UFI in Asia provides updates at two recent webinars
In Asia, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely restrict the business events industry. UFI is supporting the events industry across Asia, but providing the latest data and insights from around the world.
On 14th September, UFI’s Regional Director in Asia, Mark Cochrane, presented at the webinar, “Promoting Trade by Utilizing Digital Technology.” The event was organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Economic Affairs) in Taipei. The webinar attracted several hundred delegates from a wide range of export-focused business in Taiwan.
Mark delivered the keynote address which was titled, COVID, Technology and the Impact on Business Events. Other presenters were from organisations such as the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). In addition, Andrew Phua from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) presented on Innovation in Singapore’s MICE Industry.
Separately, the Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) organized the third in its series of webinars on 2nd September. The event, “Potential and Outlook for Thailand’s Exhibition Industry” attracted close to 200 industry representatives from across Thailand.
Once again, UFI’s Regional Director in Asia, Mark Cochrane, presented at the webinar. Mark’s session was called “International Market Trends and Thailand Opportunities.” The session also featured a Q&A with Bjoern Kempe, CEO of Expos Asia.
Other speakers included Max Chang from TAITRA, Kavin Kittiboonya from Kavin Intertrade as well as TEA President Pravit Sribanditmongkol and TCEB’s President, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya. The sessions had a decidedly positive focus looking ahead to opportunities for the Thai exhibition industry when events restart.
News from MEA
Expo Dubai 2021 from 1st October
The UFI MEA Chapter will have a special participation at the Expo to be announced in due time. Earlier this month, 21 Sep, our Regional Director of MEA, Naji El Haddad, had a meeting with the MEA Chapter Leadership; Albert Aoun (chair), Mohammed AL Hussaini, Craig Newman and Said Al Shanfari (vice chairs). The group mostly reviewed the plan for the year to come in the lead-up to the 90th Congress that will be hosted in Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, with activations and gatherings planned in multiple cities.
EDUCATION
2020/2021 NGL MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME IS WRAPPING UP
Every year the NGL Grant Winner can benefit from a 12 months mentorship programme with C-level industry professionals and this year’s group is about to wrap up their experience.
Thanks to this programme the winners could explore specific career goals, networking, and develop leadership skills, as well as their own self confidence and personality. The mentors shared their experiences, offered guidance and advice. The confidential environment facilitated the exchange and allowed to accelerate the person’s achievements and to build professional success.
UFI wishes to thank all participants for their involvement.
“The NGL mentorship program is important as a support network to groom the intelligence. Especially during the tough time at the pandemics, the mentor-mentee conversations keep the idea flowing and guild the vision towards a better industry’s future. The value is immense. » Eddie Choi, Managing Partner at Mills Design, Singapore, mentor
“UFI Next Generation Leadership grant successfully offers an opportunity to complement one’s lifelong learning passion. Additionally, connecting with a like-minded mentor – sometimes from a different discipline – just accentuates the whole experience.” Vijay Sharma, Head: Partnership & Business Development, Koelnmesse, Singapore, mentee
Photo: Mentees and mentors meeting, 22 September 2021
EEIA News from Brussels
In Brussels, the main focus of the activities has been continued advocacy work connected to the COVID-19 implications on the exhibition industry. EEIA addressed the EU institutions and held regular online meetings with several networks to flag important developments and concerns of the exhibition industry, especially the continuing travel restrictions and subsequent insecurity for planning and performance of our sector. Since September, personal meetings e.g. with MEPs, are possible again in Brussels. Barbara Weizsäcker hold regular updates with ECA’s Tommy Goodwin in the US to identify common items and action.
EEIA is continuously monitoring relevant legislation and political moves in Brussels, with special focus now on the Green and Digital Transition, Transition Pathways, Recovery Funds, Next Generation EU, European Innovation Council, Industrial Strategy, SME strategy, Trade and Tourism. Check out the news and events at the EIC website which include participation in conferences and trade fairs: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Some long term topics are also being addressed again, like IPR and the exhibition Priority Certificates, through a public consultation and personal talks on Commission and EP level for the revision of the Design Directive with a high level meeting with EUIPO Officials planned in October.
Furthermore, work on the EU-funded “Overseas Trade Fairs 2.0” has started with planning an EU-booth for EU start-ups at several international exhibitions starting January 2022. Due to remaining insecurity for travel restrictions and visa policy alternative shows are being identified and the programme for 2022 is being constantly adapted. The European Commission and the project leader rely entirely on EEIA expertise at this difficult moment of asynchronous rebound and recovery, expanding EEIA’s visibility, relevance and reputation.
TCEB – An Update
My Dearly Beloved Industrialists,
Firstly, spiritual support is of utmost importance regardless of the status of the pandemic our respective countries are currently experiencing. Together, we can make this world a better place by exploring new possibilities with the love and care sparked by our passion for life. Resilience is not about how we endure but more about how we recharge.
Business-wise, TCEB has been working with international exhibition power groups to source international events while lobbying and convincing the government sector to play host.
TCEB does not confine itself as a government agency, but as a national sales agent and a thought leader to learn new market movement and insights in order to develop more progressive subvention programs which have been continuously formulated to support Thai exhibitions to benefit from the government economic policies.
Simultaneously, we encourage Thai exhibition organizers to lead the market and take more impactful actions on international marketing and collaboration by working with more international trade associations and chambers of commerce to foster new partnerships and establish business relationships in Thai trade exhibitions.
We have recently launched our first and foremost incubation programme for Thai exhibition stakeholders as a business training, aiming to equip them with international show management knowhow, boost their capabilities, and upgrade their competitiveness to international level, in preparation for future collaboration with international show organizers staging their events in Thailand, as the gateway to ASEAN market.
