Feb 2023

Chris Schimek

Freeman, the global leader in events, announced that Chris Schimek has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all event and exhibit operations across North America. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Event & Exhibit Operations, Chris will provide leadership and strategic direction for regional warehouse operations and local event logistics at venues across North America, graphics production, fabrication and custom exhibits.

Nick Davison

Nick Davison will join Tarsus as managing director of the labels division. Davison joins Tarsus from Hyve Group where he headed the Breakbulk portfolio, a global series of events for the project logistics and oversize cargo industry. In that role, Davison managed five events on four continents, as well as a monthly publication. His other roles have included running the Spring/Autumn Fair, the UK’s largest trade exhibition. Davison will begin his role at Tarsus in February.

Marija Erzen

Marija Erzen has been elected as Chair ESSA – the trade body representing the best contractor and suppliers to the UK events industry. Marija will be taking over from outgoing chair Lou Kiwanuka and will be utilising her significant 30 years of experience working in the sector to benefit the membership. She is a firm believer in the importance of an association, opting to become a founding ESSA member and part of its board in 2019. As co-owner and director of design and build company Solutions2, Marija provides a significant voice for the 45% of design and build contractors and privately owned SME ESSA members.

Ben Veechai

jwc, headquartered in Cologne, has announced the appointment of Ben Veechai as managing director for Southeast Asia. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Ben will grow and coordinate projectsranging from strategy consulting on performance measurement, venue planning, pricing, mergers and acquisitions, analytics, marketing, and training in the conference and exhibition space. Veechai, former vice president of marketing and corporate communications of Informa Markets Asia, is joining industry consultancy jwc GmbH as managing director.

Today the focus is on India & the right leadership will make all the difference

Today the focus is on India & the right leadership will make all the difference

“The role of a leader comes naturally. It cannot be taught or forcefully be drawn out. The first rule to motivate your team is to respect them for who they are and what they do - no matter what their job function is. Everyone is important in whatever they do. Once everyone knows they are being respected, their motivation to excel in their work will automatically follow.”

Ravinder Sethi CMD

R.E. Rogers India

ES. You have elaborate & diverse experience in exhibition industry. Please tell us about your professional journey so far, including the challenges you 've faced and the milestones you ' ve reached over the years.

Ravinder Sethi. My professional journey, or rather destiny, was very different from my desire.

My desire, after my Masters in Business Economics, was to be a Professor of Economics. Destiny, however, took me first into the logistics sector. And, ten years later, to become an entrepreneur and lead to where we are today. Desire differed with destiny but with no regrets whatsoever!

R E. Rogers India was incorporated in 1986 by my wife, Kiran, and I with a vision of handling exhibition cargo in India and abroad. This, in itself, was a great challenge as international exhibitions were so few and lack of good infrastructures a big obstacle.

We however, stuck to our vision and established ourselves as market leaders in this arena over the years - a position which we proudly still maintain. Over the years, we also diversified to other verticals i.e. defense, special import/export projects, free trade zone warehousing, sports, and entertainment events.

In recent years, we extensively expanded these other verticals. As a matter of fact, this expansion was most prominent during the covid times and became the backbone of our survival, revival, and growth. Our biggest milestone is being market leaders in all our verticals, both in the pre-pandemic and present period. This milestone is the result of having a rocklike infrastructure and an even stronger personnel expertise at all levels

ES. Can you briefly comment on expected headwinds / tailwinds for the Indian economy and how it’ll effect our exhibition industry?

Ravinder Sethi. Let me answer by comparing the global situation with our ground realities

The Ukraine war, tensions in Taiwan straits, stagnation, and growing inflation, are strong headwinds for the Western world today.

Interestingly, none of the above are having any significant effect on India. On the contrary, our strong economy, 6 8 percent expected growth, strengthening infrastructure, and a manufacturing shift from China, are all tailwinds for us. A possible headwind could be higher inflationary trends in the next few years.

R.E. Rogers on top of their game

So, on the whole, the above scenario will definitely reflect positively for the Indian exhibition industry. I predict a boom in the coming years. India’s time has come!!

ES. You are a prominent representative of India in the global exhibition industry. Please share your views on how the world views India today ?

Ravinder Sethi For years, I’ve been actively involved in various global forums (UFI, AFECA, IAEE, IELA, etc.) at senior levels. In our own IEIA, I’m a founder member and sit on the Executive Committee. In early years, it was a challenge convincing the world on the potentials of India Today, it’s a totally different story - the world is talking about India Shining!

There are, of course, still some issues which need addressing - more venues , more ease to do business, etc. But, on the whole, my job as an International Ambassador has become much easier

ES. What are views on education and training to equip the youth with the right skill sets for leading in the future?

Ravinder Sethi Education and Training of our youth is not just the key to success - it is critical for success ! I’m, therefore, a staunch believer and supporter in putting our youth to the forefront of our industry. My reasoning for this is very simple - they are our future and they have to be strong! For the implementation of my beliefs, I strongly back several industry youth programs, i.e. IELA’s Winter Seminar, AFECA’s MICE Youth Challenge, etc. There’s also an IEIA program in the pipeline - watch the space.

ES. What would you say are the biggest challenges faced by logistics service providers? How have you managed to overcome these challenges?

Ravinder Sethi At a macro level the challenge still remains with some bureaucratic hurdles. Though a lot has improved in the last few years, a lot more still needs to be done. It's amazing how customer friendly Customs have become. There is a need for an all-India Trade Fair Unit like what exists in Delhi. At the micro level, working in obsolete venues is still a challenge. The future here is looking good, with new and/or reconstructed state-of-the art large venues coming up. The other micro challenge is of very short build-up and even shorter break-down periods for almost all events today. Let me repeat what I said before a rock like infrastructure and an even stronger we have personnel expertise at all levels. This is how we overcome these challenges!

ES. What was the most logistically challenging event you have undertaken?

Ravinder Sethi. Interestingly, I can think of two events - one in 1986 and the other in 2011. In 1986, we handled a mammoth rock concert in Delhi. It had the likes of Sting and Springsteen. There was one 747 freighter filled with usical equipment. We had two fork-lifts, a rickety crane, and hundreds of workers! For customs, it was unprecedented. We had to dig into the archives to find the rules and regulations governing clearance of all that equipment. But, it all happened very successfully. We handled it with true grit, professionalism, loss of sleep, high blood pressure, and a prayer on our lips!

2011 saw the first Formula One come to India. We were appointed by the Indian promoters as exclusive customs and logistics handlers. This was the most challenging logistics assignment ever. We moved six 747 freighters in and out within a week plus huge amounts of sea freight. But with 50 fork-lifts, ample cranes, superb supervisors, limited workers, and quality systems, it worked. We subsequently also handled the next two editions of Formula One

ES. In 1986 you established R E. Rogers with your wife Has her role in the company changed?

Ravinder Sethi. Originally my wife, Kiran was a nonworking founding member of the company. When the company started, she had taken time away from running a fashion boutique to give birth to our second daughter. In time she joined our company initially doing administrative work such as sending telexes ("remember those") to being responsible for receivables and payables. Now, she is a full working member of the team, overseeing all administrative functions of the company. Her involvement with our international network of customers and suppliers is crucial

to our business. She represents RER at many international forums. We are partners standing side by side.

ES. What is the top piece of advice you would give to a foreign organizer wanting to do business in India?

Ravinder Sethi. Patience, patience, and patience.

ES. What is the "mantra" for your Success? And what is your vision for the future of R.E. Rogers

Ravinder Sethi The "mantra" of our success:

Ÿ We lead the way and set the rules.

Ÿ We keep pace with the fast changing digital and technical revolutions.

Ÿ We ensure quality, health & safety, environment, and sustainability is embedded in our work style.

Ÿ We maintain relationships, both internally and externally.

Ÿ We retain our culture and our humility.

My vision for the future is to continue to remain market leaders and always abide by the above "mantras".

In Conversation With Kiran Sethi

so had to learn from the very basic. I started with filing papers, sending telexes etc. but got more and more involved very fast – sat for the customs exams, slowly learning the ropes till I became a full time working Director . I looked after invoicing and payments in accounts along with some administrative work. Those were early times, but now R E Rogers has its name shining in the Indian and global exhibition industry and I am happy to be actively involved in the business today.

ES. What tips would you like to give to the women in this industry?

ES. What is your role in RE Rogers India? When & how did you start your career here and how has the journey been?

Kiran. This actually happened by default. I’m a textile designer by profession. We started the business in 1986. At that time I had just delivered our younger daughter and was taking a break from my career . As I was already a Director on paper, I decided to get actively involved almost immediately. I didn’t know anything about this business –

Kiran. The event industry has a great working environment and is very challenging. One gets to meet people from all walks of life and it broadens one’s horizon and views on different aspects of life and professionalism. This is something that gets into your blood – you begin to think and live exhibitions. I think that women today are confident and are contributing in every field. Corporate should encourage meritocracy over gender bias when they are filling leadership positions and for other roles as well There are fine examples of women who have done exceptionally well in the global exhibition industry and I believe they make exceptional leaders because of some inherent traits that women carry.

PROJENI PATHER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, EXPOSURE MARKETING, SOUTH AFRICA

ES. You have elaborate & diverse experience in the exhibition industry. Please tell us about your professional journey, including the challenges you 've faced and the milestones you ' ve reached over the years.

Projeni Pather I started my career in marketing, communication, and advertising, which laid the foundation for my future in exhibitions. During the early years, I relied extensively on the exhibition and events platform to deliver successful campaigns for many clients. Having seen the impact on my clients' businesses and the target audience, I found it to be the most effective marketing platform to achieve results. When I had my children, I found no exhibitions to assist me as a new parent. After much research into the market, I established my company, Exposure Marketing, in 2004 to launch the first baby and parenting exhibition, MamaMagic, in South Africa. MamaMagic became the continent's biggest baby and parenting exhibition, with four shows, an average of 800 exhibitors and over 100 000 visitors in attendance annually. Since its inception, Exposure Marketing has received many awards for Best Exhibition in its category and Excellence in PR and Marketing. Our innovative nature as a business also earned the Exhibition a Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Pregnant women under one roof, plus

a vast amount of worldwide media coverage for a record that had never been set before.

As exhibition organisers, we have a captive audience that considers us the conduit for relevant information and news on new products and services. We help our audience work more effectively by doing the research for them, linking them with a vetted audience, and positioning these businesses as leaders at the forefront of their sectors. Organisers can extend the marketing opportunities outside of the exhibition floor, apart from the 3- or 4- exhibition days; after all, business goes on all year long, so how can we extend our services to the markets we provide platforms to and establish an always-on business relationship that ensures our exhibition is the culmination of the year-long campaign strategies we offer. We must strategically utilise the data and insights we obtain to establish additional platforms for these sectors. The opportunities are abundant. In line with this strategy, Exposure Marketing established the MamaMagic Baby Expo as a sought-after community for parents searching for products and services and for businesses who want to launch new products, gain valuable insights, or grow their relationships with the parenting market and find new buyers and agents

A

Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) is committed to promoting the African exhibitions industry, encouraging businesses to invest and participate in exhibitions, affording our members the tools and resources for successful exhibition management, and

industry standards.

Over the past 18 years, the MamaMagic brand has expanded into additional platforms to serve an engaged audience. These platforms range from a magazine, a blog space, an awards programme, a baby registry, a trade conference, an online healthcare professionals directory and an online video parenting programme. The list is endless, but MamaMagic has become so much more than an expo to the parenting community and businesses within this market; it is the go-to space for all things parenting in South Africa, highly recommended by health professionals and the community at large.

Collaboration, education, crisis management and advocacy are at the core of industry associations. Hence, I have always played a key role in the relevant associations in our sector. Exposure Marketing, since its inception, has been a member of EXSA; in 2015, we were a founding member and board director to AAXO, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers; then, I was elected Vice-Chair in 2017 and Chair from 2018 – 2022. During the pandemic, I was instrumental in forming the SA Events Councils, a collaboration of over 14 relevant associations, that drove the narrative of exhibitions and events as economic enablers to reopen the industry. As the spokesperson for the council, I have played a key role on national media channels and in government advocacy to represent the full impact of the pandemic on the industry and the importance of being allowed to reopen exhibitions and events. Through this collaboration of minds,

we successfully got exhibitions and events back to business safely. My passion for exhibitions has propelled me to share my expertise through my writing and speaking opportunities. It is an honour to work with local and international organisations and professionals, which has expanded my knowledge base. As a teacher at heart, I love the opportunity to create learning opportunities and share thought leadership for the professional and personal growth of the industry at large. I am a charismatic keynote speaker who connects with audiences beyond the content and truly enjoys the engagement from the podiums on which I present my knowledge and expertise.

