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). We are delighted to have reached another key milestone on our sustainability journey and to be partnering with Urbanice Malaysia to build on our commitment to be a venue that operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.” He continued, “International meetings and events are now designed through the lens of sustainability, with the intention of leaving behind a lasting legacy for the local communities where the event is hosted.

As an industry leader and a world-class venue, we support Malaysia’s sustainable journey and will endeavour to increase its global competitiveness and destination attractiveness to increase the number international conferences and exhibitions hosted in the country. By aligning our SDGs, establishing an SDG-focused framework and engaging directly with the Government and DBKL, we will be able to create more sustainable destination and attract additional international events to our shores moving forward.”

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Sustainability

April 2022

Singapore Joins The GDS-Index With The Support Of Singapore Tourism Board ingapore joins the Global Destination SustainabilityIndex (GDS-Index) with the support of Singapore Tourism Board (STB), building the country’s current sustainability efforts under Singapore Green Plan 2030 (SGP2030) – a nationwide movement to advance the city’s agenda on sustainable development.

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This significant move sees the Southeast Asian country cementing its position as a sustainability performance improver and changemaker, alongside destinations in the region such as Bangkok and Sarawak. Other cities participating in the GDS-Index include Gothenburg, Copenhagen, and Glasgow. The GDS-Index is a sustainability benchmarking and improvement programme for destinations around the world. It is used to assess current social and environmental performance of a destination annually, and, in turn, drive improved performance. The GDSIndex is a collaborative partnership between ICCA, ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter, IMEX, ECM, and MCI Group.

Building on Singapore’s identity as a City in Nature, Singapore’s participation in the GDS-Index is aligned with the vision and targets of SGP2030, which has charted Singapore’s ambitions and targets over the next 10 years, strengthening Singapore’s commitments under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement. The commitment supports Singapore to be a more sustainable urban destination and positions it to achieve its long-term net zero emissions

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“Sustainability is a key priority for Singapore tourism because it is vital to our future and travellers are become increasingly aware of the impact of their consumption,” says Keith Tan, Chief Executive of STB. “Becoming a leading sustainable urban destination requires a long-term commitment from both the government and industry. That is why Singapore’s participation in the GDS-Index is important, as it focuses our collective efforts and helps us track our progress as a City in Nature, where large experiences come with small footprints.” aspiration as soon as viable.

STB became a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) member in October 2021 and strongly supports local tourism businesses in their sustainability journey.

Some of Singapore’s sustainability initiatives in tourism: In March 2022, STB and Singapore Hotel Association announced the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap, which sets out clear targets and strategies for Singapore hotels to adopt in their sustainability journey.

The roadmap also lays out strategies and related initiatives that harness technology and innovation to help hotels achieve these targets. These include (but are not limited to): Tapping on STB funds such as the Business Improvement Fund to support sustainability initiatives that improve competitiveness and productivity, which may put hotels in a better stead to seek sustainability certification subsequently. Ÿ Partnering innovative tech providers

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to co-develop sustainability-related industry pilots through Tcube programmes such as the Singapore Tourism Accelerator by STB. Ÿ Developing innovative and best-inclass sustainable guest experiences with STB’s support via Experience Step-Up Fund.

Resorts World Sentosa continues to integrate sustainable practices in its operations, invest in innovative sustainable solutions, and engages their guests and partners through education and outreach programmes to promote environmental conservation.

Marina Bay Sands has imbued sustainability into the heart of its experiences, and recognises that it contributes to their top line. Since 2012, MBS has reduced its carbon footprint by over 30% through investments in an Intelligent Building Management System, Building AI data analytics, and other carbon tech efficiency measures.

The Singapore Tourism Accelerator programme has also helped to match good tech and sustainability solutions with tourism businesses.

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Tech News

April 2022

Bizzabo Launches Global Event Center of Excellence izzabo, the Event Experience Operating System (OS), has launched its Global Event Center of Excellence, a dedicated division to provide event expertise, education and resources to Event Experience Leaders. Bizzabo's Global Event Center of Excellence will serve customers and partners, as well as the industry at large, and will curate and share best practices and big picture insights via events, webinars, workshops, templates, toolkits, and other pieces of content.

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In October 2021, Bizzabo launched the Event Experience OS to empower marketing and event professionals to create more personalized, impactful and human experiences. Alongside this data-rich open platform, Bizzabo affirms its commitment to the industry by expanding its offering to more than just software. The Global Event Center of Excellence is a resource for leaders seeking guidance on event best practices and strategies to improve RoE (return on event). The Global Event Center of Excellence provides tools to help marketers elevate their approaches to planning exceptional, best-in-class event experiences.

"Over the last two years, event planners and marketers have been in a constant state of learning and experimentation,

having to adapt quickly and develop new strategies to deliver engaging experiences that span physical and digital experiences," said Devin Cleary, VP of Global Events at Bizzabo.

"As the Event Experience category leader, Bizzabo has the opportunity to bring our community together through the Global Event Center of Excellence so we can continue to build the future of events together. Regardless of your experience level or how long you've been in the industry, we want to help you excel by providing the training and knowledge you need for success.”

Ongoing research and industry reports show that event leaders are still searching for best practices, tools,

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templates and frameworks to plan and execute events in all formats while improving the RoE for in-person, hybrid and virtual events. Bizzabo designed the Global Event Center of Excellence to enable Event Experience Leaders to close the Event Impact Gap and achieve event success in this hybrid world. "The Global Event Center of Excellence is a first of its kind in the event industry," said Cleary. "Bizzabo's ongoing commitment to serving and supporting the full event lifecycle for Event Experience Leaders — from conceptualization through post-event analysis — sets us apart from other firms.”

