Nineteen Group boost cyber portfolio with acquisition

Nineteen Group hit the headlines this week after a key acquisition boosted its cyber portfolio.

The organiser took over SASIG – an influential industry forum, bringing together two influential entities in the cyber security sector.

Here are the headlines:

• Nineteen Group strengthens cyber offerings with new acquisition
• Hyve Group pays tribute to ‘inspiring’ former colleague
• UFI announces regional director for North America
• AWC 2024 to take place in Austria
• Hannover Messe to host its first AI conference

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Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

Nineteen Group strengthens cyber offerings with new acquisition

Nineteen Group has ramped up its cyber portfolio by acquiring a leading networking and thought leadership forum.

The event organiser, which hosts the International Cyber Expo, added the Security Awareness Special Interest Group (SASIG) to boost community engagement in the cybersecurity industry.

Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group, said: “SASIG is an exciting addition to the Nineteen family.

“From the moment we met with Martin and his highly experienced team, we were immediately struck by the synergy that SASIG and our own International Cyber Expo would have if partnered together.

“Their range of year-round events aligned with unrivalled industry reach will help place the new offering at the forefront of the industry.”

SASIG founder Martin Smith added: “With Nineteen Group, I have at last found the perfect partner and the wait was worth it.

“Ninenteen’s ethos, culture and portfolio are completely aligned with SASIG. Together we can really be greater than our parts.”

SASIG represents a more than 20-year-old networking community of 4000+ organisations for cyber security professionals as well as prominent C-Suite and decision-makers from public and private organisations.

It has organised live events, webinars and skill festivals to advance and support the cyber security industry.

Hyve Group pays tribute to ‘inspiring’ former colleague

Tributes have been paid after the passing of an “inspiring” eventprof and “standout leader”.

Colleagues at Hyve Group have given their respects to Louise Young, who played a significant role during her time at the company for more than 25 years.

Her time with the organiser saw her launching Pure London as well as running and reimagining Spring and Autumn Fair.

Mark Shashoua, CEO of the group, said: “Louise was a remarkable woman who I had the pleasure of working alongside for a number of years.

“Her inspiring leadership, the championing of UK retail and her refreshingly unique style are what made her a truly standout leader.”

He added: “I think I speak on behalf of everyone at Hyve and our customers throughout the retail sector, that we are so saddened at losing Louise so soon.

“Having worked closely with Louise, I can attest to the joy she brought to the workplace.

“Her leadership qualities and commercial acumen earned her the respect of many within the industry.

“On behalf of the whole Hyve team, I want to express my deep respect and admiration for Louise and sadness and support for her husband, James.”

Julie Driscoll, executive vice president at Hyve, said: “The shows, the customers and all of us owe you a huge thank you. We mourn your loss, but we will commit to burn brightly every day for you, lovely Lou.”

UFI announces regional director for North America

UFI has appointed a tradeshow veteran as regional director for its newly established North America chapter. 

Martha Donato has more than 25 years of experience in tradeshows, exhibitions and conferences in the region.

She takes on the new role having led membership efforts, engagement and key industry initiatives in her numerous positions across North America.

? Join us in welcoming Martha Donato as UFI's new Regional Director North America!

? Read the full media release here: https://t.co/YvXpQOImly#ufi #ufinews #ufinorthamerica #eventprofs pic.twitter.com/ptZrH2MWjL

— UFI (@UFILive) January 23, 2024

Adeline Vancauwelaert, UFI COO, said: “We are excited to welcome Martha Donato as Regional Director North America.

“Her long-standing support and work within the exhibition and wider events industry make her a great addition to the UFI team.

“The expertise and experience she brings will be key to successfully building our new chapter in North America.”

Martha added: “I’m proud to be appointed to this new role at UFI.

“My enthusiasm and dedication are underscored by our commitment to contributing to both global and regional efforts for the exhibitions and business events industry.

“The launch of the North America Chapter marks a significant milestone for UFI, emphasising the organisation’s dedication to the region and its growing membership.”

AWC 2024 to take place in Austria

The Association of Association Executives has announced the Austrian city of Graz as the location for its world congress this year.

The event will be hosted by Messe Congress Graz and the Graz Convention Bureau.

Graz, Austria’s second city and capital of Styria, boasts Hauptplatz as its medieval old town’s central square.

Delegates will have the option to fly directly to Graz International Airport or to Vienna and take a scenic train ride through the Semmering mountain pass.

Some key points for the latest edition of Associations World Congress ?

•  The event will be held from Sunday June 9 – Tuesday June 11, outside holiday time, allowing more association executives to attend.
•  The programme will have four parallel streams with 16 sessions.
•  Sessions will follow a new format, featuring more case studies for delegates.
•  The International & European Association Success Awards Ceremony will take place with the congress.

Hannover Messe hosts first-ever AI conference

Hannover Messe has hosted its first artificial intelligence conference ahead of its flagship event in April.

The conference covers AI use in industry and how companies can benefit from it.

Hubertus von Monschaw, head of Hannover Messe, said: “Our target groups are looking for guidance on the issues that affect them on a daily basis.

“We respond to this by creating offerings throughout the year that meet their information needs and add real value to their communities.”

He added: “We send out a dedicated AI newsletter every two weeks.

“We are the main sponsor of two exclusive AI events and partner with the leading industrial AI podcast.

“Ultimately, it all leads up to HANNOVER MESSE in April, where we will be highlighting AI for industry on a grand scale.”

According to Hubertus, consistently sending professional information about AI was key to creating buzz about the conference and strengthening community participation in the show.

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