Global Snapshot

EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry

1. Americas

Maritz, a leader in meetings and event management, has acquired Convention Data Services (CDS), a registration, on-site and lead services partner for trade shows and association events. The deal was effective, 1 July. “By adding this new portfolio of clients from CDS, Maritz significantly increases our share of the market,” said David Peckinpaugh, company president and CEO.

2. Americas

The US-based experiential marketing agency STAR Group has announced the retirement of David DuBois, president of its Exhibitor Group, effective 1 July, 2024. DuBois joined STAR Group as president of Exhibitor Group in 2023, spearheading industry initiatives, including the expansion of the EXHIBITORLIVE conference. “I have been fortunate to work with some of the most talented and passionate individuals in the industry, and I am confident that Exhibitor Group will continue to thrive and innovate in the years to come,” DuBois said.

3. Europe

Grip, the international AI-powered event platform, has acquired Connectiv Holdings’ event management system (EMS) which powers events such as Manifest (logistics tech with 6,000+ participants), Blueprint (real estate tech) and Medicarians (senior health, wealth and age tech). Connectiv Holdings is a New York-based event studio co-founded by Jay Weintraub. The newly acquired products are now part of Grip’s ‘Manage’ product suite. Manage includes products for event registration; sponsor/exhibitor management; side event management, and smart badges.

4. Europe

Those failing to give solid proof of efforts to reduce emissions every two years could have their names axed from the Net Zero Carbon Events signatories list on the initiative’s website. The scheme – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council – has seen many report their progress, with most having implemented positive steps towards sustainable events. However, Alexander Alles, executive director of the JMIC, said: “The names of those who fail to report every two years taking tangible actions to reduce their emissions will be removed from the list of signatories on the website.”

5. Europe

Global association of the exhibition industry, UFI has named international exhibition organiser Easyfairs as the winner of its 2024 Digital Innovation Award. The Award celebrates strategies that showcase how technology can significantly impact trade show performance and how these innovations can benefit the entire industry. UFI has also named exhibition organiser RX Germany as the winner of its 2024 Marketing Award. The topic for the 2024 Award was ‘Data-driven revenue: The secret ingredient for venues and event organisers’.

6. Europe

The Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany has announced ExpoPlatform as an event tech provider to the largest book show in the world. ExpoPlatform will provide its digital solutions for building connections. Juergen Boos, director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, said: “We want to exchange ideas across national borders, present our offerings and revitalise old contacts and forge new business relationships. From now on, we will also support all these aims digitally: with Frankfurt Connect as the digital backbone for our community.”

7. Africa

Montgomery’s Electra Mining Africa exhibition series this year are expected to attract 850 exhibiting companies when the show opens in Nasrec, Johannesburg, 2-6 September. The show is expected to fill six exhibition halls and four outside exhibit areas, and will offer hundreds of live demonstrations showcasing machinery and equipment. Electra Mining Africa will incorporate five shows – Electra Mining Africa, Automation Expo, Elenex Africa, POWERex, and Transport Expo. The Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo has also been incorporated for the first time.

This article is taken from EW Issue 4, to get the digital magazine bi-monthly to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/subscribe