UFI’s 2020 Next Generation Leadership Grant Receipts Unveiled
April 21, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named the winners of this year’s UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL).
The jury, chaired by UFI President Mary Larkin, met earlier this month to evaluate all qualifying entries submitted from around the world.
The UFI NGL Grant promotes emerging leadership in the global exhibition industry and is awarded to professionals demonstrating a clear drive towards change and innovation.
Here are this year’s winners:
- Alexis Zamudio, Events Manager, FINNOVISTA (Mexico);
- Christina Rabl, Conference Manager Command Control at Messe München (Germany);
- Erika Karlsson, Project Manager at ELMIA (Sweden);
- Matthew Funge, Managing Director & Founder of Your Stand Builder (UK); and
- Vijay Sharma, Head: Partnerships & Business Development, Koelnmesse (Singapore).
UFI President Mary Larkin described this year’s grant program – sponsored by Comexposium – as a clear and positive news story in an otherwise complicated period for the exhibition industry.
“These are turbulent times for our industry, and strong leadership such as we have seen from the recipients of this year’s grant will count towards the recovery as we emerge on the other side, with all the fresh challenges that we will face,” she said.
Renaud Hamaide, President of Comexposium, said: “We are delighted to support any program that encourages development in this wonderful industry, as is clearly the case with the UFI NGL Grant. The foremost program of its kind, the grant takes an innovative approach to the development of talent that will ultimately help forge the path of our industry for the future.”
Spread over a period of 18 months, the program enables up to five grant recipients to share their story on the way in which their leadership, commitment and experience is helping them to achieve success, whilst fulfilling their daily work obligations.
To qualify, applicants must have a maximum of 10 years of work experience within the exhibition industry, and continue to be employed on a full-time basis (within the industry). They must also be willing and able to work on the program.
Commenting on their role on the 2020 NGL Grant jury, 2019 grant winner Fuad Musafir, Business Development Manager Exhibition and Live Events at OCEC (Oman) said: "Being a former winner of the UFI NGL Grant made my involvement in this year's jury a very rewarding experience. While I had insight into the bids from 2019's eventual winners, I did not realize until now the breadth and quality of the applications that UFI receives each year. It's fair to say there is a lot of untapped talent and creativity in this industry."
About the jury
The jury is chaired by Mary Larkin – UFI President and President at Diversified Communications USA (USA) and includes Fuad Musafir – 2019 NGL Grant winner and Business Development Manager Exhibition & Live Events at OECE (Oman); Caitlin Read – Group Communications Director at Comexposium (France), Kai Hattendorf – UFI MD and CEO (France); Angela Herberholz – Program Manager Education Working Groups at UFI (France).
For more information please visit the UFI website here: www.ufi.org/awards/ufi-next-generation-leadership-grant/.
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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