A look back at what went on during Global Exhibitions Day 2022, organised by UFI
The seventh edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED), 1 June 2022, celebrated and promoted the role of face-to-face business events in driving the global economy. Exhibitions have always played a role in bolstering and growing economic sectors and this year has been no exception. This year’s GED campaign focused on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery. It also provided the perfect occasion to catch up, network, and meet new people.
As the world moves past the pandemic, the industry is seeing the re-emergence of face-to-face events. Indeed, through global participation both in-person and online, GED 2022 reached new audiences, showing the true power and growth of this industry. It demonstrated that everyone in the exhibitions industry has a role to play in creating professional, educational, and financial opportunities.
According to estimates made by UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, in the lead up to the day and during GED, the campaign reached more than 800m people around the world. In Italy, Spain, and Macau, the campaign activated major endorsements from senior government officials and economic and foreign affairs ministers. From conferences and debates, to breakfasts and social gatherings, to group photos and creative videos, and more, tens of thousands celebrated the people and the power of the exhibitions industry.
Monica Lee-Müller, president of UFI, stated: “This is a keystone day for the industry, by raising awareness of our passion, purpose and power. From videos to meetings, from events to social campaigns and more, industry professionals and organisations from more than 100 countries/regions have showcased the tangible impact of exhibitions on global economies, the intangible value of uniting people from different countries and cultures, and our proactive contribution to sustainability.”
Much like the exhibitions and events that the industry hosts, GED 2022 has showcased what the industry can offer, including our ability to tell inspiring stories. Some of the most prominent actions during this year’s GED have been the ‘Voices of the Exhibition Industry’ quote cards, celebration videos and some of the memorable exhibition moments that can be seen here.
The mission to share the key messages from GED will continue throughout the year, and a date is already in place for next year’s event, 7 June 2023 – traditionally the first Wednesday in June.
Below is a selection of highlights from across the world:
Asia-Pacific
Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia hosted a ‘Breakfast with Champions of Industry’ to commence its GED celebrations. Mark Cochrane, regional director of UFI, attended the event, and shared his thoughts on the future of the industry during a panel discussion in front of an engaged live audience.
Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) organised its annual conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. HKECIA welcomed over 130 members in person, and committed to putting sustainability at the forefront of the Association's remit.
Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) spearheaded a national campaign highlighting the ‘X factor’ of exhibitions, titled ‘EXhibitions=EXponential Growth’. As part of the campaign, IEIA organised an in-person networking meetup, bringing together stakeholders of the Indian Exhibitions industry to share its viewpoints and suggestions for the development of the sector in supporting the country’s economic growth and the government’s vision of building a self-reliant nation, while also enjoying the opportunity to meet again face-to-face for business discussions.
Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre celebrated GED in-person by planting 1,000 high-quality berry trees to promote sustainability and Net Zero Carbon initiative.
Thailand Convention and Exhibitions Bureau partnered with the Thai Exhibition Association to hold an in-person event at the Royal Paragon, welcoming members and entrepreneurs in the Thai exhibition industry.
Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre celebrated (BITEC) shared a photo on their social media channels of its team posing together in-person with the letters #GED2022. BITEC also used the international day’s momentum to launch its campaign for environmental conservation with SCG Packaging Public Company Limited (SCGP).
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HKCEC) shared a video of staff members around the world celebrating GED.
Informa Markets India shared a post showcasing its Mumbai team’s GED celebrations via social media and spoke to stakeholders about the importance and value of face-to-face exhibitions.
Informa Markets Japan shared images of its Tokyo team’s GED celebrations.
Informa Market Thailand shared inspiring quotes from its team.
International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) ran a ‘Together Stronger’ social media campaign, encouraging members to share their ‘Voices of the Exhibition Industry’ alongside inspiring video messages.
Iteca Exhibitions shared a video celebrating the future success of the industry and the businesses it supports.
Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) shared a video expressing its hopes on further collaborating with the global community and driving the industry forward.
MEX Exhibitions shared a video showcasing how trade fairs and exhibitions play an important role in driving global economies.
RX India celebrated GED and the return of the face-to-face meetings.
Shenyang New World Expo shared a video on recovery and growth in relation to the exhibition industry.
Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) shared a video celebrating the magic of face-to-face connections and its aim to create a sustainable future, together.
Taiwan International Trade Shows has announced the 2022 International Exhibition Elite Forum, which will be organised by the Bureau of Foreign Trade and implemented by TAITRA Global.
The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA)shared a post and video message from its President, Dato’ Vincent Lim, where he endorsed GED and its role in promoting and supporting the economic growth and recovery of the exhibition industry.
Visit Singapore Business Events shared a video celebrating the return of in-person business events and exhibitions in Singapore and its role in driving economic growth and recovery.
VNU Asia-Pacific celebrated GED by turning the spotlight on the people behind the scenes through their ‘Voices of the Exhibition Industry’ campaign.
WTC Binh Duong organised the ‘WTC Litestyle – Here comes the sun of knowledge’ series of activities in-person to further develop the exhibition services in the Binh Duong province, and wider Vietnam.
Middle east and Africa
Exhibition and Events Association of South Africa (EXSA) launched the ‘EXSAllent Mystery Box Challenge’ in-person with live comedians, for professionals in Johannesburg and Cape Town, resulting in a whole host of fun and laughter.
Riyadh Exhibition Company celebrated GED around an official lunch at Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences with their team.
ADNEC Group shared a video highlighting Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for business tourism, and the vital role of this important sector in supporting economic prosperity.
Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) promoted the value of exhibitions in accelerating the pace of economic recovery through an advocacy campaign.