Lauren Grady, an event industry veteran who joined Bizzabo in November 2021, leads the Global Event Center of Excellence. "Bizzabo is changing the way the world sees, creates and engages with in-person, virtual, and hybrid professional events," Grady said.

"Bizzabo isn't interested in maintaining the status quo. We're redefining playbooks and shaping the future with a blueprint to design more human events."

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Partnership

April 2022

AUVSI Announces Partnership with Messe Düsseldorf North America to Co-Host XPONENTIAL, the World’s Largest Event for Uncrewed Systems and Autonomy he Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) announced a partnership with Messe Düsseldorf North America Inc. (MDNA) to co-host the world’s leading trade show for uncrewed systems, XPONENTIAL. MDNA is a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, one of the world’s largest organizers of international trade shows, and through this partnership XPONENTIAL will broaden its reach to user communities and new market entrants.

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Brian Wynne, President and CEO of AUVSI, sounded the following congratulatory note: “The announcement of this partnership represents a win for AUVSI members and the uncrewed systems industry at large, and is a fitting turning point for

our association as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. With the Messe Düsseldorf Group’s international reach and trade show expertise, XPONENTIAL will continue its namesake trajectory, cementing its status as the must-attend event of the year.”

Tom Mitchell, President of Messe Düsseldorf North America Inc, has a clear goal in mind: "With our knowhow as one of the world's largest organizers of international trade shows, we will work together with AUVSI to make XPONENTIAL even bigger and better show for all participants from the 2023 event onwards by offering an even broader range of topics and new target groups.

We are looking forward to productive collaboration with all partners." As the world’s largest trade association dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems and autonomy, AUVSI looks forward to collaborating with MDNA to deliver a more robust and thoughtful conference and trade show experience for attendees. The partnership will take full effect for XPONENTIAL 2023 and onward.

The IMEX Group & Messe Frankfurt extend partnership the first time in two years and also celebrating 20 years of the show.”

he IMEX Group and Messe Frankfurt have extended their partnership until 2025. Messe Frankfurt, the host venue for IMEX in Frankfurt, has worked with the IMEX Group since the launch of the first show in 2003.

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Mark Mulligan, Director of Operations at the IMEX Group, explains: “We've worked with Messe Frankfurt since the very first IMEX in Frankfurt show, moving into the venue's largest hall in 2005 as the show grew. Messe Frankfurt has been a very supportive and flexible

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partner along the way, working with us to regularly evolve the show to meet the needs of our global industry. This year's IMEX in Frankfurt is set to be very special – we're returning to Frankfurt for

Michael Biwer, Vice President Guest Events at Messe Frankfurt, adds: “We're very happy that we can continue the 20 year tradition and welcome IMEX in Frankfurt. For Messe Frankfurt, IMEX has a very special significance as an important long-standing guest organiser and at the same time as a strategic MICE industry partner. After all, we have also been a loyal exhibitor since the very first IMEX.” IMEX in Frankfurt takes place 31 May – 2 June 2022.

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Associa on News

April 2022

ACMA hosts First FARM Equipment & Implements Localisation Expo he Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the apex body of the Indian auto component industry successfully hosted the 1st ever edition of the ACMA Farm Equipment & Implements Localization Expo on 6th and 7 th April, 2022. The expo is aimed at showcasing latest development & excellence in auto component technologies for farm equipment by domestic component manufacturers.

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The expo will be an annual feature of ACMA, as it endeavors to provide a unique platform to all the stakeholders for better business prospects and to develop a highly localized, resilient and robust supply chain. Commenting on the need for sustainable development of

the industry , Sunjay J. Kapur, President ACMA & Chairman Sonacomstar said, “The farm equipment industry across the world is transforming itself in light of the challenges on the front of energy security, concern for the environment and reducing carbon footprint.

With India declaring to achieve carbon neutrality 2070, the Automotive and the farm sector, together with all other verticals of the industry will have to work in unison towards the realization of this national goal. Further, I am confident that the component manufacturers, with their eye on the changing landscape of the industry, are suitably investing to stay on the cutting edge of technology and relevant.”

Director General ACMA said, “The agricultural sector has shown promising growth despite the pandemic, it recorded a sale of 960,000 units in FY 2020-21 and another over 900,000 units in first 11 months for FY 2021-22. We are very proud of our tractor industry as it is world no.1 in terms of units produced as also a significant exporter.

That apart, although the farm implements sector is at a nascent stage in our country, however, it also has great potential.”

The expo evinced keen interest from leading farm equipment manufactures and OEMs such as TAFE, Mahindra & Mahindra, John Deere India, Escorts Group, Swaraj, CHN Industrial, JCB India among others.

Speaking on the occasion Vinnie Mehta,

ANFAVEA Signs Contract With RX For São Paulo Motor Experience And Fenatran Events NFAVEA (National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers) and RX (Reed Exhibitions) signed a contract to hold this year's São Paulo Motor Experience at the Interlagos racing circuit from August 6-14. This new event concept replaces the traditional format of the former São Paulo International Auto Show.

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On the same occasion, they signed the renewal contract to hold Fenatran, the largest transport and logistics trade show in Latin America. Postponed last year due to the pandemic, the event has been

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confirmed for November 7-11 this year at São Paulo Expo, with innovative projects and digital formats intended to expand the scope of the exhibition.

