May 2021

Rs. 125

May 2021 Vol 8 Issue 10 Voice of Asia’s Exhibition & Convention Industry

Conversations With: Carina Bauer CEO, IMEX Group

Leighton Wood COO, MCEC

Taubie Motlhabane CEO, CTICC

Alan Pryor General Manager, KLCC

Cover Interview “It is important that we use this time to recalibrate our businesses and take concrete steps to ready ourselves for a new operating environment when international travel resumes.”

RAYMOND LIM Area Director, India & South Asia (New Delhi) Singapore Tourism Board

Editor’s desk Over the past few weeks India has overcome many sad milestones in the fight against covid-19. The official number of deaths from the pandemic crossed 300,000. Nearly half of them, close to 1.5 lakh deaths, have happened during the second wave, starting from the second week of February. India already has the world’s third largest death count. Only the United States, which has recorded over 5.84 lakh deaths, and Brazil, which has seen 4.48 lakh deaths, have a higher death count. Many nations have expressed their concern over an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases in India. In such times, leaders and activists across the world have not only extended their solidarity but also shipped resources to help India fight the second wave. Indian MICE industry, that was hit so hard due to the pandemic, has succumbed to a new low, as it lost many of its shining professionals this month. The untimely demise of Balasubramanian has left the entire industry in shock. No words can explain the irreparable loss and void that he leaves behind.

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PSU BUZZ

The ray of hope now lies with the COVID-19 vaccine. India has been using two vaccines – Covishield by the Serum Institute of India & Covaxin by the Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech, while the Russian based Sputnik V has also just entered the Indian market. According to the sources, US based Pfizer is likely to supply 50 million COVID vaccines to India in 2021, subject to certain terms and conditions.

And finally, another US giant, Moderna is expected to start manufacturing its vaccines in India following an analysis with Mumbai based Cipla, among some other Indian firms. In a recent announcement by the 'Finance Ministry, Government of India has decided to consider exhibition-cum-convention centres under infrastructure sector. A finance ministry notification said convention and exhibition centres had been included in the harmonised master list of infrastructure sub-sectors under the social and commercial infrastructure subsector.

On-site exhibitions are setting an example of hope during these times when the whole world is engulfed in the Covid-19 pandemic, the success of Airport Show2021, Arabian Travel Market 2021 and many more have proven that we will bounce back soon. Our May issue of Exhibition Showcase is punctuated with the latest news & updates along with exclusive interviews & insights from the world of exhibitions and conventions. We have featured Raymond Lim, Area Director, India and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board on the cover. As you turn over the pages, we have tried to highlight the preparation of IMEX's 10th edition this November with Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX; seamless experience offered by the venues (Cape Town International Convention Centre & Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre) & converse with Leighton Wood as he bids adieu to the industry while leaving behind a successful legacy. With lot more updates from the world of exhibitions, all at your fingertips, flip across the pages at will and enjoy the read!

Stay safe and happy reading,

Best Regards

WHAT’S INSIDE Pg. 08-09

World Map

8-9

Headlines From Across The World

Pg. 10-11

Industry In Pictures From The World Of Social Media

Pg. 12-14

Quick Bytes

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Re-start Of Foreign Business Sends Positive Signals For Messe Düsseldorf

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Home & Gift 2021 To Co-locate With The Manchester Furniture Show

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SISO Welcomes CDC Relaxation Of Restrictions And News Of Shows Returning Stateside

Pg. 15-24 15

Exhibition Industry Lost A Dynamic Leader, Wonderful Friend & A Compassionate Human Being

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NürnbergMesse Expresses Its Solidarity With India

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Ujjwala Singhania Takes Over As 38th National President FICCI FLO

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Techtextil India: First Hybrid Edition Moves To November 2021

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An Open Letter To PM For The Revival Of Industry

Pg. 26-48

Interviews

26-29

Exclusive Conversation With Raymond Lim Area Director, India & South Asia (New Delhi) Singapore Tourism Board

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Exhibition Showcase Talks To Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX

36-38

In Conversation With Leighton Wood, Chief Operating Officer, Melbourne Convention And Exhibition Centre

39-42

Exhibition Showcase Talks To Taubie Motlhabane, CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

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In Conversation With Alan Pryor, General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Pg. 49-60

Global News

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2021 Chicago Auto Show “Special Edition” Scheduled For July 15-19

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Metalloobrabotka to Go Live In Moscow From 24 To 28 May 2021

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B-Travel to be Held in June With the Aim to Reactivate Spanish Tourism Sector

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Messe München Welcomes Positive Signal For Openings In Autumn

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Liverpool Pilot Events Have No Impact On Covid Spread In The Region

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Upcoming Events Calendar 2021

North America

Dubai

Russia

The B.C. government has launched a $50-million program to help tourism operators, Premier John Horgan announced on May 18. Businesses that have more than 150 employees are eligible to apply for up to $1 million, while smaller destinations and tour-bus operators will be eligible to apply for up to $500,000.

The money is to come from a $100 million fund that the province first announced in its budget last month.

Eligible expenses include payroll, rent and utility costs. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), for example, has asked the province for $8 million in order to survive.

Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) will be staged for the eighth time at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 24 to 26. As a colocated event of the 20th edition of Airport Show, will see 50-plus speakers addressing the participants, both physically and virtually. The collocated show will take place across 12,000 square metres of exhibition space with participants expected from at least 90 countries. Other co-located events include ATC Forum and Airport Security along with new conferences focusing on Airport Passengers’ Experience and Airport Digital Transformation.

Vaccine Tourism takes Indians to Russia. A Dubai-based travel agency has started offering a 24-day package tour from Delhi to Moscow. Under it, they will take travellers to Russia, offer them two shots of the Sputnik V vaccines, along with the certificates.

A 20-day sightseeing package is also included for travellers to spend the interval between the jabs. The package is worth Rs 1.29 lakh and will cover everything, including the cost of getting the vaccines. Indians can travel to Russia after getting an RT-PCR test done. The first batch, a group of 30 people left on May 15 and have already received their shot.

China China’s exports surged 32.3% over a year ago in April as global consumer demand strengthened, while imports rose 43.1%. Exports rose to $263.9 billion, in line with the previous month’s growth but down from the explosive 60.6% rise in the first two months of 2021, customs data showed. China’s global trade surplus narrowed by 5% to $42.8 billion, an indication demand is recovering faster in China than in the rest of the world.

Europe

Africa

Singapore

The European Union on Wednesday (May 19, 2021) agreed to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers, including Americans, and people from a list of COVID-safe countries that will be determined later this week ahead of the summer tourism season.Visitors from outside the bloc who have received EU-approved vaccines — including those from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — will be allowed to enter European Union countries without having to take a test or quarantine upon arrival.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a successful visit to Paris, in France, where he participated in the Summit on the Financing of African Economies hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The Summit, said the Presidency, called for a swift decision on and implementation of an unprecedented general allocation of the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).The SDRs are expected to amount to 650 billion US dollars, of which 33 billion US dollars will be used to increase reserve assets of African countries.

Singapore authorities have provisionally approved a COVID-19 breathalyser test that aims to show whether someone is infected with the coronavirus in under a minute, according to the local startup that developed the product.Breathonix, a spin-off company from the National University of Singapore (NUS), said it is now working with the health ministry to run a deployment trial of the technology at one of the citystate's border points with Malaysia.

Industry In Pictures From

In the conference, you will learn from our expert speakers and panelists on Hong Kong's road to economic recovery; how organisa ons can a ract and retain talents and to nurture their growth in the post-Covid era; insights on digital strategy for trade show organisers; and to discuss the plans for tourism recovery in Hong Kong.

First industry conference since a very long me.

Great job UFI team!

Further strengthening Singapore-India strategic es, many supplies along with 2 Oxygen tanks donated by Binance Charity Founda on supported by Chem Gas Pte Ltd & Air Liquide & facilitated by FICCI were sent via INS Navy Ship to India recently.

New Bou que Events Center in Sao Paulo!

Located next to the Anhembi Exhibi on Pavilion, the new Center will assist tradi onal pavilions in side events, segmented fairs, congresses, corporate events and other types of celebra ons.

It is a project with an investment of R $ 800 million in a construc on area of 100,000 m2.

D.C. invites shows back as business events and seated conven ons have no capacity limita ons star ng 5/21. Large sports and entertainment venues will con nue to operate with limita ons un l June 11.

The Korea Tourism Organisa on have been telling us about the latest developments in South Korea, which is reopening for business events.

Plenty of exci ng new hotels and projects! #eventprofs

“The visitor comeback to our physical trade shows has been be er than expected, especially from small and medium enterprises”, Informa Markets Asia CEO Margaret Ma-Connolly says at #ufiasia Conference #ufievents

Exhibi ons will rise again and YOU know why!

Accompany your #GED2021 picture at sunrise with your strong message explaining the value of trade shows for a faster recovery of economies.

The 9th Mee ngs Week Poland (MWP) was devoted to the mee ngs industry transforma on. Par cipants saw the opportunity to create a market from scratch and make a difference - even with pandemic challenges!

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

The World Of Social Media

#ASSOCHAM in associa on @moayush and @mdniy is organising a series of virtual sessions on yoga to promote and spread the message of ‘Har Ghar Mein Yoga’ The inaugural session was inaugurated by @yasministry MoS

Virtual isn’t going away. Prepare you and your team with insights from the Virtual Event Produc on track from last year’s #ExpoExpo.

Access the 2020 #ExpoExpo session recordings on IAEE’s Knowledge Hub.

When COVID-19 first struck Singapore last year, it seemed as if life came to a stands ll. This could not be further from the truth for the team at Singapore Airlines Cargo, who worked relessly round-the-clock to ensure that Singaporeans had con nued access to daily necessi es and medical essen als.

LAST chance to submit your entry for PATA Gold Awards 2021! The awards have set industry standards for tourism excellence and innova on across the Asia Pacific and beyond since 1984.

Boost your organisa on's public profile through interna onal media exposure!

On #Interna onalNursesDay, FICCI salutes the #frontlineworkers working selflessly in the face of extreme hardship to bring the country out of this crisis. Hear ul thanks of a grateful na on to our healthcare heroes: FICCI President Mr Uday Shankar.

June 2, 2021: #AEFI supports the @UFI_GED_2021 by @UFILive. Italian trade fairs are ready to reopen and restart: this is the main message of the protagonists of this fundamental sector for #madeinItaly. @mauriziodanese1president of AEFI.

Hear elt thanks to all our Covid warriors who’ve been a great help in managing the Oxygen helpline along with providing real- me updates for its availability in Delhi NCR. #EEMAthankseveryone

Food safety and healthy living are ge ng even more important in mes of global pandemic!

NürnbergMesse China is proud to serve the Chinese organic industry. What a great 15th anniversary for BIOFACH CHINA 2021!

#MSMEs are the key to country's economic growth and therefore deserve a favourable ecosystem and Govt policies for their growth: @power2sme Director (External Affairs) HP Kumar, during #ASSOCHAM's Haryana MSME Samvaad

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Quick Bytes

May 2021

51st IHGF – Delhi Fair-2021 Opens Virtually The 51st edition of virtual IHGF of Delhi fair (19th -23rd May, 2021) was inaugurated with message of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for the success of 51st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair. In his message,the Prime Minister appreciated the richness and diversity of our handicrafts which has been a unique feature of our nation’s culture and heritage. Generations of artisans and craftsmen from different regions have enhanced the appeal, adding colour and vibrancy to the products. He further mentioned that the fast changing times, powered by digital technology have helped the handicrafts sector to further enhance its resilience. The up-scaling of durable, user friendly products will help the sector expand and deepens its outreach, he added. The 51st IHGF Delhi Fair 2021 is India’s largest Virtual Fair in the Home, Fashion, Lifestyle, Textiles and Furniture sector and an exclusive B2B online platform is developed to assist the buyers from all across the globe to source from India. The Fair organised by the EPCH will see participation of 1500 plus manufacturers and exporters showcasing 2000 plus product expressions and overseas buyers from over 85 countries.

Re-start Of Foreign Business Sends Positive Signals For Messe Düsseldorf

Paperex South India To Take Place From 23-25 November 2022 At Chennai Trade Centre

Indian Hotel Industry Takes Over Rs1.30 Lakh Cr Revenue Hit In Fy21, Seeks Govt Support: FHRA

Messe Düsseldorf reports slightly higher figures than expected for the 2020 financial year. It has countered the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic by continuing to bank on cost savings and working on strategic measures. These include digital events such as the recent virtual.drupa in April, to name but one. The new formats resulting in the process will supplement physical trade fairs in future creating even more added value for exhibitors and visitors. Messe Düsseldorf Group has succeeded in slightly revising its turnover upwards to EUR 136.8 million for the business year 2020 against the preliminary figures published in December 2020 (EUR 131.5 million). Compared to the high-turnover year 2019 (EUR 378.5 million) the Group posted a 63.8% decline in sales due to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic. The loss after tax amounts to EUR 53.5 million. Early this year the Russian business also managed a re-start.

Russia’s leading fashion trade show CPM – Collection Première Moscow with 10,762 buyers and 550 fashion brands marked the business re-start at the exhibition centre run by the Moscow cooperation partner Expocentre.

6th edition of Paperex South India expo will take place on 23-25 November 2022 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

Paperex South India, organized by Hyve India Pvt. Ltd. is the extension of Paperex, world’s largest paper show to provide a unified business platform with unlimited opportunities for paper & allied industries. Paperex South India aims to bring together the expert group of exhibitors, industry professionals & targeted visitors base to tap into the booming paper and pulp industry in South India. Eventually, the exhibition advocates growth by sharing knowledge and latest technologies through various technical seminars lead by the renowned experts revolving topics such as the dynamics, improvement and implications for pulp and paper industry in India. The paper industry in India has become more promising as the domestic demand is on the rise. While Paper & paper products market in India to reach $13.4 billion by 2024, the domestic consumption is projected to rise to 23.5 million tpa by 2024-25.

The Indian hotel industry has taken a hit of over Rs 1.30 lakh crore in revenue for the fiscal year 2020-21 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India said. The apex industry body said it has submitted representation to the Prime Minister and a few other union ministers urging immediate support from the government to save the hospitality sector from imminent collapse and has requested for several fiscal measures for this. "The Indian hotel industry's total revenue in FY2019-20 stood at Rs 1.82 lakh crore. As per our estimates, in FY2020-21, approximately 75 per cent of the industry's revenues got wiped off. That is more than Rs 1.30 lakh crore revenue hit," the FHRAI said in a statement. The businesses are steadily closing and nonperforming assets (NPAs) are rising, it added. Since March 2020, the industry has been struggling to manage its statutory and capital expenditure obligations.

Repayment of loans with interest is not just difficult but impossible under a more severe economic environment due to the present surge, FHRAI Vice President Gurbaxish Singh Kohli said.

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May 2021

IELA Sets Alarm Clock For GED2021 The international Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) has been an avid supporter of GED over the past 6 years since the very first edition was announced. By celebrating the day with key messages & finding creative ways to engage the community worldwide, GED has developed into a strong tool giving power to leverage the industry, of particular importance as recovery is finally programmed following many months of being hard hit. IELA personally ranks GED high on the list as THE annual event for the whole industry to create a common community experience. Its members profit from the opportunity to annually rethink their role as logistics service providers in the value chain by incorporating the GED key messages into the IELA value proposition. Following the impact of the GED2020 campaign, it is with great pleasure that IELA presents GED2021 RISE AGAIN. Elizabeth Niehaus, IELA Executive Officer, explains in more depth “In our beloved industry, we have the power to unlock amazing opportunities. We have based our campaign on the fact that exhibitions have been in polar darkness over the past months. Our shows and vertical industries are now waiting for the sun to rise again.”

Home & Gift 2021 To Co-locate With The Manchester Furniture Show

CII To Host Packaging Expo & Conference From 18-25 May The Confederation of the Indian Industry (CII) is set to host an online exhibition and knowledge-sharing forum — Packaging Expo and Conference — from 18 to 25 May 2021. According to the organiser, this event intends to transform the packaging sector by enabling the exchange of ideas, fostering dialogues and creating strong linkages. It is set to cover varied aspects of the packaging ecosystem such as the need and impact of the antidumping regulations and tariff barriers on imports and processing, sustainability and innovations in recycling among other topics. “With Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps as its central theme, the conference is slated to cover concepts that focus on a broad spectrum of opportunities, challenges and best practices. The event will enable the leaders to engage in discussions that promote inclusive growth,” said a press note shared with WhatPackaging? The Expo and Conference is supported by Tinplate Corporation of India, Aquachill, Sigma Capseal, EPL, Electronics Devices, UFlex, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) and Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Association of India.

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Organiser of the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, Clarion Events, has announced that it will be taking place from 18-21 July 2021 at the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate. The event will mark the 60th anniversary of Home & Gift. Clarion Events also announced that the event will be co-located with Home & Gift’s sister show, Manchester Furniture Show. The Manchester Furniture Show, will feature over 70 brands, and will welcome over 5,000 specialist furniture and interiors buyers to the event. The show aims to offer the retail industry an in-person opportunity for buyers and brands to unite and do business. Show director Russell Rule said: “We are delighted to be able to run Home & Gift as planned this summer, co-located with Manchester Furniture Show, as we know that the industry has been waiting a long time for this opportunity to meet, network and do business at everyone’s favourite summer show. We can’t wait to welcome the industry back to live events, and in the meantime we look forward to sharing our fresh modern look and our new digital launch, REVEAL, very soon.”

