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News & Press Releases
06 May 2021
As industries and economies across the globe look for recovery platforms on the heels of vaccine progress, exhibitions fill a void left by economic crisis and isolation
Paris, France – 6 May 2021: Exhibitions, commonly referred to as trade shows or fairs, have a simple purpose – bringing industries together to build community and create supply chain opportunities.
But the industry itself is not a simple one at all: with over €493 ($551) billion in business sales for attendees, exhibitions have an incredible impact on our global economy.
In addition, expenses of visitors and exhibitors generate a total impact of €299 ($334) billion for both the value chain of the exhibition industry (organisers, venues and service providers) and the tourism related activities (accommodation, food and travel).
In the wake of a pandemic that has left commercial sectors and regional economies on the brink of collapse, trade platforms offer an opportunity to rebuild supply chains that have remained relatively stagnant throughout the pandemic, bringing buyers and sellers together to network, do business, learn and innovate at a time when they need it most.
Trade shows have developed into far more than booths displaying product—they have become marketplaces amplified by educational opportunities, innovation launches, and data-driven qualified lead retrieval opportunities, supported by social networking activities that unite valuable digital progress with the now-yearned-for magic of interpersonal connection. Last year, many of the 33,000 exhibitions held worldwide transitioned to digital solutions which leveraged best-in-class technology to create those critical supply chain connections.
But while digital solutions have proven invaluable during pandemic times, as economies re-open in response to progress against COVID-19, data shows that both sides of the supply chain are eager to return to in-person platforms.
Informa Markets, one of the world’s largest organisers, has since seen a strong recovery in China where trade shows have been running since June of last year. At CBME, a leading platform for the baby and maternity industry, which attracted over 90,000 visitors, Julian van Gemeren, Vice President of M-cro Trade (Shanghai), said it turned out to be a very productive event. He confirmed: “We expanded our distribution channels and met many clients, acquiring 70 new distributors on the first day alone.”
B2B event organiser, Tarsus Group, has also witnessed a strong return to live events in the region with attendance numbers at recent Chinese shows surpassing pre-COVID levels. The organiser has also resumed events in other territories such as the U.S. and Mexico where participants at Expo Manufactura heralded the return of in-person events.
Emilio Cuervo of Bricos commented: “it is very important to be at this exhibition because it allows us to be in direct contact with our current and potential clients. The impact of the lack of this event last year was very clear for us as several of our clients and leads are generated by Expo Manufactura.”
Emerald, one of the largest event producer in North America, successfully traded the first US-based in-person event of the year, Surf Expo Winter, which took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Florida. The sentiment amongst customers reinforced the relevance and power of face-to-face trade events. Jeremy Serwitz, PULL Watersports, noted: “We are a ‘touch it, feel it’ retailer - nothing replaces that or the face-to-face relationships with our suppliers.”
At Informa Markets’ Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, which took place outdoors, customers in attendance echoed the sentiment that an isolating 2020 has led to a boomerang effect, bolstering the success of in-person trade platforms. “This was my 22nd year either attending or exhibiting at this show and this year in particular was without a doubt the most successful boat show I have ever experienced as far as ‘at the show sales. Now, nearly a week since the show ended, we have more than doubled our projected units sold,” said Todd Albrecht, President of Solace Boats.
Notably, 80% of exhibitions customers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hit hardest by the pandemic, equating to nearly 4.25 million small businesses who regularly turn to in-person trade platforms to meet qualified product buyers.
Donna Steakley of Fossil Rim, explained how Clarion’s Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show is always the first show of the year and how important it is to attend in order to place Spring orders for the coming year. “We need the ability to meet with our vendors to see the actual product and work on the artwork that is specific to our location. We are seeing a huge increase in customers and sales and know how important the face-to-face environment is to be able to write a large amount of orders.”
Produced by global events organiser Reed Exhibitions, Reed Gift Fairs, is Australia's premier trading platform for buyers and sellers in the gift and homewares industry. For the first time since February 2020, Reed Gift Fairs Sydney was the first major NSW retail event to take place, meeting in Darling Harbour from 17 to 22 April. With over 8,400 attendees, the return of the event was greeted enthusiastically from small and medium size business owners alike. Said Lee Drury founder of Glass on the Grass: “I love having buyers and sellers in the same space at the same time, it is electric. As a small business owner who develops their own products, being able to meet with customers face to face is critical. And the Reed Gift Fair is the best place to do that. It’s also great when you’re developing new products to get feedback from customers. Thanks largely to Reed Gift Fair, we sell all our products all over Australia. 2020 was a tough year for everyone, but we finished strong and we’re looking forward to making 2021 a great year.”
Joe Clawson, Owner – Global Floral Resource, Inc., used International Floriculture Expo, organised by Diversified Communications, to expand his supply chain. “Going from one booth to another is quite different from the time you spend getting to and from a supplier’s facility… and if you do not like what you see, you move on,” he said.
Ensuring health and safety remains a top priority, the trade show industry has taken a deliberate and collaborative approach to consistency and rigor in their return to in-person experiences. Together the world’s leading companies have developed an industry-wide and medically-vetted approach to safety known as the All Secure Standard, which has been effectively put into practice at shows across the globe this year, further instilling confidence in a successful and safe return to in-person B2B commercial opportunities as economies re-open.
Europe is the third major exhibitions market after North America and mainland China, and the only market where trade shows have not been able to return at scale since the pandemic began. Nevertheless, some events were able to present new practices such as the One to One Retail E-Commerce, an event organised by Comexposium. “This year is revealing itself on the edge, between crisis and recovery. Our industry has proven itself capable of adapting to the new situation and must now bounce back, with both ambition and responsibility. The leadership and excellence shown by the One to One events are the best allies of the market to move forward.” explained Bris Rocher, Director of the Yves Rocher Group.
UFI, the global association of the exhibitions industry, notes “the business events industry is a ‘meta-industry’: It empowers literally each and every industry globally through the market places and meeting places that it operates around the world – from machine tools in Australia to consumer goods in Europe, from construction materials in Asia to consumer electronics in North America.”
In addition to creating marketplaces resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in business sales for thousands of global industries and millions of small businesses each year, exhibitions also deliver substantial economic value to regional economies, bringing 303 million visitors to host cities annually. The result is a meaningful infusion of revenue for the local economy, including small businesses such as restaurants, transportation services, boutique lodging, and more. Las Vegas alone attributes $11.4 billion in economic impact to the conventions industry.
As the world begins to rebound from the devastating effects of a pandemic that has lasting impacts on both the economy and humanity, exhibitions offer a light at the end of the tunnel for both – platforms that provide economic recovery and celebrate the spirit of reconnection, at a time when economies, and communities, need them most.
The sixth annual Global Exhibitions Day, celebrated annually, will take place this year on 2 June 2021 and recognises the important role that trade exhibitions play in driving economies throughout the world. To learn more about Global Exhibitions Day, visit www.ufi.org.
List of #GED2021 partner associations under the UFI umbrella:
AAXO, AEFI, AEO, AFE, AFECA, AFIDA, AMPROFEC, AOCA, AUMA, CAEM, CEFA, CENTREX, CFI, EEAA, EEIA, EFU, EMECA, EXSA, FAIRLINK, FAMAB, HKECIA, ECA, IDFA, IECA, IEIA, IELA, IFES, LECA, MACEOS, MFTA, PCEI, RUEF, SACEOS/SECB, SCEIA, SISO, TEA, TECA, TFOA, UBRAFE and UNIMEV.
ABOUT UFI
UFI is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
For further information, please contact: [email protected] or +33 1 46 39 75 00 – www.ufi.org.
ABOUT SISO
For more information about SISO – the Society of Independent Show Organizers – please contact: [email protected] or +1-678-567-6465 – www.SISO.org.
ABOUT CLARION
Clarion Events have been delivering market-leading customer outcomes and experiences since 1947. For more information, please contact [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7384 7700 – www.clarionevents.com.
ABOUT COMEXPOSIUM
At Comexposium, our business is to create connections. Globally, face to face and digitally, we bring people together to meet and do business. For more information, please visit www.comexposium.com.
ABOUT DIVERSIFIED COMMUNICATIONS
We connect, educate, and strengthen business communities through market-leading events, publications, and digital products. For more information, please contact: [email protected] or +1(207) 842-5500 – www.divcom.com.
ABOUT EMERALD
Emerald is a leader in providing market-driven, business-to-business platforms that integrate live events with a broad array media, please contact: [email protected] – www.emeraldx.com.
ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. For more information, please contact: [email protected] or visit www.informamarkets.com.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS
Reed Exhibitions combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions. For more information, contact [email protected] or www.reedexhibitions.com.
ABOUT TARSUS
Reed Exhibitions combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions. For more information, contact Nathalie.ha[email protected] or www.reedexhibitions.com.
14 April 2021
New alliance reinforces the global organiser’s mission to actively tackle bias and inequality
London, UK – April 14, 2021 – Informa Markets, an exhibitions industry leader in creating platforms for global industries to connect and trade, has announced the latest step in its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. A new, global partnership with Diversity Ally, industry specialists in the diversity and inclusion space, supports Informa Markets’ continued focus on creating balanced, inclusive environments for colleagues and customers alike.
The partnership will see Diversity Ally strengthen Informa Markets’ diversity and inclusion practices through the development of senior management and wider colleague training programmes, and the provision of bespoke guidance and support to Informa Markets’ colleague networks.
Informa Markets offers targeted digital services, virtual and in-person exhibitions and actionable data solutions for a wide range of industries to connect, innovate and do business in over 40 countries. With more than 3,500 colleagues across the globe, the organisation is dedicated to promoting fair and inclusive practices, and providing colleagues with the tools to actively work on reducing the systemic inequalities which impact the people they work with and support.
“We’re very excited about the insight and expertise that working with Diversity Ally will bring into our business,” said Thomas Humphris, HR Director, Informa Markets. “This partnership will help us in our ongoing commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive culture, that recognises talent without discrimination, and connects us closer to the customers and the communities we serve.”
Diversity Ally uses a holistic blend of industry research, company data and company ecosystem engagement to help companies in the events, MICE and hospitality industry become more diverse and inclusive in their culture, people and image.
Gabrielle Austen-Browne, Co-Founder, Diversity Ally, said: “The events industry is poised to be a model industry when it comes to demonstrating the multiple benefits of encouraging diversity and inclusion. We are particularly delighted to be partnering with Informa Markets, who are demonstrating their commitment to diversity and are strategically working towards making sure their organisation and events are inclusive spaces for all. With Informa Markets’ global reach, this will be an opportunity to create a positive ripple effect through the sector and all the communities they serve.”
To learn more about Informa Markets, visit www.informamarkets.com
To learn more about Diversity Ally, visit www.diversityally.co.uk
ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Through targeted digital services, virtual and face-to-face exhibitions and actionable data solutions, our 450+ brands provide buyers and sellers around the world with opportunities to connect. We bring communities together across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
ABOUT DIVERSITY ALLY
Diversity Ally is a consultancy, education and events organisation offering solutions to help
businesses and organisations in the events, MICE and hospitality industry become more diverse and inclusive in their people, culture and image. Core services include supporting organisations to develop D&I policies and practices, in addition to facilitating bespoke workshops and training for leaders and employees around systemic inequality, inclusive leadership, anti-racism, allyship and inclusive procurement. Diversity Ally has been founded by two experienced events professionals passionate about moving the diversity needle in events and creating inclusive workspaces.
08 April 2021
Exhibitions industry celebrates the launch of first-of-its-kind global coalition designed
to prioritise the safety and success of communities as they return to business
Paris, France – 8 April, 2021: As global economies look for opportunities to rebuild business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibition organisers and associations from around the world are joining together to form a coalition dedicated to bringing critical live event platforms back to market, with safety at the foundation of the collaborators’ approach. As industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, aviation, agriculture, maritime and many others, look for opportunities to recover following devastating economic hardship, the exhibitions industry is dedicated to supporting commerce and connection by providing safe environments to network and do business.
This coalition, which is led by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI, organiser of Global Exhibitions Day (GED on 2 June 2021), and important industry associations such as SISO, as well as the world’s leading exhibitions organisers Clarion Events, Comexposium, Diversified Communications, Emerald, Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions (RX) and Tarsus, are joining forces as their customers are signalling a desire to return to live event experiences.
“Exhibitions and business events are the fastest of all fast tracks to drive economic recovery after the pandemic,” says Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director & CEO – UFI. “Especially small and medium-sized enterprises rely on these marketplaces to drive their sales. As an industry, we have systems and processes in place to provide safe platforms for face-to-face trading.”
While this expansive global group is collaborating for the first time, many of the leading exhibitions organisers, typically competitors, have been finding meaningful ways to collaborate and combine resources for the benefit of the global communities they serve. Most notably, many of the industry’s organisers and associations joined forces last year to create and support the All Secure Guidelines, a rigorous set of globally-adopted and medically-vetted health and safety measures designed to create a consistent and diligent approach to visitor health at all global trade shows in 2021 and beyond. Aligned to this, UFI developed and released a Global Framework for the successful reopening of trade shows, addressing advocacy bodies and institutions and backed by members of the coalition and the wider industry.
Between the leading global organisers, they have hosted resoundingly successful trade shows for the real estate, yachting, fashion and beauty, travel, hospitality and jewellery sectors, among others, which include: US-based Palm Beach International Boat Show and Surf Expo in Florida, and JIS in Miami Beach, as well as Cityscape Dubai and Egypt editions, PROJECT Tokyo and Fashion Week Tokyo, both in Japan, SATTE in India, and Hotelex, China Beauty Expo, Music China, Hometex and many more in mainland China, all under the All Secure guidelines with many exceeding expectations in terms of attendance.
“Our platforms help build and grow global industries,” says Charlie McCurdy, CEO – Informa Markets. “They serve an important role in relationship building, discovering innovation and revenue-driving for the communities they serve. This year, our support in re-invigorating hard-hit communities is more important than ever. Our communities are ready to return to the show floor, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they feel confident that our platforms value their success and safety in equal measure.”
Hugh Jones, CEO – Reed Exhibitions, says: “COVID-19 has thrown into sharp relief how much we value face-to-face interaction, and how important live events are in championing innovation and driving growth for our customers and communities. We are planning meticulously for our return to in-person learning, networking and business after an unprecedented year, keeping health and safety top of mind for reassuring and productive event experiences. At the same time, we continue to extend a growing range of digital tools and remote participation opportunities for those customers who are unable to attend our events in person so that our customers can build their businesses from wherever they are.”
As cities around the globe begin to re-open, industries can feel secure that trade platforms are taking a consistent approach to safety, with local guidelines and community feedback helping guide that approach. At the events hosted this year, attendees have seen open-concept booths, widened aisles, hand sanitizing units, safety ambassadors, as well as mandatory mask-wearing and temperature screening. Three co-located fashion events, MAGIC Pop-Up, WWIN and OFFPRICE, saw collaboration in Orlando, FL, between Informa Markets, Clarion and Tarsus to execute their events using the All Secure Guidelines, where onsite rapid testing of all participants proved the effectiveness of the safety plans with no infection spread.
Douglas Emslie, CEO – Tarsus and Chair of SISO, said: “We hear first-hand from our customers how eager they are to get back to some sense of normalcy and how essential face-to-face events are to source products, negotiate and meet suppliers. All three organisers, and our customers, were extremely pleased with the turnout and buying activity at our recent co-located fashion events. In providing a controlled and compliant environment, we believe that we have provided reassurance and confidence that live shows are a very effective and safe way to do business once again.”
“Events will help play a fundamental role in driving economic recovery across the globe,” says Russell Wilcox, CEO - Clarion Events. “Pre-pandemic, the exhibition sector drove over £432 billion of business sales globally by providing a platform for trade and investment. Our industry is committed, willing and able to deliver safe and successful exhibitions, driving game-changing opportunities for our customers, innovation, economic growth, and jobs.”
“We are eager to start organising live events again after a year of experiential learning. These events will still prioritise safety and will be reinforced by the virtual opportunities we learned to create,” said Renaud Hamaide, Chairman of Comexposium. “I firmly believe that live events are critical to driving economic recovery. These interactions will truly revamp individual businesses and entire industries.”
This coalition is the culmination of industry-wide collaboration around the world, for example through the recently formed Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA). Comprising eight industry associations, the advocacy coalition is dedicated to the recovery and advancement of face-to-face business events by representing the common interests of the US exhibitions and conferences industry to legislators, promoting the impact of the sector, and working with partners globally to maintain a favourable operating environment within the US.
Under the ECA umbrella, Go LIVE Together is a campaign started by Freeman to advocate for reopening business events safely through one unified voice, which brought together over 2,700 members representing associations and companies from across the business events ecosystem. A second campaign – Exhibitions Mean Business – engages policymakers, business professionals and educators to raise awareness of the value face-to-face events bring to local, national and global economies.
Hervé Sedky, President and CEO – Emerald, says: "The exhibitions industry has a tremendous impact on local, state and federal economies, creating a significant multiplier effect. Small and mid-size businesses, in particular, are heavily reliant on trade shows to drive their business by launching new products, generating leads, and entering new geographies. As the exhibitions industry is a foundational element of how business gets done, our commitment is to progressively and strategically secure our future viability while ensuring our industry partners' and customers' continued growth and resilience. As an exhibition industry, we are united now more than ever by a common purpose: of stimulating economic growth, supporting post-COVID-19 recovery efforts, and safely reopening in-person events through our collective and diligent approach of implementing the All Secure Guidelines, and actively working with medical health experts.”
Most importantly, the coalition claims that feedback from a wide variety of industries spanning across several regions consistently proves one point – communities are eager for a return to in-person experiences. For all the organisers and associations, customer sentiment drives the majority of their decision making.
Ted Wirth, President & CEO - Diversified Communications, says: “Conversations with our customers, suppliers and buyers alike have revealed the importance and unique value of meeting in-person to maintain current relationships and find new products and suppliers at events. The need for business continuity is a common theme among our audiences and, while we successfully provided alternative solutions for buyers and sellers to connect, there is no more effective way to build trust and new relationships than by meeting face to face.”
The sixth annual Global Exhibitions Day, celebrated annually, will take place this year on 2 June 2021 and recognises the important role that trade exhibitions play in driving economies throughout the world. In the lead up to this year’s day of celebration for the industry, this coalition wants to prove one thing – in-person opportunities for connection and business can happen safely and successfully, with collaboration, consistency and customer experience at the heart of the approach.
To learn more about Global Exhibitions Day, visit www.ufi.org.
To learn more about the All Secure Guidelines, visit www.siso.org.
List of #GED2021 partner associations under the UFI umbrella:
AAXO, AEFI, AEO, AFE, AFECA, AFIDA, AMPROFEC, AOCA, AUMA, CAEM, CEFA, CENTREX, CFI, EEAA, EEIA, EFU, EMECA, EXSA, FAIRLINK, FAMAB, HKECIA, ECA, IDFA, IECA, IEIA, IELA, IFES, LECA, MACEOS, MFTA, PCEI, RUEF, SACEOS/SECB, SCEIA, SISO, TEA, TECA, TFOA, UBRAFE and UNIMEV.
ABOUT UFI
UFI is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
For further information, please contact: [email protected] or +33 1 46 39 75 00 – www.ufi.org.
ABOUT SISO
For more information about SISO – the Society of Independent Show Organizers – please contact: [email protected] or +1-678-567-6465 – www.SISO.org.
ABOUT CLARION
Clarion Events have been delivering market-leading customer outcomes and experiences since 1947. For more information, please contact [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7384 7700 – www.clarionevents.com.
ABOUT COMEXPOSIUM
At Comexposium, our business is to create connections. Globally, face to face and digitally, we bring people together to meet and do business. For more information, please visit www.comexposium.com.
ABOUT DIVERSIFIED COMMUNICATIONS
We connect, educate, and strengthen business communities through market-leading events, publications, and digital products. For more information, please contact: [email protected] or +1(207) 842-5500 – www.divcom.com.
ABOUT EMERALD
Emerald is a leader in providing market-driven, business-to-business platforms that integrate live events with a broad array media, please contact: [email protected] – www.emeraldx.com.
ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. For more information, please contact: [email protected] or visit www.informamarkets.com.
ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS
Reed Exhibitions combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions. For more information, contact [email protected] or www.reedexhibitions.com.
ABOUT TARSUS
Reed Exhibitions combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions. For more information, contact [email protected] or www.reedexhibitions.com.
17 March 2021
Las Vegas’ convention industry re-opening signals a long-awaited return to live trade events in the US, driving economic recovery, innovation and connection with safety prioritized
Las Vegas, NV — March 17, 2021 – Informa Markets’ World of Concrete (WOC) will be the first large show to return to Las Vegas June 8-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). World of Concrete also represents the first large-scale trade show to return to the U.S. market since the pandemic brought in-person meetings to a halt. On the heels of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak increasing large gatherings capacity to 50 percent, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Informa Markets, the destination’s largest trade show organizer, are partnering to bring meetings and conventions back to Las Vegas, igniting the start of a safe economic recovery for the many industries and communities their platforms serve.
Nevada’s new directive requires meetings, trade show and entertainment venues to certify through the state’s Department of Business and Industry that they will follow the state’s health and safety requirements and protocols and adhere to the prevention principles that have remained consistent: maintain safe social distancing, wear face coverings and practice good hygiene and cleaning measures.
“Las Vegas has been the top convention and meetings destination for many years. We pride ourselves on providing the best facilities, the best service and now, the safest,” said Gov. Sisolak. “We’ve been cautious, but very focused on reopening Las Vegas in the safest way possible for you, our treasured customers, our valued employees and our entire community. With great confidence in the efforts made by our resorts, convention centers and meeting hosts, I say... welcome back! The greatest place to do business in the world is even better.”
Informa Markets creates platforms for a wide range of industries to connect, innovate and do business. As industries and economies around the world look for opportunities to recover in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibitions provide the ideal platform to rebuild communities and revive local economies.
In addition to WOC, Informa Markets will also host the following trade shows in Las Vegas, with plans to return other keystone events throughout the rest of the year.
• Vegas Cosmetic Surgery (June 2021)
• The International Surface Event (June 2021)
• WasteExpo (June 2021)
• The Aesthetic Show (July 2021)
• Inside Self Storage World Expo (July 2021)
• MAGIC Fall (August 2021)
• International Roofing Expo (August 2021)
• Licensing Expo (August 2021)
• SupplySide West & Food Ingredients North America (October 2021)
• International Sanitary Supply Association Expo Show North America (November 2021)
Core to Informa Markets’ return to the show floor is its commitment to safety. This is not conceptual for the global platform organizer—it has successfully and safely hosted several events in Asia under an industry-wide, medically-vetted approach to health and safety known as the All Secure Guidelines, and in February 2021, they hosted their first stateside micro event, ‘MAGIC Pop Up Orlando’, which also used the All Secure as a guide. The pop-up exceeded attendance expectations, which prioritized safety measures like mask wearing, temperature checking, widened aisles, and hand sanitizing stations to preserve the health and safety of all guests.
The LVCC has a similarly safety-focused approach, having been awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry and considered the gold standard for safe facilities. In addition to their accreditation and the convention industry’s All Secure measures, Las Vegas resort partners also continue to meet and exceed guidelines mandated by state and county leaders and health officials with a comprehensive approach to implementing stringent “Vegas Smart” health and wellness protocols throughout the destination.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming World of Concrete exhibitors and attendees back to Las Vegas as our first major convention to return to our destination,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “We greatly value our long-standing partnership with Informa Markets and their shared commitment to health and safety protocols to ensure a safe, trusted and “Only Vegas” experience for their attendees.”
“We are deeply appreciative to Governor Sisolak, the State of Nevada’s Department of Business and Industry, Clark County and the Southern Nevada Health District for their leadership, oversight and hard work needed to allow conventions such as World of Concrete to safely reconvene,” Hill concluded.
“As we return to the in-person experiences our customers crave, it’s critical for us to collaborate with industry partners to ensure that our communities can re-connect in meaningful and secure ways. We have a clear and vetted industry-wide set of health and safety measures known as the All Secure Guidelines to guide us as we return those experiences to Las Vegas, ensuring the same rigorous approach to health and safety at all our events,” said Kevin Thornton, VP, Operations at Informa Markets. “The LVCC is a state-of-the-art facility that prioritizes safety and success with the same enthusiasm we do. Through our collective efforts, live events will be able to run safely, signaling a real economic restart for the many communities we serve, as well as the Las Vegas economy.”
The LVCC campus is poised to welcome business travelers back with robust new offerings including the 1.4 million square foot, state-of-the-art West Hall expansion that will debut in conjunction with World of Concrete. The $989 million addition joins the existing 3.2 million square foot campus. Finishing touches continue on the Convention Center Loop, an underground tunnel system that will transport meeting attendees throughout the entire campus in Tesla vehicles, free of charge. The LVCVA also recently acquired the Las Vegas Monorail, preserving this important transportation solution for meeting attendees. Both systems will be operational for events beginning in June and will adhere to strict health and safety protocols.
Las Vegas relies heavily on the meetings and conventions industry, which represents $11.4 billion in economic impact to the destination. Trade show organizers like Informa Markets meaningfully support resorts and convention centers, as well as local small businesses and vendors including security providers, food and beverage outlets, transportation companies, graphic artists, printers, photographers, furniture companies, equipment rental services, florists, tour operators, and more. The impact, however, does not solely benefit local economies such as Las Vegas, but facilitates growth and development of the global economies their platforms serve, from construction to fashion to health and nutrition, creating opportunities for economic recovery through networking and business. A 2018 study showed that globally tradeshows bring an average of 303 million visitors to host cities each year, supporting 1.3 million jobs and generating $136.9 billion in business sales.
“We create platforms that re-build and re-invigorate industries and regions,” said Nancy Walsh, President, North America, Informa Markets. “We are approaching 2021 with a hybrid model so interested participants can attend in the format that works best for them, but I am thrilled to return to the irreplaceable experience of an in-person trade show. Our platforms serve an important role in relationship building, in discovering innovation, and in revenue-driving for the communities they serve, especially when done in a safe and controlled way. The decision to return to the show floor comes with the commitment from the LVCVA to support our safety measures, as well as considerable feedback from customers that they are not just ready, but eager to return. Every industry has been impacted by the pandemic, and our customers, many of whom are small business owners, truly recognize these platforms are more critical than ever before.”
World of Concrete will be the first trade show to return to the LVCC and the first major event to trade in the US post-pandemic. As they identify meaningful opportunities to connect and engage communities in 2021, Informa Markets is taking a concertedly customer-focused approach to its return to live events, in this case surveying past attendees to ensure the decision to hold World of Concrete is a community-driven one. Of those who responded to the survey, which was managed by a third-party research firm, 80% were likely to attend in June and 97% viewed the decision as favorable to the industry.
To learn more about the Informa AllSecure Standard, visit http://www.informa.com/allsecure. To learn more about Informa Markets events, visit www.informamarkets.com. For more information on the LVCC, visit www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.
Media Contact
Casey Clemenza
Global Director, Corporate Communications, Informa Markets
Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Through targeted digital services, virtual and face-to-face exhibitions and actionable data solutions, our 450+ brands provide buyers and sellers around the world with opportunities to connect. We bring communities together across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
04 March 2021
Informa Markets makes a customer-driven return to live events, driving economic recovery, connection and innovation through a collaborative and foundational approach to safety
Orlando, FL — March 4, 2021 – As industries and economies around the world look for opportunities to rebuild business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Informa Markets, a global organizer who creates platforms for a wide range of industries to trade, connect and grow, launched MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando from February 9-11 at the Orange County Convention Center. The ‘Pop-Up’, a smaller scale regional version of their keystone fashion event which typically takes place twice-yearly in Las Vegas, Nevada was a comprehensive ‘one-stop-shop’ opportunity for various segments of the fashion industry, one of the many industries hit hard by the pandemic’s devastating economic impact, to discover new brands, safely network with like-minded retailers, and generate much-needed revenue.
Informa Markets Fashion, the platform organizers’ aptly-named portfolio of menswear, womenswear, footwear and apparel sourcing platforms, surveyed customers in late 2020 to identify how best to fulfill the needs of the fashion community. The answer was a resounding desire from both brands and retailers alike to return to the show floor in Q1 2021, a critical buying time for the fashion industry. In response, Informa Markets moved forward with a hybrid approach, launching an online marketplace, MAGIC Digital, alongside a physical event in Orlando. While Informa Markets believe strongly in the virtual format as a powerful complementary tool and a long-term twin engine for their 450+ brands, interest in the physical event exceeded their expectations—recording an astounding 40% more registrations than anticipated for the Orlando show.
“The fashion industry is a very tactile one,” said Kelly Helfman, Commercial President, Informa Markets Fashion. “Buyers need to see and feel fabrics. While digital is an incredible tool to maintain connectivity, and help qualify buying trends, the power of face-to-face will always be important—in-person interactions are really not replicable in a digital format. While data can help guide decision making, qualifying suppliers with potential customers isn’t just a one-click experience—it requires deep understanding and relationship building in most cases. The past year has proven more than ever the true value of human connection, and we’ve seen that reflected by the enthusiasm for, and success of, this event.”
MAGIC Pop Up Orlando featured a diverse array of up-and-coming designers and larger more established brands eager to connect with big box, online, specialty and boutique retailers, with the collective goal of reinvigorating the hard-hit fashion industry.
“We love MAGIC and are so happy to be back here,” said Hanna Jung from By Together, a fashion wholesaler. “We have met so many new, diverse customers here in Orlando. The buyers were ecstatic that MAGIC came back into the market with this Pop-Up event.”
But fashion is not the only sector eager to return to the show floor—it’s a trend Informa Markets is seeing across the many sectors it serves. In May, Informa Markets will host a platform for the aviation industry, also in search of a channel for learning, innovation and discovery that reaches beyond the screen. And in June, the organizer plans to return to Las Vegas, home to many of the country’s largest trade events, in response to similar enthusiasm from communities ranging from construction to cosmetics to recycling & waste.
“Our events are platforms to re-build and re-invigorate industries,” said Nancy Walsh, President, North America, Informa Markets. “They serve a really important role in relationship building, in discovering innovation, and in revenue-driving for the communities they serve, especially when done in a safe and controlled way. That’s not just the Fashion community that this event served, but communities spanning across Health & Nutrition, Brand Licensing, Construction, Aviation, and more. Almost every industry has been impacted by the pandemic, and our customers, many of whom are small business owners, truly believe these platforms are more critical than ever before.”
These platforms’ impacts, however, are not solely on their facilitation of growth and development of industry sectors. They also provide significant regional economic opportunity. The trade show industry is estimated to contribute $2.24 billion in annual economic value to the city of Las Vegas alone, and a 2018 study showed that globally tradeshows bring an average of 303 million visitors to host cities each year, supporting 1.3 million jobs and generating $136.9 billion in business sales. The pandemic’s impact on those working in the tourism and hospitality industry has been devastating, and trade shows support local economies, driving revenue to hotels, convention centers, and local businesses representing waiters, cooks, security providers, drivers, artists, printers, photographers, carpenters, laborers and more. In Orlando, the co-located event provided an estimated $15.35 million in economic value to the city over the course of just 3 days.
“We are honored to have played a role in successfully hosting MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando. We are committed to keeping employees, guests and attendees healthy and safe at all events hosted at the OCCC, and we are thrilled to collaborate with organizers like MAGIC who share our commitment to safety,” said Mark Tester, Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center. “I experienced firsthand how dedicated the MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando team was to implementing measures to create a safe and controlled gathering, and we worked closely together to achieve that common goal.”
While industries and local economies are eagerly looking for opportunities to recover, safety remains a core foundational element of Informa Markets’ return to the show floor. Informa helped spearhead an industry-wide approach to safety at trade events, known as the All Secure Standard, which provides guidelines to ensure safety is prioritized at all trade events. The Standard was a collaborative effort that has been adopted across the majority of global trade show organizers with the support of events industry associations and key partners, and has been objectively vetted by a team of medical experts. At MAGIC Pop-Up Orlando those guidelines came to life through open concept booths, widened aisles, 100+ hand sanitizing units and safety ambassadors, as well as mandatory mask-wearing, temperature screenings, and most notably, evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the show floor—the first show of its kind to employ onsite testing in support of visitor safety.
In the weeks after enhanced safety measures, including testing, were announced, MAGIC Orlando registrations soared, signaling that communities are eager to return to the show floor, when both their safety and success are prioritized. While a testing requirement may not be necessary moving forward, Informa Markets sees a continued effort toward targeting qualified audiences and rigorous safety measures as a dual engine in driving economic recovery, not just for the trade show industry, but for the industries and communities they serve and the cities that host their events.
“I think it’s powerful that as an industry we have committed to the All Secure guidelines to ensure that we are approaching health and safety with the same rigor,” said Kevin Thornton, VP, Operations at Informa Markets. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for our industry to work together to prove that we can return to the show floor and that our communities can re-connect in secure ways. Testing may be an important piece of that, but long-term I think the value is really in our shared commitment to events that consistently value safety. Through our collective efforts, we have proven that live events are able to run with visitor health prioritized, signaling a real economic restart for the fashion community, the many other trade industries we serve, as well as the cities that host our events.”
In addition to returning to their larger keystone events in 2021, Informa Markets plans to host similar, smaller-scale regional pop-ups in cities across the globe as they begin their gradual return to face-to-face event experiences. The platform organizer also plans to continue a hybrid approach to events to enable broader opportunities for customers to engage and communities to rebuild, both online and on the show floor. To learn more about the All Secure Standards, visit http://www.informa.com/allsecure. To learn more about testing, visit www.magicfashionevents.com.
Media Contact
Casey Clemenza
Global Director, Corporate Communications, Informa Markets
Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Through targeted digital services, virtual and face-to-face exhibitions and actionable data solutions, our 450+ brands provide buyers and sellers around the world with opportunities to connect. We bring communities together across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
10 February 2021
10 February 2021: Informa Markets, which delivers over 450 international events and brands annually, is working in partnership with the Virtual Events Institute (VEI) to roll out the VEI certification training program across its global business. The program provides a platform for Informa Markets’ 4,000+ colleagues to develop their digital events skills and achieve professional certification in delivering expert, engaging and profitable digital event experiences.
Informa Markets provides customers and partners in over 40 countries with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through live, digital and hybrid events, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. In 2020, the organization delivered some of the world’s largest digital events and outlined its multi-channel future approach, which will see it leverage the value of physical, digital and hybrid formats to create multiple touchpoints for connection and market access throughout the year.
VEI serves the global events community by providing education, knowledge, innovation, and best practice to ensure virtual and hybrid event excellence.
The VEI Certification Program is delivered on-demand and comprises 10 modules, providing a step-by-step guide for all event disciplines, across sales, marketing, content, and operations. With self-paced exercises, exams and downloadable resources, the focus is on upskilling event professionals with the knowledge and tools to deliver excellent virtual and hybrid events. With more than 1,000 colleagues already registered to date, this business-wide initiative demonstrates Informa Markets’ ongoing commitment to colleague development, and its continuing evolution to meet the changing needs of its customers.
Sean Ongers, Head of Global Learning and Performance, Informa Markets, said: “Informa Markets’ proactive approach to colleague development further establishes us as leaders in the events industry, as well as leaders in the digital and hybrid event space.”
Sophie Ahmed, CEO and Co-founder of VEI said: “Upskilling is vital for any event professional, now more than ever, and Informa Markets is leading the way on this. We are excited that Informa Markets has partnered with VEI on this global training initiative, which will support Informa Markets to provide the leading digital event experiences.”
For more information contact Alison Ledger at: [email protected]
Virtual Events Institute
The Virtual Events Institute is a global platform to bring the community together to inspire, discuss and learn how to produce exceptional virtual and hybrid events. Through certification training, events, awards and market insight, the Virtual Events Institute is supporting event professionals to deliver excellence in virtual and hybrid events. To learn more please visit www.virtualeventsinstitute.com
Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Through targeted digital services, virtual and face-to-face exhibitions and actionable data solutions, our 450+ brands provide buyers and sellers around the world with opportunities to connect. We bring communities together across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
18 January 2021
London, 18 January 2021 – Informa Markets has today announced the appointment of Michael Duck as Executive Vice President – Commercial Development, Informa Markets, effective 4 January 2021. The Informa Markets business is made up of over 450 brands, including JEWELLERY & GEM FAIR, MARINTEC CHINA, FURNITURE CHINA, CBME, CPhI and HOTELEX, delivering event solutions through physical, digital and hybrid experiences, audience and media solutions that help customers reach targeted and qualified audiences, marketplace solutions, content and data.
Duck joined the business in 1994 and has worked in various leadership roles, focused on building up the company’s presence in the Asia region, especially in China and India, and expanding events into the Middle East and Africa. He founded and chaired the Asia, Middle East and Africa and Sustainability chapters for events industry body UFI, before spending 10 years overseeing the Cruise and Beauty verticals in the United States. Most recently, Duck has overseen Sinoexpo, and the Informa Markets Leather, Food, Beauty and Maritime products in Asia.
In this newly created role, Duck will work across the global Informa Markets business, which spans 30+ international markets, acting as the main point of contact for building relationships and a pipeline of growth activity in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, through M&A and the internationalisation of products and brands. He will also support the wider Informa Group divisions, including Pharma Intelligence and Academic Publishing, with commercial activity in Asia.
Informa Markets CEO, Charlie McCurdy, said: “Michael has been instrumental in building up the company’s presence across the globe and he holds important relationships with industry partners, government bodies and venue partners. I have every confidence that he is uniquely positioned to act as our global point of contact for commercial development.” Duck said: “Informa has evolved into a digital business with strong physical assets – and this is something our customers are excited about exploring. Our products help our customers to grow their businesses. We are ready to forge new relationships in both our existing markets and through expanding into new geographies and verticals.”
Duck said: “Informa has evolved into a digital business with strong physical assets – and this is something our customers are excited about exploring. Our products help our customers to grow their businesses. We are ready to forge new relationships in both our existing markets and through expanding into new geographies and verticals.”
Enquiries
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Through targeted digital services, virtual and face-to-face exhibitions and actionable data solutions, our 450+ brands provide buyers and sellers around the world with opportunities to connect. We bring communities together across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About Informa
Informa is a leading international Information Services, Advanced Learning, B2B Exhibitions and Events Group. It helps commercial, professional and academic communities work smarter and make better decisions faster, through specialist content and intelligence, and opportunities to connect and learn. For more information, please visit www.informa.com.
13 January 2021
New partnership between National Marine Manufacturers Association and Informa Markets unites three South Florida events under one banner
(MIAMI, FL) – Today, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) – owner and operator of the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS) – and Informa Markets – co-owner and producer of the Miami Yacht Show (MYS) and Superyacht Miami – announce a landmark
partnership creating the first joint production of South Florida’s preeminent winter boat shows. Set to debut Wednesday, February 16 through Sunday, February 20, 2022 over President’s Day weekend, the joint event—which will carry the Miami International Boat Show name— will deliver enhanced value to participating marine industry businesses, a seamless and unparalleled experience for attendees, and an economic boon to the Miami and South Florida areas.
Under the agreement, Informa Markets, the largest producer of trade and public events in the world, takes on management of the show, with direction and guidance from NMMA, the recreational boating industry’s trade association and the largest producer of boat shows in the U.S. Additionally, NMMA retains ownership of MIBS, while Informa Markets maintains co-ownership of MYS and Superyacht Miami with the International Yacht Brokers Association. The
partnership is the result of long-standing conversations between the two organizations on how best to serve the industry and cultivate a best-in-class boat show experience.
Bringing the events together will offer numerous benefits for exhibitors, visitors, and the greater Miami community, specifically Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. The on-land portion of the event will take place at the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), while the featured in-water activities will be offered at Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza and Island
Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. The combined event will include several new elements to enrich the experience for attendees, including a live concert series, an expanded educational offering, a digital component, and the return of Miami Dealer Days February 14-15. Miami Dealer Days allow exhibitors to gather at the Miami Beach Convention Center prior to the show, providing a unique opportunity for marine manufacturers to connect and discover partnership and growth opportunities.
“For 80 years, the Miami International Boat Show has served as the recreational boating industry’s flagship event and a prized platform to showcase world-class products and innovations to nearly 100,000 people across the globe. With NMMA’s new partnership with Informa Markets, together, we will take the show to the next level and deliver an unforgettable experience for our
members, attendees, exhibitors, and the local community for decades to come,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of NMMA. “Our industry and organization are incredibly grateful to the City of Miami for providing a home for our show these last five years at the Miami Marine Stadium and Park, and we look forward to bringing this exciting new event to both Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.”
Notably, this partnership translates into an unmatched opportunity for the region’s hospitality and service industry that is eager to bounce back from the devastating ramifications of COVID-19. The NMMA brings visitors from approximately 35 countries around the globe to South
Florida annually, and Informa is considered the largest single annual customer to the market, hosting several large-scale exhibitions in the region each year. Historically, the Miami International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show have attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees to South Florida and generated an estimated combined annual economic impact of $1.34 billion.
The joint Miami show will allow residents and visitors to streamline their trips to the signature event and participate in a unique experience with never-before-seen attractions and activities. A comprehensive traffic management plan will be developed in collaboration with the City of
Miami and Miami Beach to ensure a smooth traffic flow for visitors and the surrounding areas. The MacArthur, Venetian, and Julia Tuttle causeways will offer unrivaled access for guests crossing over to the MBCC, where they will find ample parking on the grounds. Both event locations will have a variety of transportation options for guests, including water taxis, ride share hubs, and
public transit modes.
To further extend their commitment to the Miami and Miami Beach communities, Informa Markets and the NMMA will open a new office at 1501Biscayne Boulevard. In addition to the joint show in Miami, this office will service the other events Informa Markets produces in South Florida, and provide opportunity for further growth in the South Florida market.
“The marine industry is a truly special community, and one we are dedicated to nurturing and growing. This year, despite innumerable challenges, our community proved its resilience, and the passion we have seen from manufacturers and buyers alike has strengthened our resolve to create even more meaningful experiences for boating and yachting professionals and
enthusiasts. We are appreciative that the NMMA shares common goals, and we are honored to work with them to enhance our collective events, including an unbelievable week-long experience for recreational and luxury boating enthusiasts in Miami,” said Andrew Doole, president, U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets. “We could not have done this without the support of the International Yacht Brokers Association, and we thank them for their commitment to the community. We are ready to bring a safe, memorable and fun-filled event to South Florida next year and are thrilled to be entering this partnership.”
As part of the agreement, NMMA and Informa Markets will enter a partnership spanning the organizations’ Central Florida events: the NMMA’s Tampa Boat Show and Informa Markets’ St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show. Similar to Miami, NMMA will retain ownership of the Tampa Boat Show and provide strategic guidance, while Informa Markets assumes management of the event.
Enquiries
Casey Clemenza, Director Communications, Informa Markets (based in the US)
About NMMA
NMMA is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for
recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide buyers and sellers around the globe with opportunities to connect through targeted digital services, virtual and live exhibitions and actional data solutions. We connect communities across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
29 October 2020
Informa Markets brings together its Fashion, Health & Nutrition and North America portfolios under a single, enlarged regional unit, to remain agile in responding to evolving customer needs.
NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2020: Informa Markets today announced it is reshaping for success in 2021 and beyond by bringing together its North America-headquartered brands, which include industry leaders such as NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO, WORLD OF CONCRETE, SUPPLYSIDE WEST and MAGIC, under a single leadership team, led by Nancy Walsh, who has been promoted to the role of President of the expanded North America portfolio.
During her time as President of the company’s Fashion portfolio, Walsh has been instrumental in getting close to customers and communities, understanding their needs and developing brands and experiences to help them trade and connect. Most recently, Walsh and her team launched a first-of-its-kind digital tradeshow for the fashion industry through a strategic partnership with e-commerce platform provider, NuORDER. Walsh was named IAEE’s Woman of the Year in 2020, an honor she described as ‘humbling’.
Walsh joined Informa Markets from Freeman, where she held the position of SVP Brand Experience, and prior to that she spent 32 years at Reed Exhibitions where she worked her way up to President – North America.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO Informa Markets, says: “Since joining us, Nancy has immersed herself in understanding what value we can offer to our customers through our brands and developed solutions that keep our communities connected, 365 days a year. She and her team have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship – two fundamental attributes to our culture at Informa Markets. By elevating Nancy to this broader role, I have every faith that she will help all our North America-headquartered brands to continue to develop sustainable and effective physical events and evolving digital solutions.”
Nancy Walsh, President – North America, Informa Markets, says: “It’s been an honor to work alongside such passionate colleagues who have continued to deliver for our customers in what has been a challenging year for us all. I’m excited to take on this new role, drawing upon what we’ve learned in the Informa Markets Fashion group and bringing it together with what other industry-leading brands across the rest of this enlarged North America portfolio have done to develop the best solutions for our customers.”
With these changes, Informa Markets will say goodbye to two highly respected and long-standing members of its senior management team, Rick McConnell and Fred Linder, who led the former
North America group and Health & Nutrition group respectively. McConnell and Linder will both leave the business at the end of this year.
Charlie McCurdy adds: “Rick and Fred have both been strong leaders, instrumental in building up their areas of the business, as well as trusted advisors and friends. On behalf of our senior team, I wish them every success in their future ventures.”
Enquiries
Holly Wallace, VP Corporate Communications, Informa Markets (based in the UK)
[email protected]
Casey Clemenza, Director Communications, Informa Markets (based in the US)
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide buyers and sellers around the globe with opportunities to connect through targeted digital services, virtual and live exhibitions and actional data solutions. We connect communities across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
01 July 2020
Consultants Simon Foster and Tony Harris to represent Informa Markets on Superyacht Industry Taskforce leading the world of yacht shows into its next major phase of development
The leading organiser of yachting industry events, Informa Markets, is joining a major research initiative underway to better define the overall objectives of yacht owners, shipyards, brokers, suppliers and other key industry participants and create a customer-focused plan that will ensure its yacht shows continue to meet the needs of major stakeholders in the future.
As part of this, Informa Markets has contracted two experienced consultants to represent the Group.
Tony Harris will act as Informa Markets’ Superyacht Industry Ambassador, representing the company’s portfolio of Yacht Shows worldwide. Tony will work closely with Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of Monaco Yacht Show, and Andrew Doole, President – US Boat Shows, to coordinate customer participation across multiple events, as well as representing Informa Markets on the international Superyacht Industry Taskforce. Tony is an expert in the yachting industry, having held positions as President and CEO of Boat International Media and founder of Thincblue, an advisory service for the luxury and sports markets.
Simon Foster will lead the research programme for Informa Markets, which is expected to be completed later this year. Simon has extensive experience in the exhibitions industry, most recently as CEO of the leading French show organiser, Comexposium. Previously he spent 19 years with UBM as Director and then CEO of UBM’s EMEA region, based in Amsterdam and London.
Media Contact:
Holly Wallace
VP Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 089290
20 May 2020
TSNN crowned it’s Top 250 shows for 2019, providing some welcome good news for Informa Markets who was named top tradeshow organiser of the year, with 27 shows on the list, far exceeding any other organiser.
The list featured events from across a wide spectrum of industries, with Fashion marketplaces MAGIC (#13 & #15) and COTERIE (#69 & #77), Infrastructure & Construction exhibitions World of Concrete (#14), The International Surface Expo (#40), ISSA Show North America (#58), International Roofing Expo (#111), International Pool I Spa I Patio Expo (#147), and JLC Live New England (#191) and ABX (#217), Health & Nutrition tradeshows Natural Products Expo West (#24), SupplySide West (#68), Natural Products Expo East (#90), and SupplySide East (#218), Manufacturing & Machinery marketplaces AMG Anaheim (#46), The Battery Show (#139), AMG New York (#162), AMG Minneapolis (#163), BioMed Boston (#211), DesignCon (#219) and BioMed San Jose (#221), Energy & Utilities exhibitions WWETT (#47) and Waste Expo (#73), Media & Entertainment event Licensing Expo (#78), Aviation tradeshow MRO Americas (#93) and Maritime marketplace Seatrade Cruise Global (#114).
Of the accomplishment, CEO Charlie McCurdy said “Leading this year’s TSNN Top Trade Shows list is a testament to the strength of the brands that make up Informa Markets. We’re incredibly proud of our teams.”
He added, “They work so closely within the specialist markets they serve and organize truly market-defining live events and digital services, empowering communities throughout the year. Having 28 events included in this year’s list is a meaningful accomplishment for us and shows the impact Informa Markets has in enabling those markets to thrive.”
22 April 2020
DALLAS, TX and LONDON, ENGLAND — April 22, 2020 — More than 20 leading organizations in the events industry have formed a collaborative group, called SEBIG or Sustainable Events: Big Initiative Group, to work together on major sustainability and environmental projects that have positive impacts and support the continued development of the events industry.
SEBIG is led by the world’s leading live event and brand experience company Freeman and leading exhibitions organizer Informa Markets, and involves representatives from major event organizers, venues and convention centers, leading trade associations and service providers to the industry.
Ben Wielgus, Head of Sustainability at Informa said: “We can achieve far more together, much faster and more cost effectively, than we can alone. By working across the whole of the events ecosystem, the formation of SEBIG can help us meet the growing expectations of our audience, while we play our part in contributing to sustainable development.”
One of the Group’s activities in 2020 will be to conduct a materiality assessment, focused on the US and Canadian markets, to gauge the views of a range of stakeholders involved in the events industry, to analyze relevant data and to help determine where it can best focus its efforts and make further advances towards environmental best practice.
“We want to be sure we understand the most important and impactful areas for SEBIG to focus on, with input from all stakeholder groups, including event organizers, exhibitors, facilities, and suppliers,” said Melinda Kendall, SVP Sustainability, Freeman.
“SISO is excited by this research opportunity and looking forward to engaging organizations across the industry through SEBIG to work together on projects that cannot be solved by individual organizations alone,” said David Audrain, Executive Director, Society of Independent Show Organizers.
There are also opportunities for additional organizations to join the steering committee for the study and contribute to its financing. Kendall said: “We are looking for organizations from all stakeholder groups who want to contribute directly to a major effort to improve the sustainability of the events industry, be involved in the design of the materiality assessment as it evolves, and to help determine next steps for us as we look to develop the solutions we need for a more sustainable events industry.”
If your organization is interested in participating, please contact Melinda Kendall ([email protected]) or Ben Wielgus ([email protected]).
About Sustainable Events: Big Initiative Group (SEBIG)
The Sustainable Events: Big Initiative Group (SEBIG), a group of more than 20 organizations from across the Global events ecosystem, was formed to help advance sustainability practices within the global events industry. The aim is to take a proactive industry-wide approach to help determine environmental impacts and opportunities, and work together to ensure and promote the industry’s ongoing sustainable development. The founding participants include representatives from Informa, Freeman, EIC, IAEE, RELX Group, RAI Amsterdam, GES, PAL Expo, IMEX, Sands, Messe Munchen, Anaheim Convention Center, IAEE, EDPR, UFI, EIC, Orange County Convention Center, Georgia World Congress Center, Stockholmsmassan, Oracle, HP, et al.
About Freeman
Freeman is the world’s leading live event and brand experience company. We help our clients design and deliver immersive live experiences for their most important audiences. Through comprehensive offerings including strategy, creative, logistics, digital, and event technology, Freeman helps increase audience engagement and drive business results. What makes us different is our collaborative culture, intuitive knowledge, global perspective, and personalized approach, which we’ve gained from our more than 90 years as an industry leader. For more information, please visit https://www.freeman.com/
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals to Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
10 March 2020
In 2019, the Informa Group delivered a sixth consecutive year of growth in revenues, adjusted operating profits, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow and dividends
Informa’s 2019 Full Year Results Presentation was held at 9:30am on Tuesday 10 March at Informa’s offices: 240 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8BU
27 February 2020
The leading global exhibitions company chooses Collibra to maximise opportunities
for revenue growth
London—February 27, 2020 — Collibra, the Data Intelligence company, today announced its partnership with Informa Markets, a company that helps more than 550 brands realise strategic value from their data and develop opportunities for business growth through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist content and actionable data solutions.
Informa Markets has grown rapidly, and also through acquisition, meaning the company faced the challenge of disparate and disconnected information. With different names for metrics, tools and systems across the now combined organisation, Informa Markets needed a system to understand and define those variances in order to fully leverage the power of their data for their
customers.
“Data is the foundation of our transformation approach and we have invested in creating unified data management. Our approach has always been to put the customer first, and this unified data gives us the insights we need to help connect our customers with buyers and sellers even more effectively. It’s a real game-changer for us,” stated Richard Brook, EVP Marketing at Informa
Markets. “Collibra plays an important role in creating this foundation to support our business’s information management, specifically how we access, manage and trust our data. Collibra gives us the capability to harness our data, giving us a competitive edge.”
Collibra will enable Informa Markets to improve data access and implement an effective reference data management process. Informa Markets operates in a dozen verticals with masses of information, and with Collibra, the business will be able to look for further revenue opportunities and new areas for business growth outside their standard business model.
“Informa Markets is an outstanding example of an organisation that not only understands the power of data but also leverages it for the betterment of their business and customers,'' said Felix Van de Maele, CEO and cofounder for Collibra. “Collibra is the ideal platform for organisations like Informa Markets wanting to make sure their data foundation is solid in order to grow their
businesses with effective Data Intelligence. We look forward to supporting Informa on their mission to grow and maximise business value from data.”
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals to Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data
solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly
Publishing Group with annual revenues approaching £3 billion. It helps commercial, professional and academic communities work smarter and make better decisions faster, through specialist content and intelligence, and opportunities to connect and learn. For more information, please visit www.informa.com.
Media Contact:
Holly Wallace
VP Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 089290
27 January 2020
Informa Markets commits to new, full-service office in Las Vegas to support rapidly growing business in the city on the heels of the highly anticipated expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center and other major hotel and venue expansions currently underway.
Las Vegas, NV—January 27, 2020 — Informa Markets has opened a full-service office in Las Vegas in a move to be more visible and engaged in the Las Vegas community, where many of the leading exhibitions organizers’ shows are held. The office will make Informa Markets the first global tradeshow company to have full service in Las Vegas, with plans to expand over the next year as they build an on-site team to help support Informa’s roughly 25 shows held annually in the city.
Informa is Las Vegas’ biggest client, driving nearly $650 million in revenue* to the city each year. The tradeshow organizer has been a powerhouse in the City of Lights for decades, partnering with the LVCVA on its very first city-run event transportation service, as well as with Mandalay Bay Convention Center on energy efficient lighting systems.
Similarly, the Las Vegas Convention Center is expected to become one of the largest convention complexes in North America once renovations to its existing structure complete in 2023. Statistics show that many exhibitions perform better in Las Vegas than in any other city due to good weather, ample hotel space and entertainment options**.
Informa Markets Las Vegas office will house operations, sales, marketing, housing and registration functions dedicated to supporting their growing events in the city, and will be led by Maria Ramirez, a well-known figure in the Las Vegas tourism community with over a decade of experience at the LVCVA before joining the Informa Markets team.
Ken McAvoy, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Informa Markets said, “As the leading global exhibitions organizer, Informa Markets understands the value the city of Las Vegas provides our customers. We have been an active member of the community for decades, and with our business continuing to grow, we felt now was the right time to put down roots in the city and expand our presence here.”
Steve Hill, President of the LVCVA said, “We are thrilled to have Informa Markets find a permanent home in Las Vegas. Informa’s events have helped support the city of Las Vegas for many years, and their continued dedication to driving industry to this city is a big win for us.”
Informa Markets will bestow their Partnership Award to the LVCVA at a reception on February 5th in Las Vegas. Informa runs several leading shows in Las Vegas, including Licensing Expo, MAGIC and World of Concrete, among others. Their Las Vegas office will house staff supporting all of their events in the city.
* LVCVA economic impact data
** LVCVA The 10 Reasons to Meet in Vegas
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals to Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data
solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly
Publishing Group with annual revenues approaching £3 billion. It helps commercial, professional and academic communities work smarter and make better decisions faster, through specialist content and intelligence, and opportunities to connect and learn. For more information, please visit www.informa.com.
Media Contact:
Holly Wallace
VP Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 089290
02 January 2020
London, 02 January 2020 – Informa Markets has today announced the appointment
of Margaret Ma Connolly as President – Asia, Informa Markets, effective 1 January 2020. The Informa Markets business in Asia delivers over 300 exhibitions across China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and South East Asia, which include FURNITURE CHINA, COSMOPROF ASIA and CPhI
CHINA.
Ma Connolly joined UBM in 2008, which combined with Informa in 2018, and successfully grew the business in China through strategic joint-venture partnerships and organic development. She was appointed CEO of Asia in July 2018, and has since grown the business, strengthened the partnerships, invested in training and development and brought to market additional services such as content programmes, digital, roadshows and research reports that connect communities in specialist markets all year round. Prior to joining UBM, Ma Connolly held senior management positions at TNT and Global Sources.
Ma Connolly succeeds Jimé Essink, who retired from his role as President – Asia, Informa
Markets, at the end of 2019.
Informa Markets CEO, Charlie McCurdy, said: “Margaret has been instrumental in the growth of our business across Asia and I’m confident that she will continue to strengthen our presence
in a region that is very important to our global business. This concludes the previously announced 12-month transition period between Margaret and Jimé, who successfully served as the long-term head of this business.”
Ma Connolly said: “The Informa Markets business in Asia has grown significantly over recent years to become the largest exhibitions company both in the region – and worldwide. I’m proud that we have a young and dynamic team that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity across Asia, allowing us to continue delivering a local service to our customers, while leveraging our global scale. A key focus for me in my role as President for the region is to nurture our talent and invest in developing new skills, particularly in the areas of digital and data, so that we can continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.”
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals to Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data
solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly
Publishing Group with annual revenues approaching £3 billion. It helps commercial, professional and academic communities work smarter and make better decisions faster, through specialist content and intelligence, and opportunities to connect and learn. For more information, please visit www.informa.com.
Media Contacts:
Holly Wallace
VP Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 089290
Rosalia Scampoli
Marketcom PR
+1 212-537-5177, Ext 7
06 December 2019
Mark Temple-Smith appointed Chief Operating Officer, Informa Markets Nancy Walsh appointed President – Fashion, Informa Markets
London, 06 December 2019 – Informa Markets has today announced the appointments of Mark Temple-Smith as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, and Nancy Walsh as President of its Fashion business, which includes leading brands such as MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and PROJECT WOMENS. Both will be part of the company’s Senior Management Team.
Temple-Smith has over 20 years’ experience in the international exhibitions industry, most recently as President of the Informa Markets Fashion portfolio. Here, he worked with the fashion team to implement a strategy to revitalise the business and return it to growth. In 2019 this led to the successful implementation of Fashion GAP, a three-year targeted improvement programme. Prior to Informa, Mark managed a number of major, international exhibitions brands within Canon Communications, ITE Group, and Tarsus. In his new role as COO, Mark will be responsible for developing and expanding the way Informa Markets delivers upon its promise to become a true Market Maker for customers and the specialist markets it serves.
Walsh joins Informa Markets from a leading, international events design and delivery group, Freeman, where she held the position of SVP Brand Experience. She will succeed Temple-Smith in the role of President – Fashion, in January 2020. Before joining Freeman, Walsh was President – North America, Reed Exhibitions, having worked her way up through the business over a 32-year career that, amongst other things, included leading a number of consumer-focused shows in the retail space, including the JCK jewelry show, the National Hardware Show and the PGA Merchandise Show for golf industry professionals.
Informa Markets CEO Charlie McCurdy said: “Nancy brings a wealth of experience in running a large-scale, international exhibitions business, with a successful track record of driving revenue growth through creating new brand experiences for customers. It’s testament to the reputation we have within our industry that we’re able to attract such outstanding talent to our already strong team.”
Walsh said: “I’m excited to join an international business with such a strong portfolio of high-quality specialist brands, committed to investing in developing new technology and innovative digital solutions for its customers. This is especially important in the fast-paced and highly international fashion industry, where the needs of consumers – and therefore exhibition customers – is ever changing. I’m looking forward to building upon the great work by Mark and the team and getting to know our customers better, to understand how we can best provide support in helping them to achieve their year-round priorities and goals.”
Temple-Smith said: “At Informa Markets, we are always looking for more effective ways to deliver products and services that meet the needs of our customers. Working alongside a talented team in our Fashion business, we helped to strengthen the global community of brands and retailers. In my new role, I look forward to continuing to support the Fashion business and Nancy, whilst applying my experience more broadly across many more of our specialist markets worldwide.”
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals to Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
About Informa
Informa PLC is a leading international Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly Publishing Group with annual revenues approaching £3 billion. It helps commercial, professional and academic communities work smarter and make better decisions faster, through specialist content and intelligence, and opportunities to connect and learn. For more information, please visit www.informa.com.
Media Contacts:
Holly Wallace
VP Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7920 089290
Rosalia Scampoli
Marketcom PR
212-537-5177, Ext 7
11 November 2019
London: Informa (LSE: INF.L), the International Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Advanced Learning Group, today issued a trading update for the 10-month period ending 31 October 2019.
2019 Ten-Month Trading Highlights:
Following the successful combination with UBM through the Accelerated Integration Plan, Informa has continued to perform well, with underlying revenue growth for the 10-month period to 31 October 2019 at 2.8%. This reflects a good underlying performance, balanced against strong comparable growth in the third quarter last year, fewer of our major brands operating in the period and two market-specific, in-year impacts within Informa Markets in Hong Kong and Dubai.
November and December are significant trading months for the enlarged Informa Group, representing around 20% of annual revenue, with November alone accounting for more than £350m. This includes a key period for subscription renewals and consulting business at Informa Intelligence, Informa Tech and Taylor & Francis, whilst we also run a number of major event Brands through the period, including in Pharma & Healthcare (CPhI Worldwide, CPhI India, BioEurope) and Technology (AI Summit, AfricaCom, Blackhat Europe).
Despite ongoing economic/geo-political uncertainty, our forward pacing for the remainder of 2019 provides reassurance on our Group revenue guidance of 3.5% for the year. Furthermore, the breadth and balance of the enlarged Group, the quality of our revenue growth and strong visibility of forward bookings and renewals into the first quarter of 2020 gives us confidence in the strength and resilience of future growth.
Informa Markets…specialist international B2B platforms for trade and commerce
Our international scale and depth in a range of attractive and growing specialist B2B markets delivered strong performances through the third quarter in Health & Nutrition (SupplySide West), Hospitality, Food & Beverage (Hotelex) and Design & Furniture (Furniture China), amongst others.
We are also continuing to see good progress in the Fashion portfolio following the launch of the Fashion GAP Plan, stemming the historical decline in attendance over previous years, improving NPS scores and successfully launching OneMagic. This is laying the foundation for further improvement in 2020, supporting our target to return the Fashion portfolio to growth by 2021.
The Group had two market-specific, in-year impacts through the period: in Dubai, increasing commitment to World Expo 2020, combined with challenging market conditions, has had a significant effect on traditional exhibitions investment, particularly in Real Estate & Construction, impacting Cityscape Global, in September. In Hong Kong, where we generate around 4% of Group revenue, recent civil protests have had a small impact on revenue growth at some events. This affected our largest brand in the region during September, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Show, although a strong programme of support, including investment in additional security and transport, ensured the show still ran effectively.
The underlying performance of Informa Markets was strong in the first 10-months of the year, despite these impacts in Dubai and Hong Kong, delivering 3.4% underlying revenue growth across the period.
A number of our largest and fastest growing Brands operate through the last two months of the year and forward bookings are on track, most notably in Pharma (CPhI Worldwide, Food Ingredients Europe, CPhI India), and Maritime, Transportation & Logistics (Marintec, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show). This will lead to a re-acceleration in growth through to year-end, although given the two, in-year impacts, growth for the year is now expected to be 4.5%- rather than 4.5%+.
11 October 2019
11 October 2019: Informa Markets secured the number one spot on AMR International’s annual “Top 20 exhibitions organisers” list.
AMR International is a leading adviser to the global events industry and its annual global
list ranks organizers exclusively on exhibition organising revenue. The ranking takes into account 2018 revenues and 2019 M&A activity to date.
>> The AMR Top 20 exhibition organisers by exhibition-organising revenue
>> Read More: AMR International
27 September 2019
27 September 2019: This year, Informa Markets has continued its growth trajectory, bolstered by strong brands who are truly market makers in the industries they serve. That growth has not gone unnoticed, with Trade Show Executive naming Informa Markets ‘Top Organiser of the Year’ at its annual Gold 100 Gala.
In addition to taking home the event’s top honours, Informa Markets’ AIA Conference on Architecture received the Fastest Growing Show award, and the February edition of our MAGIC fashion show took home the award for Largest Semi-Annual Tradeshow. In keeping with Informa Markets' increasingly digital approach, The International Surface Event (TISE) was awarded Most Extreme Results from a Social Media Campaign, thanks to their multi-platform
approach.
Elsewhere, Melanie Weiner, Director of Event Operations at Informa Markets, was also named a ‘Woman to Watch’ at the event, which honours four exceptional women poised to climb the corporate ladder. The Gold 100 list honoured several other Informa Markets shows for excellence, including Natural Products Expo East and West, MAGIC February and August, and WWETT, among others..
Another of Informa Markets’ fashion events, Coterie (February) has been short-listed as one of 10 finalists for Trade Show News Network’s ‘Best of Show’ award. Voting closes October 18th.The two overall winners will be announced at the TSNN Award
11 September 2019
11 September 2019 - By Rick McConnell: Associations looking to expand their meeting and tradeshow audience beyond their members may consider partnering with an independent show organizer. A look at what makes for a successful partnership.
While associations traditionally do a great job marketing events to their own membership, there is often more that can be done when it comes to growing their meeting and tradeshow audience beyond members.
One way to go about it is to partner with an independent show organizer. An ISO’s main focus is to connect buyers and sellers through events that help them do business together and thrive. Together, ISOs and associations can benefit from the other’s expertise and create a powerful combination that will benefit members and increase attendance. Here are three things an ISO can bring to a partnership:
Economies of scale. Due to the large number of events ISOs put on each year, they have strong relationships with venues and services that can benefit associations when planning an event or program. In addition to their experience, ISOs have the power of negotiation and can leverage their cost advantage to associations in a partnership.
Expanded digital tools and developed networking platforms. Data and digital solutions are an area that ISOs have been focused on over the last several years to help attendees navigate the event and build meaningful connections with other visitors and exhibitors. These new data and digital tools are used 365 days a year to help create year-round market connections and can also help attendees share experiences and lessons learned. These tools also provide access to programs and learning modules to make these events more worthwhile. Examples of expanded digital tools for associations include event-matchmaking apps like Brella.
Together, ISOs and associations can benefit from the other’s expertise and create a powerful combination that will benefit members and increase attendance.
Broader sales reach. Associations have an experienced sales force in place that support their marketing efforts. When coupling those resources with an ISO, it can expand sales reach. ISO sales team members can be used to focus on driving new business or in deepening relationships with current account contacts. Tapping into a broader ISO sales team can truly give the association additive firepower.
However, for these partnerships to be successful, both parties must be willing to share knowledge, which includes being candid about each other’s marketing and sale strategies. In attending industry events, I have increasingly noticed partners from associations and ISOs coming together to share best practices and strategies, which didn’t happen a few years ago.
Lastly, the use of social media in a marketing strategy has become a transformative phenomenon for associations that leverage these channels. By combining the social media efforts of both the ISO and the association in the distribution of content, this can broaden an association’s reach and generate additional traffic to events.
Together and with a core focus on better serving attendees, ISOs and associations can develop and deliver more robust marketing campaigns to drive new members and attendees, new ancillary digital revenue streams, and new lead generation sponsorships.
>> Read More: ASAE
12 August 2019
12 August 2019 - TSNN: In an industry known for producing a substantial amount of waste, some trade shows are working to turn the tides by gradually adopting practices to reduce their environmental impact. Then there are other shows, such as Natural Products ExpoEast and West — the world’s largest natural products trade shows — that have been quietly driving the event sustainability movement long before “green” became a buzzword.
Held biannually at the Anaheim and Baltimore convention centers (NPE East will be moving to Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia in 2020), the NPE shows have incorporated sustainability to such an extent that it’s become part of the brand’s identity. In fact, the events were among the earliest adopters of environmental initiatives, with practices that have grown and evolved over the past three decades, says Lacey Gautier, natural products group show director at New Hope Network (a division of informa Markets, which produces the two shows).
“The natural products industry and sustainability go hand in hand,” Gautier says. “While Natural Products Expos have prioritized sustainability practices since the inaugural West event in 1981, we’ve had an official program in place since the mid-’90s that we’ve built upon and refined over the years to meet evolving challenges and growth.”
When NPE initially launched its sustainability program, it was primarily focused around reducing energy, water and carbon. Show organizers worked with environmental agencies to help measure and offset the electricity and water usage throughout the partner hotels and convention centers, as well as calculate the airfare impact of attendees and exhibitors.
“We’ve grown those features, and they still exist with the shows, but they’ve evolved with a much more extensive program and commitments from various sponsors, participants and partners,” Gautier says.
Sustainability is also a central feature of NPE’s venue and supplier RFP process. While the shows’ chosen venues each have extensive sustainability programs, the NPE team partners with the venues in an ongoing effort to push the green envelope and find new ways to make even greater impacts.
“We’ve worked with Anaheim in developing their sustainability programs,” Gautier says. “Their practices have helped us refine our program at large, and it was a central focus when we began the RFP process for NPE East.”
She continues, “We expect all of our partners to operate their businesses in a sustainable and respectful manner, and form new partnerships with organizations that prioritize this and can contribute in a positive way to our greater efforts.”
It can take a village to achieve meaningful event sustainability. At the East and West shows, planning and executing those ambitious efforts come down to tremendous collaboration between the NPE teams, host cities, convention center teams, catering and hotel partners, attendees and exhibitors.
To keep the shows moving in the right direction, NPE also works with event environmental consultancy firm Honeycomb Strategies. Behind the scenes, Founder Lindsay Arrell and New Hope/ informa Show Coordinator Ashley Scruggs lead the charge with NPE’s operations. They show teams how to create operational improvements and sustainability resources for attendees and exhibitors, including sustainability toolkits for West and East. Other operational initiatives Honeycomb has helped put in place include:
· Waste Management: implements bin systems, back-of-house sorting, waste ambassadors, and elimination of items that are out of alignment with NPE’s sustainability plan, such as straws and foam core
· Metrics Tracking: tracks and measures year-over-year data around waste diversion, donations and energy, water and carbon offsets
· Exhibitor Resources: provides sustainable exhibitor survey, booth porter services for composting and recycling, and sustainable booth packages
· Donation Programs: makes donations of left-over booth materials and food samples to local organizations
· Offsets: offers staff travel and venue offsets, and offset options for attendees and exhibitors at registration
· Sustainability Kiosk: provides attendees and exhibitors with information about NPE’s sustainability initiatives and examples of sustainability in action onsite
Honeycomb also helped NPE form the Expo Sustainability Task Force. This is designed to engage key stakeholders — including exhibiting brands, informa staff, vendors, venue partners and non-profits — while working to source new ideas, explore the feasibility of new sustainability initiatives and empower stakeholders, Gautier says.
“A major focus for both East and West is waste diversion, and that’s something that we’ve dedicated a lot of time and energy to over the past few years, including improvements in our on-site sorting practices,” Gautier explains. “We partner with UnitedService, Anaheim, Baltimore, Philadelphia as well as GES and various other participating partners to streamline those practices on-site. [This helps us] gain a deep understanding of where the waste is going and how we can most effectively sort it and compost or recycle it.”
Another key feature of NPE’s sustainability program is its exhibitor program, which places strict parameters on what exhibitors can bring to the show. In addition to incorporating more sustainable booth material options through GES, the program is also focusing more energy on encouraging change within the natural products industry itself. For example, brands making more environmentally friendly packaging choices are then celebrated at the shows via on-site promotional opportunities.
At the upcoming NPE East 2019, to be held Sept. 11-14 at Baltimore Convention Center, the show will not only be continuing and expanding upon its sustainable policies and efforts, but also working toward its long-term goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2022. In addition, NPE will broaden its support of and two-year partnership with the Climate Collaborative, which works collaboratively with the natural products industry to reverse climate change.
Meanwhile, NPE’s sustainability team is looking ahead to an even greener future for the shows. According to Gautier, NPE will continue to build upon its existing partnerships and successes to up the green ante while challenging its host venues, suppliers and clients to invest more time and resources in moving toward a healthier ecosystem.
“Sustainability is a focus for the shows because we all must do our part in offsetting the impact events have on the environment, and with shows of our size, our awareness and efforts are critical and we have an opportunity to pave the way for others,” Gautier explains. “It’s important that every show organizer does what they can to prioritize sustainable practices, as events have a major impact on the environment and future health.”
24 July 2019
24 July 2019 - London: Informa (LSE: INF.L), the International Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly Publishing Group, today released its financial results for the six months to 30 June 2019, reporting continued growth and performance, including the effective delivery of the 12-month Accelerated Integration Plan (“AIP”).
Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, said: “A year on from the acquisition of UBM, the enlarged Informa Group is performing to plan, delivering a further period of growth in revenue, adjusted operating profit, free cash flow and dividends.”
He added: “Our Advanced Learning businesses remain resilient, our Data, Information and Communities businesses are performing well, and despite previously identified headwinds in our Fashion and Middle East businesses, we continue to grow consistently in Events and Exhibitions. This puts us on track to deliver our targets for 2019 and provides a strong foundation for consistent future growth and performance.”
Performing to Plan across the Group, delivering H1 underlying revenue growth of 3.4%:
• Informa Markets: Continued good growth, reflecting international reach and focus on major B2B brands with depth in attractive specialist markets; H1 pro-forma reported revenue growth of 8.4% and 4.4% underlying;
• Informa Connect: Continued focus on branded confexes and events in Life Sciences and Finance delivers further progress; H1 pro-forma reported revenue growth of 8.0% and 2.1% underlying;
• Informa Tech: Newly formed market-facing business performing well, ahead of seasonal uplift in the second half and the addition of IHS Markit’s TMT portfolio; H1 pro-forma reported revenue growth of 5.7% and 1.1% underlying;
• Informa Intelligence: Focus on subscriptions delivers strong renewals and steady new business momentum, complemented by valuable consulting and project work; H1 pro-forma reported revenue growth of 8.9% and 3.2% underlying;
• Taylor & Francis: Solid subscription renewals and strong momentum in open access delivers resilient performance against a tough comparable; H1 pro-forma reported revenue growth of 5.6% and 1.8% underlying.
Operational Performance to Plan: Operating as one Group, focusing on specialist markets
• AIP completed on schedule: One-year programme of combination and creation delivered on budget and on schedule. All teams combined, leadership confirmed, brands aligned and operating as one business. On track to deliver £50m cost synergies in 2019, with more than £20m realised in H1;
• Progressive Portfolio Management: Agreement for the divestiture of wealth management information business, IIS, announced today for up to $85m, subject to certain conditions, following on from previous sale of the Life Sciences Media Portfolio and the proposed agreement with IHS Markit for our Agribusiness Intelligence portfolio;
programme of targeted disposals nearing completion, increasing the focus on core specialist markets with greatest opportunities for growth and expansion;
• Creation of Informa Tech: New market-focused business established, bringing together a portfolio of specialist brands and broad range of B2B products and services for the Technology industry; target to double underlying revenue growth within four years, supported by recent addition of IHS Markit’s portfolio of leading TMT research and information brands;
• Expansion in Premium Lifestyle: Extension and further strengthening of relationship with Principality of Monaco in Premium Lifestyle market, bringing together leading brands serving the International Yachting and Arts communities. Strong customer complementarity creates attractive opportunities for cross marketing and co-location initiatives;
• Purpose & Values: Launch of Brand platform for the enlarged Informa Group, including new guiding principles, a Group purpose focused around Championing the Specialist, and a refreshed visual identity for all five operating divisions and the Group;
• Board Strength in Depth: Appointment of Gill Whitehead as Non-Executive Director, bringing valuable digital, data and analytics expertise from roles at Google, Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide;
• Progressive Dividends: Strong free cash flow underpins ongoing commitment to attractive and growing dividends, with 7.1% growth in Interim Dividends per Share
Click here to review the full report.
09 July 2019
Dallas, TX - 09 July, 2019 - Informa Markets, producer of 550 B2B events globally each year, has partnered with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) to provide its 4,400 employees with a workforce training program and the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Exhibition Management qualification. The customized training program will be open to all Informa Markets colleagues who have passed their
probation period (about six months but varies by location), Sean Ongers,
Head of Global Learning and Performance, Informa Markets, told Trade Show Executive.
“We are excited to offer our extensive knowledge in exhibition management with a global leader like Informa Markets,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. “This is the first-ever agreement IAEE has entered into with another company to extend knowledge in core
competencies of exhibition management.”
In 2014, IAEE partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to offer a comprehensive competency model for the hospitality, tourism and events industry. This model is the basis for creating learning opportunities for those in the exhibitions and events industry and serves as the cornerstone for the curriculum delivered in this partnership. The IAEE/Informa Markets certificate program involves a combination of classroom instruction and applied learning, which will be overseen by the Informa Markets Global Learning and Performance team.
“It’s all about the knowledge and impact,” Ongers said. “Informa Markets colleagues will complete a series of courses and exams. For each course, their manager will also be required to sign off on the impact back in the workplace before receiving the certificate of completion and qualification.” Informa Markets colleagues will also have the option
to complete IAEE’s official Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program and obtain the globally recognized designation.
Currently, there are more than 3,000 active CEMs, of which 16.3% work for a for-profit company. Informa’s training team, who have completed the IAEE Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning program will be conducting the in-house training. “The partnership with IAEE brings amazing opportunities for our colleagues around the world
with its globally recognized Certificate in Exhibition Management Qualification,” Ongers said.
Read More: Trade Show Executive
Reach Sean Ongers at +44 20 7017 5000 or [email protected]; Marsha Flanagan at (972) 458-8002 or [email protected]
21 June 2019
Atlantic City, N.J. - 21 June, 2019 -The Awards Gala capped another successful Fastest 50 Awards & Summit. Around 150 top show organizers and industry partners joined TSE for a full schedule of educational sessions and networking activities. Nine individual shows were honored with Grand Awards in a dozen categories. Along with JIS Exchange, MJBizCon, MODEX and Southeast Flooring Market were also recipients of two Grand Awards each for their accomplishments. Informa was declared the “top organizer of the year” with a total of nine shows on the Fastest 50 and Next 50 lists.
The full roster of awards presented included:
- JIS Exchange: Rock Star Award; Fastest-Growing Annual Show in Attendance (Percentage)
- International Woodworking Show: Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show in Exhibit Space (Sheer Numbers)
- MODEX: Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show in Exhibitors and Attendance (Sheer Numbers); Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show in Attendance (Percentage)
- CES: Fastest-Growing Annual Show in Exhibit Space and Exhibitors (Sheer Numbers) MJBizCon: Fastest-Growing Annual Show in Attendance (Sheer Numbers); Fastest-Growing Annual Show in Exhibit Space (Percentage)
- Southeast Flooring Market: Fastest-Growing Annual Show in Exhibitors (Percentage); Fastest-Growing Show (Blended Growth)
- International Airport GSE Expo (Ground Support Equipment): Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show in Exhibit Space and Exhibitors (Percentage)
- The Landscape Show: Fastest-Growing Show Managed by an Association (Blended Growth)
- ANCC National Magnet Conference (American Nurses Credentialing Center): Fastest-Growing Medical Show (Blended Growth)
- Informa Markets: Top Organizer in the Number of Fastest 50 and Next 50 Shows
The next TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit will take place in Las Vegas at the soon-to-open Caesars FORUM. Trade Show Executive will honor the largest trade shows of last year at the Gold 100 Awards & Summit on Sept. 25-27 in San Diego at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. See www.tsegold100.com for information on registration and the event agenda.
Read More: Trade Show Executive
12 June 2019
Just in time for Global Exhibitions Day on June 6, UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – launched a new report and online database designed to track global exhibitions industry sustainability initiatives and projects in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Initiated by UFI’s working group on sustainability and put together in collaboration with sustainability consulting and research firm Greenview, this first-of-its-kind resource showcases the environmental efforts of global event organizers, venues and service providers while inspiring others to launch sustainability projects under the UN framework.
“As the exhibition industry, we are connecting markets to foster trade and development [and] through our daily work, we help to drive the growth of economies and societies,” said Craig Newman, president of UFI. “With this new, publicly available online database, we want to grow the awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and how exhibition industry players are contributing to catalyze a sustainable future for all.”
Developed in 2015 with the goal of achieving them by 2030, the SDGs were created as a blueprint for businesses, governments and individuals to achieve a more sustainable future. They address 17 global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
In the database’s first data collection phase, which was completed in early May, large global exhibition organizers such as Informa, Reed Exhibitions and Messe Frankfurt sent in submissions explaining how their organizations are contributing to the SDG agenda. A total of 20 exemplary submissions were accepted.
The three entry types included:
· Type I: Exhibition Theme: How the theme of the exhibition contributes to the SDGs
· Type II: Exhibition Operation: How the operator of the exhibition contributes to the SDGs
· Type III: Company’s Operations: How a company’s own operations contribute to the SDGs
Each submission demonstrated how that organization’s actions contribute to SDGs; how their actions were made possible; and quantified monetary, time and other impacts. This in-depth information sharing also included a section for feedback and lessons learned, which allows other industry professionals to learn from these valuable experiences.
According to UFI officials, the initial series of submissions reveals that the SDG approach is well established within the leadership of the exhibition industry. While all 17 SDGs were mentioned, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production was the most common, with 70 percent of submissions citing a contribution to this particular area of action.
Under this category, sustainable actions taken included purchasing from local suppliers whenever possible; reducing the usage of single-use plastics, and reducing food waste through composting or donation. Partnerships with suppliers, guests and local charities were often mentioned as key to achieving these goals. In addition, sustainability is increasingly becoming part of the business model, with venue operators stipulating environmental terms in their contracts.
The second most commonly cited SDG was SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. This was not surprising, according to UFI officials, since exhibitions reach out to tens of thousands of people; and encompass all sectors of business, government and civil society, with a large value chain of partners and stakeholders.
The first series of submissions demonstrated how the exhibition industry can touch SDGs in many different ways and have a meaningful collective impact while enjoying cost savings, especially through multi-stakeholder partnerships, according to UFI officials.
These best practices and innovative ideas have been compiled into a complimentary summary report, “The Exhibition Industry and the UN SDGs: Connecting People, Multiplying Impact.”
UFI’s second data collection phase, which began on June 6, is currently underway. Those interested in participating can contact [email protected]
To learn more about UFI’s sustainability initiatives, go here.
12 June 2019
12 June, 2019 - The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has wrapped up its five events for Global Exhibitions Day (#GED19) with a call out to the industry to make ecological sustainability a major priority as well as career development and talent acquisition.
EEAA chief executive Joyce DiMascio said that #GED19 focussed on three key messages for the industry, including the importance of the sector to the economy, exhibitions as an effective and sustainable way of doing business and promoting a 'a career for life' in business events.
“These themes were embedded in the program from start to finish and they resonated strongly with delegates and partners from across the industry,” she commented. “In order for our industry to continue to grow and contribute to the economy, it’s vital that we attract a broad range of talent with the right set of skills. Sustainable business practices are at the core of what many emerging leaders look for from their employers – and the business events sector must commit to taking real steps to reducing our impact on the environment by cutting our waste output and looking at procurement with conscious regard for sustainability.”
The association used the events as an opportunity to report back on its work developing a Sustainability Framework for the industry. Consulting firm Edge Environment was appointed as sustainability advisor, with a brief to develop a strategic roadmap for the next 12-24 months, and a new partnership with Tourism Australia was announced to support the sustainability initiative.
John O’Sullivan, managing director of Tourism Australia said: “Our partnership with EEAA is a key part of Tourism Australia’s business events strategy, and recognises the importance of the exhibitions sector to both the business events sector and Australia’s visitor economy. Tourism Australia partners with EEAA on two specific initiatives: we are a proud sponsor of the Young Stars program and the Richard Geddes Young Achievers Award. And on Wednesday at the EEAA Leaders Forum, we announced an extension to our partnership to become a partner for the Champions of Sustainability program for the year ahead.
"Our strengthened partnership with EEAA is not just about bringing exhibitions to Australia but also about supporting a strong and sustainable future for our business events industry.”
The Young Stars program, launched in 2010, gives the EEAA's youngest members a platform to share their views, ideas and experiences, as well as to have a bigger voice in the work of the association.
Margaret Ma Connolly of Informa Markets Asia delivered a keynote presentation addressing the challenges associated with attracting and retaining the right workforce. She commented: "We have a lot in common with the Australian industry – the focus on talent, career development and the importance of ecological and business sustainability. The forum provides a platform for sharing good ideas and inspiration from each other and to me that is the true value of the event.”
Read More: Exhibition World
12 June 2019
Washington, D.C. - June, 2, 2019 - Four show managers and a bright star of the analytics world make up the 2019 class of the Trade Show Executive (TSE) Trailblazers.
The annual TSE Trailblazers roster is made up of show executives who are already making names for themselves as they climb the ladder at their respective companies and associations. The newest members include two vice presidents, show managers and a key data analyst from Informa.
They will be among the Guests of Honor at the June 18-20 TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit in Atlantic City where they will meet, mingle and network with other high-achieving show organizers and managers whose events led the way in growth last year.
“Our TSE Trailblazer program is meant to acknowledge and celebrate up-and-comers for their efforts in creating something new or taking a new approach to a show or within their organization,” TSE Publisher and Editor, Gabrielle Weiss said. “Our 2019 TSE Trailblazers are definitely blazing a new path and have the results to show for their hard work.”
This year’s class is the second edition of the annual Trailblazers program and is generously sponsored by Trade Show Executive’s parent company, United Service Companies.
The honorees include:
- Jordan Tuchband, Industry Vice President, JIS Events, Reed Exhibitions. Tuchband has consistently produced solid results for his team and has introduced technologies that have made an impact companywide.
- Krista DeBrosse, International Trade Show Manager, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI). DeBrosse quickly stepped up to a new role which helped her team generate double-digit percentage growth in both show space and registration for a show in Mexico.
- Carlos Baudett, Director, Trade Expositions, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Baudett has demonstrated that he is a strategist and tacitician for his team. Moreover, he has earned a reputation as a hands-on leader who is always on the lookout for ways to improve produces and events.
- Lisa Glosson, Vice President, Clarion Events. Glosson impressed Clarion by overseeing the launch of the MATCH program which is now being replicated. Her “what-if-we-did-this?” approach has moved her up the ranks in her career path.
- Mary Atkins, Data Analyst, Informa Markets. Mary’s laser focus on being of service has helped to generate reporting that sets her apart. Informa highly praised her ability to strike pay dirt while mining for the most productive data for show managers. Her work is helping organizers and their shows companywide.
As honorees of this prestigious program, TSE Trailblazers are invited to attend Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 Awards and Summit in Atlantic City. They are recognized at the event and receive additional exposure through an article in the magazine and though social media channels.
TSE’s Fastest 50 and Awards Summit will be held next week from June 18-20 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
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02 June 2019
Washington, D.C. - June, 2, 2019 - Held annually during the week following
Memorial Day, this year’s Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF) attracted more than 200 attendees to the JW Marriott.
“The confirmed number of ECEF 2019 verified attendees, sponsors, speakers and media was 220,” said Sam Lippman, President, Lippman Connects, producer of ECEF. In 2018, ECEF attracted 222 industry professionals.
For the second year, ECEF included a networking and technology activity combined with a closing reception. The ECEF TechDemo featured 12 technology solutions.
ECEF offered six educational sessions, and Trade Show Executive identified eight key takeaways:
1. Lead by example. “Nothing attracts competition like success,” Marijuana Business Daily Co-Founder and CEO Cassandra Farrington said during the opening keynote titled Navigating Treacherous Waters. She shared how her company navigated the unusual political and business hurdles to lead one of the Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50
growing exhibitions in the U.S. When MJBizCon launched in 2012, the event attracted 400 attendees to a masonic lodge in Denver. In 2018, the show attracted 27,700 attendees and 1,028 exhibitors covering nearly 180,000 net square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While fast growth is good, it can be challenging. In addition to the event,
Marijuana Business Daily is a full-fledged B2B media company that offers content through a number of channels, including a print magazine, website, social media, books, apps, TV and more. “Our brand had the first double-decker booth at our show,” she said. “We had the hanging sign. We have had to bring along and train our exhibitors and
attendees.”
2. China as the next big exhibition investor? At the session titled The Other 75% of the World’s Market, UFI Managing Director/CEO Kai Hattendorf talked about how the world’s conventions and exhibitions are evolving — and what impact this has on business in the U.S. He asked: “Will the world economy flip?” In 2019, the U.S. is the world’s largest economy with an annual GDP of $19.4 trillion, representing 24% of global GDP. By 2030, some are predicting that China will be No. 1 in world with $64.2 trillion in GDP. “China made its first exhibition investment earlier this year in the Thailand International
Dog Show,” Hattendorf said. “We will see more of China investing in shows around the globe.”
3. Become a haven for trust. “Globally, our trust in public institutions has shifted,” Dina Cappiello, Editorial Director & Group Head, Editorial & Media Strategies, Edelman, D.C. said at the session titled Storytelling in a Fake News World. According to an annual Edelman study, only 40% of the U.S. population trusts the government, and 48% of the U.S. population trusts the media. “People are looking for reliable sources,” she said. “Exhibitions can be a haven for trust. Exhibitions can be a great place for storytelling.
4. Threats to exhibitions and events. At the session titled Power Panel: Brave New World in the Event Business, Rick McConnell, President, North America, Informa Markets asked attendees to submit one or two words about what they see as the biggest threats to exhibitions and events. Among the top responses from the audience: Time,
security, budget, relevance, recession, industry consolidation, ROI, internet, competition, travel and lack of technology.
5. Supporting a cause. “No one wants to talk about profitability, but margins are high,” Lippman said. “Are there any conversations about lower profitability down the road?” Look at Tom’s shoes and Bombas socks, said McConnell. For each purchase, these companies offer an in-kind donation of their product to those in need. “To connect with millennials and Gen Z, causal marketing has to be got to be embedded in your business model,” he said. ”If not, you may be missing a big opportunity.”
6. Off the grid. At the same session, Messe Frankfurt President & CEO Dennis Smith said: “Activations and experience for attendees are critical,” he said. “Trade shows going off the 10-by-10 grid.” For example, Messe Frankfurt recently re-engineered the International Motor Show in South Africa. After acquiring the massive show, the dealer association told the company they didn’t want a show anymore, he told the audience. “It’s happening in Detroit and Frankfurt and around the globe. Dealers don’t want a static, old-school auto
school,” he said. “We redesigned the event into a B2B/B2C experience and hold it at a race track.” The first two days of the show, which is now called the Festival of Motoring, are for press and dealers, and the rest of days are for consumers. “We gained back 28 brands, and a show that was dead has come back to life.”
7. Better together. At the session titled Buy/Sell/Partner 360: The National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show’s New Model, Winsight Vice Chairman Galen Poss moderated a panel discussion about the sale and equity partnership between Winsight and the NRA show. “We wanted the association to be a true partner, so we agreed to equity partnership early on,” said Winsight CEO Mike Wood. The deal, which took three years to complete, has a unique structure — to say the least. NRA owns an equity stake in Winsight and serves on the company board as a non-voting member. In return, NRA has agreed to
sponsor the show for 45 years. In the end, the NRA board voted unanimously to approve the deal. “This association deal is significant, and I think it sets the stage for the future,” Poss said. With 62% of shows owned by associations, he said more non-profits may look to independents to help them with expand with digital and data enhancements
that they couldn’t do on their own. “We needed to act like media company to keep pace,” said Mary Pat Heftman, President, Restaurant Show Group, Winsight “At times, I felt like a trader to the association, but in the long term it is what’s best for the next generation. I believe it even more firmly now that we have completed our first show together.
We grew all metrics. That speaks volumes about the culture of association and Winsight.” For the recent NRA Show in May, Heftman said sponsorship was up 29%, and the show celebrated its 100th anniversary with 65,000 attendees from 110 countries and 2,300 exhibitors.
8. Small is in. At the session titled How to Be a Ninja Innovator, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro talked about a wide variety of topics related to trade shows and innovation. Using audience-polling technology, Shapiro allowed ECEF attendees to select the three topics he would address. The topics
included: finding/retaining a ninja staff, keeping a mega show relevant and efficient, and the future of digital/connected health. “Small is in,” he said. “It’s difficult to innovate in big companies. Big companies will fund bad decisions for a long time.” More big companies
are looking at acquiring, partnering, mentoring and being the first customers of smaller players, he said.
In 2020, ECEF will be held on May 27 at the JW Marriott.
Read more: Trade Show Executive
30 April 2019
Informa Markets focused on helping specialist markets and communities around the world to trade, innovate and grow.
London, United Kingdom - April 30, 2019 - Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC (LON:INF) formerly known as Informa Exhibitions, today introduced its new name and brand identity and launched a new corporate website, reflecting the ongoing development and expansion of the business and its focus on enabling the success of its customers and the specialist markets in which they work.
“From Health & Nutrition to Construction, Healthcare & Pharma to Agriculture, Fashion to Hospitality and much more, we live and breathe specialist markets,” said Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Markets. “Informa Markets really brings to life the role we play helping to bring energy, opportunity, growth and success to the specialist markets our customers operate in, and to our customers’ businesses.”
He continued: “The new Informa Markets identity reflects the continued expansion of our services both at exhibitions and beyond the show floor, into data and digital products and specialist content, as well as the expansion of our own business. After combining with UBM’s powerful event-focused brands in 2018, Informa Markets is a single, strong identity that brings together all our teams, partners and customers across our increasingly broad and international portfolio.”
Informa Markets is the leading global platform for industries, specialist markets and communities to trade, grow and engage. It consists of more than 550 international B2B events and brands, as well as specialist digital content and data solutions, with over 4,400 colleagues based in more than 40 countries around the globe. Informa Markets provides customers with meaningful experiences where they can engage, experience and do business, helping global communities to thrive 365 days a year.
“Similar to how people and companies evolve, so has our brand identity,” said Richard Brook, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Informa Markets. “It has progressed over the years as we have produced impactful events, brands, digital offerings, a distinctive culture and engaged communities around the globe. The new Informa Markets identity is a fantastic representation of what and who we are today, and how that will develop in the future as we continue to advance and provide platforms that facilitate connections and the best customer experience.”
Contact Information
Ashley Womack Director of External Communications, Informa Markets [email protected]
415-307-4858
07 March 2019
London: Informa (LSE: INF.L), the International Exhibitions, Events, Information Services and Scholarly Research Group, today published its financial results for the 12 months to 31 December 2018, reporting a further period of operational progress and improving financial performance.
Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, said: “In 2018, the Informa Group delivered a fifth consecutive year of improving growth, increasing adjusted profits, adjusted earnings per share, cashflow and dividends.”
He added: “In 2019, our focus is on continuing Performance and Growth as we consolidate our market positions and further reduce complexity. This will enable us to make the most of our increased operating scale and industry specialisation, creating attractive opportunities for incremental growth and returns.”
05 March 2019
SINGAPORE, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime and technology leaders at the Sea Asia 2019 preview panel discussion today highlighted the significant role of start-up companies, particularly those in the technology sector, in bringing the maritime industry into the digital age and creating growth opportunities driven by innovation.
Speaking ahead of the Sea Asia conference and exhibition in April, the leaders also brought to light the benefits that the maritime industry have enjoyed thus far as a result of the creativity and 'out-of-the-box' thinking displayed by start-up companies.
Mr Kenneth Lim, Chief Technology Officer at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), shared how there are many compelling reasons to focus on start-ups in maritime, with start-ups presenting a push for existing maritime companies to look at new ways of doing things.
"Many companies in the maritime industry are already looking at ways to transform themselves. Start-ups challenge these companies to think differently – they ask questions around why are things being done a certain way, and are there different business models that can be developed. Start-ups also provide an avenue of digitalisation to maritime companies today.
"In addition, start-ups provide the opportunity for the maritime industry to attract new talent that may come from other backgrounds such as FinTech and healthcare, who may feel that they can make a difference to the maritime industry with their solutions," said Mr Lim.
He further noted that it is important for the industry to then provide the best environment for start-ups to develop. Initiatives such as PIER71 and the Sea Asia Innovation Arena are key in the development of start-ups in maritime.
Speaking on behalf of the shipping industry, Mr Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping; President of the Singapore Shipping Association; and Chairman of Enesel Pte Ltd shared that start-ups are key elements of change in the maritime industry today.
"Things are changing faster in this industry than ever before. The industry has made promises particularly around the environment that will force it to move quickly and start-ups are increasingly playing a larger role in helping the industry meet these promises given the emphasis they put on innovation," noted Mr Poulsson, adding that it is also encouraging how start-ups are bringing younger generation of workers into the industry.
Speaking on behalf of the maritime start-up community, Mr John Hahn, CEO and co-founder of Ocean Freight Exchange (OFE) shared that with his experiences being in the industry, he understood the "pain points" that industry players are facing.
"This then sparked the idea of developing a solution that will reduce the waiting time for bunker tankers and at the same time, increase their number of turns.
"Our solution, Right Bunker, a web-based scheduler bunker delivery optimisation system aims to solve that problem. We also saw that the solution fit really well with one of the problem statements by PIER71 and hence, participated in the Smart Port Challenge 2018," said Mr Hahn, whose company went on to win the challenge.
Representing Wilhelmsen Ships Service, Mr Marius Johansen, Vice President, Commercial (Ships Agency), noted how the company understands the need for innovation in the industry and that support of start-ups is equally key.
"Innovation is absolutely fundamental to our company and in our vision to become a 'shaper' of the maritime industry, we acknowledge that we need to work closely with start-up companies to leverage on their innovative solutions and ideas. So far, we have worked with several start-ups at various levels, providing them with financial investments and mentorship, among others.
"We also support initiatives like PIER71 and incubators as we believe that it is important for the industry and existing maritime companies to be receptive and supportive of the start-up environment," said Mr Johansen.
Editor of Seatrade Maritime News and panel moderator, Mr Marcus Hand, highlighted that in line with the theme of the day's discussion, this year's edition of Sea Asia will feature a dedicated pavilion for start-up companies.
Featured for the first time at Sea Asia, and sponsored by Wilhelmsen Ships Service and Panasonic R&D Center Singapore, the Innovation Arena provides a platform for start-up companies, winners and participants of the Smart Port Challenge 2018, to showcase their creative and innovative solutions for the maritime industry (see Appendix 1 for profiles).
Mr Hand adds, "This year's edition of Sea Asia will also explore the upcoming challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry at a time when digitalisation is on the rise and new regulations come into force.
"We look forward to Sea Asia 2019 providing an international platform for maritime leaders to come together to discuss and debate how the industry can prepare itself for upcoming changes and trends."
Jointly organised by UBM (Seatrade) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation, Sea Asia 2019 will take place in Singapore from 9 - 11 April 2019 at the Marina Bay Sands®.
Notes to Editors
About UBM
Sea Asia is organised by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Please visit www.ubm.com/singaporeundefined for more information about our presence in Singapore.
About Singapore Maritime Foundation
Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organisation that seeks to develop and promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). As the representative voice for the commercial players of the maritime industry, SMF seeks to forge strong partnerships with the public and private sectors of the maritime industry. SMF spearheads initiatives to promote the diverse clusters of the maritime industry in Singapore and at international frontiers, and to attract young talents to join the sector. SMF is directed by its Board of Directors which comprises prominent leaders in the Singapore maritime community.
For details, visit www.smf.com.sg
Sea Asia 2019 is held in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week 2019 (SMW). SMW is the leading maritime event in Singapore driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. These events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.
About the Singapore Maritime Week 2019 (6 - 12 April 2019)
Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is one of the world's leading maritime shows and is organised annually and driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Every year, SMW gathers the international maritime community for a week of flagship conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, industry stakeholders and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a global hub port and leading international maritime centre.
APPENDIX 1
SEA ASIA 2019 INNOVATION ARENA -- EXHIBITOR PROFILES
Aeras Medical Pte Ltd
Aeras Medical provides end-to-end remote monitoring solutions including SaaS, leasing and purchasing of mobile gateway and automated medical devices, call center and home visits for multiple disease programmes to improve patients' health and optimise hospital resources. Similar services are now applied to manage crew health in the marine industry.
Claritecs Pte Ltd
CLARITECS is a maritime solutions company leveraging on a strong foundation of maritime expertise to develop applications which empower decision makers with data-driven insights.
In its suite is "BunkerMaestro", a PIER71 award-winning SaaS platform built to provide bunker scheduling clarity and an "Auto Profiling" plug-in tool for diagnostics of mass flowmeter bunkering data.
MapGage (MDI B.V)
MapGage provides customers' inspection teams with on site communications and data access, reducing costs, time, and optimising their operations. By empowering the field operators to provide feedback associated with location data during fieldwork, relating it to CAD and GIS data, MapGage helps their customers to become Location Intelligent.
Ocean Freight Exchange Pte Ltd
Ocean Freight Exchange helps teams in the dry bulk and tanker ocean transportation industry to optimise their ship chartering process.
In 2015, we gathered a small group of commodity traders, chartering managers, ship brokers, and Silicon Valley computer engineers who share a passion for helping others to work smarter. We quickly grew to a team of 25 teammates and attracted investment from top venture capital firms and famous individuals.
We are industry insiders and proud to be free of any conflict of interest.
PIER71
Founded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the National University of Singapore through its entrepreneurial arm, NUS Enterprise, PIER71 (Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined at BLOCK71) aims to grow Singapore's maritime innovation ecosystem. PIER71 designs and delivers programmes to uncover opportunities in the industry and supports entrepreneurs from ideation to acceleration of their ventures.
Portcast Pte. Ltd.
Portcast uses machine leasing and AI to predict global cargo flows (i.e. how much cargo will be shipped, from where and when). Its predictive analytics platform combines data sets from economic indices, weather and geo-spatial data and helps logistics companies be more profitable with capacity optimisation and dynamic pricing.
Ship Supplies Direct Pte Ltd
Ship Supplies Direct (SSD) is a digital solutions provider in the marine supplies and logistics sector with a focus on using advanced digital technology to unlock tremendous savings, optimise logistics operations and improve visibility for all stakeholders across the supply chain.
SkyLab Services Pte Ltd
SkyLab's in-house developed data transport accelerator platform (STA) is able to overcome current limitations of satellite communications whilst at sea in the provision of real-time monitoring and management of plant, equipment, crew's health, systems and communications, thus empowering the large scale adoption of IoT in the Maritime sector, resulting in actionable insights for asset optimisation and resoure management.
TagvanceTagvance is an end-to-end solution provider for high-precision tracking of assets and people in industrial spaces. The tracking system operates at indoor, outdoor, and confined areas. Together with the positioning data, the system also provides environmental sensor data. Tagvance helps industrial operators improve operational efficiency and work safety.
ThreatspanThreatspan brings cyber resilience to enterprises, partners, and ecosystem players in the global shipping and maritime supply chain. Our solutions help to ensure that cybersecurity controls are continuously robust and compliant whilst enabling firms to be more competitive and resilient in the face of increasing cyber threats.
06 February 2018
The 18th annual award ceremony highlights people, companies, and technologies driving innovation in product design and manufacturing
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 05, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Design News, the leading industry publication for design engineers, today announced the Golden Mousetrap Award winners spanning 15 categories, including two new categories: Automotive Electronics and Best In Show. The winners were selected by members of industry, as well as the storied and experienced editors of Design News, based on the level of innovation, benefits to user, and market differentiation. The awards were presented live at the annual awards ceremony, which took place February 5, 2019, alongside Pacific Design & Manufacturing, the nation’s largest advanced design and manufacturing event. To learn more about the Golden Mousetrap Awards, please visit: goldenmousetraps.designnews.com.
The Golden Mousetrap Awards recognize companies and individuals that are not only reaching the pinnacle of achievement in their respective fields but are also pushing the envelope on what is possible within the industry as a whole. Submissions were open to all individuals and companies in the U.S. willing to showcase their latest innovative products in the advanced design and manufacturing fields. The 2019 award winners were chosen by a larger panel of judges than ever before comprised of industry experts from a wide range of disciplines, including IoT, Automotive, 3D Printing, and Materials, among others.
“The profound creativity and sophistication of this year’s Golden Mousetrap entries speaks to the deluge of digital technology innovations we are currently experiencing in the design engineering and manufacturing space,” said Jennifer Campbell, Technical Content Producer, UBM. “We are fortunate and deeply humbled to have received such an array of quality submissions. This year’s Golden Mousetrap winners stood above the rest due to their refinement in this complex space and we are excited to see how far forward our winners will continue to push the industry.”
2019 Golden Mousetrap Award winners:
Best-In-Show
PowerSpot Power-over-Distance Wireless RF Transmitter for Over-the-Air Wireless Power - Powercast Corporation
Gadget Freak of the Year
Drew Paul
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Lonnie Johnson
Automation & Motion Control: Controllers
Gold: Protos - Elum Inc.
Silver: OSA Remote – Bedrock Automation
Bronze: Rheem EcoNet Zoning System - Rheem Manufacturing
Automation & Motion Control: Drives
Gold: ACEINNA OpenIMU – ACEINNA
Silver: MAXON DOOR DRIVE - Maxon Precision Motors Inc.
Bronze: Flexible Transport System – Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Automation & Motion Control: Industrial Network Technologies
Gold: VKS Software – VKS
Silver: IoT Interface for Climate Control Solutions- Rittal
Bronze: Backplane Ethernet Extension Protocol - Turck Inc.
Automation & Motion Control: Motors and Mechanical Motion Devices
Gold: Planar Motor - Planar Motor Inc.
Silver: AquaTerra - WTR Tech Inc.
Bronze: Zero-Backlash Spring Engaged Brake (ZSE) - NEXEN GROUP
Automation & Motion Control: Sensors, Vision Systems, Feedback Devices, & Peripherals
Gold: Vista LiDAR - Cepton Technologies Inc.
Silver: Streamline - 3D Infotech
Bronze: ProxEncoder - Joral LLC
Electronics & Test: Analog/Power Management/Control
Gold: PowerSpot Power-over-Distance Wireless RF Transmitter for Over-the-Air Wireless Power - Powercast Corporation
Silver: MAX77714 and MAX77752 - Maxim Integrated
Bronze: Renesas Electronics GaN FET Power Supply Solution - Renesas Electronics Corporation
Electronics & Test: Automotive Electronics
Gold: Simcenter software solution for Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEVs) - Mentor, a Siemens Business
Silver: QAR - Rohde & Schwarz
Bronze: Maxim PMICs for Automotive ADAS Functions - Maxim Integrated
Electronics & Test: Components, Hardware & Interconnects
Gold: Spotlight AR++ — 3D Infotech
Silver: FPBB Rail-Single Phase Block Filter – SCHURTER
Bronze: PTFIX distribution blocks - Phoenix Contact USA
Electronics & Test: Embedded Computing/Processing
Gold: Helio P60 – MediaTek
Silver: RadioVerse ADRV9008/9 - Analog Devices Inc.
Bronze: MAX32558 - Maxim Integrated
Electronics & Test: IoT & Connectivity
Gold: PowerSpot Power-over-Distance Wireless RF Transmitter for Over-the-Air Wireless Power - Powercast Corporation
Silver: GAP8 IoT Application Processor - GreenWaves Technologies
Bronze: nRF52840 multiprotocol SoC - Nordic Semiconductor
Electronics & Test: Test & Measurement
Gold: Artec Leo - Artec 3D
Silver: R&S FPC1500 Spectrum Analyzer - Rohde & Schwarz
Bronze: 6 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope – Tektronix
Materials & Assembly: Fastening, Joining, Assembly Components & Adhesives
Gold: 3M 4077 - 3M Medical Adhesives
Silver: Solart Cilium – Innowood
Bronze: Rapid Pressurization Valve - Beswick Engineering
Follow the Golden Mousetrap Awards on Social Media with Official Hashtag: #GMTA19
About Advanced Manufacturing Expos & Conferences:
UBM's Advanced Manufacturing portfolio is the leading B-to-B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3 trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the advanced manufacturing market and leverages our proprietary 1.3 million name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Advanced Manufacturing portfolio is organized by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.ubm.com and www.informa.com.
CONTACT: Media Contacts:
Lauren Lloyd, [email protected], (310) 266-4792
Audrey Uchimoto, [email protected], (310) 496-9423
Tam Nguyen, [email protected], (424) 410-9797
14 December 2018
HONG KONG, Dec. 14, 2018
Wang Lixin, Vice Mayor and member of the Party Leadership Group of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, met with Informa Global Exhibition CEO and President Charlie McCurdy and his management team in Shenzhen to discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation and seize new businesses opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay Area.
Other exhibition industry stakeholders also graced the conference, including Gao Lin, Director of Economic, Trade and Information Commission of Shenzhen Municipality; Sun Huaizhong, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs, Office of Shenzhen Municipality; LinHanjun, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center; and Mao Daben, Executive Vice Premier of Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center.
According to statistics, Shenzhen's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 reached over 22 billion yuan, ranking third in China. Among the growth drivers were four major industries: Cultural and creative, high-tech, modern logistics and finance. Key emerging strategic industries are bio-chemical, new energy and e-commerce.