Organizers expect to reach the mark of 60,000 test drives over the nine days of the event. The contract signing took place at ANFAVEA's headquarters, with the presence of top executives from both entities, including the President of the Association, Luiz Carlos Moraes, the Global President of RX, Hugh Jones, the President of RX, Claudio Della Nina, and the President of RX Americas, Fernando Fischer.

studied the topic, visited several international events, including CES in Las Vegas, and finally arrived at a more attractive format for the associated car manufacturers, in economic terms, and especially for car enthusiasts, who will get much more than just a static exhibition of vehicles.

The São Paulo Motor Experience, as the name implies, will provide a range of experiences for visitors and their families, including the chance to close deals at the event itself,” highlights Luiz Carlos Moraes, President of ANFAVEA.

“Over the last three years, ANFAVEA

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April 2022

Stephen Knowles Vsef is delighted to announce Stephen Knowles has been appointed CEO. Stephen has over two decades of experience working with some of the most dynamic events businesses, including IQPC, Informa Markets and CloserStill. As a champion of the events industry, Knowles has extensive events experience, launching event brands into new markets and sectors. He is a trusted business leader with an eye for transatlantic opportunities.

Peter van der Schans IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has appointed Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president of the IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region starting April 4, 2022. Based in the association’s regional office in Brussels, Belgium, van der Schans will lead IAAPA’s efforts to grow membership, enhance member services in the region, and increase participation in IAAPA events including IAAPA Expo Europe.

David Ratcliffe Global experiential marketing agency Impact XM recently announced the appointment of David Ratcliffe to Director of Event Productions. As Director of Event Production, Ratcliffe will lead the agency’s Experiential Production and Meetings & Events teams, focusing on evolving, elevating, and expanding event management and production capabilities. Guiding the team through a changing events industry, Ratcliffe will build Impact XM’s proprietary events niche and drive collaboration between the agency’s event production, digital, and creative solutions across all client verticals.

Tammy Blount-Canavan Visit Seattle has announced that Tammy Blount-Canavan will serve as its President and CEO, effective May 9. She will be Visit Seattle’s first female CEO. Blount-Canavan’s rich leadership history spans two countries and three decades first in the hotel industry in her hometown of Vancouver, BC, to a previous role as President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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Global News

April 2022

Expo 2020 Dubai Draws To A Close With A Spectacular Closing Ceremony

fter 182 days of unforgettable experiences, Expo 2020 Dubai has drawn to a close, having recorded 24,102,967 visits, welcomed 192 countries and shown the world what can be achieved when humanity comes together.

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As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the first event of its size and scale to be held since the pandemic began, Expo 2020 Dubai marked a major achievement for Dubai and heralded a historic moment for the UAE – made even more significant by being hosted in the year of the nation’s Golden Jubilee – and paved the way for the next generation of change-makers to continue Expo’s legacy.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said,

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“After an incredible six months, we are immensely proud to have staged a World Expo that has connected minds, created the future and inspired the world. Expo 2020 Dubai is a triumph that will go down in history as a beacon of unity and hope – a tremendous honour for the UAE as we celebrated our 50th year and a defining moment in the history of our nation. My sincere and heartfelt congratulations to our leadership for their vision and guidance in staging an exceptional World Expo that befits our ambitious nation.”

Expo 2020 Dubai has been hailed as a huge success and a beacon of hope, bringing together the international community in a show of resilience in uncertain times, and overcoming a raft of challenges, including the global pandemic, which necessitated its oneyear postponement and restricted global travel, and adapting to new variants with an agile and robust healthand-safety response.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International

Cooperation and Director-General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “From the beginning of this incredible Expo journey, our country’s leadership promised an Expo that would amaze the world. Despite the inconceivable challenges, including the pandemic, a new variant, and conflicts in different parts of the world, we have delivered on this promise with purpose and passion. “We have presented world-class entertainment, we have shared our cultures and ideas, and we have sought solutions to some of our greatest global challenges. And this is just the beginning of the new world we have started making together.

“We owe our sincere gratitude and respect to everyone who has come together to become part of this – from our 30,000-strong volunteer force, to the dedicated Expo Tribe, our Participants and Partners, and of course the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee. This has been a truly collective effort and a shining manifestation of our theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. Until we meet again, I thank each and every last one of you.”

Expo 2020 Dubai came to an end in spectacular style in the early hours of Friday (31st March), as Reem Al Hashemy closed the breath-taking Entry Portals for the final time, following an emotional Closing Ceremony that honoured Expo’s iconic moments.

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Global News His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, attended the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. The ceremony saw the baton for World Expo being handed over to Osaka, Japan, which will host the next Expo in 2025.

The closing ceremony started with the

April 2022 UAE national anthem, followed by an address by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, in which he congratulated the UAE leadership on the exceptional success of Expo, which he said “will remain engraved proudly in the memory of history, and the world, as one of our young country’s many achievements.”

His Excellency also thanked the thousands of volunteers and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for their relentless efforts in presenting the magnificent event. His Excellency Jaichul Choi, President of the General

Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) thanked the UAE leadership for its support for the success of the event.

He also said participating countries, visitors and all those who have been part of Expo 2020 Dubai will take away essential lessons for the future based on their experiences at the event. “When the Expo ends and this site evolves into a new urban district, the enduring spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai will persist, adding new energy and ideas to the meaning of what a World Expo is. The impact of Expo 2020 Dubai will undoubtfully be woven into the Expo tapestry, an essential part of our shared global narrative,” Choi added.

Saudi Arabia Launches Global Campaign For Its Bid To Host Expo 2030 Riyadh iyadh, the Saudi capital launched an ambitious global campaign for its bid to host the Expo 2030 Riyadh at a dazzling closing ceremony of the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Five countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Russia are in the reckoning for the 2030 World Expo.

The letter announcing Riyadh’s intention to bid was submitted on Oct. 29, 2021 on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister.

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Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fahd Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said: “Millions of people who visited the award-winning Saudi pavilion got a glimpse of the future that the Kingdom and its capital are building. Today is just the start of showing what Riyadh has to

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offer for Expo 2030.” The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) is the Saudi capital’s highest authority driving the city’s transformation and is leading Riyadh’s bid to host the World Expo in 2030.

“Saudi Arabia is a young country and Riyadh’s renewal is powered by the energy and relentless ambition of its youth,” Al Rasheed added. “The world needs that kind of optimism about the future now more than ever.”

The RCRC CEO said the Saudi capital, with its numerous projects, would be more than ready to host the World Expo in 2030. “Riyadh is building one of the world’s largest public transport

networks, one of the largest urban parks, a massive urban greening project, and turning the entire city into an open art gallery without walls.”

“The impressive footfall at the Saudi pavilion demonstrates the world’s great interest in the Kingdom and the transformation it is undergoing under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman,” Al-Rasheed concluded.

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April 2022

Global News

Breaking the Code: ECEF 2022 To Feature Leaders Who Succeeded During the Crisis ith the exhibition and convention business in recovery mode, executives are mindful of the need to be better prepared for an extended crisis. Preparedness and optimism dominate the program for the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF), coming to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. on June 1.

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In announcing the program, Sam Lippman, President, Lippman Connects, said, “It’s not too early to take account of the most practical success strategies.” Because the ECEF emphasis is on top-to-top networking, Lippman stressed that each session will be shorter, highly focused, and more interactive. “This is C-level content that will get executives talking and sharing,” Lippman added.

The program features insights from 13 exhibition and convention industry notables: 5 Key Data Points in 5 Minutes – Sam Lippman starts the day with a fast-paced spotlight on trending data.

KEYNOTE: Business of Belonging: Transformative Events in Extraordinary Times – Erin Uritis, CEO of Out & Equal, reveals how the organization grew membership and sponsorships during the pandemic.

Despite COVID: Surprising Reasons Behind the SHOT Show’s Growth – Chris Dolnack, Senior VP and Chief Customer Officer, NSSF – The Firearm Industry Trade Association; Jeff Pressman, President & CEO, ConvExx. From the Anchor’s Desk: Exhibitor/Sponsor Delivers the News – Jeannie Wert, Director of Exhibit

Management, Siemens Healthineers North America. The 140-Year-Old Startup – Debbie Holton, President, Metrix Connect LLC, an ASME Company.

Succession: A New Season with an AllStar Cast – Megan Tanel, President, AEM; Nicole Hallada, Senior VP of Exhibitions & Marketing, AEM. Executive Panel: Navigating the New Normal – Moderated by Ken Holsinger, Senior Vice President – Data Solutions, Freeman. Panelists: Liz Irving, Chief Marketing Officer, Clarion Events; Stephanie Jones, Managing Director, Professional Development & Event Strategy, Water Environment Federation; Robin Preston, Director, Meetings Operations, American Chemical Society; Craig Purser, President & CEO, National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

gamescom Asia Returns In 2022

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amescom asia 2022 is back from 20 – 23 October 2022 after its prelude debut in 2021, continuing the successful hybrid model with a larger scaled physical Trade Zone, Conference, and a physical Entertainment Zone for the first time.

Online segments will still be made available to serve a worldwide audience.

“It is the year for gaming events as gamescom and gamescom asia restart their physical formats, once again welcoming visitors to the show floor.

We are very excited to bring back a festival atmosphere, of course within safe and calculated measures as we are

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not yet out of the pandemic, but overall, the enthusiasm has been evident amongst the community and industry,” said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Singapore, the organisers of gamescom asia. gamescom asia is the only satellite event of the world’s largest computer and video games festival, gamescom, serving as a platform for, and stepping stone into, the Asia-Pacific market and reaching a culturally diverse Southeast Asian audience. The event expects to attract 15,000 total visitors and over 100 exhibitors from Asia Pacific and beyond. Gamers, fans, and the public will finally get to experience the

consumer exhibition and demo games in-person this October at gamescom asia’s Entertainment Zone. The scale of activities such as live shows, meet & greets with creators as well as cosplay contests are in the works, depending on the prevailing local COVID-19 event guidelines.

Mainstay highlight shows PRIMETIME and STUDIO will return in the form of free online live shows broadcast on several channels to keep the global audience entertained. In particular, PRIMETIME will be held on 19 October as a pre-event online teaser ahead of the main event days from 20 to 23 October 2022.

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April 2022

India Remains Key Source Market For GCC’s Inbound Travel Sector, As Industry Prepares To Explore Future Opportunities At ATM 2022 s Indian flight queries for the UAE and Egypt witness a significant uptick, and the country retains its position as Dubai’s biggest source market, India’s tourism sector will be a key focus for delegates, exhibitors and attendees at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May.

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With India’s travel industry projected to account for 29 million outbound trips per year by 2025, according to analysis from GlobalData, and ResearchandMarkets.com predicting its outbound tourism market will surpass $42 billion by the end of 2024, ATM 2022 will offer a timely opportunity to explore the vast potential offered by the country’s travel, tourism and hospitality sector.

Data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the country ranked top of the emirate’s source market list for 2021, accounting for 910,000 inbound visitors, and short-haul flight queries for destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt have witnessed a 30 percent uptick among Indian tourists, according to Thomas Cook (India).

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “The global pandemic had a major impact on

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India’s travel sector but, as our industry’s global post-pandemic recovery continues to gather pace, Indian tourists appear eager to return to their favourite Middle Eastern destinations. We are excited to explore the vast potential of this vital source market as part of our dedicated buyer forum at ATM 2022.”

