RX moves to support women in events ?

RX Global has made another step to support its gender goals by joining a leading community to empower women in our industry.

The organiser joined the Women in Exhibition Network (WIE) to help hit its ambition to nurture female leaders.

Other top stories from our weekly events roundup include:

? Informa Markets boost DEI programme with new accreditation

? Clarion Events expands leadership team

? UFI to host 2024 MEA conference in Rwanda

? Fira de Barcelona to host 100+ events till 2023-end

Another key issue facing organisers is improving their approach to sustainability. Learn how ExpoPlatform’s Meetings Make Trees initiative can help make your events more green.

Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

RX joins WIE to advance gender equity goals

RX Global has taken a key step to boost gender equity by joining the Women in Exhibition Network.

This move reinforces RX’s commitment to empower women in management, senior leadership and technology roles.

Around 140 women and allies from the organiser have joined WIE so far, which has active local chapters in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, the Middle East and North America.

RX’s head of inclusion and diversity Ray Rhodes said: “WIE’s mission is perfectly aligned with RX’s, helping us build a global community to better respond to regional and cultural challenges that affect women across the industry, and providing them with networks and programming to help them reach their full potential.”

Gaby Appleton, executive sponsor of RX’s Global Gender Equity Committee, added: “We’ve learned from our Employee Resource Groups that women really value the opportunity to connect both inside RX and to others in our industry, so that we can learn from, and support each other, to grow careers.

“This partnership extends an opportunity to do just that for women in our businesses around the world.”

Clarion Events North America expands leadership team

Clarion Events North America has strengthened its leadership with a new appointment. 

Nicole Peck joins as executive vice president of the company’s digital innovation portfolio, which includes InsureTech Connect and Mobile Apps Unlocked.

The role will see her drive vision and growth for its leading shows and work on building strong brands, teams and a vibrant workplace culture.

Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America, said: “I am thrilled as we look ahead towards the evolution of two exceptional brands under Nicole’s leadership.

“Her expertise in cutting-edge technology solutions that drive efficiency, create revenue-generating products, and focus on delivering exceptional user experiences set her apart and is a core reason why we believe she is the ideal choice to accelerate ITC and MAU for the business and perfectly aligns with Clarion’s focus on hiring top talent.”

Nicole added: “Joining such a dynamic leadership team as well as the opportunity to work with some of the founders of smart event brands excites me.

“My passion lies in embracing innovation, connecting with audiences, and driving business growth through technology, and I’m eager to lead these incredible brands and teams into the future.”

Prior to joining Clarion Events, Nicole worked in leadership positions with Foundry Events for North America and BizBash, where she played a key role in its acquisition by Tarsus.

Informa Market takes new steps for DE&I

Informa Markets has stepped up its diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) strategy with a new age-inclusive accreditation.

The move has seen the organiser partner with 55/Redefined, which specialises in attracting and growing talent with people who are over 50.

Informa making the press with their commitment to #ageinclusion via our Age Inclusive accreditation

Is your business walking the talk with its DE&I? Our team of experts can walk you through our products and services: hello@55redefined.comhttps://t.co/xUsXUe5kEF

— 55 Redefined Ltd (@55redefined) September 16, 2023

Informa took the following steps to gain the accreditation with the group:

• Inclusive and accessible recruitment practices for workers over 50.
• Fair communication and promotion of job vacancies.
• Review of retirement-related HR handbooks and policies.
• Investment in technical training and reskilling for colleagues over 50.

Mike Sealy, VP of DIE at Informa Markets, said: “In this competitive landscape, creating an inclusive environment where colleagues can thrive is essential to attract and retain top talent.

“At Informa Markets, we recognise that one of the keys to success is harnessing the unique perspectives and experiences of colleagues from all age groups.

“Age diversity is not about putting up with each other’s differences, it’s about embracing them and learning from them.

“Our partnership with 55/Redefined will help us to promote age inclusivity by fostering cross-generational collaboration, leading to a more inclusive and respectful workplace.

“We understand that age inclusivity is not limited to a specific age group and in addition to this age inclusivity accreditation, we are committed to supporting colleagues of all ages throughout their career journey.”

UFI to host 2024 MEA conference in Rwanda

UFI has announced its next annual MEA conference will be held in Kigali, Rwanda in April

The event will take place in Kigali between April 15 and 17 to bring together event professionals, organisations and key decision-makers in the region.

It is to be hosted by the Rwanda Convention Bureau and held at the Kigali Convention Centre.

? Mark your calendars: the 2024 UFI MEA Conference will be held 15-17 April in Kigali, Rwanda!

?The event will be hosted by the Rwanda Convention Bureau and held at the Kigali Convention Centre.

?Pre-register now: https://t.co/orQzzQ1e9o#ufi #ufimea #ufievents #eventprofs pic.twitter.com/rLUxmRJ9ld

— UFI (@UFILive) September 15, 2023

Naji El Haddad, UFI regional director for MEA, said: “We at UFI, are delighted to take our next flagship event, the UFI MEA conference, to the African continent, with Rwanda as the destination.

“This vibrant country is experiencing a significant surge in the business events industry, making it an ideal setting for delegates to immerse themselves in new business opportunities.

“As they engage in fruitful conversations and forge valuable connections, they can also revel in the captivating charm that Rwanda offers.

“This conference promises to be a memorable experience, bringing industry professionals from around the world and blending business growth with the attractions of this extraordinary nation.”

The 2023 edition of the conference was held in Doha, Qatar.

Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “Hosting the 2024 UFI MEA conference in Kigali presents a great opportunity not only for Rwanda, but for Africa to showcase some of what our continent has to offer, not only in terms of the industry but also tourism and investment opportunities.

“Due to our connectivity and central location, Rwanda has access to African and global markets.

“We have a track record of being a proof-of-concept country for innovators looking to test, launch and scale.

“The country is ranked 2nd in Africa for Ease of Doing Business and Global Competitiveness while Kigali is the second preferred MICE destination on the continent for associations meetings.

“With world-class infrastructures, an open visa policy, easy air connectivity, and much more, Rwanda is an ideal destination for exhibitions.”

Pre-registration for the conference can be done here ➡️ www.ufimea.org

Fira de Barcelona abuzz with 100+ events planned till year-end

Fira de Barcelona has announced it will be holding more than 100 events planned until the end of 2023.

These shows include trade fairs, congresses as well as more in the field of technology and healthcare at the Montjuïc and Gran Via venues and at the Barcelona International Convention Centre.

Some of the most major events are:

• National Oncology Congress – September
• CPHI – October
• Smart City World Expo Congress – November
• Piscina & Wellness Barcelona – November
• IBTM World – November
• Gartner IT Symposium XPO EMEA – November
• VMware Explore – November

Constantí Serrallonga, general manager of Fira de Barcelona, said: “The calendar for the last four-month period reinforces the outstanding trade fair activity that the institution is carrying out this year holding major national and international benchmark events in strategic areas such as health, technology and food, among others, thus contributing to strengthening the positioning of the city in these sectors and to the economic and social revitalization of the territory.”

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