Rapid Rise of Technology-driven Solutions Focus at UFI Open Seminar in Asia
March 8, 2016
Almost 270 delegates from 21 countries and territories gathered in Chiang Mai at the end of February to discuss and debate the future of the exhibition industry. T
Technology, and the internet in particular, has long been a potential opportunity as well as a source of concern to business event organizers.
At this year’s UFI Open Seminar in Asia, industry leaders shared their views on the future of the exhibition industry as more and more event-related online platforms and mobile apps come to market.
The 11th edition of the seminar was held in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai and was hosted by UFI Diamond Sponsor, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The event featured two days of networking and learning as well as a Sustainable Development Focus Meeting, a CEO Golf Tournament, committee meetings, city tours and much more.
More “than a third of UFI’s membership is now based in Asia, so it’s not surprising that the UFI Open Seminar in Asia has become our second largest event after the global Congress,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s managing director.
He added, “This seminar has grown into an essential platform for the Asian exhibition industry to meet and discuss the issues and challenges facing our industry in the region. Given the rapid rise of technology-driven solutions, this year’s seminar was a particularly robust discussion about the forces shaping the future of our industry.”
Supawan Teerarat, vice president at TCEB, said, “TCEB has a long-running and valued relationship with UFI, so we were honoured to host the 11th UFI Open Seminar in Asia. The exhibition industry in Thailand continues to goes from strength to strength and so we were delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Thailand’s world-class venues and service capabilities to our colleagues from around the region.”
As always, the seminar featured an engaging line-up of industry leaders. ITE Group’s Digital Director Baris Onay opened the seminar with his take on the convergence of digital tools and face-to-face events.
Mao Daben and Gu Xuebin discussed the latest innovations in China, Asia’s largest exhibition market. Koelnmesse’s Christian Glasmacher moderated a panel that explored mobile marketing trends at events. Other speakers
included SISO’s David Audrain, jwc’s Gerd Weber, Tracy Short of SMG Malaysia, and many others.
The program also included a sold-out Sustainable Development Focus Meeting, the second edition of the UFI CEO golf tournament, a members’ meeting of UFI’s Asia Pacific Chapter as well as an UFI Associations Committee Meeting.
In addition to TCEB, our host and Diamond Sponsor, other key supporters of this Open Seminar in Asia were Diamond Sponsors: Global Experience Specialists (GES) and Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE). The seminar’s Silver Sponsor was the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
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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