The number of inbound tourists travelling from India to the UAE has witnessed a 50 percent increase of late, with VFS Global processing 40,000 travel visas since Dubai reopened its borders following the pandemic.

With a buyer forum dedicated exclusively to India, attendees, exhibitors and delegates at ATM 2022 will have ample opportunity to take a deep dive into the country’s tourism, travel and hospitality industry, examining current and future trends, and exploring the ways in which

destinations across the Middle East can capitalise on this important source market. ATM 2022 will also host a range of high-profile exhibitors from India, including India Tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, ITC Hotels, Le Passage to India Tours and Travels, Vervotech Solutions, Qtech Software, TI Infotech, and WebEngage/Webklipper Technologies amongst others.

In addition to the dedicated India forum, ATM 2022 will also feature sessions focused on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector.

The dedicated ARIVALDubai@ATM forum, meanwhile, will cover current and future trends for tour operators and attractions, focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership and executive-level connections.

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April 2022

Global News

UFI’s Asia-Pacific Week Reunited The Industry

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FI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, successfully held its firstever Asia-Pacific week.

With its continued commitment to bring together members and exhibition industry professionals in person, UFI created and launched UFI Asia-Pacific Week in place of the regular annual Asia-Pacific conference. This initiative allowed members as well as the wider community to gather face-to-face despite travel and gathering restrictions. These were member-led activities across the region. The entire UFI team would like to thank all of the activity organisers – especially the UFI ambassadors who organised these events at the local level.

The UFI ambassadors in ten different markets organised activities in the last week of March. The following is a recap of what the members organised across the region: Ÿ

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In Australia, a panel discussion named ‘The Bumpy Road to Recovery’ was organised by the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

– In Japan, an enjoyable networking and socialising gathering of industry friends and colleagues was organised by the Japan Exhibition Association (JEXA) in Tokyo.

– In Macau, an exciting afternoon of bungee jumping was organised by the Macau Fair & Trade Association (MFTA) on 1 April followed by a networking event.

– In Malaysia, a charity food donation drive was organised by Noor Ahmad Bin Hamid and his team the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

In Myanmar, April is the start of a new year. A joyful morning gathering

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took place on 1 April, organised by Myanmar Exhibition and Conference Association (MECA), allowing local industry participants to meet, networking and enjoy some traditional food.

In Pakistan, a networking event was hosted by UFI Ambassador, Mr. Saleem Khan Tanoli who is CEO of FAKT Exhibitions. The gathering brought together many key players from the Pakistani exhibition industry in Lahore.

In the Philippines, the Philippine MICE Academy organised multiple events including a nature walk, a fun race at a motorcycle exhibition and a gathering at a key exhibition venue in Manila!

In Singapore, there was a waterfront walk around the iconic Marina Bay organised by SACEOS to help celebrate the reopening of the country and removal of most restrictions.

In Thailand, the industry came out to enthusiastically support UFI Week in Asia-Pacific. There was a golf day, a meeting of the Thai Exhibition Association’s (TEA’s) leadership, and a one-day seminar focused on the role of technology at events. Thanks to both UFI Diamond sponsor, TCEB and TEA for their strong support.

Mark Cochrane, UFI’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director, remarked “In Asia, the pandemic is finally receding, so UFI wanted to bring our members together for a bit of fun and networking. The result was more than a dozen member-led gatherings across the region from Tokyo to Sydney to Singapore. This week, UFI members organised networking cocktails, one-day conferences, golf outings, waterfront walks, food donation drives and more.

UFI Asia-Pacific Week in Asia was a great success – and all because of the energy and creativeness of our members. Once again, this demonstrates that one of the great strengths of UFI is our global community.”

Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s CEO & Managing Director added, “Keeping communities engaged and connected through the pandemic has been a challenge, for sure. But as the activities around UFI Asia-Pacific week show, we are coming out of this difficult time – eager to reconnect as colleagues, and now with our customers as shows across the region reopen!”

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April 2022

Global News

PCMA Asia Pacific announces 2022 Regional Advisory Board, Establishes Dates and Location for Redesigned Convening Asia Pacific CMA Asia Pacific (APAC) Managing Director Florence Chua on April 12 announced the 2022 Regional Advisory Board comprised of 15 members who will act as regional-local ambassadors to amplify the voice and presence of PCMA within the APAC region. Their leadership and representation of diverse audiences will be integral as PCMA APAC tunes up engagement in the region and, prepares to launch its fully re-designed Convening APAC – an omnichannel experience set for July–September 2022.

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The following individuals will serve a two-year term: Ÿ

Deborah Caldwell, Senior Vice President, Regional Lead APAC Global Events, Bank of America

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Jean Chua, Head, Branding & Communications, NTT DATA

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Simon Lin, Vice President & Executive Director, APAC, HIMSS

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Teagan Seccombe, Head of Events, Australia, Harcourts International

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Deanna Varga, CEO & Founder, Mayvin Global

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The following individuals’ terms have been renewed for 2022: Karen Bolinger, Founder & Chief Disruptor, Karen Bolinger Consulting Oscar Cerezales, Chief Strategy Officer, MCI Group Darren Chuckry, Founder &

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Managing Partner, HK Initiative Ÿ

Ramesh Daryanani, Vice President, Global Sales, APAC, Marriot International

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Shogo Kaneda, Business Events Strategist, SK Business Events

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Edward Koh, Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board

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Weemin Ong, Vice President, Conventions & Exhibitions, Marina Bay Sands, Pte, Ltd.