Olympia London Announces New Partnership With Trafalgar Entertainment Olympia London has announced a new signing with Trafalgar Entertainment, who will be taking on a 70-year lease to run a theatre with a 1,575-seat auditorium. It will be the largest new permanent theatre build of its kind to open in London since the National Theatre in 1976. Olympia London’s redevelopment will see owners Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International funding over £1.3bn to expand the site. The plans have been informed by five years of research with event organisers, exhibitors and visitors whose feedback included the desire for overnight accommodation, additional onsite working spaces, more options for restaurants and bars, and pre and post-event entertainment. Trafalgar Entertainment will join lifestyle and entertainment brands AEG Presents that will run the live music venue, and Hyatt and citizenM that will run two hotels, as anchor tenants of the new site. Olympia London MD, Nigel Nathan, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Trafalgar Entertainment to run this new theatre and enrich the programme of cultural entertainment offered here in the heart of West London. It is our goal to enhance our clients’, visitors’ and exhibitors’ journey with us and offer experiences to them and our local community.”

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Quick Bytes

May 2021

Bavarian Government Sets 1 September Date For Resumption Of Exhibitions

SISO Welcomes CDC Relaxation Of Restrictions And News Of Shows Returning Stateside

Accor ‘Unveils The World’ With New Global Campaign

The Bavarian state government is to allow the resumption of exhibition operations from 1 September, 2021. It is a decision that allows for more planning security for exhibitors and visitors. NürnbergMesse welcomed the decision taken on 18 May, which includes the further easing of coronavirus measures. Dr Roland Fleck, joint CEO of the NürnbergMesse Group, said the decision sent an important signal for all exhibitors and visitors to tradefairs planned in the autumn. “We welcome the decision of the Bavarian state government, which is taking an important and correct step. The possible restart on 1 September gives our customers more planning security and perspectives for our exhibitions in the autumn.”

NürnbergMesse joint CEO Peter Ottmann said his company and its service partners were well prepared for the planned restart: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have been in constant liaison with the health authorities.

Together, we have developed a comprehensive hygiene concept that makes safe tradefair operations possible.”

The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) has described the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decision to recommend that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors is “a reason to celebrate”. SISO’s newsletter update also highlighted the 1.45 billion vaccine doses administered across 176 countries (as of 16 May), and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine being approved for use in children aged 12-15 in the US. Events have been returning across the US in recent weeks, and convention centres and cities (like Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York) are reopening soon. In June, Informa Markets is set to produce World of Concrete at the new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. On 22, March, Reed Exhibitions USA got back into the live face-to-face (F2F) channel when it safely opened the tradeonly Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The event attracted nearly 3,000 buyers and 170 exhibitors from across the US.

Accor is pleased to announce its “Unveil the World” campaign – a celebration of the return to travel, the approach of summer, and the joy of great hotel stays. With travel restrictions easing across many destinations worldwide, along with significant pent-up demand among travelers, the campaign is a signal of Accor’s confidence in the resurgence of travel, while reinforcing the company’s growing focus on the leisure segment. “Our hotels and resorts are ready to welcome back guests and have successfully implemented our ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness protocols, which go beyond local and national requirements.

This should help reassure travelers as our hotels are amongst the safest hubs for anyone resuming their leisure or business activities. Moreover, we are offering flexible rates and last-minute cancellation on All.com so that our guests can plan their holiday with a carefree spirit. Our Accor teams are working very hard to make sure we can deliver everyone’s vacation dreams this summer,” said Patrick Mendes, Chief Commercial Officer at Accor responsible for Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Loyalty.

SITE & Hilton Enter New Strategic Partnership Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), the global voice of the incentive travel industry, recently launched a new strategic partnership with Hilton, a leading global hospitality company with more than 6,500 properties worldwide. Hilton will play an active role in the SITE community, participating in global events and integrated marketing efforts. The company will also host SITE Classic – slated for September 08-11, 2021 at Hotel del Coronado, a Curio Collection by Hilton. The strategic partnership provides Hilton with the opportunity to engage with SITE members through live and on-line events and various communication platforms, including SITEGlobal.com. “Hilton is excited to grow our partnership with SITE and continue our mission of listening to and expanding our audiences and offerings in innovative ways to meet the evolving industry landscape,” said Vito Curalli, executive director, international sales & industry relations, Hilton. “We look forward to bringing our expertise in the incentive travel market to a new set of sophisticated and savvy travel planners around the world.” Aoife Delaney, CIS, CITP, Director of Marketing & Sales at The DMC Network and President, SITE, added.

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News Buzz

May 2021

Exhibition Industry Lost A Dynamic Leader, Wonderful Friend & A Compassionate Human Being A Humble Tribute To Bala

s India reels under the second wave of the pandemic, renowned leader of the exhibition industry, Mr. S. Balasubramanian, who was the Executive Director & COO at IMTMA & BIEC, President at Indian Exhibition Industry Association and Secretary at IAEE India Chapter passed away on 10 May, 2021. The untimely loss of Balasubramanian has left the entire industry in shock. No words can explain the irreparable loss and void that he has left behind.

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Balasubramanian, who was fondly called “Bala,” is survived by his wife and two sons. He was associated with IMTMA since 2007, headed the trade fairs division which organizes IMTEX and regional machine tool shows across various cities in the country, besides being the COO of BIEC – India’s leading green exhibition facility. Prior to

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joining IMTMA, he had worked with Informa Group, Intech Trade Fairs & Wisitex Foundation. With over 2 decades of experience in the exhibition industry, he had always considered himself a student as he believed that learning never ends.

His association of being part of BIEC for 10 years and IMTEX for 50 years were some of the big milestones of his career. He headed IEIA in one of the toughest times for exhibition industry and it was a huge challenge guiding and spearheading the industry during the global pandemic.

In a number of occasions he had expressed his gratitude to IMTMA and IEIA for placing their trust in his work and for the opportunity to serve the exhibition industry. What can we say more about Mr. S. Balasubramaniam, he was a remarkable person, a friend of friends and a great human being who always had a smile on his face. A very loveable person, humane to the core, caring like a big brother and always being there like a true friend and guide.

Bala was also a true sportsman at heart who loved to play football. On many occasions he had expressed his love for good food! He spoke informally and

openly with all colleagues and was always open to suggestions. He brought out the best in people and lead by example.

Bala believed that people, process and planning are the three key pillars to success.

He had an uncanny quality of quietly observing and finding out what one likes to do and would encourage you to do that chosen job. Bala was a workaholic and would usually work for 10 hours daily. He was an early riser and maintained a daily diary of his scheduled tasks any given day. Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, expressed, “Bala’s untimely passing creates a hole in our industry second in size only to the love and devotion he held for exhibitions and the international exhibition community.

I rarely met such a kind, warm, and competent person. We have lost a colleague and a friend, and my heart goes out to all those closest to him.”

In an interview with Exhibition Showcase last year, when he was asked to share his message to the industry, Bala had said, "Exhibition industry is passing through a difficult phase and has seen some big disruptions in terms of revenue. However, at the same time it has thrown up new opportunities to reinvent itself and connect with customers more strongly and closely through technology. This shows that nothing can stop us from moving ahead and break the bond between two human minds.”

You will be deeply missed Bala!

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News Buzz

May 2021

TAAI Appeals To IATA To Waive Annual Fees & Extend Financial Security Deadline The Financial Security renewal is scheduled for 30th June, 2021 and this year due to the withdrawl of Iffco Tokio General Insurance from providing extension/renewal of securing the the airlines against agency defaults, the burden of the member travel agents has fallen on the Association to include members into its Joint Bank Gaurantee Program. Agents can also provide their own Bank Gaurantees to IATA but, the banks are asking for over 100% as colateral to provide the same. Over the last two years TAAI has been appealing to MoCA and IATA to rework Financial Security towards protecting the travel agents from Airlines defaults and its suspension of services, which has impacted the travel agents by several hundred crores.

AAI organised a interactive webinar for its members on Friday, 7th May, 2021 along with IATA on GoLite Accrediatation v/s Standard IATA Travel Agency Accrediation & IATA Easy Pay. Over 250 members attended the session from across India’s 20 Regions & Chapters of TAAI.

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IATA-India was represented by Mr. Amitabh Khosla, Mr. Rodney Dcruz and Mr. Ritham Saha who presented the accreditation options available to agencies under the NewGen ISS. The presentation featured comparisions on accreditation models to the members.

Due to the pandemic lockdown, travel agents across India were undergoing challenging times on IATA’s stringent and rigid compliances.

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The comparison shared by IATA on GoStandard v/s GoLite, stated that members opting for GoLite would be exempt from providing to IATA, Financial Statements, Annual Financial Review and Financial Security. The GoLite agents would be required to make payment for its sales on cash and carry basis only from the funds available in its EasyPay account, which are held with two empanelled banks with IATA, being Yes Bank and Standard Chartered Bank in India. Although with no assurance from IATA or any operating airline in India that Ticketing Authority would be made available to all agents.

The airline/s reserve their right to allot the same to agents on selective basis.

Mrs. Mayal stated that the same has been placed once again in the forthcoming APJC – India meeting for consideration.

TAAI - President, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal during the interaction has strongly voiced the concern to IATA, to reconsider the extension of Financial Security by one more year and also asked for a waiver in Annual Fees considering the global pandemic. Sales of member agents over the last one year has dropped to less than 5% of the total sales it conducted in financial year 2019-20. Due to the same TAAI too has rebated its members on its annual membership fees.

TAAI and IATA ensured that individual questions of all members present were taken and answered to the satisfaction and clarity of all agents, during the interactive session. Mr. Rodney Dcruz and Mr. Ritam Saha were prompt in answering all queries and acknowledged suggestions put forth. More such interactive sessions and training programs are on the anvil between IATA and TAAI for its members in the coming months.

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News Buzz

May 2021

The Indian Metal Fairs - Wire India, Tube India, METEC India And India Essen Welding & Cutting Have Been Rescheduled To 23 - 25 November 2022 n view of the impending uncertainty during these pandemic times, Messe Düsseldorf India has decided to reschedule the combined events of wire India, Tube India, METEC India and India Essen Cutting & Welding. The event which was originally scheduled from 08 - 10 September 2021 at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, is now scheduled for 23 -25 November 2022, at the same venue.

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Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf India, states: “Our objective

remains to support the economic recovery by providing a leading platform for conducting businesses safely and effectively at our trade fairs. But the recent development in the pandemic situation does not allow a reliable planning for our trade fairs in India for the next few months.

These circumstances make it impossible to hold the Indian Metal Fairs in September 2021. The decision to reschedule the fairs to November 2022 was taken after careful evaluation of the situation together with our partners and key stakeholders. “ With this decision, Messe Düsseldorf India is taking

into account its obligations towards its partners of the metal and metallurgy industry sector in India and world-wide.

The postponement to a later date will ensure that the event will continue to play its leading role in bringing the global industry stakeholders together once again.

“We trust that by 2022 the international travel restrictions will be lifted and we will again see a large international participation given the international nature of our events. We are grateful to all our partners for their continued support in these unprecedented times.

Medical Fair India International Exhibition And Conference In New Delhi Have Been Rescheduled To 07 - 09 April 2022 n view of the impending uncertainty during these pandemic times, Messe Düsseldorf India has decided to reschedule the Medical Fair India edition in New Delhi. The event which was originally scheduled from 19 21 August 2021 in New Delhi, is now scheduled for 07-09 April 2022 at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

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Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director, Messe

Düsseldorf India, states: “Our objective remains to support the economic recovery by providing a leading platform for conducting businesses safely and effectively at our trade fairs. But the recent development in the pandemic situation does not allow a reliable planning for our trade fairs in India for the next few months. These circumstances make it impossible to hold Medical Fair India in August 2021. The decision to reschedule

the fairs to April 2022 was taken after careful evaluation of the situation together with our partners and key stakeholders.”

With this decision, Messe Düsseldorf India is taking into account its obligations towards its partners of the healthcare and Medical industry sector in India and worldwide. The postponement to a later date will ensure that the event will continue to play its leading role in bringing the global industry stakeholders together once again.

The Glass Events – Glasspex India, Glasspro India, Fenestrationpro India Have Been Rescheduled To 03 - 05 March 2022 n view of the impending uncertainty during these pandemic times, Messe Düsseldorf India has decided to reschedule the combined events of glasspex India, glasspro India and fenestrationpro India. The event which was originally scheduled from 23 - 25 September 2021 at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, is now scheduled for 03 -05 March 2022, at the same venue. Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf India, states:

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“Our objective remains to support the economic recovery by providing a leading platform for conducting businesses safely and effectively at our trade fairs. But the recent development in the pandemic situation does not allow a reliable planning for our trade fairs in India for the next few months. These circumstances make it impossible to hold the Glass Events in India for September 2021. The decision to reschedule the fairs to March 2022 was taken after careful evaluation of the

situation together with our partners and key stakeholders.”

With this decision, Messe Düsseldorf India is taking into account its obligations towards its partners of the glass industry in India and world-wide. The postponement to a later date will ensure that the event will continue to play its leading role in bringing the global industry stakeholders together once again.

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May 2021

NürnbergMesse Expresses Its Solidarity With India NürnbergMesse procures oxygen concentrators for its contribution to CoVID relief efforts in India Nuremberg-based company Hans Müller HMP Medizintechnik supplies the medical equipment eacting quickly to the dramatic coronavirus situation in India, NürnbergMesse invested in procuring 50 oxygen concentrators for the CoVID relief efforts, including care for it’s employees of subsidiary NürnbergMesse India and shipped them by air freight. For CEO Dr Roland Fleck, there was no question but to assist and contribute to the efforts of the subsidiary in this hour of need expressing support and solidarity with India as country. “In this hour of medical crisis and emergency, we stand by our team in India.

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We are also ensuring home-care and bridging the critical time”, he said. His fellow CEO Peter Ottmann added: “In

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our company, collaboration knows no national borders. This applies for our efforts to contribute and assist our colleagues in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi just as it does for all our other locations.” The Indian Consul N. Ramakrishnan, based in Germany, was present when the medical equipment was delivered, and was highly appreciative of this assistance: “We are very grateful to NürnbergMesse for this contribution to CoVID relief efforts in India.”

Nuremberg’s Mayor Marcus König believes that the trade fair company’s resolute action sends a powerful signal: “NürnbergMesse is modelling solidarity and leading by example as a municipal

holding company!” Another Nurembergbased company assisted with the procurement of the oxygen concentrators, which are in short supply everywhere in the world these days.

Despite globally strong demand, the company Hans Müller HMP Medizintechnik GmbH made the necessary equipment available to NürnbergMesse. These devices are mainly used for home and CoVID basic care centres.

NürnbergMesse India Managing Director Sonia Prashar had turned to Dr Roland Fleck and Peter Ottmann for help in procuring the oxygen concentrators as part of the CoVID relief activities in India.

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May 2021

ACMA Automechanika New Delhi Makes A Successful Virtual Debut With More Than 1,200 Auto Component Products On Display

arnering the presence of both domestic and international visitors on its platform, the ‘firstever’ virtual edition of ACMA Automechanika successfully concluded after two days of proactive networking, sourcing and knowledge sessions.

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Held from 22 – 23 April 2021, the virtual fair showcased a variety of automotive components and aftermarket products from 81 exhibitors on board, including top brands like: Schaeffler India, eBay, ITW, Ajit Industries, Benara Udyog, Elofic, Steel Impex, KK Lighting, Industrias Del Recambio, Farad Italy, Indo-MIM Pvt Ltd, and Esteem Auto Pvt Ltd. The digital platform garnered the presence of industry visitors from all corners of India, including major cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Cochin, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Srinagar.

Moreover, the event also attracted visitors from 49 countries across the globe, including: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Germany, UAE, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Russia. The maiden virtual edition of ACMA Automechanika was inaugurated

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by the organisers, Messe Frankfurt India and ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India), who shared: “2020 was one of the most challenge-ridden years for us all. But it is time now to shift gears and focus on development and continuity of business.

This objective is at the core of Automechanika’s vision as the leading trade fair brand for this sector. I hope all the attendees benefit from the interesting discussions and virtual connections during these two days which we will soon transform into face-to- face encounters at the physical tradeshow of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi in 2023,” Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd. Also addressing the industry and the attendees tuned-in live, Mr Deepak Jain, President, ACMA, in his address commended the resilience and potential of the Indian aftermarket industry: “The Aftermarket in India is probably the most vibrant and fastest growing segment of our industry. In 2019-20, it stood at USD 9.8 billion, with a CAGR of 12 percent while the overall turnover of the

auto component industry stood at USD 50 billion with a CAGR of 8 percent.”

“It is interesting to note that last year, which was probably the most challenging year for us due to the out-break of the pandemic, all segments of the industry, be it supplies to OEMs, or exports or the imports, suffered badly, however, the aftermarket remained robust. This reflects the undying spirit of the aftermarket as also its strong potential.

That apart, our exports stood at USD 14.5 billion in 2019-20 and 20% of this are directed to the aftermarket,” Mr Jain elaborated. Even amid the lockdowns, the aftermarket industry continued to remain one of the key business drivers on the back of rising demand for personal mobility, second-hand vehicle sales and car repairs.

Having visited ACMA Automechanika’s virtual platform for the very first time, Mr Ashish Sethiya, Director, Sethiya Motors, summarised his experience: “As a firsttime visitor of ACMA Automechanika New Delhi my experience at the online edition had been good. I met several exhibitors at the fair today like Mahle, Vishnu Karma, Maya Auto Cop & others. I would definitely say that this exhibition is beneficial for businesses in the automotive sector.”

Over the two day of the virtual fair, a total of 1,233 products were put on display including seven product demonstrations which provided buyers with a wide variety of options to choose from. The virtual product demonstration feature particularly enabled the visitors to gain detailed knowledge on the latest automotive components displayed at the fair.

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Ujjwala Singhania Takes Over As 38th National President FICCI FLO contribute largely to the SME sector which plays a vital role in industrial development of our country.

s Ujjwala Singhania has been

appointed as the National M President of FICCI Ladies

Organization (FLO), the oldest womenled & women-centric business chamber of Southeast Asia. She took over as the 38th President of FLO at the FLO’s 37th Annual Session in presence of eminent personalities including Smt. Smriti Irani, Honourable Minister for Women & Child Development, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Honourable Minister for Rural Development, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India among others. As the 38th National President of FLO Ms Singhania will focus on empowering women by facilitating an enabling environment that promotes entrepreneurship, industry participation and economic development of women.

Under her leadership, FLO will carry out many interventions towards fostering larger contributions of women in India’s Industrial and economic Growth story.

Speaking about her new role, Ms. Ujjwala Singhania, National President 2021-22 said “It’s an honour for me to be the National President of an organization like

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FLO which has had such an illustrious history of working towards the development & empowerment of women. I have been a part of this women’s consortium for over 19 years & the collective mission of the organisation is to encourage and facilitate women to showcase their talents, skills, experiences & energy across sectors and verticals for a truly inclusive economic growth trajectory. This will not only help me to drive a wave of positive impact in their life but will also assist me to put an optimistic impact on the entire society at large” “Women are making vital contributions to the nation’s industrial output.

However, with less than 14% women entrepreneurs in India and the country’s female workforce participation declining, we need to unlock the vastly untapped potential. FLO believes that in the wake of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and the fourth industrial revolution, it is an opportune time for us to promote enterprises and build the start-up ecosystem. For women to succeed as entrepreneurs, FLO will continue to provide the requisite skills, opportunities, and access to information and knowledge. Women already

FLO is committed to sustainable industrial development as a means of achieving economic prosperity, both for women and the country”. Said Mrs. Ujjwala Singhania. Other Initiative verticals like Textiles, Rural Development planned for this year will support local-level scaling up of enterprise and economic development initiatives for women. interventions for the promotion of India’s Handloom & Textile industry, help women associated with agricultural activities, promote women’s participation in National & International trade. Celebrating India’s 75 years throughout 2021-22 will also be a large focus for us at FLO. Apart from all this FLO will also organize Conclaves, Trade Expos & set up Industrial Parks for 100% women-owned manufacturing industries. This will enable them to carry out transformational changes in the life of women.

Ms Singhania hails from the fourth generation of one of India’s leading business families, the JK Organisation.

She is a director at JK International, a firm that invests, through private equity and venture capital. She is also a Director at General Data Private Limited, a Company specializing in software development and engineering analysis.

She is a natural leader who strongly advocates for women’s empowerment.

Her drive and tireless efforts, to make a difference to women in all walks of life, led her to initiate the FLO Women Directors initiative in 2015. With time Ms Singhania realized that there was a need to bring about gender parity into the boards of corporate companies.

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May 2021

Finance Ministry Grants ‘Infrastructure’ Status To Convention Centres In India finance ministry notification said convention and exhibition centres had been included in the harmonised master list of infrastructure sub-sectors under the social and commercial infrastructure sub-sector.

“Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre is included in the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Sub-sectors by insertion of a new item in the category of Social and Commercial Infrastructure,” it said.

plenary halls, business centres, meeting halls etc.

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The benefits available as ‘infrastructure’ projects would only be available for projects with a minimum built-up floor

area of 1,00,000 square metres of exclusive exhibition space or convention space or both combined. This includes primary facilities such as exhibition centres, convention halls, auditoriums,

As of now, the major projects under way in the sector are backed by the government – the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centres at Dwarka as well as Pragati Maidan in the capital. The infrastructure tag no longer involves significant tax breaks but would help such projects get easier financing from banks, said experts. However, restrictions on size may be a dampener for some ventures.

"A PARTNERSHiP THAT TRANSFORMED AN ENTiRE CiTY"

Congratulations to FEXPOCRUZ for winning the UFI Industry Partner Award "Alliances and success stories: the future of the exhibition industry during and post the pandemic".

RAVINDER SETHI CHAIR OF THE UFI INDUSTRY PARTNER WORKING GROUP

“Despite the challenges that our industry is currently facing, we had extremely strong finalists for our Industry Partner Award -Alliances and success stories: the future of the exhibition industry during and post the pandemic. On behalf of our esteemed jury, I want to congratulate FEXPOCRUZ (Bolivia) for winning this prestigious award . We are very impressed by the successful modernization of the FEXPOCRUZ Venue through their strategic alliance with FANCESA. A partnership that transformed an entire city.”

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May 2021

Techtextil India: First Hybrid Edition Moves To November 2021

ndia's leading trade fair in technical textiles, nonwovens and composites, originally scheduled in September 2021, has now been postponed to 25 – 27 November 2021. On account of the developments around the current Covid-19 situation and its relative impact on the safety, wellbeing and continuance of business, Messe Frankfurt India has taken this decision in consultation with industry stakeholders.

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Even as companies look forward to economic revival, the continued difficulties posed by the pandemic makes it necessary for industries to recover, plan and prepare before they can get down to business. The organisers feel that moving the show ahead will allow this additional time and is a necessary step that will in-turn create a healthy business environment when the industry can finally come together.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd said: “We are glad to have the support from the industry and our exhibitors whose interests are at the centre of this decision. Exhibitors, just like organisers, are working around

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undefined parameters which require adequate planning flexibility. We are all committed to putting up a great show!”

Elaborating on working together with venue and service providers to align safety measures, he further added: “Right now, our focus is on the well-being of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and all stakeholders and we pray for everyone to be safe and in good health.

In the coming months, our efforts will be strongly focused on meeting the safety imperatives and working in co-operation with venue authorities and service providers to implement a comprehensive safety concept, aligned with government guidelines.”

Technical Textile sector remains future focused Proving its growing importance in these critical times, technical textiles emerged as a power sector with advanced solutions in protective textiles, antiviral and air-purifying furnishing fabrics and home textile products, anti-microbial coating among others.

During the critical stages of lockdown when global trade came to a grinding halt, the medical textile industry proved

its resilience in meeting demand for protective textiles while also providing a much-needed boost to the economy.

From being a primary importer of PPE kits to becoming its “second largest producer” in just two months, India had exported over 20 million PPE kits and more than 40 million N-95 respirators around the globe including countries such as the US, the UK, the UAE, Slovenia and Senegal, by the end of 2020. Even in these challenging times, the industry remains future-focused and prepared to meet vital demand for medtech, agri-tech, geo-tech, sports-tech, and infra-tech, home tech among others.

A key exhibition in the business calendar, Techtextil India will continue its critical role in highlighting solutions and innovations that are need of the hour across twelve key application areas.

With a comprehensive safety concept under the 'MFISafeConnect' standards, Techtextil India will open its doors from 25 – 27 November 2021 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre Mumbai. This will be the first-ever hybrid edition as the trade fair will be held as a physical expo in conjunction with its online event on the same dates.

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May 2021

An Open Letter To PM For The Revival Of Industry

Jyoti Mayal, TAAI President, penned an open letter to the Indian PM, citing the dire need for intervention to save the industry. Excerpts; e are compelled to write to you and divert your attention from more important matters prevailing in the country. Our members of travel and tourism trade at large is affected phenomenonly since over 14 months. We highlight a few points which require your immediate attention. Travel and Tourism employs over 11% of the total work force in the country.

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We generated 10% of the National GDP. The largest in services sector contributing to USD 234 billion in 2018 and Foreign Exchange earning over USD 30 billion in 2019. From 2015-19 there were 14.62 million additional jobs that were created.

1. Livelihood / Survival of Our Trade: Our member entrepreneurs; travel agents and tour operators and their employees; have not even been able to do a business of more than 5% as compared to the pre-lockdown/prepandemic times since the last 14+ months.

Basic Survival has become a challenge.

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While our members tried their level best to sustain their staff for a few months, however with the global scenario undergoing the second and third wave, are compelled to reach out to you for guidance, assistance and encouragement so as to take care of the livelihood of the personnel working in the trade. The worst hit are our junior and mid level teams, who are unable to survive ever for basic needs. They include, frontline counter staff, ticketing staff, tour planners, accountants, the airport representatives, porters, drivers, guides, sales and marketing staff, administrative team etc. The middle and senior members, including the owners are affected too. Bad debts from clients, interest on bank loans/ overdrafts, EMI’s, increased insurance premiums for staff etc. Further, with no respite whatsoever in statutory complainces like PF, ESIC, Professional Tax, GST, Income Tax, TDS etc. and with the introduction of the New Irrational Tax like TCS ensures that our establishments are forced to close down.

Although respite through MSME loans was given by the Hon. Finance Minister, to existing loan/overdraft holders, who had obtained them prior to February’20.

However, there has been no consideration for our members who were working on their own finances, to obtain new co-lateral free loans/overdraft and rebated interest thereon. Many banks and financial institutions have blacklisted Travel and Tourism organisations being non-revenue

generators since April’20. Even the existing limits, if any have been reduced We seek your attention in providing immediate support to all engaged in travel and tourism: A. Moratorium for atleast 2 years from all loan EMIs for our staff and members.

B. Grant of Rs 10,000/- per month per employee for the next one year until normalcy resumes. This shall be paid back, free of interest to the Government in installments over 24 months thereafter or deducted at 15% of their salary and paid back to the exchequer.

C. Fresh co-lateral free loans/overdraft faciltities to our member organisations and personnel be provided at rebated interest for a period of atleast 5 years until things are restored back to normalcy. This shall give support to them to meet their administrative overheads and promote travel and tourism effectively. The same could be computed on last 3 years average.and personnel be provided at rebated interest for a period of atleast 5 years until things are restored back to normalcy. This shall give support to them to meet their administrative overheads and promote travel and tourism effectively. The same could be computed on last 3 years average. D. Income Tax Holiday for next 5 years for member Travel Agents and Tour Operators.

E. Rebates on Digital payments: The Credit Card companies / Banks are charging between 2% to 3.5% for payments received through credit card or wallets. This is hindering the purpose, revenue and ease of doing business. In todays Digital India, which was initiated by your goodself, has lost its steam for people making payments to us by debit/credit cards.

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Further the airlines too are not accepting digital payments from us vide creditcards or wallets, due to the same reason of higher percentage of deductions by the banks. This should be brough down to 0.5%.

F. In the current scenario where many small establishments, like our members, are trying to work from home. With zero income, they have cutdown on their lease rentals. Work from Home should be considered as an establishment for registered travel agents/ tour operators, as many authroities are not permitting official addresses at residences. This should be directed through your good offices so as to safe guard health and safety.

G. May we also urge you to direct the States to consider waiver and reduction of electricity charges / water taxes / property taxes / stamp duty / commercial licence fees / other local taxes for another 3 years. This shall help and support the trade to survive. H. Syncronisation of all employee benefits like ESIC, Professional Tax, PF, Gratutity etc. under one head so as to ease compliances and do business effectively, smoothly and motivate us to generate more revenue for the country.

Hon. Pradhan Mantri ji, We do not seek grants as alms, but seek support in terms of repayable loans. This shall be repaid back to the Government post the 5 year period after the crisis ends. This shall only be an interim working capital for survival and revival along with ease of doing business.

2. Industry Status for Travel & Tourism along with Cabinet berth for Tourism and Culture Ministry: Sir, We have been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for years. Hon. Minister Shri Prahlad Singh ji Patel is one of the most dynamic Ministers along with his team of Secretary, Shri Arvind Singh ji and Director General-Tourism Smt.

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Rupinder Brar ji. They have been a source of inspiration and proactive in listening to us over the last year. The Ministry has taken our feedback and suggestions on the revising of MDA guidelines, the new SoPs for opening up tourism very positively and implemented the same.

This being the largest service sector in India, we ensure that tourism to and from India is promoted to generate bilateral trade around the world. Incredible India has rich heritage and culture be it through arts and crafts, dance forms, music, food & cuisine, road trips, rail tours, but also has the best beaches, mountains, waterways, landscapes, deserts, temples, places of worship, nature and wildlife, medical tourism, agricultural tourism, camping, student tourism, promotion of yoga, Buddhist circuit, adventure tourism, festival tourism, spiritual tourism, sports tourism, MiCE, Weddings, Film tourism etc. Our members promote all verticals with ease and grace as our culture has embibed into us “Athithi Devo Bhava”.

Tourism-led growth hypothesis postulates that expansion of travel and tourism activities generates economic growth, resources and technology inside of the economy, additionally by expanding foreign exchange earnings in inbound. You are well aware that there is a reasonable relationship between economic growth, tourism and financial development.

The contribution from this Ministry and the Trade especially in the last 5 years, deserves a Cabinet berth in your Government. Travel & Tourism was one of your key stakeholder partners in ensuring to make India the USD 5 Trillion economy. We have already submitted proposals to the Ministry of Tourism as well as Ministry of Civil Aviation on policies for insurance protecting our members from global airline bankruptcies, consumer protection, travel insurance, tourism

fund, Special Tourism Zones, structuring it for ease of doing business.

Strategizing for setting up an efficient regulatory body along with TAAI and other stakeholders in the travel and tourism trade with MoCA and MoT like SEBI / IRDA etc. which shall not only protect the interests of the general public but also of the principals, travel agents and tour operators. This shall also ensure that every Travel & Tourism organisations/professional registers with the Ministry though us, which shall safe guard, no fly by night operators mislead the traveller/ tourist and appropriate guidance and quality service is rendered.

Our members spend over 50% of their earning towards salaries and wages of personnel working in the trade.

Education, Research, Continuous Education and upgradation of knowledge is an ongoing process to keep our clients well informed in this competitive world with technology. We continue to endevour our drive to do business, escalating to higher standards and achievements, for which your intervention and support is being sought to provide Industry Status to Travel & Tourism in India.

This shall ensure overall economic growth, increased job oppourtunities, higher revenues, technology development in the trade. We at TAAI assure you that, once again under your leadership, India shall re-gain its title of being “Sone ki Chidya”, within the next 5 years.Our humble request to you is to call for an emergent meeting of the Task Force on Travel & Tourism along with us, the stakeholders under your aegis.

We at TAAI assure you that we shall strive to drive the change, to make the industry more resilient and productive, along with our full support to the Government. We shall grow to fulfil the dreams of making India a 5 Trillion Dollar Economy by 2023 ensuring travel and tourism contributes to over 15% to the national GDP by then, with your support and encouragement.

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EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATION RAYMOND LIM Area Director, India & South Asia (New Delhi) Singapore Tourism Board posting capacity. I am very glad that my organization has placed confidence in me to head offices in Indonesia and India which are among the top source markets of visitor arrivals and tourism receipts for Singapore.

ES. The tourism sector is one of Singapore's key service sectors and economic pillars. How does Singapore Tourism Board undertake the marketing and promotion of Singapore as a top tourism destination?

Raymond. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector contributed 4% to Singapore’s gross domestic product. Tourism plays an essential role in reinforcing Singapore’s status as a vibrant global city that is a magnet for capital, businesses and talent. STB strives to ensure that tourism remains an important pillar through long-term strategic planning, driving innovations and ensuring excellence in the tourism sector. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

ES. Having expertise in the tourism industry, please tell us about your professional journey and major milestones achieved so far in your exciting career.

Raymond. I have the privilege of being exposed to different aspects of tourism work in my 24 years with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). About half that time was spent in various portfolios in tourism infrastructure, leisure industry development, precinct development and leisure marketing, and the other half in 4 overseas posting stints in Russia (2012-2015), Indonesia (2003-2006 and 2015-2019) and India (2019-present). I like to believe that I have an important role in the business of creating and promoting memorable experiences of Singapore. This mindset gives me the drive to remain energized, knowing also that it is an honour to promote my country especially in my overseas 26 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

STB has an extensive network of 21 regional offices spanning the globe. Our physical presence in the key markets enables us to better understand our customers and build deeper connections with trade partners. This helps us to develop and execute marketing initiatives effectively and communicate more intimately with our target audience.

On 26 November 2020, STB announced a new initiative, SingapoReimagine, for the global and local tourism communities to share ideas on how to reset and revive tourism. As travel gradually resumes, the story of new experiences – for both leisure and MICE – will be told through SingapoReimagine. STB will work with international and in-market media, key influencers as well as content and trade partners to engage our audiences in key markets to drive the anticipation for travel in Singapore.

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May 2021 strength in maintaining Singapore as a top of mind destination among our Indian target in this segment include: Our overall appeal as a family friendly destination We are known for our safety, convenience, high level of hygiene and the availability of a wide range of tourism experiences including good edutainment Ÿ The popularity of cruising from Singapore among the Indian leisure visitors has further helped us to maintain our edge in going after Quality Tourism.

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India is the third largest source of international visitors to Singapore. It is also one of the top source markets for cruise and MICE. STB has had its operational footprint in India since 1993. Through our 2 regional offices in Mumbai and Delhi and 2 marketing representative offices in Chennai and Bangalore, STB maintains its position as one of the most active National Tourism Organisations in India and is always looking at innovative ways to execute marketing initiatives and trade outreach programs.

Some of the more recent initiatives that have broken new grounds include our partnership with BookMyShow in a 4part episode of “My Singapore Connect: Where Passions Meet”, country partner of the multi-city food and entertainment carnival Zomaland across 10 cities, 4-leg panIndia virtual b2b roadshow, and a partnership with St+art India Foundation in a cross border collaboration between an Indian Gond artist and Singapore’s urban artist to create one of the tallest murals in Singapore.

