MIDDLE EAST - The incoming UFI president Chen Xianjin has called the global exhibition industry association a brand of quality and honour for Chinese companies.
Xianjin, the current chairman of the Organising Committee of China Association for Exhibition Centers and former deputy director of the successful 2010 Shanghai World Expo, becomes the first Chinese president in UFI’s history at the end of the association’s 79th Annual Congress.
He told EW that he plans to use his tenure to build on previous presidential agendas, including maximising the association’s network, promotion and sustainability.
“UFI, as an international exhibition association, represents the most important and influential companies and exhibitions in the industry,” said Xianjin. “Many Chinese exhibition companies consider UFI a brand of quality and honour. UFI is a good platform to communicate and exchange ideas with the leading companies in the world.”
UFI has seen a marked increase in Chinese membership in the past few years. The total number of UFI approved events in Greater China now stands at 90, with the country providing half the members from the Asia Pacific region.
“In recent years we’ve seen more and more members in China take part in the UFI events, education programmes and seminars,” said Xianjin. “UFI plays a unique role as the association representing the leaders of the exhibition industry and I will be encouraging our Chinese organisers and venue managers to play an active role within the association.
“I look forward to continuing the good work of my predecessors as UFI promotes the business benefits of this dynamic marketing medium.”
In addition driving a particular focus on Asia, to engage new members from the region and strengthen the ties to the rest of the world, Xianjin told EW he will also work towards developing a stronger presence for UFI in the Americas, and help the exhibition industry cope with continued economic pressure in order to provide better value to customers.
For a full interview with Xianjin, get your hands on a copy of the new Exhibition World magazine.
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