#EventsWithUkraine – The Week in Events

One story dominated the news this week: the war in Ukraine. Event professionals have taken a stand against Putin’s invasion, with high-profile firms enforcing a raft of measures against Russian businesses. ExpoPlatform’s CEO Tanya Pinchuk launched the #EventsWithUkraine campaign to direct humanitarian and financial support to those in the country. This edition of the Week in Events also includes news that Cosmoprof Asia is relocating to Singapore and anticipation for International Confex in London.

• #EventsWithUkraine
• International Confex kicks off in London
• New CMO role at Clarion Events
• Cosmoprof Asia moves from Hong Kong
• Viva Las Vegas – visitors back the city

#EventsWithUkraine

This week the events industry stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine with a raft of measures taken by businesses.

Some of the world’s largest organisers have taken action against Russia – including banning companies or halting operations – in light of Putin’s war. Clarion Events, IMEX, Messe Dusseldorf, Messe Frankfurt and GSMA are just some of those to introduce measures.

CEO of ExpoPlatform Tanya Pinchuk, originally from Ukraine, led calls for support using the hashtag #EventsWithUkraine as the country bravely fought against the invaders.

She said: “The invasion of Ukraine is deeply personal to us. We have friends and family members who have had to relocate far away from home and are trying to keep their children safe.

“All our teams at ExpoPlatform, from the UK, India, United States, France, Portugal, and even colleagues within Russia itself are united and #StandWithUkraine against this evil and unprovoked attack of a modern democracy.

“The events industry is truly international, and is built on bringing people together to exchange ideas freely and peacefully. These are the same values that Putin hates. Today, we would like to ask the industry we love to join us in standing together against the war crimes.

“I’d like to thank everyone for your messages of support. For those who are in the UK, I look forward to seeing you next week at Confex.”

CEO of IMEX Group Carina Bauer and chairman Ray Bloom said in a statement: “It was with a heavy heart that we made the decision today – as a direct result of the current political situation – to exclude Russian companies from participating in IMEX in Frankfurt 2022.

“The world is in an exceptional situation and our deepest sympathy goes to all those affected and especially to the people of Ukraine. We all want a quick and peaceful solution to this conflict.”

Meanwhile, events industry businesses have also come forward to give their support to refugees from Ukraine as more than 1 million left the country over a week.

Deutsche Messe opened up its premises as a shelter, Ptak Warsaw Expo put together a team to help with operations such as transport and food, while PCMA was among those pledging humanitarian support.

International Confex kicks off in London

Thousands of eventprofs are set to descend on London as International Confex returns for the second time in six months.

A packed programme of speakers, sessions and showcases will kick off at the two-day show on Tuesday at one of the biggest industry gatherings of the year.

ExCel London will see thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors get together as professionals discuss the future of our sector and make crucial business decisions.

Liz Agostini, event director, said: “There’s a well-worn saying that ‘whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and International Confex is complete and utter testimony to the resilience, power and outright bloody-mindedness of the events industry.

“Our last outing in September brought the hardcore of the events industry to ExCeL and since then we’ve been through countless new peaks, variants, social distancing measures, quarantine rules, false dawns and false starts. Now we can all agree that the skies are clearing, the road ahead is straight and the future looks bright.”

Awwwwww yeh!!!

THE AGENDA HAS LANDED! Check it out and don't forget to register!https://t.co/YAfzYP6ipu#seeyouatconfex #eventprofs #conference #events #eventmarketing #eventsales #eventprofsuk pic.twitter.com/ZZxPpMDZdp

— International Confex (@IntlConfex) January 26, 2022

The previous Confex was held in September and marked a major milestone for our industry as man eventprofs got together for the first time since coronavirus restrictions were introduced. This edition’s offerings focuses on topics such as new technology, sustainability, sales, diversity, marketing, corporations and associations.

ExpoPlatform will be there launching our Smart Event Clinic to help businesses accelerate the digital transformation of their operations. This format make extensive use of digital technology to improve the entire live experience for participants, create new revenue growth opportunities and increase Exhibitor ROI. 

That’s why an estimated 40% of planners will be holding shows in this format throughout 2022. Come see us at Stand 41C for a cocktail and free consultation on how to improve the bottom-line of your events and communities.

Book your appointment at the Smart Event Clinic now!

Our Team will also be speaking at two very important sessions, with CEO Tanya Pinchuk taking part in a panel discussion about how eventprofs can help in Ukraine and CTO Mykyta Fastovets presenting research into the data generated by Smart Events and how data science can accelerate the digital transformation of your business. 

Tanya will join CEO of IMEX Group Carina Bauer and Julian Agostini, founder of Mash Media, at 1pm on Tuesday at the Keynote Theatre for #EventsWithUkraine, while Mykyta will be at the Event Tech Theatre at 10am on Wednesday for How Event Organisers Can Use Data to Create Smart Events.

New CMO role at Clarion Events

Clarion Events has announced Liz Irving will be taking up the new role as chief marketing officer for North America.

The organiser has elevated Liz from her role as executive vice president to focus on further driving customer initiatives, product innovation and technology enablement.

She has been with company since 2016 overseeing event and media marketing, strategy and insights, audience acquisition, digital products, data and analytics.

Greg Topalian, CEO Clarion North America, said: “Liz has been an instrumental leader for me personally and for our teams and always looks to opportunities to grow our capabilities by focusing on unlocking customer insights, defining processes and aligning our teams for collaboration.

“Her approach to leadership and her ability to truly understand the customer has been a key driver for our strategy. She has an incredible ability to take insights and to turn them into actionable and practical programs that benefit our customers.”

Cosmoprof Asia moves from Hong Kong

Cosmoprof Asia will be relocating from Hong Kong for a “special edition” as the administrative region continues with strict travel restrictions.

Informa Markets and BolognaFiere Group announced the beauty industry event will now be held in Singapore on the same dates in November.

Organisers of the 2022 exhibition said the move was made to make the experience “more convenient” for exhibitors and visitors who want to attend.

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Cosmoprof Asia returns with a special edition in Singapore this November.

Cosmoprof Asia 2022 – ??????? ???????
? Singapore Expo
? 16-18 November 2022

Save the date! See you soon in Singapore! pic.twitter.com/pDoP7qCOEe

— Cosmoprof Asia (@CosmoprofAsia) March 2, 2022

A statement said: “Cosmoprof Asia 2022 will be relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore at Singapore Expo as a special edition. This decision was made after extensive discussions with business leaders, exhibitors and partners who have contributed to the success of the event over the years.

“The current entry restrictions for travellers to Hong Kong has meant a potential disruption to both exhibitors and visitors for Cosmoprof Asia in November, as inbound travel to Hong Kong is likely subject to quarantine restrictions.”

Hong Kong currently has some of the toughest coronavirus measures in the world. Travellers who have spent time in a special list of countries within 14 days are not allowed to enter the city.

Direct entry to the administrative from all places other than mainland China, Macao and Taiwan is only possible for fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents who will need to undergo 14 days quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel.

Viva Las Vegas – visitors back the city

The majority of visitors to Las Vegas say the experience met or exceeded their expectations, according to a new study.

Findings show 48% of those surveyed felt their stay in the city went beyond their presumptions, while 46% said it went as they thought it would – despite some activities being limited due to the pandemic.

The Visitor Profile Study, compiled by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s research center, found a further 80% of visitors were repeat visitors to Las Vegas, up from 76% in 2019.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better events and communities. Please get in touch and ask for a demo here. Thank you.