ES. What does Quality Tourism mean for your work in India?

On the MICE front, our slew of support schemes has been instrumental in helping us attract quality and high-profile M&I groups from India over the years, making India one of Singapore’s top source MICE markets. These schemes are developed to help the corporates and MICE travel intermediaries develop a higher value M&I itinerary in Singapore and facilitate a quicker decision in destination selection. They are periodically reviewed to ensure Singapore remains competitive and maintains its edge as a MICE destination of choice.

ES. What are some necessary steps undertaken by STB to ensure the relevance of tourism in the current business environment?

Raymond. We remain confident in the mid- to long-term prospects of Singapore’s tourism sector, as the fundamentals that make Singapore an attractive place for leisure, MICE experiences, and a key business hub remain unchanged.

Singapore’s tourism sector has sought to reimagine its offerings and experiences, while supporting nationwide efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Our tourism businesses have displayed immense resilience and adaptability, reinventing their business models and leveraging technology to find solutions in a Covid-19 world.

Raymond. STB’s pursuit for Quality Tourism hinges on (a) adopting a yield-driven marketing approach, (b) enhancing destination attractiveness, (c) supporting industry competitiveness and (d) building local engagement. At the STB India regional offices, we develop a deep understanding of the profile of our key customer segments in India. This enables us to better prioritise our efforts and resources in rolling out marketing programs and collaborating with key trade partners to target quality visitors from India who have higher propensity to spend.

On the leisure front, we have been relatively successful in attracting the Indian Family with Kids segment. Some of Singapore’s key destination attributes that have played to our 27 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

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While mass international travel has not resumed, the SingapoRediscovers campaign was rolled out in July 2020 to rally locals to support Singapore tourism business and encourage Singaporeans and residents to explore different sides of Singapore. STB has piloted cruises with enhanced safety protocols and no ports of call for 2 of Singapore’s homeported cruise lines – Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International. To rebuild consumer confidence and demand for cruise, STB established the world’s first CruiseSafe Certification – a mandatory audit and certification program for cruise lines to obtain before they can commence sailing. Attractions and hotels have already started to welcome local visitors while complying with Safe Management Measures. Under the Safe Business Events Framework, larger business-to-business events in the MICE industry have been allowed in line with the safe and progressive resumption of economic activities in Singapore.

The operating conditions of the tourism establishments will undergo robust review in line with the nationwide management of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Singapore.

ES. How does STB lead in driving sustainable tourism development and how is the support of the industry players crucial for the success and sustainable growth of the sector?

Raymond. We expect global tourism to spring back into a more vibrant sector ten years from now . Tourists will have a greater interest in sustainable travel options, for example, eco-friendly hotels and attractions, and environmental sustainability will become a top-of-mind concern. This is why we are studying possible impacts of these changes in 28 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

consumer behaviour on our long-term sustainability development plans, so we can emerge stronger from the pandemic. The Singapore Hotel Association has also set up a Hotels Sustainability Committee to drive industry-wide adoption of sustainability practices. At STB, we will broaden the scope of the Singapore Tourism Accelerator to develop solutions for sustainability.

Through these efforts, we will strengthen Singapore as an exemplary sustainable tourism destination and location for companies to testbed their sustainable tourism solutions.

STB is developing its destination sustainability strategy and roadmap for the tourism sector in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 (SGP30*), with a focus on environmental sustainability and sustainable management. We will be reaching out to stakeholders shortly for ideas and feedback to develop this. *SGP30 includes concrete targets across various economic sectors over the next 10 years, building on ve central pillars: City in Nature, Energy Reset, Sustainable Living, Green Economy and Resilient Future. For further information on Singapore's Green Plan, please refer to www.greenplan.gov.sg.

ES. How do you see India as the top source market for cruise visitors? What is the present scenario of cruise tourism in Singapore?

Raymond. Cruise holidays have gained popularity among Indian travellers and this has spurred the growth of domestic cruises in recent years, which has further fuelled awareness and interest in cruising. This trend mirrors the growth of

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Cover Story

May 2021

Indian visitors cruising from Singapore. In 2018 and 2019, India was the top cruise travel source market for Singapore.

We have also seen a steady increase in the number of M&I groups to Singapore choosing to combine their land itinerary with cruising.

Industries will need to reinvent themselves and pivot to new markets and products to remain relevant in the new COVID19 world. The MICE industry is one such industry, and it is therefore critical that we take steps to chart a new direction and capture future demand.

Since the start of the safe resumption of cruises last November with the CruiseSafe Certification, there have been more than 90 sailings and more than 120,000 Singapore residents have enjoyed the seacation experience with no reported cases of COVID-19 spreading on board.

Currently, our cruise sailings account for about one third of the global cruise volume. We see this as a critical step to building confidence of trade and consumers for the next phase of cruising when international travel returns.

We must unlock new value, as well as businesses and opportunities for our MICE players. In line with the gradual reopening of the Singapore economy, we have been resuming business events in a careful and controlled manner under the Safe Business Events Framework, with limits on size and capacity to reduce transmission risk and avoid creating clusters of infection. Since October 2020, more than 60 events hosting over 9,000 attendees have been held in Singapore. Through our pilots, STB will continue to further refine the framework with industry feedback and learnings from the pilot events, as well as build confidence to scale up when these have been successfully implemented.

In a recent virtual cruise forum at CruiseWorld India organised by the NorthStar Travel Group /Travel Weekly Asia with STB, experts from the cruise lines and Indian travel trade had expressed optimism on customers opting for cruising as a mode of holiday and vacation when travel restarts. Agents shared that customers will prioritize factors such as health, hygiene, and safety of the cruising experience and are expected to have a longer length of stay combining land and cruise vacations. Singapore is well-poised to receive them.

ES. How do you see the way ahead for the MICE industry in Singapore?

Raymond. MICE plays a key role in our tourism industry.

MICE events bring about significant spill over benefits to our economy, including bringing in business for our lifestyle and hospitality sectors. Business travellers are also important to our long-term yield-driven tourism growth strategy, as they spend almost double that of leisure travellers to Singapore.

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ES. What would be your message to the industry?

Raymond. It is important that we use this time to recalibrate our businesses and take concrete steps to ready ourselves for a new operating environment when international travel resumes. There is a call for a more collaborative approach among the different players in the tourism industry and each to play their part to ensure that we collectively join the dots so that the entire eco-system can support a customer experience that is more seamless, safer and of higher value to visitors.

The team at STB India has been actively engaging and connecting with our industry partners. We are heartened to know that the confidence among the Indian travel trade in the Singapore destination remains high. We extend our hands to you to join us in charting our pathway to tourism recovery and we look forward to receiving visitors from India when the time is right.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

I

n Conversation With

Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX

Approaching another milestone as we celebrate the show's 10th edition this

November!

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

She Means Business, Carina speaks at IMEX America

forefront of developments – allowing us to keep up to date with our learning, contacts and sector knowledge.

ES. Please tell us about your professional journey and major milestones achieved over these glorious years.

Carina. My father Ray Bloom has enjoyed a long career in the business events industry and so I was able to discover the sector from a young age. I began my career in the meetings industry formally in 2002 as marketing and operations director for IMEX in Frankfurt as part of the original launch team for the exhibition. Following the expansion of the IMEX brand into America in 2009, I was appointed CEO of the IMEX Group. The launch of IMEX America was a major milestone – in fact we're approaching th another milestone as we celebrate the show's 10 edition this November!

From an internal perspective, we've developed an employee engagement and motivation programme which covers training, health and wellbeing.

This ranges from a programme of external speakers, employee recognition awards and surprise treats for staff.

ES. The IMEX Group organises two global trade shows, how does both trade shows create unprecedented business opportunities for the stakeholders and makes the show a perfect platform to achieve a year's worth of business in just three days?

ES. Sitting at the helm, overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of the organization lies on your shoulder. How do you ensure that the organization's workforce maintains a constant awareness and motivation?

Carina. Put simply – by facilitating face to face connections.

Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX, pioneered the hosted buyer programme in the 1980s and it's a winning formula we use to this day. We know that buyers are after personalised, curated experiences and our hosted buyer programme delivers just that – the opportunity to meet in person with suppliers that fit their business needs as well as share a live show experience with their peers. Likewise, our hosted buyer programme also gives our exhibitors the confidence that they are meeting with qualified buyers who are in a position to place business with them.

Carina. Our team are firmly embedded in the business events community – we regularly (when restrictions allow!) attend industry events and meet with our industry colleagues and partners. This means we're heavily involved in conversations about the business events sector and at the

The programme has been refined over the years and remains at the very core of our live shows. At the most recent IMEX America (2019), there were 76,000 appointments – that's one-on-one, group appointments and booth presentations - across the three days of the show.

Another recent milestone for me has been seeing how well our team has responded to the challenges of the pandemic – they were highly creative and collaborative, designing a brand new virtual experience in just a few weeks following the cancellation of IMEX in Frankfurt last spring.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021 Carina. Nicola Kastner, VP, Global Head of Event Marketing Strategy for SAP will share her insights and learnings on how to adapt and thrive in the months ahead as our industry begins its recovery. I'll interview Nicola about her role in designing SAP's event strategies and explore three big questions: the importance of data-gathering and audience insights; how brand trust has been impacted by the move to digital; and how to build back better examining SAP's future strategy and event design plans including environmental and CSR activities.

Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group at the IMEX Meet Up

ES. Dealing with exhibitors can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to organising a conference or trade show. How do you ensure that their needs are correctly identified and issues they faced are well understood?

Carina. We're in regular contact with our exhibitors throughout the year – not just in the run up to the live show.

This means we can evolve our offering to fit their needs. For example, at the most recent IMEX in Frankfurt in 2019, we located our onsite education as close as possible to the show floor in response to requests from exhibitors who wanted to be able to participate in the learning during their time at the show.

ES. You need to attract the right people to your event which should be highly relevant to your exhibitors. How do you get key people in the industry to attend the event?

ES. Your major events got cancelled post pandemic Covid-19, how planet IMEX is instrumental in engaging its clients. Can you talk about how pleased you were with the platform and the future of Planet IMEX? Carina. We have a history at IMEX of creating content for the benefit of the entire industry, free of charge. We didn't want to move away from those values just because we were in an online world, plus we wanted our virtual experience to be a gift to the industry. We're delighted with the result.

PlanetIMEX, which took place in May and October last year, attracted industry colleagues from around the world who collaborated with us to put it together; as well as those who came together on the day to take part in the different activities. We're launching a virtual experience this year which will look different to PlanetIMEX - a fresh look to reflect the current climate. The IMEXBuzzHub launches on 12 May and runs until September, paving the way for the return of our live event IMEX America.

Carina. We work with our industry partners and exhibitors who invite their key clients to come to our live shows at hosted buyers. Buyers – that's corporate buyers, agency buyers and association buyers – can also apply directly.

Our qualifying process then determines that they regularly plan or commission large scale events around the world and have business to place at the show. This is underpinned by our year-round marketing and PR programme reaching global media and industry groups within the business events sector.

ES. Please tell us about 'On the road to purposeful recovery', a Q&A session being hosted by IMEX on 21st April?

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group

Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group

Ray Bloom is the chairman and founder of the IMEX Group, which organises worldwide exhibitions for the incentive travel, meetings and events industry in Europe and the USA. IMEX in Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt, Germany, every spring; while IMEX America takes place at the Las Vegas Sands Expo each autumn. Ray Bloom has been a successful entrepreneur for many years.

He started his career in the motor industry where his family’s Volkswagen Audi dealership won the Diamond Pin Award (the highest Volkswagen Award given to dealerships worldwide).

A passionate and dedicated leader, Carina Bauer is the CEO of the IMEX Group – an organisation responsible for organising the leading global trade shows for the international business events industry. Carina is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and inclusion and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. Carina also takes a keen interest in leadership development and organisational best practice.

He subsequently entered the hotel industry and then the exhibition industry where he built up EIBTM (European and Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition), which was sold to Reed Exhibitions in 1997. In addition, Bloom built up the leading sales and promotion exhibition, Incentive World (London), which was also sold to Reed Exhibitions in 2000.

Whilst founding and developing what have become the leading trade shows in the global meetings and incentive travel sector, Bloom also became heavily involved in numerous industry associations and has been recognised in a variety of ways. His recognitions include being inducted into the EIC (Events Industry Council) Hall of Leaders (1991); being awarded UK Personality of the Year by Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine (1993); recipient of the ICCA

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Throughout her career, Carina has been an active member of the meetings industry. She is currently President Elect for the AEO Council, Immediate Past President of the SITE Foundation and serves as an UFI Board member. She has previously served on the Board of the MPIUK Chapter and on global committees for MPI and PCMA. Having graduated from Oxford University, UK, with a degree in politics, philosophy and economics, and following a short stint in retail and catering, she joined the business events industry in 2002 as the Marketing and Operations Director for IMEX in Frankfurt as part of the original launch team for the exhibition. Following the expansion of the IMEX brand into America in 2009, Carina was appointed CEO of the IMEX Group. Carina lives in the south east of the UK, near to the IMEX Group office in Brighton – a coastal town called “London-by-the-Sea” due to its cosmopolitan nature and youth culture.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

(International Congress and Conventions Association) Presidents Award (1997) and being inducted into the WATA (World Association of Travel Agencies) Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Destinations International Hall of Fame (2016). In addition in 2017 alone, he received the JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council) Unity Award, the MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Industry Leader Award and the ICCA Moises Shuster Award. His most recent honours include MPI Industry Champion (2020), the EN Pioneer Award (2019) and being inducted into the ICJ Hall of Fame (2019).

Bloom served on the Board of Trustees for the MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Foundation from 1996 – 2002 and MPI’s Global Strategy Taskforce Committee from 2006 – 2008. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) Foundation 1993 - 1999 and, until recently, was Treasurer for the SITE Foundation. He currently serves on the MPI European Council. Ray Bloom’s views and opinions on the meetings and incentive travel industry are widely sought after and he is a regular speaker at industry events around the world. The IMEX Group’s offices are in Brighton, East Sussex, UK. Located on the south coast of the UK, Brighton is called ‘London by the Sea’ for its cosmopolitan nature and youth culture. Bloom was born and bred in Brighton and is enormously proud of his and his family’s links to the city.

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She enjoys spending time with her family (she’s a mother to two boys) and travelling for work and pleasure. She is an adventure sports enthusiast with a particular love for skiing, hitting the slopes with friends and family when she can.

Industry/Media Highlights Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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Board Member UFI Vice Chair AEO Council 2020/2021 President SITE Foundation 2020 MPI Industry Champion 2020 Mentor 2019 and 2020 for Fast Forward 15, the mentoring scheme for women in hospitality and events Winner of the Smart Women in Meetings Award 2018 and 2019 One of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry – Successful Meetings Magazine, 2015-2017 One of the Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry – M&C Magazine, 2015-2016 Supplier of the Year: Industry Leader – Smart Meetings Magazine, 2017 One of the 25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry - Northstar Meetings Group, 2018 Winner of the Spirit of Collaboration Award, Timothy S Y Lam, Spirit of Hospitality Awards, 2018 Winner, Inspirational Women Awards, ICCA 2018

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

IMEX America 2021

ES. As one of our industry's leaders, what in your experience has helped prepare you to manage through this very difficult time? What would be the key learnings from this pandemic?

Carina. There are two learnings I can share from the cancellation of our live shows. First, transparent and honest communication is essential in a crisis. Second, you need to be very agile in a fast-moving situation and change your response quickly based on new information. That speed requires total focus and a great team to whom you can delegate different elements of the crisis management process. I'm very proud of my team who have responded to a challenging year with creativity, positivity and honesty. It is not in the DNA of any tradeshow or event organiser to cancel their show – particularly when the entire team and industry are so invested in the success of the event. Our team has responded by creating some amazing virtual experiences to bring our community together until we can meet again at a live show.

ES. When the whole world is shedding off their loads by making job cuts in their organisation, IMEX Group steps forward in creating several new roles and by making a significant investment in systems, marketing and design.

What makes your organisation more optimistic and confident than others?

Carina. We believe it's important to maintain business investment even during a challenging climate. By continuing to invest in our talent, our culture and we're creating new opportunities for our team and building up our business resilience so we remain agile, creative and responsive to the shifts in the world.

ES. What is your forecast in terms of innovation that might change the working pattern in 2021? What is your take on virtual events and the role of technology going forward?

Carina. We'll see the rise of hybrid as an enabler to 35 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

expanding the reach of events. Hybrid events can bring a wider audience to an event, allowing those to experience some of the content even though they might not be able to participate in person. The digital elements of hybrid events, when done well, can communicate some of the feel of the show, creating a sense of FOMO and a desire to experience the live element in person.

ES. How will IMEX be a leader in helping the industry recovery?

Carina. Throughout the past year, we've continued to champion and invest in our industry, providing grants to our industry partners – including MPI and SITE, as well as investing in our own team. Live events remain at the core of what we do and we'll continue to champion the business events industry through our work with our industry partners, research and participation at industry events.

ES. What are your plans for IMEX and its evolution going forward? What are your upcoming plans in context to launch of more shows in other parts of the World?

Carina. We're currently planning confidently for a strong IMEX America and are exploring what hybrid elements could run alongside the live show.

We have no immediate plans to launch a new show alongside our existing presence in Europe and North America.

ES. What is your message to the industry?

Carina. The business events industry is certainly resilient and has weathered many storms and crises over the years. Whilst they may not have been as great as the pandemic, we have all learnt from past events and this is certainly helpful today.