My vast knowledge as an advocate of the exhibition industry and my priceless experience has laid the foundation for Exposure Marketings' new business offering as an exhibition and marketing management agency. We now offer exhibition organisers searching for a professional, trustworthy agency to partner with in South Africa the opportunity to work with us and enjoy the benefit of our experience to replicate our successful formula for their local activation.

ES. Company's USP defines the differences between you and your competitors. Please tell us how Exposure Marketing sets itself apart from the competition by offering unmatched services to clients.

Projeni Pather. Exposure Marketing has been recognised for our excellent services more than once! We have won multiple marketing and exhibition management awards and are proud of our track record. We offer unmatched services to clients with a team of professionals who can be relied on to deliver consistently. We take the time to understand clients' needs and make sure that the deliverables are successfully met for each project undertaken. Our team of professionals is dedicated to your success, and we work hard to ensure that you get exactly what you need from us. Our innovative approach helps us stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic industry. Our full-service 360-degree exhibition management offering ensures that your exhibition consistently grows from strength to strength —from creative strategy, timeous service delivery, invaluable insights, and more. We're dedicated to delivering on our client's goals for their events and we've built our company around that commitment.

Projeni Pather has been elected as the new chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO)

We are a medium-sized agency that ensures a hands-on approach to our clients' projects, ensuring they get what they need when they need it most. Our professional and ethical ethos precedes our reputation; hence we are well respected by exhibition industry stakeholders. In addition, we have a national footprint in South Africa and are proudly a 100% black female-owned business with a Level one Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment BBEEE rating!

ES. What was your experience at your recent visit to the IEIA Open Seminar in Mumbai? Can you share with us the highlight of your session conducted at the event on "Maximising ROI for Exhibition Stakeholders?

Projeni Pather. It was truly inspiring to see the fast pace at which the Indian Exhibition Industry is building back. I was fortunate to meet and engage with thought leaders, business owners and young professionals from many member organisations. It was also wonderful to be part of the conversation on empowering women and the youth, who have the agility and skillset to organise and strategise core business activities to drive long-term business growth. More importantly, we need to see more women in the driving seat at the board level and ensure businesses follow through on the foundation that is laid at these open seminars.

As presented in my session "Maximising ROI", the world has emerged from the shadow of COVID, and exhibitions have become an important part of many companies' marketing strategies. Exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to interact with customers and prospects in a face-to-face setting, which had been wiped out during the pandemic and thus the reliance on other marketing channels to fill the massive gap

in human engagement. However, post-pandemic, stakeholders want more value for less investment. To achieve this, you must be able to measure your ROO (return on objectives) and ROT (return on time) invested at exhibitions—not just your return on investment. Despite India being able to catapult business on the exhibition floor post-pandemic, the reality is that the market has changed. As organisers, we must be cognisant of our customers' new expectations. We need to incorporate consistent research to gain strategic insights, embrace technology to bridge the physical and digital, show commitment to sustainability as the world shudders from the impact of climate change, and encourage customer engagement beyond the confines of the highly desired stellar exhibition booth.

ES. Could you share with us how AAXO is dedicated to promoting the African exhibitions industry? What were some contributions you made as AAXO's chairperson?

Projeni Pather. African Association of Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) is committed to promoting the African exhibitions industry, encouraging businesses to invest and participate in exhibitions, affording our members the tools and resources for successful exhibition management, and encouraging world-class industry standards. AAXO's commitment is evident in its determination to connect organisers to a network of suppliers and create opportunities for growth and collaboration continentally. AAXO is a non-profit organisation that serves as a platform for African exhibition organisers. It provides its members with opportunities to learn from one another, share best practices for improving their events, and connect with exhibitors and suppliers interested in working with them.

Delegates both from the vast expanse that is India as well as from other countries are keen to explore the exhibition possibilities of Africa

Proud moment when some of the Exposure Marketing team earned the internationally acclaimed @IAEE_HQ Certied Exhibition Management qualication 2 years ago

Some of the highlights of my contributions as Chair of AAXO included successfully launching a mentorship programme, a career resource portal, and the student internship programme. In addition, it was inspiring to learn again as I joined ten industry professionals in the first intake for the IAEE CEM programme on the continent. The crisis the pandemic brought onto the exhibition industry forced us to collaborate to find solutions; I was instrumental in forming strategic alliances with 14 other event associations and founding the SA Events Council. The pandemic also allowed me to showcase the wealth of knowledge and information in the AAXO Agile Leadership interview series and opportunities for our members to work together and continue professional development through resourceful webinars. I have stood strong as the spokesperson for government advocacy and on national media during this trying time to ensure that the exhibition industry's contribution to the GDP as an essential economic enabler was lobbied.

ES. According to you, what would be the top marketing trends of 2023 & how have marketing trends changed since the outbreak of the pandemic Covid 19?

Projeni Pather. There have been major shifts in consumer behaviour and expectations during the past two years. To keep up with this dynamic environment, brands must adapt

their strategies and tactics. Whatever the marketing goals, you need to be cognisant of the following: Customers want their experiences tailored specifically to them, so personalise the content. Mass emails or generic social media ads are no longer enough to grab attention. Use artificial intelligence to gather data about each user so that the content is relevant to the individual. While video advertising has been around for a while now, people watch more videos online than ever because it's more accessible thanks to smartphones, tablets and streaming services. Customers want information fast, and videos allow them to get what they want without scrolling through text. Make the content mobile friendly and easy to access from anywhere.

