The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the Greek Meetings Alliance (GMA) partnered to benefit both membership bodies and strengthen the Exhibition Industry.
The partnership between GMA and IFES was announced on 10 November at the Open Stage of Philoxenia 2023, during a panel on the benefits of fostering partnerships in the industry. To begin the exchange of educational content IFES has opted to host its upcoming Masterclass Europe 2024 in Athens, in collaboration with GMA.
Members of both IFES and GMA will deliver educational content at each other’s events throughout the year, focusing on relevant exhibition and meetings industry trends and developments. Industry knowledge sharing will include IFES executives or board members in panel and round-table sessions at GMA events in Greece, to promote discussions within the industry.
Both associations have additionally committed to collaborating on at least one education-focused event per year at relevant industry gatherings, one of which will be an educational workshop at IMEX Frankfurt 2024.
As part of a joint effort to identify and analyse emerging trends in the global industry, IFES and GMA intend to pool resources on research projects, surveys, and other initiatives, with relevant white papers being shared as appropriate.
IFES and GMA will additionally explore opportunities for member-to-member connections, fostering networking and collaboration within the industry. According to the associations, this initiative aims to create a strong and interconnected global events community.
“Together we will raise awareness of the exhibition and events industry through an additional, powerful voice,” comments IFES executive director Uta Goretzky.
“We believe in the strength of collaboration and sharing knowledge and are looking forward to what this partnership will bring and how it will help us to create a bigger impact.”