We very much believe that business events will make a strong comeback once the health and safety situation is improved, because business events are a critical business accelerator and that has not changed.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

Exhibition Showcase Talks To Leighton Wood, Chief Operating Officer, Melbourne Convention And Exhibition Centre ES. Please take us through your professional journey. What have been the major milestones and key accomplishments that you made during your glorious career?

Leighton. I began life as an exercise scientist obsessed with all things sport, particularly Cricket and Australian Rules Football. I become more interested in business and following the completion of an MBA was appointed CEO of Melbourne Major Events Company, a State Government instrumentality that brought major sporting events to Melbourne. Events I was successful in luring were the 1997 Bledisloe Cup Aust v NZ (91,000 at MCG), 1997 World Cup Soccer Qualifier (85,000 at MCG) and 2002 World Masters Games (25,000 participants). I subsequently became CEO of the 2006 Commonwealth Games Bid and then CEO of the Games themselves.

I was then CEO of Sport Knowledge Australia, a Federal Government funded initiative that sought to export Australian sporting knowhow. During this period I did business with the Indian Sports Authority and the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and visited magnificent India on half a dozen occasions. I then became Chief Operating Officer for Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a position I have held for over 10 years.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

ES. Can you explain how you made the decision to retire from the industry? In retrospect, what have been some of your most cherished memories over the years?

Leighton. 10 years is a long time in a senior leadership role at one organisation. As MCEC resets following COVID it will benefit from new ideas and new leadership, it is a new phase in its history. Also, I had a serious illness in 2020 and just felt I needed to be a little selfish with my time.

My great memories of MCEC are the people and culture.

We genuinely care for each other and our performance.

That gives me great pride for it wasn’t always that way. From an event perspective the 2014 World AIDS Congress was the pinnacle. 14,500 people attended, including President Bill Clinton and Bob Geldorf, from all over the world. The Malaysian flight shot down over the Ukraine had six passengers bound for the Congress, including a past President of the World AIDS Foundation. We put 500 of our employees through an AIDS education program prior to the event and we were able to speak with AIDS sufferers. It was an emotional but ultimately extremely fulfilling week.

ES. What key learnings would you like to handpick out of your experience in the MICE industry?

Leighton. Customers want their event to be different than last year and different to every event around them, each time it needs to be unique. The venue must provide the technical and structural canvas and people capability to allow the customer to create whatever they want. We need to help them to make the magic happen. Our buildings also need to be designed to provide discreet spaces, our customers do not want delegates from other events walking through their space.

ES. You’ve always been an ardent player of the industry, how have you been managing a team of more than 700 employees? Please share some of your key responsibilities as 37 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

the Chief Operating Officer at MCEC. Leighton. The Chief Operating Officer is ultimately responsible for two things – productivity and customer satisfaction. What allows you to sleep at night while a 90,000sqm complex is buzzing with dinner guests, theatre events, fork lifts and rigging operators is your culture – knowing that your employees care about each other and their performance. Someone told me once that ‘culture is what happens when you’re not there’.

ES. Under your leadership, MCEC has achieved a record revenue and customer satisfaction results, what were the key points that you have practiced in your operating style to earn the loyalty of your customers?

Leighton. We focus on employee satisfaction and capability as well as customer satisfaction. If we get those two right, the record revenue will follow. We built up to 92% return customer rate through empowering our employees, if there’s a problem they are empowered to fix it up to a cost of $1,000 (I learnt this from Ritz Carlton and it works). No employee has ever abused this power and many customers have provided glowing testimonials regarding our customer service on the back of it. Our employees become stars. We have also worked hard on our employee experience, to the point that we’ve been awarded Employer of Choice three years running.

ES. With the objective of providing major impetus to safety, how have you equipped to ensure safe and secure events in the new normal?

Leighton. We have embraced all government regulations, committing additional resources to ensure full compliance.

Very early on we decided we did not want our venue to be the source of an outbreak, both for the community’s sake but also for the sake our reputation, which we have taken many years to build. We reduced our entry points

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

for many months, forcing everyone through thermal sensors and to fill out the government’s screening questionnaire. We have increased our sanitation regime and many employees now work from home, allowing them to avoid high risk public transport options.

underway on our 2025 Strategic Plan but will be released over coming months.

ES. Sustainability which is an important reminder to teach us how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, your passion about sustainability has driven a significant reduction in MCEC’s environmental footprint. Could you please elaborate your take on this critical issue?

Leighton. Necessarily the MICE industry will more regionalised and localised in the short term, with hotels and convention centres fighting for market share. I do think those venues that provide an experiential offering will have a competitive advantage over others. Currently, the LUME is being constructed at MCEC, an amazing audio visual experience, the likes of which has never been seen. It will open in August with a tribute to Van Gogh.

Leighton. Sustainability has been a passion of mine, with three daughters I felt a responsibility to do my bit and with such a large venue I can indeed make a difference. Events are regarded as second only to the construction industry with regard to producing waste. We can at sustainability from two ends of the spectrum. Firstly, we looked at what infrastructure investments could be made to reduce our carbon emissions. With the assistance of our owner, the Victorian State Government, we replaced aging high emitting chillers, installed an Energy Management System and implemented CO2 sensors to control variable speed drives so that conditioning of space only occurred on an ‘as needs’ basis. At the other end of the spectrum we educated and encouraged our employees to do what they can. So many great initiatives have come from this area, including reducing our plastic water bottle consumption by 500,000 bottles per annum.

ES. What according to you will be the role of venues and the preparations they will need to thrive in the new normal?

Leighton. I believe venues need to form partnerships with entrepreneurs and promoters, accepting shared risk they haven’t previously. I also believe they need to work hard on creating social capital for their local communities. With international borders closed for some time yet, venues won’t be in a position to drive the levels of economic impact they have previously. As largely State owned assets, they therefore need to provide value of other kinds.

ES. As the current President of the Venue Management Association of Asia Pacific, we would like to know about your upcoming plans and your key role played in promoting the venue management industry as a whole.

Leighton. I am staying on as President of VMA for two more years, during which time we are looking to exploit existing strengths of education, knowledge sharing and networking while also looking to explore additional areas, previously untapped by the association. Our planning is currently 38 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

ES. How is the MICE industry poised to evolve in the new normal?

ES. What according to you will be the key trends that will shape the future of our industry?

Leighton. I believe that venues will need to have design and operational sustainability credentials to be successful. I always say that not all of our customers are interested in sustainability, but the most sophisticated and the biggest are.

Again, the experiential element will come to the fore, customers will not be attracted to standalone centres with little to offer other than a meeting or exhibition space.

Investment in technology will become even more important as hybrid meetings become a standard offering. Finally, your people will always be an important differentiator and culture an enormous competitive advantage, as it takes 5-10 years to build a great culture and so is difficult to replicate.

ES. Is there a happiness mantra or motto that you've found to be very helpful? What do you do to keep yourself motivated at this moment of time?

Leighton. My happiness mantra is to find something that gives you joy and work in that space. Glowing customer feedback provides me with joy, it fills me with pride in my team, who I know are committed to great customer outcomes. Seeing my people grow and develop gives me joy.

Knowing that my people know that I care about them is wholly satisfying and goes a long way to building the culture you need to succeed in hospitality.

ES. What would be your message to the industry?

Leighton. Our industry needs to be successful financially, of that there is no doubt. But that is not enough. We need to be a contributor to strong societal outcomes, be that employment, sustainability, mental health, gender equality and so on. Find something that you can do to the benefit of others and get your team on board in pursuit of this goal.

That is the basis of a united group and a strong culture.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

I

May 2021

n Conversation With Taubie Motlhabane,

CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) ES. Please tell us about your early life and career? What was an early project you are particularly proud of and an early defining career moment?

Taubie Motlhabane. I grew up in the North West Province, where I attended school and university. My career started in public relations, communications, broadcasting, and print media, where I learned the importance of customer experience and also the power of media in promoting brands.

Subsequent significant roles include: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Head of Conferences and Protocol at the South African Reserve Bank.

Events and Marketing Manager for the City Centre Hotel in Manama, Bahrain.

Events Specialist at Absa Bank South Africa.

Head of Events at the City of Ekurhuleni.

Executive Director of the Tshwane Convention and Visitors Bureau (Pretoria).

Business Tourism Manager at South African Tourism.

All these positions cemented my passion for people and the business events industry, culminating in my line of work today. In the past year, I accepted the role of CEO of Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and was elected as the Chair for the African Chapter of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

An early career-defining moment was being part of the team that developed the strategy and plan to build the South African Reserve Bank Conference Centre, as well as its subsequent management. This was my first strong break into the business events industry and it prepared me for the position I now occupy. I am also proud to have established the educational and networking platform known as Association Day for the African associations industry at Meetings Africa during my time as Business Tourism Manager at South African Tourism.

ES. With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, hosting a safe and secure event has become an utmost priority for any venue organiser. How much importance does the 'Safe Travels’ stamp make during these times?

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

Taubie Motlhabane. The World Travel and Tourism Council’s “Safe Travels” certification was created to assist travellers in recognising destinations and businesses around the world that have adopted global standardised health and hygiene protocols. Receiving such an important certification gives our current and future clients peace of mind when visiting the complex.

This stamp of approval is even more important now, as it highlights to our visitors that we adhere to strict health and safety procedures, and that we are compliant with all Covid19 protocols.

ES. Could you please highlight some of the health and hygiene standards maintained by the CTICC? Taubie Motlhabane. At the CTICC, we have always had strict health and hygiene standards in place. However, with Covid-19, we have upgraded our response by instating new and improved protocols under the name “C19-Care©”.

These protocols consider current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines so that we can continue ensuring the health and safety of our guests, clients and employees. We will continue to update our C19-Care© protocols as new information becomes available about Covid-19.

The CTICC's C19-Care© protocols include the following: Digital screening and tracing of all visitors.

Appropriate response to and diversion of Covid-19 highrisk visitors. Ÿ Facilitation of social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitising of hands before entering the centre.

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Management of delegate movements and flow within the venue to encourage social distancing. Ÿ A dedicated team who continuously cleans/sanitises all hard surfaces, especially high contact surfaces, as well as AV equipment. Ÿ Adoption of a remote working model for staff to minimise the risk of exposure. Ÿ

ES. How is the CTICC efficient in managing large and small events/conferences? How does it offer unrivalled flexibility to the shows? Can you highlight key features that set it apart from other venues?

Taubie Motlhabane. Whether clients are planning a large international trade fair or a small half-day conference, the CTICC’s unique and expansive facilities offer unrivalled flexibility in the types of venues available, as well as their customisability. The CTICC provides meeting rooms with beautiful views of the city from floor to ceiling windows, natural-light filled conservatories and incredible mountainview roof terraces. We also have a wide selection of meeting pods and suites, a sub-divisible ballroom of 1 876m2, two raked auditoria, restaurants, coffee shops and, of course, our exhibition halls. Although the CTICC is only hosting small in-person meetings due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the centre has further enhanced its flexibility by offering digital and hybrid event solutions. One of the best things about bringing an event to the CTICC is the friendly and professional staff that facilitates a seamless experience, as evidenced by our 85% customer satisfaction rating . By providing advice, support, and expertise, and being on-hand during event days, we ensure that every event is world-class.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Interview

May 2021

ES. What are some of the initiatives undertaken by the CTICC to assist clients in creating ‘green’ events and generating business with a positive economic impact?

Taubie Motlhabane. We are as committed to protecting the planet as our clients and the centre can help customise and green events to clients’ requirements, creating extraordinary experiences for their delegates and visitors while also ensuring their events have a reduced impact on the environment.

Our sustainability initiatives include: Ÿ

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A portion of each conference package is contributed to the Nurture Our World (NOW) Fund, which is utilised in aid of the CTICC's local community partner activations.

Event organisers are encouraged to discuss ways to offset their carbon footprint.

A green events checklist has been included in the marketing collateral to create more awareness of event greening.

Locally produced food and beverages are used where possible and we only provide fish from the SASSI Green list.

The use of compostable and recyclable take away food containers for all public catering events.

Kitchen waste is segregated and diverted from landfill and sent to fly farms or to our composting company to make bokashi.

On-site bottled water is provided utilising the Vivreau dispenser system in conjunction with our reusable bottles or jugs.

Cork-less wine bottles are sourced, and those with corks are handed over to the waste company for recycling.

Provide several Fairtrade wines or organic wines, as well as biodynamic wines (wines produced in a holistic, ecological, and ethical farming approach).

Provide recycled/green conference items (notepads, pencils and pens, for example).

Provide a multi-bin system to encourage recycling, with separation at source.

Upcycle exhibition items, such as wood from custom stands, furniture left behind and packaged food, by donating those items to organisations in need.

reduced. To mitigate the impact on the business, the CTICC has undertaken various initiatives.

Some of the initiatives include: Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Concluding a rental agreement with the Western Cape Government (WCG) for use of the facilities during the pandemic for the storage of medical supplies and as a temporary Covid-19 hospital.

Offering virtual conferencing facilities.

Reducing operational costs by mothballing the CTICC 1 building after the Covid-19 hospital was closed.

A freeze placed on vacancies, bonus payments and salary increases.

Minimal paid advertising and marketing.

Only incurring critical maintenance and capital expenditure.

A staff cost reduction programme (which included a reduction in headcount).

ES. What are your new priorities and strategies in the year 2021?

Taubie Motlhabane. The CTICC is striving to adapt and find innovative strategies by employing an evolving business model, one which sees us becoming more agile and responsive.

In order to secure our future, we have adopted a four-part approach that includes:

ES. You said in a statement, “2020 was an unusual year; but like a chameleon responding to its changing environment, the CTICC adapted to the challenges presented by Covid-19.” What are those? Please elaborate.

Taubie Motlhabane. Like many businesses around the world, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the CTICC. The CTICC adheres to the Government’s Covid-19 regulations, which has meant that the number of events and the size of those events at our centre has been significantly 41 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

The CTICC's new CEO, Taubie Motlhabane, welcoming South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the convention centre for the Presidential Golf Challenge Prize Giving Gala Dinner.

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Ÿ

Adapting to the Covid-19 environment by a) instituting our in-house C19-Care© programme, which ensures all Covid-19 regulations are followed, b) enabling our staff to work remotely, c) implementing Covid-19 venue protocols so that our centre and meeting spaces remain safe, and d) continuing to offer digital and hybrid events.

Ÿ

Creating our own events so that new revenue opportunities can be realised while also allowing us to support small businesses and boost job creation in our region. Two of our own events, The Gift Fair (launched in November 2019) and the AllSport Expo, a one-stop-shop sporting exhibition (launched last year) demonstrates our commitment to pursuing this strategy as a viable revenue resource. We are currently developing three more own events, namely: This is Art, the Ultimate Beverage Trade Show, called BevEx, and a procurement conference yet to be named.

Ÿ

Expanding our African footprint, with the intention of focusing on local markets as a resource with opportunities to explore. We are working on securing more regional conferences, having already hosted a number of Africathemed events, including AfricaCom and Investing in African Mining Indaba.

Ÿ

Improving our forward book – having already secured over 200 events into the future, by continuing to expand our forward book, we continue to stoke the embers of our struggling sector and economy for its eventual revival.

ES. How many MICE events are organised at the CTICC in a year? Please name some big MICE events organised at the CTICC?

pandemic is through our offering of digital and hybrid solutions so that clients can host much larger numbers without any worries. The very latest technology has been harnessed to create these events, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology incorporating MICE industry best practices. The technology in place includes 1 792 network points, 1 496 fibre optic points and 28km of fibre, which caters for high-speed, high-volume traffic. Wi-Fi connectivity is enabled through a combination of high and standard density points, providing for a combined total of 15 000 connections with an internet connectivity uplink of 10 gigabytes. And that’s just in CTICC 2.

Additionally, both CTICC 1 and CTICC 2 have a state-of-theart Building Management System in place that automates the control of services throughout the complex. This includes the lighting, shading, access control, security systems and airconditioning. Everything is interconnected, allowing us to provide clients with a streamlined, safe, and efficient service offering.

ES. What will be the top 3 trends in the year 2021?

Taubie Motlhabane. The total number of events held at the CTICC in the 2019/20 financial year came to 397, of which 34 were international conferences, 33 were national conferences, five were exhibitions and 11 were trade fairs. The largest international conference held in 2019/20 was AfricaCom 2019, which was also an exhibition, and was attended by 11 527 delegates. The World Economic Forum on Africa 2019, the 36th International Society for Quality in Healthcare International Conference and the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020 all attracted over 1 000 delegates to their respective conferences.

ES. How do you utilise technology and innovation to engage your MICE guests? What is the latest trend use at the CTICC which makes it way ahead of other venues?

Taubie Motlhabane. The CTICC has responded to the constraints on public meetings and can safely provide for smaller in-person meetings when requested. But one of the most innovative ways we have pivoted during the Covid-19 42 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

Taubie Motlhabane. The trends we are seeing include: A rise in hybrid events due to a reluctance to travel brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The advantage of hybrid events is the ability for content to reach a larger global audience. Ÿ The growth of local and regional events, with the virtual and or hybrid element attached. Ÿ An increase in the need for the diversification of business models for the MICE industry. Ÿ

ES. What is your message to the industry?

Taubie Motlhabane. Covid-19 has shown the world the importance of working together to solve problems, as can be clearly seen in the teamwork and cooperation it took to develop the various Covid-19 vaccines in a very short amount of time. It is important to continue to work together as an industry as we go towards recovery and beyond. Our strength is in our collaborations and partnerships.

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n Conversation With

Alan Pryor, General Manager, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ES. Could you provide the readers about your early life and career? What was an early project you are particularly proud of and an early defining career moment?