Social media continues to guide the conversation. There are many different strategies that companies can employ when using social media. Still, to be successful, you need an effective social media strategy that includes regular updates and engagement with your audience. In addition, customers want transparent communication and are invested in building relationships and forming communities over brands and products they use. Marketers must focus on distributing information to make their audience feel part of a bigger story rather than alone and isolated. Lastly, after the isolation during the pandemic, participation in exhibitions is a marketing necessity. It will continue to provide companies with a platform to connect face-to-face with customers and allow a full immersion of the human senses, creating experiences for personal engagement that will produce beneficial relationships, connections and communities.

ES. What is your leadership style? What, according to you, are your strong points?

Projeni Pather. I am an inclusive leader and pride myself on leading by example. I value the people I employ, the industry service providers, and my fellow exhibition organisers; I am always open to their ideas and suggestions, collaborating and working together to find the best solution. The Exposure Marketing office is a warm and comfortable working space that allows our team to thrive and their expertise and skills to flourish; we believe in always celebrating everyone's milestones, personal and professional. I am also an ardent mentor and thought leader in the industry, with regular contributions to media columns and interviews, keynote industry presentations, and master classes for the youth. I have built a business that has grown from strength to strength and has adapted to changes within the exhibition industry; we strive to remain relevant through innovation at all levels, from client service to digital marketing solutions we offer our clients today.

I believe in keeping abreast of trends and developments via continuous learning programmes, conferences, and the knowledge shared by inspiring thought leaders worldwide. I remain cool, calm and collected in the most challenging situations, and I am confident that there is always a solution to every challenge.

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?

Projeni Pather. Hobbies and past times are essential in making us holistically better equipped to work smarter and creatively and be more innovative in our solutions. I started my career in exhibitions when I saw a gap in the market to create a baby exhibition after the birth of my two children. Running my own business whilst bringing up two children was a challenging task. Still, the advantage of having an inspiring, supportive, entrepreneurial husband has made the journey in business and motherhood so much easier. As a woman in business, it's always challenging to find the balance; but I've discovered that with a good support system in place, anything is possible. It's never going to be a perfect balance, but it's about knowing when you need to shift your attention to nurture the pieces of your puzzle that make you uniquely you.

I am an avid reader, and apps like Audible have made it more convenient to consume books quickly and be inspired by the mystical adventures, thought leaders and emotional rollercoasters that the world of books brings to our senses. I also love keeping fit and healthy; exercise is a regular part of my daily routine, either strength training, yoga, or walking. It's great to manage stress, release tension, and keeps my mental health on track. On the artistic side, I enjoy sketching and pottery which keeps my creative spirit alive. Ultimately,

immersive experiences bring me joy, whether through travel, music concerts, art museums, live sporting matches, wine tasting, gardening, or cooking classes. The delight of the experience resonates with me. I replicate that on the exhibition floor by creating memorable, impactful experiences for the target audience.

ES. How would you summarise the year 2022?

Projeni Pather. The excitement of getting our shows on the ground this year was palpable. The opportunity to stimulate business in different sectors by reigniting the exhibition industry was a ray of hope for which we all had been waiting. But it has been tough; rebuilding the industry presented organisers with multiple challenges. From securing suitable dates and venues, exhibitors moving budgets to other marketing platforms, upskilling and rehiring personnel, and convincing visitors to leave the comfort of their homes/offices and attend exhibitions, we have had to rebuild the foundation for our industry. The demand for exhibitions still exists, but the value proposition has changed.

ES. What would you say to the industry if you had one message and one piece of advice to give?

Projeni Pather. Re-educating exhibitors on the opportunities and benefits of exhibitions is vital to get them to invest in them again. Stakeholders' expectations are changing, and they want more value. The pandemic has significantly changed the landscape; what worked pre-COVID may only sometimes work now. We must engage with our customers to understand their new needs, how their companies have evolved, their new business environment, and the industry challenges they face to provide them with the right solution. We will not retain customers if we adopt a 'one-size-fits-all' strategy.

ES. ELECRAMA is back in 2023. In your opinion, what is the significance of ELECRAMA for the industry?

Rohit Pathak Elecrama is our flagship event that has, over the years, become the largest exhibition for the industry globally. It is a platform that brings together the entire industry and all our stakeholders, not just from India but from across the world, under one roof – the Panaroma of Electricity, and now increasingly Energy.

ES. Please share with us your expectations from ELECRAMA 2023.

Rohit Pathak Like the previous editions of Elecrama, Elecrama 2023 will also bring to the fore the latest technology and solutions for the industry. The focus has moved from just Electricity to Energy, as we move towards green energy. This time we have increased the focus on Green/Renewable Energies, eMobility and energy efficiency, given the role these will play in India’s journey to Energy Independence and Net Zero. We also are showcasing the 12 finalists of our Startup Platform, ElectraVerse Spark, at Elecrama 23. There has been a very strong response from the industry for exhibiting at this edition and keen interest from the global industry to send delegations to interact and conduct business with the exhibitors

ES. Please elaborate on the vision statement for the

“We expect

over these 25 years of the Amrit Kaal period, the sector will see investments upwards of US$2 Trillion and ensure India is Energy Independent by 2047.”

Rohit

President

Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA)

industry from here on.

Rohit Pathak. There are three key tenets of IEEMA’s Vision for India@2047:

I) 6-8x growth in Electricity per capita (from 1.2k to 10k/capita)

ii) Renewables & eMobility, coupled with new technologies for Mass Storage & Green Hydrogen will ensure we scaleup in a sustainable manner

iii) India will emerge as a global leader in several of these technologies for Green Energy generation, storage and consumption. We expect that over these 25 years of the Amrit Kaal period, the sector will see investments upwards of US$2 Trillion and ensure India is Energy Independent by 2047.

ES. What are the opportunities for ‘Make in India’ in this sector?

