What progress has Expo 2020 Dubai made?
Will the United States host an international counter-terrorism expo? The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, EEAA, continues its representative work in the federal parliament. Here is a roundup of recent exhibition industry developments.
Focus: preparations continue for Expo 2020 Dubai
The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region has made major progress. A total of 190 countries have confirmed participation, partnerships have been established with brands including PepsiCo, Mastercard, Nissan and Emirates, and Al Wasl Plaza, the iconic design feature of Expo 2020, is scheduled for completion later this year.
The theme of the Expo is Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. With broad participation, this edition is moving toward the goal of becoming one of the most international World Expos ever held, providing a global platform for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange and learning.
In addition, the organizers are working closely with global partners such as Siemens to provide a series of innovative solutions, technologies and products, helping plan, build and operate the largest smart-building installation and energy-saving technology project among 137 buildings worldwide. Expo 2020 will run for 173 consecutive days, with about 60 entertainment, business, cultural, food, youth, wellness and thought-leadership events held each day.
Major events: IFSEC cooperates with Security and Counter Terror Expo
Clarion's Security and Counter Terror Expo, Ambition and Forensics Europe were scheduled for March 5 to 6 at Olympia London. Based on the rich history of these events, with IFSEC focusing on trade and commercial security and the Security and Counter Terror Expo focusing on national security, these important exhibitions are now positioned as a central focus for the security industry.
The British Security Industry Association and professional security installers have licensed the Security and Counter Terror Expo to be held alongside IFSEC in 2020. More than 600 exhibitors are expected to participate in next year's co-located events, representing all aspects of the security industry. IFSEC International and the Security and Counter Terror Expo will be held from May 19 to 21 next year at ExCeL London, together with Ambition and Forensics Europe.
Association: EEAA continues business events advocacy in Canberra
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia continues to represent the sector in the federal parliament and has joined the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in discussions with members of parliament responsible for tourism and industry on business events.
EEAA chief executive Joyce DiMascio met with Anthony Albanese, shadow minister for tourism and industry, and Stephen Wood among others. DiMascio said this was a historic first meeting for the business events sector and a timely opportunity to seek Labor's support for policy and funding priorities for Australia's business events sector.
The meeting explained specific policy requirements for business events, while highlighting the importance of business events to the tourism economy and the economic opportunities created by the industry.
Cooperation: Exhibition World at Confex International
Exhibition World, the global online information platform for the exhibition industry, will be part of Confex International in London from February 26 to 27. Visitors are invited to the stand for education sessions and group discussions.
The 2019 meeting program at stand C15C runs across both days. On February 26, Martin Boyle, European director of Business Events Sydney; Paul Woodward, chairman of Business Strategies Group; and co-founder Anabel Fielding will share views on capturing the real and long-term goals of meetings, how established companies can find new business approaches in an era of profound change in global exhibitions and business events, and how to expand into international markets and build strategic partnerships. On February 27, discussions will focus on grants, millennials pushing the boundaries of incentive travel, and related topics.
Strategy: ESSA Future Focus Committee welcomes new members from FES and 4D
The Event Supplier and Services Association announced that Sarah Frickson, project manager at global exhibition services company FES, and Shane Pahal, marketing manager at 4D Design, have joined its Future Focus Committee.
The ESSA Future Focus Committee consists of young industry professionals who are given autonomy in decision-making and spending. It was originally created to design strategies, events and initiatives that improve awareness of the existing roles available for career development in the exhibition industry.
ESSA director Andrew Harrison welcomed the two new members. Frickson and Pahal both said they looked forward to joining the organization, which offers people who love exhibitions and work in the sector an opportunity to help shape the direction of the industry.