Alan. Joining the pre-opening team at the Durban ICC (International Convention Centre) as Operations Manager and drawing up the entire operating manual for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs’) and systems with a team of locals none of whom had any convention centre experience (myself included) and many staff not even from the hospitality sector and making it work with just a 7 month lead time to opening – and seeing it work. Even better, as I travelled the world in later years, I saw others who have adopted many of those original systems and SOPs’ and even more gratifying was seeing some of the local staff hired then from the surrounding townships, now working all over the world. A defining career moment was at an interview with Ladbrokes Hilton in London for a Food & Beverage Manager position, where they told me I was wasting my time and then was offered an operations position in a conference and exhibition centre, I have never regretted that or looked back since.

ES. Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is one of the most modern venues of Malaysia. Please tell us other features that sets KLCC apart from other venues.

Alan. The Centre’s has a progressive, flexible partnership approach to our client engagement and product offerings, and customised solutions design are key to our long track record of success stories, and high-rate of client-retention.

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We are distinctly set apart by a very professional and talented team of subject matter experts who have over the years acquired great experience and knowledge from having been part of many major international high-profile events and meetings, and who are able to guide and provide our clients with the best event solutions. A key selling point of the Centre is its strategic location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As part of the integrated Kuala Lumpur City Centre precinct which is also home to the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers, a 50-acre lush park, a myriad of accommodation, dining, and leisure options, we are extremely well positioned to offer a one-stop experiential solution for event organisers and delegates planning and attending events at the Centre.

Through our establishment of the Kuala Lumpur Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) which is a precinct initiative, our collaborative efforts provide a compelling destination proposition which is unique and accessible to all, combined with great connectivity to the surrounding city and a wonderful recreational environment for local and international event delegates and business events travellers attending events at the Centre. We are also well recognised for driving industry initiatives to build awareness and education on strict compliance and adherence to SOPs, and health and safety guidelines that are a continued priority as we continue to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. It has become a significant strength of the Centre, instilling trust and confidence and assurance to our clients, exhibitors, contractors and visitors. The Centre’s focus on industry advocacy and the development of the local business events market through government engagement and professional 44 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

education, in the aim of making Malaysia the preferred meetings destination in the region, reiterates our position as the market leader in Malaysia.

ES. How many regional, national and international conventions, meetings and trade shows, are hosted by the KLCC? How do you overcome the challenge in conducting and initiating the events?

Alan. On average, the Centre saw about 1,300 events yearon-year, pre-Covid from 2015 to 2019 totalling up to over 16,000 events, as at January 2020. Some of the more notable events were: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

11th ASEAN Summit – 9,800 delegates 3rd Women Deliver Conference 2013 – 3,500 delegates 128th International Olympic Committee 2015 – 1,000 delegates 27th ASEAN Summit 2015 – 3,000 delegates The Ninth Session of the World Urban Forum – 25,000 delegates World Chefs Congress & Expo 2018 – 700 delegates 1st World Congress of Falls and Postural Stability – 450 delegates

Since the pandemic, we have focused our efforts in providing innovative products, the right counsel and the best solution to our clients, keeping in mind people’s safety as the paramount priority. Whether it’s a pivot to digital, postponement or cancellations, we stand by our clients’ decisions with full support. By demonstrating flexibility in our solutions-oriented approach and showcasing subject matter expertise, we are able to welcome both new and returning clients, albeit in smaller numbers since the pandemic.

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May 2021 explore or take a quick guided-tour and a deep-dive into each function space via a 360-view, offering a more interactive and visual immersion. We also utilised the website to provide the latest and important information related to Covid-19, relevant to the industry, to our stakeholders and our international community. ii) transformed existing spaces into virtual and hybrid studios that are fitted with production-grade audio and visual equipment combined with 400 Megabit of Internet bandwidth, two separate power supplies, a dedicated network backbone and a qualified team of technical experts to advise and deliver any virtual and hybrid event needs, ranging from set or event production and technical design to live broadcast and streams.

We also spent an immense amount of time supporting and being involved in industry initiatives and forming a united front in battling the Covid-19 challenges and most importantly, the uncompromised compliance to SOPs as a requirement to organise events at the Centre have instilled trust and confidence in our stakeholders to choose the Centre as their preferred venue.

ES. How has the virus outbreak affected KLCC? And, how have you dealt with the situation and geared up for resurgence?

Alan. Extremely badly, as any business events player would say, 2020 was our worst year yet, but we are still keeping optimistic for the year ahead and those upcoming. Looking on the bright side, it has given us more time to inject creativity in an otherwise overly familiar business model, which had in fact begun pre-pandemic. Our industry environment was already becoming highly competitive – unique venues mushrooming in every nook and corner, adoption of technologies of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, developing immersive and experiential event content that engages participants, to name a few. The pandemic just put the pedal to the metal, accelerating the industry’s transformation to remain future-proof and sustainable.

In the past year, to help us cope with the new challenges, we I) Enhanced our engagement techniques by revamping our website with user-friendliness and interactive features. Our digital concierge, Skye, a Chatbot tasked to welcome and help users navigate within the website and respond to queries, combined with an interactive floorplan offer a pioneering engagement experience for organisers and visitors alike. Most recently, we launched the Virtual Tour of our venue offering an overview of the entire facility with the options to self-

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iii) diversified our F&B product offering by opening up new F&B outlets catering to every day consumers and expanded to offering festive special menus through deliveries, reaching customers beyond the Centre’s geographic location. iv) collaborated with other industry bodies and players to increase government engagement to create awareness of the overall business events industry and its value as a key strategic economic driver to the nation. These helped expedite the reopening of industry and continuation of events as per new norm SOPs in 2020. v) developed joint-partnership events on profit-sharing basis with organisers to help stimulate the events economy and to protect jobs. This saw the returning of a series of entertainment events and consumer exhibitions. vi) focused our efforts to adapt to the new world of work through professional development to up-skill and cross skill our local talent, and develop them further to match the international standards and evolving needs of our industry, which will in turn prepare us better for recovery and the resumption of business to attract more business events into Malaysia. We entered into a tri-partite partnership with Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), to provide a comprehensive learning platform that is convenient and affordable to Malaysian business events professionals. We also adapted our training to online learning and skills development.

ES. With the objective of providing major impetus to safety, how have you equipped to ensure safe and secure events?

Please name some major events hosted by KLCC post the pandemic.

Alan. The Centre’s ensures the safety of the premise through

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several means I) Controlled access into and out of the building where we are able to manage and curtail the crowd movement in any particular areas and to limit entry to only those who comply with the new norm safety standards. Planning is comprehensive with a pre, during and post event scenario for each specific event and our security team are placed at strategic areas to monitor and ensure full compliance to the SOPs. ii) Participants and visitors are required to perform double entry registrations – one on the government’s application and another on The Organiser’s event application for efficient contact-tracing, should it be necessary. iii) Provision of visual reminders throughout the Centre to always practice physical distancing, usage of masks and hand washing. Specific to pre and during events, and when leaving the Centre, our security team are placed at strategic areas to monitor and ensure full compliance to the SOPs. iv) Frequent sanitisation and disinfection activities before and after an event, with frequent housekeeping during the event. v) For F&B, packed food and beverage are prepared and carefully placed on the tables at guests dining area eliminating the need for buffets or long queues. vi) All Convention Centre employees have received Health and Safety training specific to SOP adherence and compliance. This is ongoing as SOPs and the various movement control orders have been implemented or amended.

The Centre was also a part of a joint-initiative among local industry players, as the Official Venue, which invited government officials to experience a demonstration of how a safe event environment can be created through adherence to new norm SOPs.

its latest innovative engagement tool, an interactive virtual tour, how will this engagement platform help in advancing customer engagement to another level?

Alan. The availability of the virtual tour component on our website bridges the gap that is created by travel restrictions, and the disruption to the event planning process. Clients and organisers and event delegates and participants, can now visit the Centre and experience the venue space remotely from anywhere in the world. This new dimension is essential in preparation of upcoming events, ensuring business continuity despite the disruption imposed by the pandemic.

Arrangement of a live site-visit or tour that is guided by our team is also possible through a video tele-conferencing system with chat and voice features for two-way interaction that is embedded into the virtual tour platform, allowing for small to large group visits, virtually.

ES. The Centre also tracks its monthly environmental performance metrics related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water Consumption and Waste Reduction via the AEG 1Earth programme. Please elaborate.

Alan. The Centre, as part of the ASM Global network of venues, is actively involved in the organisation’s AEG 1Earth programme, a corporate sustainability initiative to ensure and maintain responsible business practices through its own metric and measurement system. The Centre’s own comprehensive sustainability programme and measurement standards are aligned closely to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We aim to build on every aspect of our business operations to make sustainable practices at the heart of everything we do, but it is a gradual and ongoing process. Most recently through the pandemic, with the many restrictions placed on events taking place, we

Some of the events held at the Centre since the pandemic were: The World Tunnel Congress 2020 (virtual) Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia: 2021 Budget Seminar 2020 (virtual) Ÿ REX Home Expo 2021 (physical exhibition) Ÿ Homedec 2021 (physical exhibition) Ÿ MDA Scientific Convention & Trade Exhibition (SCATE) 2021 (virtual)

Ÿ Ÿ

ES. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has unveiled 46 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

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have been able to put more time and effort into reviewing and improving our food waste management. We have now put systems into place which will enable us to analyse at a much granular level when and where food waste is generated from i.e. is it from kitchen production waste where we might need to adapt menus or production methods, or it is from the service side? We are analysing what food is wasted and why, what can we remove or reduce from the end-toend process, what surplus food can be passed on to good causes such as food banks, etc. As part of this we already have sustainable waste management processes in place to process some of it into fish food for a local fish farm; and we also work closely with the Food Aid Foundation on ensuring that any surplus food we have is passed to a worthy cause. Other areas we are looking at is finalising the removal of all single use plastics. We have already done tremendous amounts of work to remove most of this so we are just capturing the last parts of this project.

We have also been piloting, in phases, possible rainwater harvesting solutions in order to provide all the water we need for external cleaning, and eventually enable all cleaning activities at the Centre to be conducted through this pilot project.

ES. What are the areas which will see drastic changes? What would be 3 Tech Trends for Event Venues in 2021?

Alan. We believe that working from home and a level of reluctance to return to face-to-face meetings is going to stay with us for some time. We see the further enhancement and adaption of virtual or hybrid solutions as we continue to understand more about how to engage the two separate audiences, those at the venue, and those participating remotely, with the events running simultaneously or more likely separately to allow focus on each audience with tailored content for both. An extension of this is the production value, how good is the technical production of the virtual/hybrid components? There will be a shift to TV/Movie quality production to retain engagement online and for that there will be a shift of some AV companies and venues into this space and we will see changes in the world of work and the types of skills sets required for the new creation, innovation and delivery of events.

The pandemic is also bringing forward or expanding the work industry organisations are doing around personalisation and big data. With the growing mix of remote attendees, it is 47 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

going to become even more important to understand who our audiences are, what their needs are, what their persona and sentiment is. It is no longer about just getting the right speakers and the right food for coffee and lunch breaks. There needs to be a whole new level of engagement and to do that we need to understand more about who we are talking to, or who we want to find to talk to. The third big trend will be a coin toss between support for sustainability and safety. How can technology support sustainability and the growth level of circular and macro economies? And with the pandemic continuing, what can technology offer to support this?

We are already seeing temperature checks integrated into scanning stations or CCTV installations, contactless will become the new norm as we fast track even more contactless registration solutions, contactless payments (already big but can we see the demise of cash?), contactless solutions for on-booth sharing of contact information, exhibitor collateral, digital health passports for vaccination information or risk information, upgraded high-tech ventilation systems, automated sanitising drones for before/after events, etc.

ES. Do you have some hybrid element involved in shows at KLCC? How do you ensure contactless delivery and services at your venue?

Alan. Yes, our hybrid studio makes it possible for us to cater to this demand. As a much larger space, the studio allows for a limited in-person capacity based on physical distancing for participants to attend personally and this is combined with our on-site, technical team expertise and a strong network backbone and production-grade audio visual equipment, enabling us to cater for thousands of virtual participants who can experience an event safely in the comfort of their own space. The Centre has the capability to deliver hybrid events seamlessly as we are a purpose build facility designed to cater to both physical and virtual events and the hybrid model allows us to be even more innovative in our delivery. For F&B, packed food and beverage are prepared and carefully placed on the tables at guests dining area eliminating the need for buffets or long queues.

ES. What according to you will be the role of venues and the preparations they will need to thrive in the new normal?

Alan. Venues are an important infrastructure asset for a city and from that front has a vital role to play in economic

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recovery. Venues facilitate the business of organisations and entities in both the private and public sector, and provide a platform for communication and connection to stakeholders, customers and communities as they all use meetings and events as their primary engagement tool for planning, knowledge exchange, policy, training, commercial transactions and social engagement, and without it organisations lose market visibility, profitability and presence due to lack of interface. Venues must take advantage of this time to build a market-ready workforce by up-skilling and reskilling their employees to meet the current and near-future demands.

New skills are required as we continue to adapt to the progressive advancement of a digitalised world. The growing adoption of technology solutions to deliver event design solutions is creating new career opportunities and skills diversification. An expert workforce that delivers a welldesigned solution is as important as acquiring the technological prowess. Our audiences continue to seek engagement and it is imperative that venues maintain their market presence, elevate client communication and develop new product offerings and engagement platforms to increase and enhance communication. We are in unchartered waters and our clients’ look to venues as subject matter experts who can guide them and assist them to plan, execute and achieve successful business outcomes from their events whether they be in person, hybrid or virtual.

ES. What are your upcoming plans? What major events are in the pipeline?

Alan. With the limitations imposed by the recurring movement control orders (currently in our 3rd instalment), our focus is on helping our clients in every manner possible – whether pivot to digital, postponements or cancellations, we stand by them with full support in all decisions. We will continue to push for hybrid events with our One-Stop Solutions for digital events. Alternatively, we are working to include attractive and encouraging clauses to cut down losses, should the client decide to postpone or cancel. We are also in the midst of amplifying our food and beverage product as an independent revenue-generation source in the effort to continue in our business diversification path and to provide a more wholesome event experience through food and beverage, an important cultural identity for Malaysia. Our team remain our most vital asset beyond the infrastructure of the Centre and it is our responsibility to ensure continued professional development to build a sustainable talent pool for our industry supply chain. Lastly, it is crucial we continue to lobby and advocate to government on the value of the business events industry and its role as as a primary contributor to the visitor economy and to the knowledge 48 | www.exhibi onshowcase.com

economy. It is imperative that Malaysia builds its profile in the region and globally as more and more competitor destinations advance their market share through strong government support and destination visibility and promotion. For the rest of 2021, we have secured 37 trade and consumer exhibitions and 14 national and APAC conventions confirmed including International Medical Exhibition & Conference 2021, Food & Hotel Malaysia 2021, the 3rd Asia Optometric Congress and the 8th ASEAN Optometric Conference.

ES. How KLCC is attracting other events and conferences that are relocating from other states?

Alan. At present with the restrictions in place it is very difficult to attract both events and participants from other states which limits our success in this regard. Our biggest challenge remains the restrictions on inter-district and interstate travel but we fully understand and support the initiatives

by Government to curb the numbers and to prioritise the safety and health of all Malaysians as the first and utmost priority. We are continually exploring opportunities with both corporates and national associations to stimulate business resumption and we are fortunate that our national convention bureau MyCEB has launched the “Meet in Malaysia” incentive programme to support local events. Our message is that we as the business events industry must remain resilient, focus on strict compliance to SOPs and use this time to collaborate and prepare for the resumption of business events in parallel with ongoing efforts to lobby and advocate to government on the value of our industry and our proven ability to deliver events in a safe regulated environment with the right expertise and health and safety compliance in place. Together we must be ready to present a compelling marketing campaign that demonstrates Malaysia as a certified safe destination for business events in the Covid era, so we can continue to secure more regional and international congresses and events and build Malaysia’s market share as a preferred destination for business events.

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May 2021

2021 Chicago Auto Show “Special Edition” Scheduled For July 15-19 hicago Auto Show officials announced they received approval from state and city officials to host a special edition of the show July 15-19 at McCormick Place.

The Chicago Auto Show will be one of the McCormick Place’s first live, inperson events since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.

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The special edition show will move to the West Building of the McCormick Place complex and expand outdoors to take advantage of July weather. With the show’s move, attendees will now experience more outdoor test drive opportunities, test tracks and technology demonstrations, which will take place along Indiana Avenue and surrounding city streets. Auto show fans will be able to enjoy favorites like the Camp Jeep and Ram Truck indoor test tracks as well as Subaru’s popular pet adoption event – all of which will be executed in a safe and healthy manner. Ford has also embraced the show’s outdoor space availability with experiences featuring the new Bronco, Bronco Sport and all-electric Mustang

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Mach-E SUV. “We’ve been working with McCormick Place officials for months on an opening plan, and very early on they saw that our show may provide a pathway to reopening the facility,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan.

“We stand committed to providing a safe environment for all involved and will carefully adhere to the health and safety protocols and guidelines set forth by city and state officials. McCormick Place is an important economic engine for our city and state, and we take very seriously the responsibility that comes with helping to get it running again.”

The show’s 2021 plan begins with an electronic ticketing process. Tickets for the 2021 Chicago Auto Show will be sold exclusively online. Attendees will be able to select their preferred attendance date and time utilizing timed entrance windows designed to carefully control crowd capacity throughout each event day. Show organizers will also intentionally regulate the number of

attendees throughout the day to control the number of people on the show floor at any given time. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pre-register for onsite activations including indoor and outdoor test track and ride-and-drive events. This will allow attendees to schedule participation in various show attractions ahead of time, diminishing lines and reducing congestion within exhibits.

