UFI names Chris Skeith new CEO

UFI has selected event industry veteran and the current chief executive of AEO Chris Skeith as its new CEO from 2025.

The development comes after outgoing CEO Kai Hattendorf announced he would step down from the post after a decade-long tenure. Read more about it below.

Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:

• UFI selects Chris Skeith to lead group as CEO
• Stage set for IMEX America 2024
• The Clarion Events Collaborative launched for associations
• Excel London unveils new brand identity

Meanwhile, the second chapter of our LLMs playbook for events is out! You will learn how to operate in the landscape of LLMs and understand what tools are needed for real-world applications. Download now

UFI selects Chris Skeith to lead group as CEO

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named Chris Skeith as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2025.

Chris, who currently leads the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in the UK, will succeed Kai Hattendorf at the helm of the global trade body.

🆕 Welcome to the UFI team, Chris Skeith! 👋

📅 Chris will take over as CEO on 1st of January 2025 from Kai Hattendorf. Adeline Vancauwelaert continues as COO.

🔗 All the information here: https://t.co/yCc50fHbfz#ufi #ufiteam #welcome #ceo #leadership #eventprofs pic.twitter.com/4t7yavREPB

— UFI (@UFILive) October 1, 2024

UFI President Geoff Dickinson cited Chris’ industry experience and familiarity with UFI as key factors in his selection.

He said: “We interviewed several excellent candidates both from within and outside of UFI, and with Chris, we are convinced that we have selected an excellent leader to continue the development and evolution of UFI as our industry’s globally leading trade body.

“Chris has been active in UFI for many years, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee.

“In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from Event Management to Advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”

Chris said: “I look forward to continuing to serve our great industry, now on a global level at UFI.

“I am joining a UFI team that is already setting the global standard on research, advocacy, collaboration and community excellence, and I will do my very best to build on the great work that has been done in the last decade.”

His career includes roles at the Audit Bureau of Circulations and the Events Industry Alliance.

Chris was awarded an OBE in 2021 for his services to the events industry.

Stage set for IMEX America 2024

IMEX America 2024, North America’s largest trade show for the business events industry, is set to open its doors this week at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

This year’s event will focus on ‘Impact’, exploring solutions to key challenges facing the planet and our communities.

Here is what you can expect:

• Four-day experience: Kicks off Oct. 7 with Smart Monday, a day of free education powered by MPI.
• Extensive educational program: Over 150 educational sessions and networking opportunities covering event trends, technology, professional skills and more. Most sessions do not require pre-registration.
• Networking with exhibitors: Connect with representatives from hotels, technology providers, convention bureaus and various other sectors.
• Significant buying power: Over 65% of attendees are expected to have budgets exceeding $1 million.
• Free attendance for qualified meeting professionals: With a hosted buyer program offering complimentary flights and accommodation for select participants.

It’s recommended to download the IMEX Events App – powered by ExpoPlatform – to access numerous features to enhance your attendee experience.

These features include:

• Interactive Floorplan: Easily navigate the event space.
• Badge Scanning: Connect with attendees and exhibitors (for exhibitors and buyers).
• Education and Activity Program: Plan your schedule around educational sessions and events.
• Exhibitor Directory: Quickly find exhibitors of interest.
• Attendee List: Connect with other attendees (for exhibitors and buyers).
• Show information: Stay up-to-date on important event details.
• Your Profile and Messages: Manage your profile and connect with others.
• Your Schedule: Create and manage your personalized event schedule.
• News Hub: Access the latest news and updates.
• Meeting Management: Rate meetings, make notes, and mark no-shows (for exhibitors and buyers).

The Clarion Events Collaborative launched for associations

Clarion Events has launched The Clarion Events Collaborative, a new initiative aimed at enhancing association events through strategic partnerships.

Chris Brown, former executive vice president of NAB, will lead the initiative alongside Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America.

The program offers associations access to Clarion’s expertise and resources while maintaining ownership interest. It aims to maximize event value and impact while minimizing risk for new products.

Clarion has already partnered with several associations, including the International Consumer Technology Association in Germany and the Indian Gaming Association in San Diego.

Liz said: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of The Clarion Events Collaborative and its distinct focus on associations and their members.

“This will elevate Clarion’s ability to host market-leading events and further our commitment to fostering collaboration, driving industry growth, and meeting the unique needs of all Clarion customers.

“We are dedicated to building with association partners to provide exceptional value and creating transformative experiences that will shape the future of the events industry.”

Dr. Sara Warneke, managing director of GFU Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, added: “Partnering with Clarion has truly been a game-changer for us. Even in this short span, our collaboration has yielded remarkable results, and we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“Clarion’s international expertise aligns perfectly with our ambition to make IFA the world’s most significant technology trade fair.”

The initiative provides associations with support in areas such as data-driven growth strategies, technology innovation, and marketing communications.

Clarion Events brings decades of experience in identifying and integrating acquired events, backed by a strong financial position to support growth.

Excel London unveils new brand identity

ADNEC Group-owned Excel London has unveiled a brand refresh ahead of its 25th anniversary in 2025.

The rebranding, developed with East London agency Kemosabe, aligns with Excel’s new mission to be ‘the best event destination in the world.’

This coincides with two significant developments: the opening of Immerse LDN, set to be London’s largest entertainment district, and a 25,000 square meter expansion.

Michelle Kemp, director of marketing & communications at Excel, said: “With significant transformations on the horizon, including Immerse LDN and the completion of our major expansion, the time was right to evolve our brand to better reflect what Excel London represents now.

“Our focus has been on preserving key elements of the brand that resonate with our visitors, partners, event organisers and staff, while simultaneously creating a fresh, new design that embodies the growth and ambition of our business.

“Our new visual identity along with the values it represents, is a true reflection of what Excel London is today and our vision for the future.”

The brand refresh draws from Royal Docks architecture and landscape, while the new brand animation centers on Excel’s purpose to “Connect Lives.”

It will be phased in across physical spaces and online platforms over the coming months.

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