UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, announced, 10 February, that it is to spread out over 12 countries its annual Asia-Pacific Conference. The adapted format moves on from digital-only and will create an Asia-Pacific Week, 28 March-1 April 2022.
As the global pandemic passes the two-year mark, travel within Asia remains highly restricted. With industry professionals across the region still being affected, UFI says it has sought the best ways to continue to deliver its annual industry gathering in the region, while keen to get all members and interested industry professionals in Asia together in person.
Launching its first ever UFI Asia-Pacific Week, UFI has announced a week-long programme of activities comprising a series of local events across the region, allowing members and the wider community in Asia to gather, in person, where they are based. The UFI team in Hong Kong is working with UFI Ambassadors from China, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan, among others, who will be responsible for organising local gatherings, including charity runs, cocktail receptions, dinners and cultural events.
Led by Mark Cochrane, UFI’s regional director in Asia-Pacific, the week of activities will be designed to offer all industry professionals the opportunity to network and share ideas.
“The aim is to bring our members and all industry professionals together for networking, content and some fun. The industry in the region has not had the chance to come together since 2019, at the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Tokyo and UFI Global Congress in Bangkok. The pandemic has encouraged us all to think more creatively, and the UFI Asia-Pacific Week will be a great way for our community to gather locally and look ahead to better days,” says Cochrane.
Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s CEO and managing director, adds: “Keeping communities engaged and connected is certainly a challenge, but we say: ‘Challenge accepted!’ That’s why UFI is working to provide our colleagues across Asia with opportunities to come together, in person, in their own countries. Through our group of UFI Ambassadors, participants can network and debate key issues facing our changing industry in Asia and the world!”
Full details of the UFI Asia-Pacific Week 2022 can be found on the event website: www.ufiasia.org