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Global Board liaisons:

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Paula Rowntree, Head of Events, Australian Psychological Society

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Veemal Gungadin, CEO, GEVME

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Staff Board liaison:

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Florence Chua, PCMA Managing Director, APAC

Convening APAC 2022 will deliver a virtual everywhere experience JulySeptember and two in-person

experiences, one in Australia slated for August, and another in Singapore from 7-9 September at Marina Bay Sands.

Themed, Your Community. Your Purpose, the engage-as-you-like experience offers live and on-demand, in-person and virtual activations for the community to remain connected for conversations, collaboration and practical learning throughout.

“The business events industry is poised for recovery in the region with varying phases of re-opening.

There is a pressing need for the community to collaborate more to navigate the continued uncertainties ahead and, overcome the talent crunch faced in all markets,” said Florence Chua, Managing Director, PCMA APAC. “Continuing education needs to be balanced with the workload of increased business to ensure our talents are recharged and up to speed with latest developments.”

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Global News

April 2022

IFA 2022: Global Tech Reboot In September In Berlin

ver five days, from 2 to 6 September 2022, IFA in Berlin will bring together global leading brands across consumer electronics, home appliances, information technology and telecommunications – providing a unique opportunity and platform for the worldwide industry to rebuild. Taking place in early September, IFA spans global time zones between East and West during the run-up to the most important season for international retailers.

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“Now, though, it’s finally time to ‘get real’ and once again organize a full-size trade show at the grounds of Messe Berlin and in a city that is not only the capital of Europe’s largest consumer market but evolved as a European media hub as well,” said Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director, Executive Vice President Messe Berlin Group. “Many leading global brands have already committed their participation. As of now, we register

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high demand for the IFA Fitness & Digital Health area and the Home Appliances section.”

IFA has a reputation as a global, unbiased and high-quality platform for brands. The event offers flexible and highly customized solutions to participants across industry, retail and media. As before, the concept still combines b2b and b2c elements, which makes it possible to showcase products and brands in a uniquely engaging context, both as an industry showcase and as a reality check for innovation in front of real consumers. Therefore, the show is essential for experts, public as for media. IFA in Berlin is where most of the world’s annual product innovations are unveiled, which are then made available to consumers in the year-end business.

Berlin Opens Up “Based on the current assessments and predictions of the global situation, IFA 2022 has the potential to be the first truly global trade show for the CE-

Industry since the start of the pandemic, offering industry, retail and media extremely high visibility and relevance,” Martin Ecknig, CEO Messe Berlin, is convinced. “The industry has a strong desire to return to an in-person event, and we are committed to making that a reality in Berlin this September in a safe and successful manner.”

The Berlin exhibition grounds are opening up now: At the leading trade fair for the global fruit trade, Fruit Logistica (5-7 April 2022), only a limited number of Covid-19 restrictions are in place. Since 1 April 2022, participants will now be able to attend major events in Berlin, such as trade fairs, without having to present any proof of testing, recovery or vaccination.

IFA, the world’s most significant trade show for consumer and home electronics with a record number of new products being unveiled is the main market place for key retailers, buyers, and experts from the industry and the media.

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Global News

April 2022

International Hardware Fair Italy Makes Its Debut oelnmesse brings the approved trade fair model of EISENWARENMESSE to Italy by launching International Hardware Fair Italy. The new international project for the European market will provide a "home" in odd years to the world of hardware, building, DIY, outdoor and gardening, safety, colour, electrical and industrial supplies.

importance. The choice of the new location, Bergamo, meets the development and internationality requirements of the new event. It is easily accessible, in a strategic position in northern Italy and well connected to all of Europe.

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“Our decision to launch International Hardware Fair Italy is in line with our strategy to strengthen our global portfolio while responding to the growing demand in the Italian market” according to Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. Briefly, this is the commitment that the new event intends to maintain by alternating with the

International Hardware Fair Cologne.

The Italian event will adopt contents, style, philosophy, objectives and quality of the largest trade fair in the sector worldwide.

This new format underlines the great attention of one of the world's most important trade fair organisers for Italy, which, beyond being a leading market, is certainly one of the most attractive locations for events of European

International Hardware Fair Italy will be targeting an extremely wide range of visitors: from traditional and professional hardware distributors to tool shops, from large-scale retailers and DIY brands to paint shops and building material retailers. Of course, manufacturers and importers, distributors and decision makers from the industry panel, the increasingly important e-commerce platforms, garden centres, buyers, industry and service companies, will all be present too.

BIO KOREA, Asia's Biggest Bio-health Convention, To Open In May 2022 nitiated in 2006, BIO KOREA is the biggest biohealth convention in Asia that is dedicated to promoting the international standing of Korea's healthcare industry and ensuring the industry's sustainable growth. BIO KOREA 2022 will take place in COEX, Seoul from Wednesday, May 11 to Friday, May 13, 2022. This year's convention is organized under the banner of "Beyond the Pandemic, into the Next Wave."

developments.

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The programs are centered around businesses in the bio-health industry.

The exhibition showcases the latest healthcare technologies and products with a range of demonstrations.

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Companies and institutions in the healthcare industry and many embassies set up national pavilions, where stellar businesses will participate as exhibitors.

The conference offers seminars themed around various topics including technology licensing, bio intellectual properties, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, where internationally renowned scholars and experts will share their insights with participants and discuss the latest technological

Key topics to be covered include vaccines, immunotherapies for cancer, microbiome, Alzheimer's, and regenerative medicine, the sessions are well-organized into major tracks such as digital health and technological business to keep up with the latest developments and best practices and discuss future prospects in bio-health.