Rohit Pathak. I believe the opportunities for the industry are immense. By 2030, we are confident that the industry will cross US$100 Bn in revenues, with over 25% exports We have moved quite rapidly to indigenise several key equipment over the past few years, and with several new PLI schemes such as for solar modules, battery, CRGO, semiconductor and copper tubes this will further gain momentum. In fact, the opportunity for us is not just for Make in India for India, but to Make in India for the World. As I say, aaj Bharat AatmaNirbhar ho raha hai, aage Vishwa Bharat par Nirbhar hoga!

that

Pathak

ES. Tell us a bit about the IEEMA report – New energy equipment outlook 2023

Rohit Pathak. In Dec’21, as India was gearing up to celebrate 75 years of our independence, GoI set out to develop a vision for India@2047 for various sectors. As IEEMA, we worked with DHI to develop the vision for the Electrical and Allied Electronics sector. As a follow-up to that, we have worked with EY, who is our knowledge partner for this, to flesh out some of the key growth areas for the industry. In specific, we have detailed out the opportunities for the industry to participate in Green Hydrogen, EV Charging Infrastructure and Battery Storage. The report gives a snapshot of the opportunity by 2030 in each of these three areas and what it will take by the industry as well as by the government to realise the potential of these

ES. Tell us something about Amrit Kaal report – Path to developed & decarbonized India.

Rohit Pathak. In keeping with

the times, at Elecrama 2023, we had constituted a Theme Sponsorship for Sustainability. Schneider Electric has taken up this sponsorship and as a contribution to the industry and the nation, they have developed a comprehensive approach of how India can achieve its Energy Independence by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070 goals, and how this could be further accelerated. The report covers 12 transformations of energy services will play a critical role in this journey

ES. Any comments on new / upcoming technologies that you are looking forward to and what will be the upcoming trends that will set the tone in future?

Rohit Pathak. Well, there is lots that is happening out there in this space. Solar and Wind are scaling up fast, Offshore Wind and Hybrid solutions are gaining momentum, Battery & Mass Storage Systems are in early stages of evolution with several competing technologies/materials in the fray, Green Hydrogen could be a big one. I believe the next few years we will see a fair bit of churn on the different technologies before a clear winner emerges in some of these areas. Hence, it is critical for us as an industry to stay closely plugged into the Startup ecosystem working on these themes and to also develop capability to quickly pilot and scale-up

ES. What message would like to share with the industry at this time?

Rohit Pathak. Well, I urge all participants at Elecrama to Explore (new opportunities, solutions, products), Reconnect (rekindle old friendships in the industry) and Create new alliances/bonds!

Dubai wins 232 bids for business events in 2022, almost twice as many as 2021

Business events are poised to make a vital contribution to Dubai’s economic development and tourism growth, with another exceptional year of successful bids for international conferences, congresses, meetings and incentive travel programmes. Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, said it won 232 bids for business events in 2022, almost twice as many as the previous year. Set to be held over the coming years, the events will bring in an additional 135,000 visitors including scientists, thoughtleaders and business executives to Dubai. Beyond their direct impact, the events, which include flagship conferences and congresses organised by international associations, as well as prestigious corporate meetings held by multinationals, will contribute to Dubai’s growth as a knowledge economy hub.

Dubai won bids for a record 57

association conferences in 2022, the highest achieved by DBE. The strong performance in 2022 represented a 95% growth in the number of successful bids from 2021 and a 92% increase in the number of delegates added to the pipeline – all further accelerating the momentum of Dubai’s growth. The major association events captured in 2022 included the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine WorldLab Congress 2024, International Congress of Endocrinology 2024, World Sports Medicine Congress 2024, World Congress of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologies 2026, and International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2028. Meanwhile, the corporate meetings and incentive travel programmes that

Dubai won bids for include IBM India and Europe Incentives 2023, Terpel Convention 2023, Envista EMEA Summit 2023 and Mary Kay Mexico Incentive 2024.

Steen Jakobsen, Associate Vice President, Dubai Business Events said: “Engaging with meeting planners globally throughout 2022, we consistently heard that they were impressed with the way in which Dubai’s business events sector rapidly rebounded in the wake of the pandemic and appreciative of the platform the city provided them to safely resume their events. This has built on many years of efforts to consistently develop Dubai’s offerings, across not only the business events sector but also the knowledge economy – and drive awareness of it among meeting planners and association executives. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our stakeholders in 2023 and leveraging our international partnerships to further elevate Dubai as a destination of choice ”

DUPHAT 2023 concludes with commercial deals worth over AED 6.12 bln

building in the industry. The success of the event was made possible by the strong cooperation between the public and private sectors to promote innovation and the use of new technologies in the pharmaceutical sector.”

The 28th edition of the Dubai International Pharmacy Technologies Conference and Exhibition, DUPHAT 2023, concluded in Dubai, generating exceptional interest from stakeholders across the pharmaceutical industry. The three-day global event saw commercial deals worth over AED6.12 billion, an increase of 20% from the previous year.

Organised for the past 28 years by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, DUPHAT is one of the Middle East and Africa region’s biggest scientific and medical events. A total of 1,147 companies from 82 countries exhibited pharmaceutical and medical products at this year’s edition. DUPHAT 2023, which attracted more than 26,000 visitors from around the world, also showcased a wide range of pharmaceutical innovation. His Excellency Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, and Executive Chairman of DUPHAT, said: "The AED6.12 billion worth of

deals generated by DUPHAT 2023 reflect Dubai’s stature as one of the world’s leading commercial centres and a major healthcare and pharmaceutical hub. The vast interest attracted by the event signifies the scientific, academic, and commercial value it offers to both the public and private sectors in the industry. We are committed to organising events that can help attract international investment to the UAE and promote commercial engagement with markets across the world. DUPHAT has made significant contributions to the growth of the pharmaceutical sector and the development of continuous medical education in the region and beyond over the last three decades. Through lectures and educational seminars conducted by leading experts, the event has provided a platform for advancing knowledge-sharing and capacity-

Dr. Ali Al Sayed Hussain, Director of the Pharmaceutical Services Department at the Dubai Health Authority and Chairman of DUPHAT, said: “The outcomes of this year’s DUPHAT Conference and Exhibition have exceeded our expectations. The event continues to play a vital role in catalysing the development of the medical and healthcare industries and the growth of the pharmaceutical market. The feedback received from global participants including the large markets of US and Europe confirm DUPHAT’s emergence as a major forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas that can shape the future of the industry”

The next edition of DUPHAT will take place in January 2024. The event is supported by the Dubai Health Authority, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology, European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, European Society of Clinical Pharmacy, and the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy

Thailand chosen a host of AFECA AGM

2023

Thailand is officially chosen as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held in October. The meeting will gather 155 member associations from 19 countries to discuss the elevation of MICE industry, emphasising Thailand as an international MICE leader.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, stated that “Thailand is officially declared as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held on October 2023 in Bangkok. This is another important event in MICE industry after the International Congress and Convention Association or ICCA announced the hosting of the annual general meeting

in Thailand in November. It demonstrates that international MICE organisations recognise the potential of Thai MICE industry and, thus, select Thailand as a destination country for the events.

