Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition wing of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is set to host the upcoming edition of the UFI OPEN SEMINAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST in March 2011
This was announced by Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, after taking part in the UFI Congress in Singapore, where the decision on Sharjah playing host to the conference was taken.
UFI Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the association of the world's leading tradeshow organisers and fairground owners, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry.
The 77th UFI Congress was held at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from November 10 to 13 and drew record-breaking attendance of 475 leaders and strategic thinkers from the global exhibition industry from more than 50 countries.
"The decision to hold the UFI OPEN SEMINAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST at Expo Centre Sharjah underscores our Emirate's position as a leading exhibitions hub in the region," said Mr Midfa.
The region also has reason to cheer in the industry information released during the congress. Drawing on the findings of UFI's Global Barometer research which has been conducted regularly since late 2008, it was found that the region performed well when it came to exhibit organizer turnover even during the global economic crisis.
The MEA region appears to have been least affected on average, with a minimum of 50 per cent of companies declaring an increase during almost all periods. The region also had a stable market in terms of the number of regularly organized exhibitions.
"This research confirms the solid position of the regional exhibition industry and the confidence it has within the global business community," said Mr Midfa.
"During the congress, the delegates also looked at evolving business models in today's challenging economic climate, apart from attending a number of additional internal UFI meetings during the three-day session," he added.
Mr Midfa also met prominent names in the exhibition industry, including Steven Hacker, CAE, President, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, and discussed with him ways to co-ordinate and exchange experience and researches to improve exhibition management. Organized in 1928 as the National Association of Exposition Managers to represent the interests of tradeshow and exposition managers, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events is today the leading association for the global exhibition industry. Today IAEE represents over 8,500 individuals who conduct and support exhibitions around the world. Expo Centre Sharjah became the member of UFI last year. UFI has 554 full members, including 281 exhibition organisers, 63 hall owner managers, 125 exhibition organisers & hall owner managers, and 49 associations.
Expo Centre Sharjah is the first established trade fair centre in the country. It hosts more than 20 highly focused B2B and B2C shows, apart from several other events. With 20,000 square metres of total indoor exhibit space, it is an ideal venue for meetings, conventions, exhibitions, wedding receptions, presentations and similar events.