The investment fair will serve as a stepping stone for pharmaceutical, bio, and healthcare companies to advance into global markets, where they will showcase their drug development pipelines, advanced technologies, visions, and strategies.

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Global News

April 2022

Messe Frankfurt Reschedules CAPAS 2022 And Auto Maintenance & Repair Expo 2022 n view of the evolving pandemic situation in China, the Government has escalated a number of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. To align with these efforts, Messe Frankfurt is rescheduling two of its Mobility & Logistics fairs in the country. CAPAS Chengdu will move to 18 – 20 August 2022, instead of the original timeslot (19 – 21 May 2022). In addition, the Auto Maintenance and Repair Expo (AMR) will be held in Tianjin from 23 – 26 March 2023 (in place of 27 – 30 May 2022).

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Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Group, commented: “CAPAS and AMR are both benchmark business platforms for the automotive industry across Southwest China and the Jing-jin-ji region, respectively. Therefore, it is important that we continue to support the Government’s direction in stemming the spread of COVID-19.

Furthermore, the health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and other participants are always our top priorities. And so, as a result of careful discussions with stakeholders, we have decided to reschedule both exhibitions to help maximise onsite experiences for all.”

In the upcoming months, the two fairs

will carry on planning and preparing pre-show events and activities that maintain market momentum ahead of the physical fairs. CAPAS will deliver a wide range of extended services like online seminars, online business matching, industry research, repair workshop visits and roadshows that offer more far-reaching and effective trading resources for players in the region. Meanwhile, leading up to the 2023 show dates, AMR will continue to offer AMR Online business matching services and organise a range of industry activities to maintain market momentum in the auto aftermarket.

Mindful of the COVID-19 outbreak, the organisers will establish appropriate safety parameters to support the wellbeing of all those at the shows. The implementation of these measures is to ensure the exhibition remains a secure platform for business.

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Global News

April 2022

ISE 2022 Arrives In Barcelona

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future for the AV industry and the ISE show.”

he world’s leading audio visual and systems integration exhibition arrives in Barcelona on 10-13 May 2022.

Speaking at a press briefing on 21 April 2022, Integrated Systems Events’ Managing Director, Mike Blackman, said: “I’m delighted, and honoured, to be standing here today five years since Integrated Systems Events, and its coowners AVIXA and CEDIA, decided to relocate the Integrated Systems Europe show to Barcelona. After 16 years in Amsterdam, it was time for us to find a new home for our show, and in just two weeks’ time, ISE 2022 will open its doors at the Gran Vía, Fira de Barcelona.”

ISE is a showcase for cutting edge visual and aural products and solutions where manufacturers and service suppliers will present the latest pro AV innovations developed for the commercial and residential market sectors.

Over 800 exhibitors, set over six Technology Zones across five halls of the Gran Vía will showcase the latest in multipurpose AV. From the commercial AV sector, attendees will be able to explore the latest innovative AV technologies being produced for numerous market sectors operating in Learning, Live Events, Performance, Retail, Conferencing and Collaboration, Security and Healthcare, to name just a few. Some of the leading brands exhibiting at ISE 2022 include Alfalite, Barco, Christie, Google, KNX, LANG, Microsoft, Panasonic, Samsung, Shure, Sony and Zoom.

On the residential side, visitors will be able to view the latest flat panel TVs,

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in-ceiling speakers, projectors, projection screens, cinema rooms, lighting, and security systems. Just some of the leading residential brands exhibiting at ISE 2022 include Artcoustic, Crestron, LAcoustics, KNX, Rako Controls, Sony, Storm Audio and many more. ISE brings together the global AV community. In addition to invaluable networking opportunities, it has much to offer both exhibitors and attendees. A five-day conference programme runs throughout the week covering topics that range from retail technology, to control rooms, live events, education, and even superyachts. Over 150 thought leaders and experts are confirmed to participate in the daily programme.

Professional development opportunities are provided through certification and learning programmes, curated by AVIXA and CEDIA, both on site and in the city. “AVIXA is proud to be a co-owner of ISE with CEDIA and we could not be more excited with our new home in Barcelona,” said David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA. “We are looking forward to continuing our strong partnership with the city of Barcelona, as well as strengthening our relationship with the Fira de Barcelona.

These relationships were formed before the pandemic and strengthened during it. I’m sure they will only grow stronger as we look toward an amazing

Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA, commented: “Inperson trade shows are truly a cornerstone of our industry and have been sorely missed these past two years. Yet at the same time, people around the world have discovered that their homes, through beautifully integrated technology, can be a central hub for every aspect of their lives – so the timing of ISE’s return couldn’t be better. What we’ve prepared for the CEDIA conference at ISE will satisfy the live education and connection we’ve all been craving since early 2020.”

Also taking place on 10-12 May is IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC), the largest international event devoted to industry transformation through disruptive technologies. Together ISE 2022 and IOTSWC will present an unparalleled ecosystem for digital transformation to professionals from many industries.

The linking up of the two events will provide a unique opportunity to explore the crossroads between two different sets of disruptive technologies.

IOTSWC will bring to the table leading experts and companies working on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, Internet of Things and Quantum Computing. The goal of this cooperation is to highlight the common ground that offers new ideas and inspiration for attendees and exhibitors alike.

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April 2022

Ahead of the SETA 2022, Launch Event Successfully Hosted In Bangkok head of the SETA 2022 event happening from 2022 September, a launch event has been hosted in Bangkok. The recent announcement of SETA’s partnership with Enlit Asia, and the launch of this combined event, alongside Solar+Storage Asia, took place on 24 March.