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) ran a social media campaign to recognise the important role that exhibitions play in stimulating economies around the world.
dmg events shared a video showcasing its teams’ views on the importance of events for business, while Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg, shared his own celebratory GED statement.
IFP Group shared a video celebrating its role in an industry that brings people together to showcase, network and gain insight.
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre shared a video showcasing the power and effectiveness of the industry.
RX Africa shared a ‘Voices of the Exhibition Industry’ social media campaign.
Europe
Bilbao exhibition centre (BEC) had fun testing its knowledge through a special GED quiz in-person, with questions on its venue and sector.
EMECA celebrated its 30th anniversary and GED focussing on the values, benefits and positive impacts of trade fairs and exhibitions for innovation, SMEs, industry and the regions.
At IMEX, ExpoPlatform joined the GED celebrations in-person and Barbara Weizsaecker and David Dubois participated in a panel during a dedicated GED Session.
Montgomery Group celebrated GED with a face-to-face party in the mews and Damion Angus, managing director, shared a video with his thoughts for GED2022.
MTP - Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie supported a face-to-face meeting for industry experts and students organised by Polska Izba Przemysłu Targowego, the Vistula School of Hospitality and the Student Scientific Circle of Business Tourism under the slogan ‘Fair through the eyes of Generation Z’, taking place at EXPO XXI Warszawa.
Osijek Fair, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), and the magazine Suvremena trgovina, organised an in-person conference on the topic of “Transformation of the fair industry" at the Osijek Faculty of Economics.
The Italian Exhibition and Trade Fair Association (AEFI) celebrated GED with a ‘Made In Italy’ campaign and an in-person conference in Rome on the role of the Italian exhibition industry. The event welcomed major representatives of the Italian exhibition industry and Italian government including Luigi Di Maio, minister of Foreign Affairs and Giancarlo Giorgetti, minister of Italian Economic Development. The conference highlighted the importance of the industry for the country.
Academia Fiera Milano celebrated the future talents of the industry by sharing the faces of its 16 Progea master students – who’ve all just secured internships.
Asociación de Ferias Españolas (AFE) shared an endorsement from Reyes Maroto, minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism in Spain.
European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) used GED as an opportunity to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Exhibition Centre Liverpool shared a video showcasing why they love the industry and remembering some of the brilliant events they’ve hosted.
Exhibition World ran a celebratory GED campaign, shared a series of CEO interviews captured during the UFI European Conference 2022, and expressed its #EN30underThirty about the change they want to see and make in the exhibition industry.
Feria de Zaragoza shared a video highlighting the importance of the industry and its role as a driver of economic development and employment.
Fiera Bolzano - Meese Bozen shared a video using GED as an opportunity to celebrate its return with the statement: “we are back... and it feels so good!”
Fiera Milano shared a statement reaffirming fairs are a vital sector for the development of Italy's industrial policy.
GL Events shared a video showcasing crucial role of events in the economy and its ability to connect people from all over the world and create business opportunities.
HUNGEXPO - Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre shared a video on the importance of exhibitions worldwide.
International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) ran a ‘Together Stronger’ social media campaign, encouraging members to share ‘Voices of the Exhibition Industry – Meet the Logistics Suppliers’ video messages.
International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) called upon its members to theme its celebrations around its reunion in Amsterdam.
Messe Berlin brought people together from all over the world in a highly creative way.
Messe Düsseldorf Gmbh celebrated GED showing the power return of the German trade fair industry.
NürnbergMesse GmbH celebrated GED with a video highlighting its events.
The ETT Club celebrated GED with its members via a social media campaign.
The NEC Birmingham shared quotes focussing on the value of the exhibitions.
Verband der deutschen Messewirtschaft (AUMA) celebrated GED through its #MesseMonatMai campaign and received a congratulatory video message from Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI.
Women In Exhibitions shared a video celebrating the women of the industry.
4foreverything shared a video explaining its particular vision of the sector.
Americas
Buró de Convenciones de Guatemala and Eventia invited exhibition professionals to its first face-to-face ‘Live Studio’ broadcast in two years from Guatemala City, featuring Ana Maria Arango, regional director for UFI, and David Hidalgo, general director of IBTM Americas.
Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF) visited the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington DC, to deliver a full day of networking opportunities, accentuated by provocative C-level presentations, for executives from independent and association organisers of B2B exhibitions and conventions. All participants celebrated GED in a video.
Feira da Indústria dos Eventos Corporativos, Incentivos, Congressos, Feiras e Treinamentos & Desenvolvimento - FEIRA EBS hosted a face-to-face panel at the MICE Brazil Congress on ‘A new path in relations. Who are the relevant players?’, which reflected on the new expectations of customers and suppliers.
La Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales en Exposiciones, Ferias y Convenciones (AMPROFEC) held an offline conversation about the new challenges of face-to-face events.
Corfieras shared a series of videos celebrating celebrated those who have written its history in the event industry.
Diversified Communications celebrated GED and the return of in-person events.
Emerald shared a glimpse of its activity through some employee voices, including UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant winner Joseph Kowalsky.
Messe Frankfurt Argentina shared a video celebrating the recovery of the industry.
Panama Convention Center shared a video celebrating the industry.
RX USA shared a video highlighting the passion and purpose of its team in helping businesses and people grow and creating opportunities to drive the economy forward.
Tarsus Group celebrated GED and the return of in-person events through a series of ‘Voices Of the Exhibition Industry’ statements.
The National Trade Show Alliance launched the Invisible Industry Tour in Washington DC to shine the spotlight on the exhibitions industry, raising awareness and helping to create workforce development opportunities.
Trade Show Executive published an article entitled ‘Resiliency and Optimism Prevail for Global Exhibitions Day’.
