June 6 Marks Global Exhibitions Day 2018 (GED18)
March 13, 2018
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry has revealed that Global Exhibitions Day 2018 (GED18) will be held June 6.
GED inspires exhibition associations and companies to run initiatives all around, with the goal of raising the sector’s profile as a vital contributor to economic growth in cities, regions and countries.
Now in its third year, GED is an opportunity to celebrate the exhibition industry and highlight the positive impact it has on jobs, business, innovation and local investment.
“Global Exhibitions day is about advocacy, about raising our industry’s profile. Organisers - venues - associations - individuals: Everyone taking part in the activities around the world, shows how connected our industry is,” said UFI Managing Director Kai Hattendorf.
He added, “We are called ‘an invisible giant’ sometimes - let’s show the world the real size and reach of exhibitions and business events.”
In 2017, 41 partner associations came together to support this awareness-raising campaign, carrying out activities in 67 countries and regions around the world.
The campaign reached more than 3 million people on Twitter alone. To further the industry’s growth and progression, UFI’s 2018 President, Corrado Peraboni, asked the GED steering group to focus this year's efforts on finding new ways to connect young people to the exhibition industry and, more specifically, to raise awareness about the amazing career opportunities the sector has to offer.
To this end, this year’s GED events and programmes will centre on two key issues: industry advocacy and attracting the right talent.
One initiative that UFI is promoting in collaboration with GED18 is the “Follow me” videos. As part of this initiative, UFI has invited members to create “Follow me” videos that showcase a specific role or introduce a certain employee to demonstrate just how rich and varied the career opportunities within the exhibition industry are.
All videos relevant to GED18 will be added to the Global Exhibitions Day playlist at www.ufi.tv. During the coming weeks, UFI will roll out a new online data collection tool that enables GED supporters to share their activities.
This will help to grow the GED18 community and improve communications about all the amazing initiatives happening around the world.
This tool will be available to all industry professionals on the GED website, so anyone interested in participating in GED18 can easily find out what is happening in their area.
UFI would like to invite all industry professionals to get ready for and get involved in the many different events that will be taking place around the world – and help make GED18 the best Global Exhibitions Day yet!
How to contribute to this year’s GED and become part of a dynamic global community:
· Regularly visit www.globalexhibitionsday.org for updates and developments
· Join a local initiative or be inspired to set up your own GED18 initiative*
· Follow GED18 on social media via Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Wechat and LinkedIn
· Last but not least, encourage your peers and colleagues to join the campaign
As in previous years, GED partners have been working on the core messages and UFI will soon share the results of this ongoing collaboration on the GED18 website. Please keep an eye on www.globalexhibitionsday.org for regular updates.
*List of #GED18 partner associations under the UFI umbrella: AAXO (South Africa), AEFI (Italy), AEO (UK), AFE (Spain), AFECA (Asia), AFIDA (Central & South America), AMPROFEC (Mexico), AOCA (Argentina), AUMA (Germany), CAEM (Canada), CEFA (Central Europe), CENTREX (Central Europe), CFI (Italy), EEAA (Australasia), EEIA (EU), EFU (Ukraine), EMECA (Europe), EXSA (South Africa), FAIRLINK (Sweden), FAMAB (Germany), HKECIA (Hong-Kong), IAEE (USA), IDFA (Germany), IECA (Indonesia), IEIA (India), IELA (Global), IFES (Global), LECA (Lebanon), MACEOS (Malaysia), MFTA (Macao), PCEI (Poland), RUEF (Russia), SACEOS/SECB (Singapore), Shanghai Convention and Exhibition Industries Association (China), SISO (USA), TEA (Thailand), TECA (Taiwan), TFOA (Turkey), UBRAFE (Brazil) and UNIMEV (France).
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment