A Laser Focus on the Future at UFI’s 2019 European Conference
January 22, 2019
Trade wars and a turbulent global economic outlook. Global opportunities, changing business models and disruption. The need for show organizers to remain flexible as well as pragmatic in running and planning their businesses going forward. These are just some of the pressing industry issues that will be addressed at the 2019 UFI European Conference, set for May 15-17 at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, U.K.
Produced by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the annual event for exhibition professionals will focus on what organizers in Europe and beyond will be facing in these turbulent times.
Carrying the theme “The Organizers’ Future,” the two-day conference will cover global opportunities from a European perspective, including sessions on the U.S., China and Russia, as well as offer world-class industry speakers and premium networking in a relaxed and informal setting – from the state-of-the-art Vox Conference Centre to a gala dinner at the medieval Warwick castle built in 1068.
According to Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director and CEO, this conference will be the organization’s most important European event in 2019.
“It serves a crucial need for exhibition professionals from Europe and further afield to get together, take the pulse of the industry and discuss the issues of the day,” Hattendorf said. “The event has enjoyed double-digit growth year-on-year recently, and we’re working hard to deliver value for organizers, venues and service providers.”
The 2019 conference will also continue the debate from last year’s event in Verona, Italy, including how the basic business model for organizing exhibitions is changing due to the effects of digital and artificial intelligence, the evolution of the exhibition format and changing customer needs.
The recent UFI/Explori Global Visitors survey that featured responses from over 13,000 trade show visitors across the globe provided some surprising results that will also be discussed, according to Hattendorf.
The decision to hold the 2019 European Conference in Birmingham was made after the U.K. announced its intention to leave the European Union, Hattendorf said, so that participants could have a first-hand experience of a post-Brexit Britain if the country ultimately leaves the Union on March 29.
Taking place only seven weeks after this nominal date, the event will be a timely opportunity to examine the U.K.’s position as a home base for leading global exhibition organizers and Brexit’s ramifications for businesses in the U.K., Europe and beyond.
As with every year, UFI’s working groups will schedule activities around the conference, and UFI’s executive committee and board of directors will hold regular meetings.
Learn more or register for the 2019 UFI European Conference HERE. Registration is now open and early bird rates are available until March 15.
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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
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