“AFECA AGM 2023 is a gathering of Asian industry leaders and regional professionals in conventions and exhibitions. The theme of the meeting “ASIA UNITES” represents the intention to synergize Asia’s MICE community in creating new business events, elevating businesses and industries, and expanding the MICE industry's infinite possibilities in Asia, without leaving anyone behind.”

As a host country, Thailand will make ‘sustainability’ the milestone of the AFECA AGM 2023, focusing on People, Profit, and the Planet, and supporting the use of the materials for the event that are sourced from local producers and farmers, and they must

be produced with efficient use of resources and environmental-friendly process, including the destinations, the transportation, and the organisation that are well crafted to be in line with sustainability practices.

Furthermore, a policy of creating measurable impacts from events will also be implemented. The AFECA AGM 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s potential as a host of world-class event, which will increase the chance to attract new international exhibitions to Thailand. In the meeting, there will be a discussion on building a platform for industry leaders to share and transfer valuable knowledge that is in accordance with AFECA philosophy of fostering long-term industrial relationships among international peers, training domestic MICE entrepreneurs in order to raise their profiles to the international level, including networking session which will lead to business matching between AFECA members and the Thai exhibition entrepreneurs, such as organisers and venue operators.

Marvel Stadium to host AIME 30-year celebration

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), have announced that Marvel Stadium will play host to the much-loved AIME Welcome Event on 13 February 2023. Located in the heart of Melbourne and renowned for staging AFL, A-League and BBL action under their famous retractable roof, Marvel Stadium will welcome AIME delegates with a groundbreaking evening of food and entertainment. Produced by Peter Jones Special Events (PJSE), the evening has been designed to bring the business events industry together in celebration of AIME’s 30-year milestone.The venue announcement comes early with Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, explaining the teams could not wait to reveal the news.

“AIME, MCB, PJSE and Marvel Stadium have worked tirelessly to create a 30th anniversary extravaganza and we are delighted to make the eagerlyawaited venue announcement ahead of time. The business and events industry should take a moment for themselves to appreciate the hard work it’s taken to get us to where we are today,” said Julia Swanson, MCB Chief Executive Officer.

“As owners of AIME, we are delighted to be co-hosting the 2023 Welcome Event and to celebrate close to a third of a century of bringing the business events industry together, building connections and sharing knowledge at AIME, right here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne. AIME is now the foremost business events trade show in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a significant testament to the longevity and legacy of the show and its importance to the global business events industry.”

AIME 2023 is shaping up to be its best year yet with over 400 hosted buyers, over 2,000 visitors and over 350 exhibitors confirmed – more than 10,000 meetings have been prescheduled. The AIME show floor

includes new features: The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a new ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café where visitors can enjoy some pampering. A huge kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork, are some of the ‘touches of Australia’ delegates will be treated to throughout.

Kicking off AIME’s 2023 program on 13 February is the Knowledge Program – the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning. The program will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic, and will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers share their knowledge and experience.

UFI Global Barometer shows the global exhibition industry adapting to the post-pandemic era

FI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest, 30th edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research, which takes the pulse of the industry.

The results highlight the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022 and a positive outlook for 2023

While there is strong evidence that COVID-19 is behind in most markets, where the full recovery is expected in 2023, there remain a few markets, including China, where this full recovery is not anticipated in 2023. Globally, the level of operations continues to improve, with a proportion of companies declaring a “normal activity” gradually increasing from 30% in January 2022 to 72% in December 2022 and expected to reach 80% in June 2023 – aligning with prepandemic levels

Companies from most markets expect to deliver 2022 results close to their 2019 levels. In terms of operating profit, around half of the companies are declaring an increase or stable level for 2022 compared to 2019 levels and increasing to 7 out of 10 for 2023. Those results for 2022 were achieved with no public financial support for 69% of companies, and for half of those that did, this aid represented less than 10% of their overall costs.

The most pressing business issues also reflect how the industry is now focusing on post-pandemic challenges and opportunities: “Internal management challenges” (highlighted

by 20% of respondents), “Impact of digitalisation” (16%), and “State of the economy in the home market” and “Global economic developments” (both 15% of answers) are the most common ones. By comparison, the “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business” is now marked by only 5% of companies as one of the most important issues (compared to 19% twelve months ago)

“We can stop focusing on ‘postpandemic recovery’ – and move on! This 30th edition of our Barometer confirms that the recovery phase is ending in most markets around the world. While every market shows certain specifics, globally attention has shifted toward future challenges

Internal management – primarily staffing – and the need to further develop digitalisation are top of mind around the world,” says Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO at UFI.

Size and scope

This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry survey was concluded in January 2023 and includes data from 367 companies in 56 countries and regions. The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 21 focus countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the USA – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones

Operations

The highest levels of “normal activity” for the first half of 2023 on average are expected in Brazil (98%), Turkey and the US (95%), the UK (90%), Italy and Thailand (88%), and Spain and UAE (85%). In China, only 29% expect a normal activity, and 40% a reduced one. This overall very positive

outlook is driven by the fact that exhibitions can now be held everywhere in the world, except in some places in China. In parallel, new hygiene measures are reported in several regions (in more than 20% of respondents in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Thailand). In China alone, as of December 2022, and combining all markets, 55% of respondents declared that exhibitions could be held (usually with hygiene measures), 17% reported that “only local events” were and 28% said that events were still not allowed. Exhibition organizers participating in this edition of the Barometer were also asked to evaluate the “hosted buyers” packages, whereby the organiser invites and hosts selected visitors in return for a guaranteed amount of business meetings with exhibiting companies. Global results indicate that half of the respondents apply this concept, and while one in four of them are happy with the programmes, two-thirds declare having mixed results. Results vary significantly between specific markets, providing insights into opportunities for hosted buyer programmes.

Turnover, operating profits and public financial support

Globally, on average and excluding China, the revenues for 2022 and 2023 represent 80% and 94% of 2019 levels.

Colombia, France, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Turkey have performed well above this average in 2022 and the UK will join that group in 2023.

In terms of operating profit, the markets in all the countries analysed are above average levels in either 2022 or 2023, or both, except China, Germany, Italy, Thailand, and the US. Globally, 4% of respondents expect a loss for 2023, compared to 11% for 2022. The highest proportion of companies expecting a loss in 2023 is declared in

China (18%), Germany (17%) and Italy (11%).

While the highest proportions of companies receiving public financial support are identified in Europe and Asia-Pacific, there are significant differences across all regional markets, and the percentages of companies declaring that they received “no public support” varies:

Ÿ from 69% in the US to 100% in Mexico, for North America

Ÿ from 53% in Brazil to 83% in Chile, for Central and South America

Ÿ from 12% in Greece to 86% in the UK, for Europe

Ÿ from 67% in Saudi Arabia to 91% in the UAE, for the Middle East and Africa

Ÿ from 19% in Malaysia to 100% in India, for Asia-Pacific.

Key business issues

“Internal management challenges” is the key business issue for all regions, and it is the most selected issue for most markets. Within “Internal management challenges,” 67% of respondents selected “Human resources” issues, 44% selected “Business model adjustments”, and 31% selected “Finance”.

For Germany, Italy, the UK and the US, however, “Global economic developments” has become the most pressing issue. An analysis by industry segment (organiser, venue only and service provider) shows no differences with regard to the three most pressing issues, which remain “Internal management challenges”, “Impact of digitalisation” and “State of the economy in the home market”.

On the occasion of the 30th edition of the Barometer research, a special trend review has been undertaken to show how the industry’s priorities have changed in recent years. The analysis of the trend around top business issues

over the 2015-2022 period identifies several important shifts:

“Impact of digitalisation/Competition with other media” now ranks as the main issue, with 30% of answers (compared with 14% in 2015).

“Global economic developments/State of the economy in the home market” have dropped from the main issue in 2015 (44% of answers) to 22% in 2021 and 29% in 2022, while the “Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the business” fell from 29% in 2020 to 5% in 2022. And “Internal management challenges” has increased from 14% in 2015 to 20% in 2022. In parallel, “Sustainability/climate and other stakeholders’ issues” has doubled from 4% of answers in 2015 to 8% in 2022, while “Competition from within the exhibition industry” has dropped considerably, from 20% in 2015 to less than 8% in 2022.

Future exhibition formats: physical and digital events

In addition to the 88% of companies who are confident that “COVID-19 confirms the value of face-to-face events”:

Ÿ 26% (compared to 44% and 63% previously) believe there will be “Less international ‘physical’ exhibitions and, overall, less participants” (with 5% stating “Yes, for sure”, 22% stating “Most probably” and 31% remaining unsure).

Ÿ 57% (compared to 73% and 80% previously) believe there is “A push towards hybrid events, more digital elements at events” (with 10% stating “Yes, for sure”, 47% stating “Most probably” and 25% remaining unsure).

Ÿ 5% (compared to 11% and 14% previously) agree that “Virtual events are replacing physical events”, while 11% are unsure and 84% state “Not sure at all” or “Definitely not”.

Situaon of the industry operaons in the 2nd half of 2022, and current predicons for the 1st half of 2023

How do you assess the potential of “hosted buyers” packages whereby the organiser invites and hosts selected visitors in return for a guaranteed amount of business meetings with exhibiting companies?

For organisers only (7 answers in total)

World of Concrete returns with strong attendance

Informa Markets’ World of Concrete, the world’s largest tradeshow fostering the growing concrete and masonry construction industries, concluded its 49th annual event held from January 17-19, 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With 48,009 registered professionals, heavy foot traffic on the show floor and over 120 countries in attendance, the World of Concrete further solidifies itself as the critical meeting place for industry advancement.

“The 2023 edition of World of Concrete far exceeded our expectations. The crowded show floor and packed educational sessions proves how essential meeting face to face is, that it remains important now more than ever to have a space to connect, to learn, to share across the concrete, masonry and construction industries as a vital contributor to our economy,” says Jackie James, Vice President, World of Concrete. “In-person attendance is on its way back to pre-

pandemic levels and the World of Concrete event leads global trends in construction.”

World of Concrete took more than 587,000 net square footage of the convention center, with both indoor and outdoor spaces full of product displays, demonstrations and competitions. Notable highlights included unveiling of exciting new innovations, such as the first ever Mobile 3D Robotic Concrete Printer and AI Site Map Printer, top of the line work trucks with electric batteries and aerodynamic improvements, and the widest range of original manufactured equipment from excavators to wireless concrete sensors, AI-based platforms and modern materials like the ecodriven Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. This year World of Concrete also offered more than 160 technical sessions, including hands-on training, safety expertise and business development. Noted new additions to the 2023 education program were eight concrete basics and leadership courses presented in Spanish, a revamped

three-hour comprehensive concrete repair track, and new workshops focusing specifically on women in construction.

“Over 300,000 concrete contractors are employed in the United States and represent the backbone of the American and international workforce, says Kevin Thornton, SVP of Construction, Informa Markets. “World of Concrete is proud to support laborers in education and connection providing opportunity to advance the industry toward enhanced sustainability, efficiency and safety, and continuing growth.”

World of Concrete will return in 2024 for its 50th Anniversary, slated for January 23-25; Education January 22-25 in Las Vegas.

The Nigerian agrofood & plastprintpack industry will meet again for the highlight of the year. Organised by the German trade show specialists fairtrade, the 8th edition of agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria takes place from 28 to 30 March 2023 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Victoria Island. Here, global technology leaders from 11 countries showcase adapted technologies and solutions for the Nigerian and West African market in the fields of agriculture, food and beverage processing, ingredients, plastics, printing and packaging. The exhibitors come from Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Nigeria, Taiwan, Turkey, Tunisia and Spain.

