UFI spearheads Global Exhibitions Day initiative on June 1

The exhibitions industry has shown its innovation, and resilience in responding to difficulties brought about by the pandemic

The seventh annual Global Exhibitions Day (GED) is set to place on June 1, 2022, a first-of-its-kind global coalition facilitated by UFI.

The focus will be on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery.

The exhibitions industry has shown its innovation, and resilience in responding to difficulties brought about by the pandemic

“Global Exhibitions Day puts the spotlight on the exhibitions industry,” said Monica Lee-Müller, UFI president. “It is a recognition and a celebration of this spirit of innovation and resilience in the industry, and everyone is welcomed to join – working together to showcase who we are as an industry and what vital role we play.”

This day of advocacy is supported by more than 40 national and international industry associations, and leading exhibitions organisers. All businesses and professionals in the sector are encouraged to join the GED celebrations on June 1, 2022 by highlighting the impact of exhibitions on local economies – both in building businesses and connecting people from around the world.

Exhibition organisers and associations have managed to quickly bring live event platforms back, and events are seeing levels of attendance similar – if not higher – to those before the pandemic. Some shows around the world are bigger than they have been before the pandemic, driven by pent-up demand especially from small- and medium-sized businesses to meet and do business face-to-face.

Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Markets, said: “The spirit of connection and collaboration are at the heart of our industry’s purpose – when people come together to achieve common goals, they thrive… Over the last few years, we have united as an industry to bring safe, successful events back to life. We’re once again celebrating the magic of face-to-face connection, and creating a sustainable future, together. We are more than ever seeing the value of our services through the eyes of our customers, who are returning to the show floor with urgency and enthusiasm.”

“The benefits of face-to-face interactions and the critical business function in-person events provide our customers are what drive our industry forward with determination and vigour. People want to meet to share ideas, products, and innovations; to be inspired, share best practices, and discuss challenges,” acknowledged Hervé Sedky, president & CEO – Emerald.

Hugh Jones, CEO – RX, added: “Nothing speaks of the power of face-to-face events to drive business recovery, growth and innovation, as the sight of customers streaming back through our show doors. But in these fractured times, our events also celebrate the importance of community, of coming together, of shared experiences where everyone is made to feel welcome.

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