Messe Frankfurt starts digital transformation

Messe Frankfurt has begun a global digital transformation project to rev up its growth and competitiveness.

The initiative includes adopting modern tech tools and customer-friendly processes to improve internal efficiency and service offerings.

Other top stories of our weekly event roundup include:

• UFI announces new board of directors until 2026
• CBS Arena signs new partnership for sustainability
• IAEE enters new strategic collaboration 

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Messe Frankfurt launches digital transformation project

Messe Frankfurt has undertaken a global digital transformation project to ramp up its growth and international competitiveness.

The “Progress” project will see the organiser work to acquire advanced processing and tech tools by 2026.

It also includes aligning business processes towards customers, global group standards and quick access to customer and market-related knowledge.

Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “The project is a major undertaking for the organisation but will allow us to remain in the premier league of international trade fair organisers.

“As manufacturer technical support for various corporate management systems will be coming to an end in the foreseeable future, we will take this opportunity to standardise our internal processes throughout the Group and, above all, make them even more efficient.

He added: “However, the effectiveness of trade fairs as marketing instruments is also being optimised.

“Both as an event organiser and a venue provider, we need to use modern, customer-friendly systems and processes so that we can offer first-class services.

“This also includes identifying customer needs early on and using specific communication for the German and international markets.

“We are also in the process of adding further B2B marketing solutions to the core business of physical trade fairs which will be available to our customers all year round.

“We need high-quality data and modern systems for all of these activities.”

It is hoped the scheme will help Messe Frankfurt make internal management more efficient and widen the benefits for visitors, exhibitors and guest organisers.

The organiser will implement cloud-based standard solutions, SAP S/4 HANA and SAP CX, across the entire Group.

This will enhance internal processes and customer-focused activities such as marketing, sales, and services for exhibitors, visitors and guest organisers.

A team of specialists and technical experts from KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, T-Systems International GmbH and Orbis SE for HR are consulting Messe Frankfurt on the project.

UFI announces new board of directors until 2026

UFI has elected its new board of directors for the next three years.

The UFI board consists of up to 60 members, with elections held every three years.

UFI members worldwide vote for the 2023-2026 period representatives from UFI chapters in this global election.

🎉 Congratulations to the newly elected UFI Board of Directors for the 2023-2026 term!

🔗 Read the full Media Release here: https://t.co/5zgnllntML#ufi #ufinews #ufilatam #ufiapac #ufimea #ufieurope #eventprofs pic.twitter.com/kHCTXZsFPN

— UFI (@UFILive) October 26, 2023

Michael Duck, UFI president, said: “I excitedly welcome all the newly elected board members and congratulate all the returning board members.

“UFI’s members have selected an excellent group of industry leaders from all around the world.

“At the same time, a big, heartfelt thank you to those who are leaving the UFI board, some after many years of service.

“UFI really is fortunate to have such an active, engagement membership.”

The board executes resolutions from the annual General Assembly, forms UFI policies, and crafts proposals concerning global trade fairs.

Following extensive preparation, these proposals are voted upon by its members during the General Assembly.

The complete list of directors can be viewed here.

CBS Arena enters new collaboration for sustainability

CBS Arena has stepped up its sustainability commitment with a new partnership.

The venue announced a collaboration with sustainability platform SKOOT for a carbon reduction programme dubbed ’32F’.

This 32F programme will encourage participation in sustainable activities such as eliminating ocean plastic, global reforestation in distressed areas, endorsing certified carbon projects and participating in community programmes.

Paul Michael, managing director at CBS Arena, said: “Our partnership with SKOOT is an important step in our ongoing commitment to improving our environmental impact.

“What we particularly like about SKOOT is its ability to bring fans, exhibitors, and visitors on this sustainability journey with us.

“Through this partnership, we can be transparent about our progress and encourage all guests to be more conscious of their environmental impact when visiting the Coventry Building Society Arena.

“We hope that through this partnership, we can make a positive impact not only in Coventry but also in communities around the world.”

SKOOT will work with partners Plastic Bank to remove 20,000 ocean plastic bottles and plant 10,000 trees through Eden Reforestation.

CBS Arena also plans to launch eco-contributions with every bar and restaurant purchase to achieve its goal of planting more than 100,000 trees by 2024-end.

Mark Stringer, CMO of SKOOT, said: “There’s growing demand on venues and arenas to become more sustainable, but often it’s difficult to know where to start, which is why SKOOT develops these tailored programmes for venues.

“We are delighted to partner with Coventry Building Society Arena, located in the heart of the Midlands, to make an impact on this world-class, cutting-edge venue.

“We believe this partnership will create a ripple effect among fans, showing that all their small actions can have a huge positive impact.”

IAEE announces new strategic partnership

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has entered a new strategic partnership with an event production sourcing firm until December 2025. 

Under the agreement, Grit Productions & Expositions (Grit) will be the production partner of IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in 2023 and 2024.

Grit will assume both production and show responsibilities in 2025.

Cathy Breden, IAEE interim CEO, said: “IAEE is pleased to welcome Grit as our newest strategic partner for the association.

“Grit has an innovative and exciting approach to productions that we are eager to expand upon at our marquee event, Expo! Expo!.”

Kelly Massey, managing partner of Grit, added: “We were privileged to work closely with IAEE through the trials of the pandemic; broadcasting and facilitating IAEE meetings from Grit Studio.

“We are looking forward to continuing that partnership with our production and expo services for the next 3 years.”

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