One of the traditional highlights at agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria being the German Pavilion, this year 21 German exhibitors will be present. The German Pavilion is presented by the

German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and supported by the German Trade Fair Association AUMA and the German Engineering Federation VDMA.

A top level 3-day conference will again run alongside the exhibition. Key topics will cover beverage production & ingredients, supply chain evaluation, finance and others. As with the previous events, a 3-day Packaging Masterclass will take place parallel to the exhibition. It is organised by the African Packaging Organisation (APO), a member of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The target is to teach how companies can leverage food processing and packaging for retail trade through an Executive Certificate Course in Packaging Materials and Food Packaging Technology. Outlines Ahmed Alex Omah, President of APO:

“We are delighted to partner with fairtrade to deepen participants’ knowledge in packaging materials and food packaging technology. During the three-day programme, experts will lead discussions on topics such as sustainable packaging innovations, the need for standardised production and processing methods, access to finance and much more.”

After the great cooperation for the 2021 and 2022 event, fairtrade & OTACCWA, the Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, agreed to also organize the 5th West African Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition WACCSE by OTACCWA alongside agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria 2023. WACCSE is the only cold chain event in West Africa, the most valuable in-depth and comprehensive B2B networking cold chain event serving the pharmaceutical, perishable farm produce, storage, and distribution industries.

The 8th agrofood & plastprintpack

Nigeria to feature global technology leaders from 11 countries and a top level 3-day conference

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre gears up for busy year of major international events in 2023

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, part of ADNEC Group, is preparing to host major international exhibitions and conferences throughout 2023, welcoming visitors, exhibitors, and speakers from all over the world. Almost one third (33%) of these events will be taking place for the first time in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East, aligning with ADNEC Group’s efforts both to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as a capital for business tourism in the region, and to make a socio-economic impact, supporting the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi.

The Centre’s schedule in 2023 includes several events that will be held simultaneously. This will be possible due to the opening of the Marina Hall, the biggest specialized waterfront exhibition hall in the MENA region at an area of 10,000 square meters.

Marina Hall has helped increase total indoor and outdoor exhibition space to over 153,000 square meters, enhancing the Centre’s ability to host multiple events at the same time, and confirming its position as the biggest exhibition and conference centre in the MENA region.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “We at ADNEC Group are looking forward to another year full of diverse events, exhibitions and conferences, that enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a destination for business and leisure tourism in the region, and support the growth of this important sector in a way that achieves a positive return for the economy and society in Abu Dhabi and the UAE in

general. A busy schedule also contributes to the consolidation of the Group’s standing and its vital and fundamental role in shaping the future of the business tourism sector and is in line with the aspirations of our wise leadership for the next fifty years, supporting the development of local industries and the nation’s talent and knowledge base. We continue to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as an exceptional global destination by deploying modern facilities, advanced infrastructure, and high-quality services to host and organize all kinds of events that provide ideal platforms for event organizers, and bring together exhibitors, experts, decision-makers, and visitors from all over the world, allowing them to showcase the latest products and innovations in all sectors, as well as building a wide network of relationships between the most prominent institutions in the UAE and stakeholders around the world”.

Hello From Hong Kong! MICE Leaders Send Warmest Welcome as the City Opens up with Exclusive Hospitality

Hong Kong welcomes you! As all border control requirements involving quarantine, vaccination and pre-departure PCR testing have been lifted for visitors from the Mainland, Taiwan and overseas, Hong Kong is welcoming visitors with open arms and generous hospitality!

MICE Leaders Team up to Send Warm Welcome to the World

Key MICE leadersin Hong Kong joined in the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign to express their excitement about welcoming back business visitors to explore greater business opportunities going forward. Their positive testimonies underline the city’s core strengths and new commercial opportunities:

Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), remarked that Hong Kong’s world-class venues

have always been advancing, and that business events and visitors are welcomed back to HKCEC, now upgraded in a billion-dollar refurbishment.

world and the Mainland that is full of unrivalled advantages.

Irene Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, highlighted that venue’s strategic location in the city and heartfelt professional service, applauding Hong Kong’s excellent transportation network connecting the

Stuart Bailey, Chairman of Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association, said hello on behalf of the entire convention and exhibition industry in Hong Kong, representing event management companies and organisers, travel agents, association, suppliers, contractors and more.

Emphasising Hong Kong’s unparallelled edges that favour business activities, Margaret Fong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, raved about the city’s fundamentals.

Organisers also shared their excitement. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, Commercial Development of Informa Markets and Wendy Lai, Vice President, Global Sources Exhibitions,

were both thrilled to be staging some of the world’s largest shows in Hong Kong and confident that their shows in Hong Kong will scale new heights.

Welcoming Business Events Visitors with Hong Kong Goodies

To extend the biggest welcome to convention and exhibition visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has curated a series of exclusive Hong Kong Goodies to make their journeys in Hong Kong unique. Most goodies are tailored to make each business event trip even more fulfilling – there is a commemorative “Hello Hong Kong” Octopus smart e-payment card, welcome drinks, a ticket to M+, Asia’s first museum of contemporary visual culture, or one-time use of an airport lounge.

MICE & Cruise of HKTB, expressed, “We are excited to welcome back more business events with the warmest hospitality offers and brand-new infrastructure and experiences. Together with MICE industry leaders, we are confident that we will achieve greater success with event organisers and make Hong Kong the world’s meeting place for business events.”

A group of 30 overseas delegates attending Pet Show 2023 at HKCEC are the first to enjoy complimentary welcome drinks at the nearby Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

An array of enticing welcoming offers from over 16,000 outlets across the city have been put together by the HKTB and the tourism and hospitality sectors to welcome back visitors, including those in Meeting and Incentive sectors.

Strong Business

Momentum to Showcase Hong Kong’s Appeal as World’s Meeting Place

This year, Hong Kong has more than 100 international MICE events scheduled, providing excellent platforms for different sectors to seize business opportunities. Some of the events are held for the first time in Hong Kong and the region. Hong Kong will also welcome events relocating back to the city after the pandemic. Their return points to Hong Kong’s peerless fundamentals and infrastructural advantages, as well as promising growth potential and business opportunities for trade shows and events.

Kenneth Wong, General Manager,