“While we believe February is the right time for the Chicago Auto Show to have its biggest impact on the industry and the area economy, we’re thrilled to be able to experiment with the July dates,” said Sloan. “The timing has allowed us to get creative and try new things and the automakers have really embraced it.”

Among their new ideas, Chicago Auto Show organizers are seeking approval on plans to transform Indiana Avenue into an automotive street festival in the evening of most show days featuring local food, entertainment and, of course, shiny new cars and trucks.

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Methodology To Validate Meeting Tourism Events In Argentina Updated he Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Tourism Promotion (INPROTUR), Ricardo Sosa, met with representatives of the Economic Observatory for Meetings Tourism that make up INPROTUR, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and the Argentine Association of Organizers and Suppliers of Exhibitions, Congresses, Events and Convention Bureaus (AOCA) to determine interesting methodological changes in the statistical validation of meeting tourism events throughout the country, which will benefit the provinces that make up the so-called “Country Team” and that frequently collaborate measurement and economic impact of congresses,

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conventions and fairs.

During the meeting, a series of proposals for methodological changes were presented based on the analysis of the work carried out during the last time with suggestions, contributions made by the provinces and the ordering based on international trends regarding the measurement and validation of events of meetings.

Improvements were established in the classification of meetings according to category, in the characterization according to the type of meeting and type of rotation, new definition of meetings under the scope of the Observatory in

terms of duration, number of attendees and percentage of visitors, new methodology of load and requirements for the validation of events, the training calendar on these topics was established starting in May 2021 in virtual format and then the start of face-to-face Regional Meetings in all regions of the country.

Innovabiomed 2021 Returns To Verona On July 2-3 he second edition of Innovabiomed, the network place for biomedical innovation that will take place at the Palaexpo Congress Center, has been rescheduled for 2-3 July. The aim of the event is to create opportunities for meetings and discussions between experts in the production of medical devices, professionals and researchers in the sector, connecting different disciplines, skills and professionalisms. The new dates will allow the event to be held entirely in person, in conditions of safety that will encourage networking activities between operators in the sector.

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Innovabiomed is organized by Veronafiere in collaboration with distrettobiomedicale.it, the reference portal of the Mirandolese District, the most important biomedical center in Europe. The program includes conferences, round tables, workshops

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and a business area with the presence of highly innovative companies . Digital health, robotics, 3D printing, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence and precision oncology are just some of the topics that will be addressed during the two days with the contribution of over 50 speakers, among the top experts in the sector , selected by the scientific committee of the ‘event.

“Innovabiomed is the first event dedicated to the biomedical sector to take place in the presence of the beginning of the pandemic: this testifies to the great attention we pay to the medical-scientific community and to companies in the sector, fundamental for its social value and of which Italy it is the European leader », observes Maurizio Danese , president of Veronafiere.

“However, this record requires continuous investments in research and innovation: Innovabiomed looks

precisely in this direction, a moment of promotion for the business of companies but also of comparison, thanks to meetings and conferences of the highest profile”.

The health emergency linked to Covid19 has highlighted how the transversal knowledge underlying the development of biomedical devices and, in general, innovation in the medical field – from biology to electronics, from information technology to materials engineering – are important for saving lives. L ‘ technological innovation contributes fact significantly to improve the health of patients and medical devices represent one of the sectors with the highest unemployment rate. The sector in Italy generates a market worth 16.7 billion euros between exports and the domestic market and has 4,323 companies, which employ 94,153 employees (Confindustria Medical Devices data).

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CTA Announces Return To Las Vegas For CES 2022 he Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, will return to Las Vegas next year. Following a successful all-digital CES 2021, CTA will convene the tech industry in-person and digitally, giving a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates. CES heads back to Las Vegas Jan. 5-8, 2022, with Media Days taking place Jan. 3-4, 2022.

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Some 1000 companies have committed to showcasing their most innovative technologies in Las Vegas and companies are continuing to sign up.

Attendees can expect to see global brands including Amazon, AMD, AT&T, Daimler AG, Google, Hyundai, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics and Sony. Companies

including Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge and Sierra Space (a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation) are planning to make a Las Vegas debut in 2022. Eureka Park will return with startups representing countries around the world, including large delegations from France, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea.

“We’re thrilled to return to Las Vegas – home to CES for more than 40 years – and look forward to seeing many new and returning faces,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Hundreds of executives have told us how much they need CES to meet new and existing customers, find partners, reach media and discover innovation.” Digital audiences will also experience the spirit of the live event in Las Vegas. The CES anchor desk, which debuted at CES 2021, will travel to Las Vegas and connect the digital audience with

exhibitors, conference sessions, keynotes and product announcements from the live event. New content will also be added once CES departs Las Vegas, enabling attendees and exhibitors to continue connecting and exploring. “Our customers are enthusiastic about returning to a live event in Las Vegas,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, CTA. “Global brands and startups have shared that plans are already well underway and are committed to sharing the magic of an in-person CES with even more people from around the world.”

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Launches Its Interactive Virtual Tour uilding on its digital platform, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has unveiled its latest innovative engagement tool, an interactive virtual tour, now available on the venue’s website. Meeting and event organisers and visitors can now visit the Centre, with just a few clicks, from anywhere in the world.

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The Centre’s General Manager, Alan Pryor, said, “This is a huge leap for us at the Centre as we continue to transform the way we conduct our business. With this interactive virtual tour, we are able to bring our customer engagement to another level, meeting the demands of the current marketplace, especially in this Covid-19 times. Realising our dream of virtualisation has put us in the

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forefront of digital transformation of the business events industry, not only in Malaysia but regionally and globally.”

The interactive virtual tour offers an overview of the entire venue with the options to self-explore or take a quick guided-tour and a deep-dive into each function space via 360-view, offering a more interactive and visual immersion.

“Our aim for the virtual tour was to provide a truly dynamic and engaging experience for our audience. The virtual tour will be further enhanced with visual

references to various room set-ups and video-conference feature for liveinteraction between organiser and our team, expediting the event planning and communication process,” said Pryor. A range of international and regional conferences scheduled beyond 2021 have chosen the Centre as their preferred meeting venue, and the virtual tour ensures business continuity despite the temporary global travel restrictions.

Clients, planners and organisers can now embark on a seamless immersive virtual site-visit and explore venue space as they plan and prepare for upcoming events, without disruption or concerns about not being able to physically visit the Centre.

The virtual tour is the latest innovative addition to the Centre’s new and improved website.

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May 2021

ITB Asia To Gear Up For A Physical International Travel Trade Show In October 2021 TB Asia is back and on track for a physical event from 27 – 29 October 2021 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, in Singapore. The annual three-day B2B trade show and convention is designed to connect the key travel industry leaders in the region from the MICE, Leisure, Corporate Travel and Travel Technology segments. The in-person event will bring travel industry professionals back for meaningful business, networking and learning through face-to-face interactions. The organiser will ensure a trade show with robust safe management measures in place to provide a safe environment for all ITB Asia attendees.

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With six months to go before it opens its doors, the show is attracting unprecedented demand from a total of over 600 international exhibitors from Tourism Organisations, Hospitality and Travel Technology companies.

Confirmation from over 600 international exhibitors till date Celebrating its return to an in-person event, the trade show already records high demand for exhibition space from industry Tourism Organisation heavyweights. Participants can look forward to seeing key industry players including Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Inspired by Iceland, Korea Tourism Organization, Malta Tourism Authority, Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Penang Global Tourism, Saudi Tourism Authority, Shizuoka Prefectural Government, Singapore Tourism Board, Visit Finland, Visit Maldives, Visit Monaco, Zagreb Tourist Board and more.

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ITB Asia 2021 will also welcome a number of leading companies form the Hospitality and Travel Technology sectors, including Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, BWH Hotel Group, Juniper, Meliá Hotels International, Oakwood Worldwide Asia, Open Destinations, PKFare, Qtech Software, Traveloka Services, Trip.com Group, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and more. MICE Show Asia 2021 and Travel Tech Asia 2021 will take place in parallel to the show. “It has been a difficult year, but the travel industry is best known for its resilience.

More and more signs of the industry’s return are emerging.

With the worldwide vaccination rollouts, the industry is right to be optimistic. After ITB Asia went completely virtual for the first-time last year, I am more than pleased that we are returning to an in-person event this October. Drawing from the lessons and past experiences, the ITB Asia Team will ensure a trade show with robust safe management measures in place to provide a safe environment for all ITB Asia attendees.”, said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB Asia.

Prioritising safety without compromising on the event experience ITB Asia 2021 is set to be among the various business events with an

international audience to help pave the way for the gradual resumption of larger-scale trade shows and leisure travel in Singapore. The ITB Asia Team will work with the Singapore Tourism Board to facilitate the entry of shortterm international MICE travelers to attend ITB Asia 2021 in Singapore.

Health and safety measures will be put in place for all attendees.

Under the Ministry of Health’s current guidelines, selected groups of travellers are allowed to enter for essential business, official or work purposes and will not be required to serve a Stay Home Notice (SHN). However, they are required to undergo COVID-19 tests during their stay, including before departure and upon arrival, and to follow a strict, controlled itinerary, limiting interactions with the wider community for the first 14 days.

Key Safe Management Measures (SMM)* in place at ITB Asia 2021: Ÿ

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Dedicated transport provided for overseas attendees upon arrival and departure at Changi Airport and between locations within the event itinerary All attendees are required to download the TraceTogether Mobile App for contact tracing and Safe Entry purposes All attendees are required to practice 1 metre safe distancing between individuals at all times Temperature screenings will be conducted at venue and event entrances.

All attendees are required to wear a face mask at all times, except when eating and drinking

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May 2021

Spain Will Consider Attendance At FITUR An Essential Travel pain’s government will consider attendance at FITUR essential travel and trade visitors from abroad attending the fair as highly qualified workers. This category is recognised under Order INT/657/2020 of 17th July On Travel Restrictions, allowing international travel from third countries to the European Union and associated Schengen countries.

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This government measure has been initiated by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and represents a significant boost to streamlining attendance at FITUR by trade visitors from abroad. The event will be held from 19th to 23rd May in the Spanish capital. It will be a strategic edition for reviving tourism at a critical time for restarting trade meetings as part of the Spanish tourism industry’s leading

platform. So far, 65% of the FITUR 2021 space at IFEMA MADRID has already been reserved, more than 38,000 net square metres. Expected trade visitor numbers are approximately 50,000.

This measure is also vitally important for encouraging the connection with Latin American countries. The Madrid International Tourism Fair has become a leading hub for the Latin American tourism market, one for which, every year, it shows its strongest business

potential. For border control purposes, IFEMA MADRID is working with the government to adapt the registration processes for FITUR trade visitors from other countries to speed up the paperwork and make international access more agile. This change does imply exemption from visa requirements for countries where it is required, nor from sanitary measures for travelling.

IFEMA MADRID has rigorous health and safety protocols, and visitors at FITUR’s trade days will have to provide a negative COVID test. There will also be other measures such as the mandatory wearing of masks, capacity control, a ventilation system that completely renews the air three times an hour, and special cleaning with disinfection, among others, to make FITUR a safe space.

UFI European Conference 2021 To Be Held Online Fi’s European Conference will take place as a digital event this year, on 9-10 June, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry announced. Open to both UFI members and non-members, the UFI European Conference is the region’s leading international exhibition industry event.

Each year, it serves as a trusted platform to bring together colleagues from across Europe and beyond.

CEO of Reed Exhibitions UK, Russia, the Middle East and Turkey (Russia); and Olivier Ferraton, CEO of GL Events (France) – who will all discuss their vision of the future post-pandemic. They will be joined by the CEOs of Swapcard, Grip, ExpoPlatform and Info Salons to debate the issue of ownership and guardianship of our customers’ data, which is a hot topic right now across the industry.

Led by Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director for Europe, this year’s event will offer all participants a blend of keynote sessions and expert content, networking, matchmaking and business development opportunities. The conference will host a strong line-up of speakers, including Philippe Brocart, Managing Director of Maison&Objet, SAFI (France); Anna Dycheva-Smirnova,

“We have adapted the conference format to fit in with your working week.

It will take place over two afternoons, broadcasting live from 2-6pm CEST, so there’s no excuse to miss a single minute.

The conference will cover global opportunities from a European perspective. It’s the best opportunity for networking and best-practice learning in the industry,” says UFI’s Dugdale-

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Moore. Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO and Managing Director, confirms: “Our industry is getting ready to re-open over the summer. The UFI European Conference is designed to be the one digital event for our industry that you need to attend in the run-up to the reopening of show floors. As travel across Europe and beyond remains affected, we have gone for a digital-only event to bring everyone together on one platform.”

The UFI European Conference typically takes place in May-June each year. It has previously been hosted in Birmingham (2019), Verona (2018), Cologne (2017), Basel (2016), and Istanbul (2015), and is open to UFI members and nonmembers. The event attracts approximately 300 industry leaders from organisers, venues and service providers.

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May 2021

Ready To Go: The Course Is Set For The European Coatings Show 2021 In September he Bavarian state government has decided to further simplify the corona measures and has named a clear opening perspective for the trade fair industry: If the infection rate continues to develop favorably, trade fair operations can be resumed by September 1, 2021 at the latest. With this, Bayern Messen wants to allow trade fairs again in time for the start of the European Coatings Show from September 14 to 16, 2021.

therefore welcome the decision of the Bavarian State Government, which with its decision gives real prospects for a personal reunion in Nuremberg. ”

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“We are very pleased that the Bavarian State Government has decided to restart the trade fair in time for the ECS in September. The opening perspective ensures more planning security for our

exhibitors and visitors ”, says Alexander Mattausch, Executive Director Exhibitions, NürnbergMesse. Amanda Beyer, Director Event Management Vincentz Network, adds: “The signals from the industry clearly show us how essential the ECS is as a meeting place for the coatings and paint industry. We

Preparations for the European Coatings Show 2021 are currently in full swing.

Around 500 exhibitors have already registered for the leading trade fair for the international coatings industry. The trade fair will also be supplemented this year by the partially parallel European Coatings Conference from September 13 to 14, as well as an attractive supporting program. A comprehensive hygiene concept also makes safe ECS possible in autumn 2021.

Metalloobrabotka To Go Live In Moscow From 24 To 28 May 2021 rom 24 to 28 May 2021 the international machine tool industry will meet physically and live at the Expocentre exhibition centre in Moscow despite the pandemic-related restrictions. To the tune of 600 exhibitors from 25 countries will showcase their innovations, technologies and equipment in metal working on more than 30,000 square metres. The trade fair with science conference is supported by the Russian Ministry for Industry and Trade, the Russian Union of Engineers, the Council of the Russian Federation as well as the Russian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

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Metalloobrabotka is among the ten leading machine tool exhibitions worldwide and the leading trade fair in Eastern Europe and the CIS. Since its first edition in 1984 it has become established as the communication platform for decision-makers, leading producers, upstream suppliers, dealers and all parties interested in the machine

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tool sector and metal working technologies.

Over the course of five trade fair days suppliers of technology solutions and highlights will be available for personal dialogue with the expert audience, including renowned Russian exhibitors such as CNC-Tulamash, the Kalashnikov Group, Laser Center, NPK Morsvyazavtomatika, Sasta, the STAN Group, Stankoprom, and Stan-Samara.

Participating international industry leaders include such firms as AMADA, Galika AG, Hermle WWE AG, Hoffman Professional Tools, Horn, Mazak, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Salvagnini Italia SPA, and Trumpf.

Also featuring prominently at Metalloobrabotka 2021 will be the international national pavilions from Germany, Italy, France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Peter Schmitz, Director Official Participations at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, looks to the

re-start of the trade fair in Moscow with optimism: “We and our partner Expocentre are extremely delighted with the avid international exhibitor participation. Direct contacts and the exchange on site are indispensable to our customers and partners. All of this is made possible by a well thought-out hygiene and infection protection concept because the health and safety of our trade visitors and exhibitors is, of course, the highest priority for us.”

In addition to the international participations Metalloobrabotka specifically targets German companies with an official joint stand organised by the Messe Düsseldorf Group. Numerous participating enterprises, including firsttime exhibitors, will thus be given the opportunity to exhibit their innovations at attractive special terms on the shared exhibition area and strengthen their position on the growth market that is Russia.

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May 2021

360-Degree Virtual Tour Of the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Launched

n interactive and immersive new 360-degree video will enable anyone in any location to embark on a virtual site inspection and see the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) from a whole new angle. The innovative video, GCCEC360, invites viewers to walk through Australia’s largest regional convention centre, taking in each of its spaces from all directions and stopping to access more details at their leisure. “It’s as good as a physical site tour,” says Adrienne Readings, General Manager Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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“We mapped out how we do tours of the Centre for prospective clients, from the front door to the arena, central rooms, meeting rooms, halls and foyers, and we recreated that experience virtually. “The video includes all of the things that we’d discuss with visitors on an in-venue site tour – everything from which spaces are best suited to which types of events, to where the registration desk and organiser’s offices are located.”

Throughout GCCEC360, which can be viewed on virtually any computer or mobile device, clickable hotspots provide further details.

“It’s a truly interactive experience,” Ms Readings says. “As you watch the video,

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you might ask yourself, ‘How many people can I fit in this space for a gala dinner? How many people can be seated in that space for a concert?’ All of that information is contained within the video, along with floor plans, still images and other relevant details.” GCCEC has led the event industry’s pandemic recovery over the past year. Since getting the go-ahead to operate under its COVID Safe site-specific plan last June, the venue has successfully hosted several business and public events. While COVID has presented opportunities, giving the Centre a greater chance than ever to attract business events that would otherwise have gone overseas, the pandemic has also impacted the ability of domestic decision makers to tour the site and inspect its world-class facilities. With the number of in-venue site tours decreasing at the same time that traffic to the venue’s interactive maps and 360degree image gallery was increasing, the GCCEC team recognised the need to provide prospective clients with a virtual site tour. “We needed to be able to show off the spaces within the Centre to clients in any location,” Ms Readings says.