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The event was a roaring success with over 50 highly prominent players from across the Thai energy industry in attendance at the event in Bangkok. A first in-person event in over 12 months for many, the meeting highlighted Thailand is once again open for business, with eased travel entry restrictions and a support of B2B events, as the world adjusts to the new normal.

Co-located with Solar+Storage Asia (SSA

2022) and Enlit Asia 2022, the event is led by Mr. Simon Hoare, Portfolio Director of Energy for Clarion Events Asia which the Enlit portfolio falls under. “We’re very excited to be hosting our event here, it seems like the perfect time for us to be in Bangkok, it’s an exciting market with opportunities across the power and electricity industry, in a country that is taking real steps in modernising the sector and transitioning to a lower carbon future, supported by

the government’s net-zero carbon goals, announced last year,” said Simon.

During a short discussion held as part of the event, Thailand Energy Talks; representatives from the Thai Biogas Trade Association (TBTA), the Electricity Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and Sumitomo SHI FW, a global provider of clean energy solutions, highlighted the direction of travel towards net zero, the rise in renewable energy and advanced technology adoption and the opportunities this presents energy sector investors both locally and internationally.

The SETA 2022 & Enlit Asia conference will attract many high profile speakers from Thailand and across ASEAN and address topics of strategic and commercial importance to the region’s power value chain.

Art Basel Announces Name, Leadership Team And Selection Committee For New Art Fair In Paris ollowing its selection in January by the Réunion des musées nationaux – Grand Palais as organizer of a new contemporary and Modern art fair in the iconic Grand Palais of Paris, Art Basel, together with its parent company MCH, announced the name, leadership team and Selection Committee for the show.

cultural industries – from fashion and design to film and music. The new show will be led by a senior leadership team.

The team based in Paris as part of a newly established French entity will spearhead the fair’s launch and build close relationships with galleries, collectors, artists, museums and institutions in the French capital and beyond.

The name Paris+, par Art Basel celebrates the city’s premier standing as a cultural epicenter and reflects Art Basel’s ambition to create a flagship event that radiates throughout Paris, highlighting the dynamic dialogue between its

Jennifer Flay, the long-term Director of FIAC (Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain) will join the team in March 2023 as President of the fair’s Advisory Board. The Selection Committee for the fair will comprise

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leading representatives from the French and international gallery scene. Clément Delépine, Director, Paris+, par Art Basel, says: ‘Even before my appointment, I welcomed the news of Art Basel’s selection to stage a new fair in Paris. The Art Basel team is committed to the highest standards of excellence, and I am immensely honored and humbled by the trust placed in me. I look forward to collaborating with the entire ecosystem of galleries, institutions, creative and cultural industries here in Paris to create a magnetic event for the city and the world.’

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

April 2022

Global News

Berlin Supports The Reboot Of Its Event Industry With Comprehensive Relaunch Programme Funding programme contains 13 measures for Berlin’s event industry Ÿ Global marketing campaign and a MICE Acquisition Task Force aim to increase visibility and draw new events to Berlin Ÿ BESTIVAL 2022: Berlin presents itself to national and international event planners from 25 to 26 August Ÿ

erlin is supporting the industry for conferences, events, and trade shows in the German capital with a comprehensive relaunch programme. A total of 13 measures are planned over the next two years in order to help Berlin's event industry come out of the coronavirus pandemic stronger.

These include global marketing campaigns, a MICE Acquisition Task Force for drawing new events, the international customer event BESTIVAL 2022 on 25 and 26 August in Berlin, the extension of the Berlin Congress Fund that provides funding to events in Berlin, and the expansion of the sustainability initiative "Sustainable Meetings Berlin".

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Burkhard Kieker, CEO visitBerlin said: "The Relaunch Programme will provide a significant boost to trade show and conference business. The event industry, which is so crucial to Berlin, can be successful again following two years of the pandemic. Our Berlin Convention Office looks forward to implementing the many good ideas with partners in Berlin from the fields of policy and business.”

BESTIVAL 2022: visitBerlin invites event and travel industry experts to

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the capital BESTIVAL 2022 is one of the biggest funding measures for the event industry.

The Berlin Convention Office and Market Management Department of visitBerlin, as well as partners in the Berlin event industry, invite German and international representatives from the MICE sector and travel industry to an innovative, festive event in Berlin from 25 to 26 August.

MICE Acquisition Task Force: getting event planners excited about Berlin In order to draw new conferences and events to Berlin, the Berlin Convention Office will implement a MICE Acquisition Task Force until the end of 2023. Agencies in the most important international markets, including the United Kingdom and North America, will support the Task Force in its international acquisitions.

Berlin Congress Fund: total funding increased The Berlin Congress Fund, established in April 2021 by the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public

Enterprises to support the city’s and the national conference and convention industry is being extended until 31 December 2022. The funding sum per event has also been nearly doubled.

Event planners now receive funding of up to 99,950 euros for their business event in Berlin. With the "Sustainable Meetings Berlin" initiative, the Berlin Convention Office has for years actively supported the city's event industry in becoming more sustainable. The package of measures further The Berlin Congress Fund, established in April 2021 by the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises to support the city’s and the national conference and convention industry is being extended until 31 December 2022. The funding sum per event has also been nearly doubled.

Event planners now receive funding of up to 99,950 euros for their business event in Berlin. With the "Sustainable Meetings Berlin" initiative, the Berlin Convention Office has for years actively supported the city's event industry in becoming more sustainable. The package of measures further expands the scope of consultation and training services, as well as the service for acquiring "Sustainable Partner" certification.

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Welcome Onboard

Hanif Shaikh Emirates Holding Group

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