By September 2018, Shenzhen's private economy and commercial subjects reached 2.9814 million, accounting for 97.65 percent, of which 1.859 million were private enterprises, accounting for 96.3 percent of the city's business sector. The contribution of private enterprises to Shenzhen's economy has significantly improved. In the first three quarters of 2018, Shenzhen achieved a GDP of 1753.069 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.1 percent. The added value of private economy accounted for 42 percent of Shenzhen's GDP during the same period. From January to October 2018, taxes paid by private enterprises reached 357 billion yuan, an increase of 7.8 percent year-on-year, accounting for 67 percent of taxes paid by enterprises in the city.
During the meeting with Informa, Wang talked about the history of Shenzhen, its major industries and the local government's overall development plan. He also emphasised the importance of the exhibition industry to private enterprises. With the support of the exhibition industry, businesses are able to explore opportunities in the global market.
Strong demand for exhibitions
Wang also underscored the robust demand for exhibitions in Shenzhen. Data from the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre showed that there is at least one exhibition held in Shenzhen every three days. Throughout the year, more than 120 exhibitions are held in Shenzhen, creating pressure on the existing convention and exhibition centre.
Hence, a new Shenzhen International Convention & Exhibition Center is being built to become the largest exhibition venue in the world. When completed, it will offer 500,000 square metres of indoor exhibition and conference space. Supported by 2,000,000 sqm of planning and business infrastructure, it provides unprecedented advantages for the further development of the exhibition industry.
"Informa is the largest events organiser in the world, and China and nearby Asian countries, account for over one third of Informa's group operations. China is the fastest growing segment among our businesses and Shenzhen serves as the most strategic location to expand our events arm," Informa's McCurdy revealed.
During the meeting, McCurdy and his management team also introduced Informa Group's business in Shenzhen and talked about upcoming projects. Currently, Informa Global Exhibition runs three operating companies in Shenzhen, managing four projects. Additional projects are slated to be launched in Shenzhen.At the end of the meeting, Wang proposed a collaboration between the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government and Informa aimed at developing Shenzhen as the leading exhibitions venue in China.
21 November 2018
Strong demand for exhibitions
Informa Exhibitions, the global exhibitions division of Informa PLC, today announced it secured the number one spot on AMR International’s annual “Top 20 exhibitions organisers” list and was recognized for having the highest number of shows included on the 2018 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Gold 100 list.
AMR International is a leading adviser to the global events industry and its annual global list ranks organizers exclusively on exhibition organising revenue, taking 2017 revenues and 2018 merger and acquisition activity to date into account. Organisers are ranked on the latest fully reported year combined with pro-forma revenues of acquisitions. Informa, which combined with UBM in June 2018, took the number one spot on the list in 2018, moving up from number three in the 2017 report. The 2018 report can be viewed here.
“The trade show industry landscape is constantly changing. We’ve been working to drive these changes, anticipating and supporting the needs of our constituents in various market verticals and regions,” said Charlie McCurdy, CEO, Informa Exhibitions. “As one unified exhibition company, we continue to focus on delivering the right benefits and the right experience on the floor to exhibitors and attendees and we will continue this commitment as a leading player in the global events space.”
The TSE Gold 100 list includes the nation’s 100 largest trade shows that set the gold standard for the industry. Winners were announced at this year’s Trade Show Executive Gold Awards & Summit, which took place October 10 – 12, 2018, in Dana Point, CA. Informa Exhibitions secured seven spots on the list and was recognized as the organizer with the highest number of shows included. UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa, had four events on the roster.
“We are honored to be included on the TSE Gold 100 with our esteemed peers in providing industry-leading events that meet the changing needs of exhibitors and attendees,” said Rick McConnell, President of Informa Exhibitions, North America. “Our success is reliant on our Market Maker strategy that focuses exclusively on the customer and strives to extend the experience sellers and buyers have at our exhibitions into year-round digital customer and content platforms. By providing a showcase for products and innovation, we are able to attract new business and provide interdependence between all players in each community.”
The 11 Informa Exhibitions/UBM shows included on the TSE Gold 100 list include:
- Natural Products Expo East/Biofach America
- Natural Products Expo West/Engredea
- SupplySide WestThe
- International Surface Event: SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo
- WasteExpo
- World of Concrete
- Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show (WWETT)
- Licensing Expo
- MAGIC – August
- MAGIC – February
- Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West (includes Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West, Pacific Design & Manufacturing, Plastec West, and West Pack)
1 August 2018
In a featured article in Trade Show Executive, Charlie McCurdy talks about the recent merger with UBM that created the largest B2B trade show organiser in the world and the continued growth and global reach for Informa Exhibitions in 2018.
Informa Exhibitions’ investments in people, technology and markets over the last several years have helped build the operational capability to continue its global growth and scale. As a larger, stronger enterprise, the company will be able to continue to invest in these initiatives.
In the article, Charlie explains the rationale behind the merger, differences and similarities between Informa and UBM in various parts of the world, integrations plans, sustaining top-line growth, and the possibility of future additional mergers or add-on acquisitions.
With regards to Informa Exhibitions’ focus over the next 12 months, Charlie states, “It goes back to the overriding strategy of being a great exhibition organizer. But more fundamentally and over some period of time, it is looking at our job to make markets flow more effectively within regions and across the world.”
“Everyone who attends our shows is every day searching for products and services in all possible ways. We want to be able to coordinate their efforts a little bit better than we had before.”
Click here for the full article in the August 2018 issue of Trade Show Executive
29 June 2018
UBM EMEA is excited to announce that during 2018 both their offices and events within central Europe (and including CPhI’s North America event) will be powered by renewable electricity. This will result in our electricity usage being carbon neutral, reducing our event carbon footprint by an estimated 67%, and our office carbon impact by an estimated 82%.
For every Megawatt-hour (MWH) of renewable energy generated and added in to the global electricity grid there is a certificate created and traded. By purchasing a matching number of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) against the electricity usage from our offices and events we have converted our electricity consumption to renewable sources to become carbon neutral. For 2018 our electricity usage has been generated by Scottish wind farms.
As a result of the REC scheme and a number of other key initiatives, such as using 100% recycled paper for all our event printing and switching to LED lights for all shell scheme stands, UBM EMEA will not only exceed their science based target of an 11% carbon reduction per m2 by 2020, but will go beyond this reduction two years early.
EMEA Events powered by renewable energy in 2018 include:
- Pharmapack Europe
- Kbb
- Medtec Europe
- CPhI North America
- IFSEC International,
- FIREX International,
- Safety & Health Expo,
- Professional Clothing Show,
- Field Service Management Expo
- Decorex International
- Brand Licencing Europe
- Sleep + Eat
- CPhI World Wide & co-located events
- Health ingredients Europe
- Black Hat Europe
Offices powered by renewable energy in 2018:
- London
- Manchester
- Amsterdam
- Colchester
- Siegburg
UBM EMEA sees the use of renewable energy as a key factor in fostering a sustainable events industry and are proud to be supporting the development and expansion of a global sustainable energy supply.
About UBM EMEA:
UBM EMEA recently became part of Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world.
To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.ubm.com and www.informa.com.
25 June 2018
With the Informa and UBM transaction officially complete, the deal has received some attention in the trade media with coverage in Exhibition World and Trade Show Executive. Commenting on the deal, Charlie McCurdy said, “We are excited about the new Combination of UBM and Informa. In addition to delivering value to our customers, our colleagues are at the heart of the Combination and by supporting collaboration, innovation and excellence internally, we are strengthening our position in our target markets to support the success of participants across our events.”
McCurdy offered his views on how the acquisition may impact the exhibitions industry and said, “What has become clear over the last decade is that the many of the vertical markets that the exhibitions industry supports are truly global. We’re playing an increasingly important role in connecting business communities and brands all over the world. As a result, exhibitions companies looking to prosper in this environment need deep vertical specialisation and broad global reach. So we need to bring to bear the skills and services needed to support that reach.”
Over the last several years, Informa’s investments in people, technology and markets have helped build operational capability to continue its global growth and scale. McCurdy added, “As a larger, stronger enterprise, we’ll be able to continue to invest in these initiatives”
For the full articles featured please visit Exhibition World and Trade Show Executive .
15 May 2018
When global exhibition industry leaders, including both organizers and venue operators, gather in London on January 30 for the 2019 UFI Global CEO Summit (GCS), Informa Exhibitions’ Charlie McCurdy will be the Summit Chair and deeply involved in working on the programme for the top level attendees at the invitation-only event.
“As far as I’m concerned, UFI’s CEO Summit is a must-attend event,” says Charlie. Adds UFI Managing Director/CEO Kai Hattendorf, “We are thrilled to be working with Charlie as our Chair.”
The GCS programme will provide a mix of panels, interactive sessions, and a broad scope of networking opportunities. The 2018 GCS held in Cannes received top ratings from participants.
For the full article appearing on www.ufi.org, please click here.
24 April 2018
"Is Bigger Better" ... That was the Question Exhibition World addressed to Charlie McCurdy. Charlie’s response: Yes, bigger is better when it provides unparalleled perspective within core verticals and regional markets as well as robust career paths for talented, driven industry professionals.
For the full article appearing in Exhibition World, please click here.
4 April 2018
UBM Ties with Informa for the Most Trade Shows Awarded by an Organization
NEW YORK, April 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UBM plc, the world’s largest pure-play business-to-business event’s organizer and marketing services organization, proudly announces that 14 trade shows from its Americas division are featured on the latest Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Top US Trade Show List, up from 10 last year. As one of the world's leading news and online resources for the trade show, exhibition and event industry since 1996, TSNN is the authority in ranking the top shows held in the United States, in terms of square footage.
"We are honored to have 14 of our UBM Americas’ events included on TSNN’s Top Trade Show List. These events are driven by our commitment to producing and delivering a strong customer experience, connect industry leaders and help businesses grow,” said Scott Schulman, CEO, UBM Americas. “It’s exciting to see that our events in a wide variety of industries were recognized including advanced manufacturing, fashion, licensing, the cruise industry and pharmaceuticals. We’re proud to be a big part of an industry that plays such an important role in driving global commerce, and we congratulate the many other great events on the list.”
The UBM events included on TSNN’s Top Trade Show List in 2017:
- Advanced Manufacturing Expo Cleveland
- BIOMEDevice Boston
- BIOMEDevice San Jose
- COTERIE - February
- COTERIE – September
- CPhI North America & InformEx
- DesignCon
- Licensing Expo
- MAGIC February Market Week
- MAGIC August Market Week
- Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East
- Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis
- Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West
- Seatrade Cruise Global
About UBM Americas
UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, delivers events and marketing services in the fashion, technology, licensing, advanced manufacturing, automotive and powersports, healthcare, veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. The division also includes UBM Brazil’s market leading events in construction, cargo transportation, logistics & international trade, and agricultural production; and UBM Mexico's, construction, advanced manufacturing and hospitality services shows. For more information, visit: https://www.ubm.com/americas
About UBM plc
UBM plc is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. In an increasingly digital world, the value of connecting on a meaningful, human level has never been more important. At UBM, our deep knowledge and passion for the industry sectors we serve allow us to create valuable experiences where people can succeed. At our events people build relationships, close deals and grow their businesses. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors – from fashion to pharmaceutical ingredients. These global networks, skilled, passionate people and market-leading events provide exciting opportunities for business people to achieve their ambitions.
UBM Americas Media Contact:
Beth CowperthwaiteVice President, Corporate Communications
[email protected] 203-414-0865
3 April 2018
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division, this week was named the 2017 winner of the Robert L. Krakoff Industry Award of Excellence. The award, presented annually by the Society of independent Show Organizers (SISO), is given only to the most impactful leaders of for-profit businesses in the exhibition and event industry. It is the only award given out by SISO.
Ned Krause, current Chairman of SISO and a past recipient of the Krakoff Award, called McCurdy an "innovator and a leader who has made a positive impact for the whole industry." Prior to his position at Informa, McCurdy was CEO at George Little Management and CEO at Canon Communications, which was acquired by United Business Media in 2010).
In his acceptance of the Krakoff Award, McCurdy said he was not only honored to receive the award for his own contributions, but for "what the award itself says about the importance today of our industry to companies and entrepreneurs doing business in the global marketplace."
Informa presents 170 trade and consumer exhibitions each year throughout the world and includes the brands of Arab Health, Cityscape, China Beauty Expo, World of Concrete and Fan Expo. In March, Informa acquired Yachting Promotions Inc, which operates some of the largest boat shows in the U.S.
The Award of Excellence was established in 2008 after the death of trade show legend Robert L. Krakoff, whose own career in the exhibition industry was extensive. At the time of his death, he was President and CEO of Nielsen Business Media and was previously chair and CEO of Advanstar Inc.
For the full release appearing in TSE, please click here.
19 December 2017
Looking ahead, he sees 2018 as another strong year for the global exhibitions industry as a whole but with more consolidation likely...
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division, Informa Exhibitions, noted that the division passed a number of key milestones in 2017. At the same time, McCurdy said he anticipates another strong year in 2018 for the global exhibitions industry.
Within Informa Exhibitions, McCurdy pointed to a number of operating highlights from the year:
"In the first instance, the successful integration of show assets from Penton Information Services, and from the Florida-based YPI boating event specialist, has contributed significant critical mass to our market position in North America, which now contributes some 50% of Informa Exhibitions’ revenues."
"These have also added much greater depth in verticals where we already had a presence. With Penton, which was acquired by Informa in the fourth quarter of 2016, we have deepened our presence in key verticals like Health & Nutrition and Aviation. And the addition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and YPI’s four other Florida shows in the first quarter has created, with the Monaco Yacht Show, a new International Yachting vertical for Informa Exhibitions."
"Geographically, Informa Exhibitions’ Middle Eastern operations, which were the springboard from which Informa developed one of the largest and highest performing global exhibitions enterprises, continues to be its second largest regional hub, with key shows like Arab Health and Middle East Electricity. We continue to seek opportunities to expand our verticals in key developing markets like China and Brazil too.”
Looking ahead to industry trends in 2018, McCurdy anticipates:
- Strong growth for the exhibitions segment globally. "The demands of the current economic cycle have demonstrated the value of the vertically driven, global exhibition for multinational sourcing, marketing, and distribution of products and services."
- More growth outside of the U.S. market. "While North America, particularly the U.S., will continue to be the largest market for the global exhibitions industry, we see the potential for continued growth in MENA and Asia."
- More industry consolidation ahead. "Another strong trend within the industry is likely to be continued consolidation, as smaller, single-market players find they lack the geographic diversity and critical mass to succeed independently, in contrast with larger, more globally oriented competitors."
2 March 2017
02 March 2017 - Exhibition World: Informa’s Global Exhibitions, has today announced the purchase of Yachting Promotions Inc. (YPI) for a sum of $133,000,000.
YPI operate a number of yacht shows across the US, with the acquisition bringing the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach and the Palm Beach International into Informa Exhibitions’ portfolio, as well as the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota.
With the Monaco Yacht Show also forming part of the Global Exhibitions division of Informa, the company can now confidently call itself one of the world’s leading yacht show organisers.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO, comments: “Combining the world’s premiere show, based in Europe, with these five shows in North America creates a scale player in this attractive and growing vertical, further strengthening our relationship with leading yacht brokers and builders, providing good opportunities for cross promotion and extending customer relationships across platforms and geographies.”McCurdy added, “With the addition of these Florida shows, and following the addition of Penton’s exhibitions portfolio in 2016, Informa Exhibitions is now Informa PLC’s largest division by revenue and profit. Acquisitions in key and growing verticals will continue to be part of our growth strategy going forward as we look for events that complement what we are doing within vertical markets we have identified as attractive.”
Skip Zimbalist, Chairman of Active Interest Media, will advise Informa Exhibitions in the transition, with the YPI team continuing with the company as it moves forward.
>> Read More: Exhibition World
Media Contacts
Enquiries
Holly Wallace, VP Corporate Communications, Informa Markets (based in the UK)
[email protected]
Casey Clemenza, Director Communications, Informa Markets (based in the US)
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