“With potential border closures and clients being unable to travel, we had to ramp up our capacity to bring the Centre, the destination and our capabilities and

personality to decision makers, wherever they may be.” GCCEC successfully applied for a Tourism Australia Business Events Boost Program, and used the funding to produce GCCEC 360.

“Business Events Australia is pleased to partner with the GCCEC to support this valuable project via the Business Events Boost Program,” says Penny Lion, Executive General Manager, Events at Tourism Australia. “It is innovative asset creation like this which will encourage Australian businesses and organisations to host in-person events again and showcases Australia’s smarts to the wider international business events market.”

The 360-degree video showcases the Centre as a world-class business event venue in a highly desirable location in the heart of Broadbeach – increasing awareness of the Centre, even whilst COVID limits opportunities for physical site visits.

“Initiatives like GCCEC 360 will help us continue to be the magnet for tourism that we have been for the past 17 years,” Ms Readings says. “GCECC has brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast, injecting $300-$500 million annually into the local economy, and it’s important that we continue to play that role for the community in a post-COVID landscape.”

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May 2021

COVID-19 Certificate To Messukeskus Helsinki As The First Event Organiser In The Nordic Countries

s the first Nordic event organiser, Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre has received a COVID-19 certificate in recognition of exemplary work for Covid-19 safety. The certificate has been awarded by SAFE Asset Group, an international certification and consulting company specialising in the security of commercial premises.

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SAFE Asset Group conducted an extensive audit for the certificate, which verified Messukeskus’ safety policies and

guidelines. The certificate is a recognition that the instructions, the hygiene of the premises and equipment, the safety expertise of the staff and other measures related to the control of COVID-19 have been thoroughly taken care of. The health of our clients and staff is of primary importance to us. We monitor closely the instructions of the authorities and invest firmly and proactively in safety at events. You can visit Messukeskus’ events with full confidence, says Anni Vepsäläinen, Managing Director of Messukeskus.

Built for large public events, Messukeskus has a smooth entrance with automatic gates, the possibility of electronic payment, service points protected with plexiglass and contact free taps. Entrance routes and service points

are equipped with hand disinfection automats and safety distance markings.

Face masks and other hygiene equipment are available for visitors.

Efficient air conditioning and in some place up to 14 meters high halls improve safety. A year ago, Messukeskus was the first trade fair organiser in Finland to publish comprehensive instructions related to Covid-19 safety and to train its entire staff in advanced hygiene and safety practices.

The halls were harnessed as testing and vaccination sites in the fight against COVID-19. Health safety is part of Messukeskus’ sustainability work. The Sustainability Report 2020 provides a broader overview of Messukeskus’ other sustainability goals and work.

HKTB Launches The ‘Hong Kong Convention Ambassador’ Programme To Revitalise Hong Kong’s MICE industry ver 100 distinguished leaders of business and professional bodies in Hong Kong have joined forces with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) as Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors to promote the city as the premier choice for regional and global Meetings, Incentive trips, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events.

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The HKTB has launched the ‘Hong Kong Convention Ambassador’ programme to help revitalise Hong Kong’s MICE industry, after a turbulent and challenging 2020 with unwavering resilience and agility. With extensive connections, influence and personal standing in their respective fields, the Ambassadors have a significant

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advantage when they lobby potential conference organisers to consider Hong Kong as the preferred host city for future MICE events. “As we chart the road to recovery, we are grateful to have over 100 prominent leaders of the community join us in promoting Hong Kong as the preferred host for global MICE events, ” Dr YK Pang, Chairman of the HKTB said, as he extended a warm welcome to the Ambassadors. “The Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme is formulated not only to bring business events to the city when travel resumes. It will also promote the advantages of Hong Kong to the global business community and help drive multi-sectoral recovery. The economic multiplier effect of hosting world-class MICE events is huge. And the HKTB team is here to

offer full support to the Ambassadors’ efforts,” he added.

On average, MICE visitors are highyielding travellers who spend at least 20% more per capita than general visitors. Furthermore, they create a larger multiplier effect on the city’s economy.

MICE events also help drive the recovery and development of the region, including the Greater Bay Area.

The city is poised to welcome its firstever Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Congress with over 2,400 participants in November 2021. “Hong Kong is in the best position to host this GBA event given its leading position as the most international city and a gateway to the mainland.

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May 2021

B-travel To Be Held In June With The Aim To Reactivate Spanish Tourism Sector -Travel , the show specializing in experience tourism returns, from 11 to 13 June, with an edition that aims to contribute to the reactivation of the Spanish tourism sector, an industry especially affected by the effects of the pandemic and fundamental to the economy. The event, part of the resumption of the face-to-face activity of Fira de Barcelona, will bring together a wide range of the best local, regional, national and international destinations in the Palau 8 of the Montjuïc fairgrounds.

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Under the motto Reactiva-T, the show organized by Fira de Barcelona will have a unique edition with a format adapted to the current situation, and with all the security measures, which will promote local and sustainable tourism. With the

aim of guaranteeing the safety of operators, exhibitors and visitors, the prevention and safety protocol against the Covid-19 that Fira de Barcelona has developed will be applied to B-Travel 2021, with the advice of the Hospital Barcelona Clinic. The trade fair has also received the international Safe Travels seal awarded by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The president of the organizing committee,

Martí Sarrate, pointed out "the importance of holding this event in the current circumstances to respond to the need of the tourism sector to have a commercial and outreach platform such as B-Travel" and highlighted the role of the show as "an essential catalyst to promote the activity of all the agents that make up national tourism.”

For her part, the director of the show, Marta Serra, stated that “the organization has worked closely with all sectoral representatives, from companies to travel agencies, through national and international promotion bodies, to design an event that is useful for their interests and attractive to the visitor, with more desire than ever to travel again.

Washington, DC Fully Reopens For Meetings, Conventions, Trade Shows And Special Events tarting from May 21, Washington, DC fully reopens for in-person meetings, conventions, trade shows, groups and special events. The hospitality alliance, comprised of Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, Events DC, the Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. and Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, is leading an industry-wide effort to support customers meeting in the nation's capital.

The Still Connected approach is twofold: first, is a focus on health standards, and second is a focus on DC's exclusive benefits that facilitate commerce thriving in the city.

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“After more than a year of navigating the pandemic together, it's clear that nothing

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replaces face-to-face meetings. As a city, we take protective measures against COVID-19 seriously, and beyond that, meeting in Washington, DC provides many benefits,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “DC is walkable and accessible, and our hospitality partners across venues and event spaces, restaurants and hotels are dedicated to providing an experience that will lead to client success.”

“This year has tested our resilience and demonstrated the incredible strength of our community,” said Greg O'Dell, president and CEO of Events DC. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we know there is a pent-up demand for travel and a return to word-class meeting and event experiences in Washington, DC. We've spent the last year implementing the

latest health and safety protocols to position Events DC as an industry leader and to put the safety of our guests and staff as our highest priority for reopening.” Events DC, operators of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, has created a comprehensive plan focused on cleanliness and health.

Because of the dedicated efforts, the center, along with other Events DC venues, was awarded GBAC STAR™ certification.

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May 2021

Hyve Announces Financial Results For The Six Months To 31st March 2021 Robust nancial position after further insurance proceeds and ongoing cost management Ran 12 in-person events in H1 despite the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19 Strong customer rollovers reect pent-up demand for market leading events Well positioned to emerge from the pandemic a stronger business with an omnichannel strategy

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ark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group plc, commented:

Hyve is focused on emerging from the pandemic a stronger business, with a robust financial platform and strategy in place to meet pent-up event demand, while accelerating our omnichannel offering. Since the outbreak of COVID19 we have secured insurance proceeds totalling £84.9m, achieved cost savings above our projections and ensured we have sufficient liquidity to make the most of the opportunity in front of us as markets begin to reopen.

“Having run events in Russia, Ukraine, China, Turkey and India in H1, we are optimistic that events in Western economies will run in the second half, in line with our modelled scenarios.

Continued customer rollover for Western events provides confidence in the pent-up demand for market leading in-person events, which Hyve is well positioned to serve.

omnichannel strategy, enabling us to strengthen our existing brands, monetise online events and offer customers multiple opportunities to learn, network and trade throughout the year. Our recent acquisition of Retail Meetup is tracking ahead of expectations, demonstrating a successful monetisable model for future virtual Meetup events.

With the speed of vaccine rollouts providing optimism and the strong liquidity headroom we have created, we enter the second half with the right talent, portfolio and omnichannel

“COVID-19 has provided Hyve an opportunity to reset, renew and evolve.

We are enhancing our already market leading in-person events by significantly building out our capability to Financial headlines4 deliver bespoke facilitated Volume sales meetings programmes at a number Revenue of our events in FY22. Our qualityfocused portfolio is optimally Headline prot before tax1 positioned to deliver an even Prot / (loss) before tax greater return on time and money Headline diluted earnings per share2 for our customers than before the Diluted earnings per share2 pandemic.

“We continue to evolve our

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Six months to 31 March 2021 39,400 m2 £10.4m £27.6m £18.7m 8.5p 5.9p

Interim dividend per share

Nil

Adjusted net debt3

£92.4m

strategy to meet pent-up demand now and into Fy22.”

£10.4m revenue (2020: £90.6m) reflects multiple lockdowns across our geographies Ÿ Headline profit before tax £27.6m (2020: £19.4m) Ÿ This is after including £49.0m of insurance proceeds5 in respect of cancelled events. The income from insurance proceeds is recognised when confirmed, not in the period in which results from the cancelled events would have been recognised had they taken place.

Six months to 31 March 2020 Ÿ Statutory profit before tax of 288,900 m2 £18.7m (2020: loss of £168.7m) Ÿ Adjusted net debt reduced to £90.6m £92.4m (2020: £157.2m) £19.4m following continued cost £(168.7)m control, rights issue in May 10.9p 2020 raising £126.6m and the receipt of insurance claims to (120.2)p date Nil Ÿ

£157.2m

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May 2021

Hyve maintains a strong liquidity position with visibility of significant cash headroom under our modelled scenarios

Strategic highlights Ran 12 in-person events in Russia, Ukraine, China, Turkey and India during H1 Ÿ Acquired Retail Meetup in December 2020 and ran successful Groceryshop Spring Meetup event in March performing 10% ahead of expectations

Accelerating omnichannel

Outlook

Evolving our in-person offering via facilitated meetings

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Completed exit of Central Asia with disposal of Kazakhstan portfolio - 25 non-core, regionally focused events Ÿ Portfolio now consists of 75 marketleading, bigger, better events (100 prepandemic) Ÿ Successfully secured confirmation of £49.0m of insurance proceeds in the first half of the year. An additional £13.9m has been confirmed since the period end. Including £22.0m confirmed in FY20, total insurance proceeds are now £84.9m: Ÿ

Monetising our offering online Secured acquisition of Retail Meetup in December 2020 for initial consideration of £18.5m, with an earnout valued at £3.4m at acquisition, to accelerate omnichannel strategy Ÿ A first of its kind digital networking format and technology with proven monetisation adding four high quality digital events Ÿ In March 2021, the Group ran its first virtual Meetup event, Groceryshop Spring Meetup. It saw high levels of customer participation with 8,884 online meetings taking place over the three-day event, proving that online events can cater to customer needs and be monetised

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£56.3m for FY20 events (policy cap: £62.0m) Ÿ £28.6m for FY21 events (policy cap: £50.0m) Ÿ

Carrying out trials in FY21 to rollout facilitated meetings prior to launching at BETT, Spring Fair, Mining Indaba and Autumn Fair in Fy22

Ran more than 80 virtual events, of varying formats, during the first half to keep our customers engaged and connected with their communities online

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Hyve is currently trading between the two modelled scenarios presented in December 2020, "Recovery"6 and "East/West"7 In either scenario, Hyve maintains its strong liquidity position and has visibility of significant cash headroom Our outlook for net debt at the year end remains in the range of £100120m, even having completed the acquisition of Retail Meetup in December With restrictions remaining on international travel and lockdowns still ongoing in certain markets, disruption to the event schedule continues The Group is encouraged by the pace of vaccine rollouts in countries such as the United Kingdom and United States While the near-term outlook remains fluid, Hyve is cautiously optimistic as it continues to see strong pent-up demand for its market-leading events through continued strong rollover of customer deposits and sales Hyve expects a gradual return of customer participation as international travel resumes and restrictions are lifted

Messe München Welcomes Positive Signal For Openings In Autumn rade fair events to be possible again in Munich (Bavaria, Germany) by September 1, 2021 at the latest. The Bavarian State Government gave this positive signal in its cabinet meeting on May 18, 2021.

The prerequisite is a continued favourable development of the infection.

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‘This decision now gives us and our customers the necessary planning security for the upcoming autumn events.

With our protection and hygiene concept, we are already well prepared for trade fairs such as IAA MOBILITY, OutDoor by ISPO, EXPO REAL

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(Messe München) and productronica - world's leading trade fair for electronics development and production. The easing of travel restrictions and the increasing vaccination rate also make us very confident. The decision is also an important signal for the economy in the region. Because the trade fair industry is one of the most important economic drivers for Munich and Bavaria.’, Klaus Dittrich , CEO of Messe München, reacts to the positive signal from the State Authorities.

The special hygiene and infection

protection concept will be implemented at the TrendSet trade fair from July 10th to 12th at the trade fair center of Messe München. Practical experience will then be analysed.

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May 2021

The US$1.5 Billion Expansion Of The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Completed he US$1.5 billion expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has been completed, as Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on May 11, 2021. The massive project, which adds 1.2 million square feet of total event-related space on Manhattan's West Side, was completed on budget despite the challenges related to COVID-19.

50% increase. And it's remodified for the needs of today.

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The Javits Center is one of busiest convention centers in the United States.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said: "Today we're announcing the completion

of the new expanded Javits Center, which is going to be an economic engine for years to come. It is a 1.2 million square foot expansion. It goes from 2.1 million square feet to 3.3 million square feet, a

Now it has 200,000 square feet of meeting room space, exhibit hall space, a 54,000 square foot ballroom, glass enclosed rooftop, a new glass atrium."

Speaking about the traffic situation, he adds: "We built a four-level, 27 loading dock marshalling facility that will take all the trucks that are coming to the convention centre, puts them in an indoor facility, more than 20,000 eventrelated needed trucks off the street annually."

Liverpool Pilot Events Have No Impact On Covid Spread In The Region iverpool Public Health officials and scientists have found the city’s pilot events did not cause any detectable spread of Covid-19 across the region.The city hosted four hugely successful events as part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP), with a total of 13,258 people attending The Good Business Festival, two nightclub events hosted by Circus and the Sefton Park Pilot music festival.All attendees were required to take a lateral flow test ahead of the event – a negative test would allow them access.

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Five people with the Covid-19 virus were identified through this process and were not allowed to attend.Ticketholders were encouraged to take a PCR test on the day of the event, and a second one five days later.This process identified four people as possibly having the virus at an event; and a further seven people were identified with the virus four to seven days after they attended an event. Of those who tested positive – two attended

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the music festival, nine attended the nightclub and none attended the business festival. Many of the cases were friends who meet outside of events and may not have been infected at an event itself.Everyone who tested positive was successfully followed up by the contact tracing team. Scientists found the testing, data and contact tracing systems worked well, with key information being available to public health teams before the events which allowed contacts of potential cases to be traced quickly.

The research team also found that between 25 per cent and 43 per cent of people returned a PCR test after the event, with the Sefton Park Pilot festival seeing three times the number of the other Liverpool pilots due to the incentive of winning tickets to future gigs. Every Covid-19 test result for the 2.6m population of Cheshire and Merseyside was examined before and after the events, with 96 per cent of tickets linked to test results. The results

showed there was no evidence of any substantial spread of the virus around the pilot events.Covid-19 infections remain low in Liverpool and the pattern of variants is being watched carefully.The public health and science teams are cautiously optimistic that events can reopen reasonably safely with effective testing in place, and anyone feeling unwell should not attend.Wearing face coverings or maintaining social distancing were not required at any of Liverpool’s pilot events.

Liverpool’s test events were: Ÿ

Wednesday 28 April – The Good Business Festival

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Friday 30 April – Circus nightclub

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Saturday 1 May – Circus nightclub

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Sunday 2 May – Sefton Park Pilot music festival

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

UPCOMING EVENTS 2021 June CIVSEC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 1 - 3 BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA WIRE TECH ISTANBUL ISTANBUL, TURKEY

June 2-5

June INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW FOR RENEWABLE ENERGIES 2 - 6 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY F-CELL + HFC June KONGRESSE GMBH

20-24

June SOLAR NEAR EAST AND EXHIBITION FORUM 21-24 AMMAN, JORDAN ARAB HEALTH June DUBAI, UAE

21-24

June CHINA INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER SHOW 22-24 BEIJING, CHINA INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND WOOD INDUSTRY FAIR (PHYSICAL) SAO PAULO PAULO

June 22-25

June MANUFACTURE SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO (ONLINE) 22-24 ORGANISER- GARDNER BUSINESS MEDIA INC AGROFARM (PHYSICAL) June VDNH EXPOMOSCOW, RUSSIA

23-25

(COVID-19 Alert, we advise visitors to check event status with organizers before visiting)